Tuk-tuk adventures

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at Colombo airport, you will be warmly greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel in Negombo. Known as the "Little Rome," this port town is home to one of the island's largest Catholic fishing communities. You will find numerous churches near the shore, and every morning, except Sundays, fishermen sell their catch at the auction. Check-in at the hotel and enjoy some free time to rest. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Dambulla. During the journey, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Golden Temple of Dambulla. This large hollow rock is the center of a cave-temple complex established in the 3rd century BC and has been inhabited ever since. You can admire incredible Buddha statues spread across five large caves. The view of the plains from the top of the rock is exceptional. Afterward, take a tuk-tuk tour of the village. Overnight in Dambulla.

After breakfast, depart for Sigiriya by tuk-tuk. Upon arrival, enjoy a horseback ride along streams and villages. Then, visit the incredible ancient fortress of Sigiriya, often referred to as the "eighth wonder of the world." The "Lion Mountain" site has been visited by passionate admirers since the 6th century. The Sigiriya frescoes are painted in a popular pictorial style. At the foot of the fortress, you will find the two districts of the lower city, protected by a massive wall, dating back to the 5th century. Sri Lankan architectural traditions are well represented at Sigiriya, with its preserved first-millennium central city and its combination of buildings, tree-planted gardens, paths, water gardens, and the interplay of symmetrical and asymmetrical elements. The journey continues to Kandy, where you will take a tuk-tuk tour of the city. In the evening, attend a traditional dance performance, followed by a visit to the Sri Dalada Maligawa Buddhist Temple (Temple of the Sacred Tooth). Located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, it houses the Buddha’s tooth relic. For a long time, the relic played a major role in local politics, as it was believed that the holder of the relic held the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Overnight in Kandy.

In the morning, depart for Udawalawe, followed by a jeep safari in the park. Udawalawe takes its name from the large reservoir built in the 1960s on the Walawe River. This water source is still the main water supply for elephants and other animals in the park (jackals, deer, etc.). The park is also known for its rich birdlife, including five eagle species. Check-in and overnight at the hotel near Udawalawe entrance.

After breakfast at the hotel, head towards Koggala. On the way, visit the Elephant House, also known as "Eth Athuru Sevana." This center cares for orphaned or abandoned baby elephants from jungles across the island. Next, enjoy a cultural visit to Galle and its Dutch Fort by tuk-tuk. Galle's urban environment showcases the meeting of European architecture and South Asian traditions between the 16th and 19th centuries. The Dutch-built fortified city still stands, albeit with some modifications. Overnight at the hotel in Koggala.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Colombo airport. During the journey, you will visit the city of Colombo, again by tuk-tuk. The colonial gardens of Colombo are still well-preserved along its boulevards. The Fort area is an ideal example of historical colonial architecture, while Pettah’s district is filled with markets and shops. Colombo’s cosmopolitan side is evident in its chic restaurants, galleries, and museums. Surprises await in the old quarters, where you can find excellent local cuisine and explore imposing or tiny shops, cozy cafés, and more. The visit to the capital is an excellent way to start or end your discovery of the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. End of your journey in Sri Lanka.