Welcome to Sri Lanka. We begin gently on the coast at Negombo, a town shaped by fishing boats, colonial traces, Catholic churches, canals and lagoon life. The first day gives you time to settle in after your flight. The next day, we start exploring the everyday life of Negombo, taking in the Dutch Canal area, fishing communities and the waterways that have shaped this coastal town for generations.

We begin with the colour and energy of Negombo’s fish market before travelling inland to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first ancient capital and one of the island’s most important cultural and spiritual centres. We visit the sacred Bodhi Tree, selected stupas, reservoirs and ancient remains that help tell the story of this remarkable city.

If timing allows, we also visit Mihintale, a hilltop monastery reached by stone steps, with wide views across the plains.

These two days bring together some of Sri Lanka’s most memorable contrasts. We rise early to climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, with its frescoes, Lion Platform and sweeping views across the Cultural Triangle. Travellers who prefer not to climb can enjoy the gardens and lower areas instead.

Later, we enjoy a hands-on pottery workshop led by local artisans. The following day, we visit Dambulla Cave Temple, where painted caves and Buddha statues sit beneath a great rock overhang, before heading into Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park by jeep in search of elephants, birdlife and open landscapes.

Kandy is Sri Lanka’s cultural capital and one of the island’s most important spiritual centres. Here, we visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, where pilgrimage and ritual are woven into daily life.

The next day, we trade city streets for the lush green world of Peradeniya Botanical Gardens before a memorable lunch at Helga’s Folly, a gloriously eccentric, art-filled mansion that is every bit as memorable as the meal itself.

The road climbs into Sri Lanka’s hill country, where the air cools, the mountains gather mist and tea estates roll across the slopes. We spend time around Nuwara Eliya before heading into the tea country itself for an immersive tea experience, learning how tea is grown, picked, processed and tasted.

The next day, we board the train towards Ella, travelling through hill-country villages, tea plantations, waterfalls and green valleys on one of Sri Lanka’s most memorable rail journeys. Our main luggage travels separately by road.

Near Ella, we visit the Nine Arch Bridge, one of Sri Lanka’s most recognisable railway landmarks, before continuing south towards Udawalawe. At the Elephant Transit Home, we learn about the rehabilitation of orphaned elephant calves before their release back into the wild.

The following morning, an early jeep safari takes us into Udawalawe National Park, a landscape of grasslands, forest and reservoirs where elephants are often seen alongside buffalo, crocodiles, deer and abundant birdlife.

The south coast brings a new burst of colour to the journey, with fishing villages, cafés, beaches, local markets and coastal walks all within reach. This is time to experience the coast your way — swim, explore, wander into town, find a good local meal or follow the shoreline between coves.

The next day, we shift inland for a rural cycling experience through village back roads, paddy fields, cinnamon country and local communities. After the ride, we continue towards Galle, arriving near one of Sri Lanka’s most atmospheric historic towns.

The journey ends inside the old ramparts of Galle Fort, where colonial architecture, ocean views, cafés, boutiques, galleries and cobbled streets create a memorable final chapter. After time to explore, we transfer towards Colombo or the airport. Flight timing will be advised once final airline schedules are confirmed.

Transport

Private air-conditioned coach throughout, safari transport, lagoon boat experience, rural cycling support where required, and the scenic train journey from Nanu Oya towards Ella.

Guiding

Personally guided throughout by a Grassroots guide from New Zealand, supported by an English-speaking national guide, specialist site guides, activity hosts and safari guides where required.

Accommodation

14 nights’ accommodation in comfortable 4* hotels and coastal stays, based on twin-share rooms. Single supplement available on request.

Meals

Breakfast daily, selected dinners and selected experience-based meals, including lunch at Helga’s Folly. Most lunches are not included, giving the group flexibility for local cafés, casual meals and lighter options along the way.

Activities & sightseeing

Included experiences are outlined in the itinerary and include Negombo sightseeing, lagoon and mangrove boat experience, Anuradhapura, Mihintale where timing allows, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, pottery workshop, Dambulla Cave Temple, Kandy, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Helga’s Folly lunch, immersive tea experience, Nine Arch Bridge, Elephant Transit Home, rural cycling experience and Galle Fort.

Safaris

Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park safari and Udawalawe National Park safari.

Train journey

Scenic train journey from Nanu Oya towards Ella.

Entrance fees

Relevant entrance fees for included sightseeing and activities listed in the itinerary.

Water

Two 500ml bottles of drinking water per person per day while touring.

International flights

International flights to and from Sri Lanka.

Visas & travel documentation

Sri Lanka visa or travel authorisation fees, passport costs and any required travel documentation.

Travel insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance.

Meals not listed

Most lunches, some dinners, snacks and any meals not specified as included.

Drinks

Drinks, alcoholic beverages, café orders and additional bottled drinks.

Tipping kitty

A group tipping kitty is additional and will be advised before departure. As a guide, please allow approximately NZD $150 per person. This helps cover local guides, drivers, safari drivers, hotel staff and service providers along the way.

Optional activities

Optional excursions, additional activities and personal sightseeing outside the scheduled itinerary.

Personal expenses

Laundry, room service, minibar charges, phone charges, shopping and other personal expenses.

Anything not specified

Any services, meals, activities or transfers not specifically listed as included.