Day 1 Negombo★ Meeting Day
All day
Today is the day for gathering for the activities. Tourists arrived at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), which is very close to Negombo, Sri Lanka's fourth largest city, so we chose Negombo as our check-in location. We then met and checked into our designated hotel. Since few restaurants are open after 10 PM, we recommend that those arriving on late flights eat dinner on the plane.
Special gift: Free airport pick-up service for 2 or more people (one free pick-up service for 2 or more people who register for the same flight)
丨Hotel upgrade:
Special upgrade to Heritage Negombo for the 9.29/10.3 batch
Designed by Sri Lanka's national treasure architect Geoffrey Bawa, it is located on the beautiful Negombo beach, facing the Indian Ocean, but completely hidden in the forest. The seven-story vertical green wall is covered with vines, the ground floor is elevated to protect the landform, and the roof is covered with soil to grow local crops. It is known as the "disappearing building". The hotel entrance is like a cave tunnel, and the lobby is suddenly open to face the lake view; the infinity pool is visually connected to the reservoir, and at dusk it is accompanied by folk music, creating a poetic residence.
Day 2 Negombo → Negombo Lake Cruise → Sigiriya Rock
All day
After breakfast, we headed to Negombo Lagoon, where tourists took wooden boats to look for local animals in the lake.
We then drove to Sigiriya Rock. Thousands of steps ascend from the lion's mouth. Deep within the caverns lies the world-famous Sigiriya mural "Angelic Maiden," reminiscent of the Flying Apsaras paintings of Dunhuang, but even more magnificent. From the flat summit of Sigiriya Rock, you'll enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding rainforest. After your visit, check into your Sigiriya hotel.
丨Itinerary changes during National Day (9.27/10.3)
D1 arrived in Sri Lanka late, so in order to give everyone more time to rest, this morning's [Negombo Lagoon] trip was cancelled.
丨Hotel upgrade:
Special upgrade to Heritage Kandalama on 9.29/10.3
This hotel, once named one of the world's 50 best hotels by National Geographic magazine and a top-rated creation by Geoffrey Bawa, is nestled on a hillside overlooking the vast jungle and Kandalama Lake. Spacious balconies allow guests to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. The hotel's leisure facilities are equally impressive. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the infinity pool, which blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, creating a sense of swimming in nature's embrace. Yoga classes and spa treatments are also available for relaxation in this tranquil setting.
Day 3 Sigiriya → Temple of the Tooth Relic → Kandy
All day
Enjoy free time at the hotel in the morning. Then, depart for the renowned World Heritage Site, the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a sacred site dedicated to the Buddha, his tooth, and his relic. Purple water lilies and white frangipani fill the altar, while men, women, and children, dressed in white, sit on the ground, hands clasped together, devoutly reciting scriptures. Quietly offer your lotus flower, and experience a country steeped in Buddhist teachings that will captivate and inspire you. The temple houses one of only two tooth relics of Gautama Buddha, and even the president's inauguration involves a pilgrimage here. This speaks volumes about the Temple's significance in this country.
As you exit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, you'll find Kandy Lake at sunset. The golden waters of the lake reflect the golden-domed Temple of the Tooth Relic nearby, creating a scene of tranquility and harmony. Stroll along the shores of Kandy Lake, located in the heart of Kandy City. Constructed in 1807 by the last king, Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, the lake was built. On a clear day, the evening's orange-hued waters, accompanied by the chanting of the monks from the Temple of the Tooth Relic, create a magical experience.
Afterwards we have free time at Kandy Lake.
丨Hotel upgrade:
Special upgrade to Earl's Regency Hotel for the 9.29/10.3 batches
The hotel is nestled in a botanical garden, surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking scenery. Rooms are designed with a local touch, exuding traditional charm from flooring to furniture. Each room features a private balcony overlooking the valley, river, or garden.
Day 4 Kandy → Tea Factory → Nuva Eliya
All day
After breakfast, we will drive to Nuva Eliya, a highland tea town. On the way, we will pass by Sri Lanka's famous Tea Factory. Sri Lanka is the world's largest exporter of black tea. Ceylon black tea is one of the four major black teas and is world-renowned. It is known as "Sri Lanka's gift to the world." Here you can see the fermentation process of black tea and the history of tea making.
Around noon, we arrived in the small town of Nuva Eliya, nestled at the foot of Mount Pidurutalagala, Sri Lanka's highest peak, at an altitude of over 1,800 meters. With year-round temperatures ranging from 4-16°C, it's a famous summer resort in Sri Lanka and was once nicknamed "Little London" by British colonists. In this English-style town, tourists will visit the over-100-year-old pink post office, where they can mail a commemorative postcard.
After the tour, we invite you to the authentic English manor house and courtyard of The Grand Hotel, winner of both the Asian Heritage Hotel and World Affordable Luxury Hotel awards. Surrounded by beautifully manicured European gardens, this hotel, once a British Governor's Mansion, offers a taste of Queen Elizabeth's afternoon tea, a breathtaking experience.
丨Tourists' Privileges
If conditions permit, we will give you a complimentary [Mountain Train] experience before afternoon tea. As the train shuttles through the alpine tea plantations, everyone will leisurely experience the cultural customs on the train. If the mountain train cannot be arranged, we will go to [Geogry Park Lake]. This lake located on the outskirts of Nuwara is not large, but the elegant environment and the poetic beauty combined with the British town will surely make you intoxicated. Everyone can move freely here.
Day 5 Nuuaeliya → Yala
All day
After breakfast, we'll depart for Yala National Park for our safari, officially entering the Yala National Park in the afternoon. We'll spend the afternoon in an off-road vehicle, where our professional driver will lead us through the park's depths, searching for leopards, brown bears, and elephants. Common wildlife in Yala Park includes peacocks, bison, sika deer, crocodiles, monkeys, and wild boars. While exotic birds are common, leopards, brown bears, and elephants are less common. Our experienced driver will know the times and locations of the animals, which, while still a bit of luck, will undoubtedly increase your chances of spotting rare animals.
Note* Yala National Park may be closed from September to October every year. If this happens, you can choose to visit other national parks.
丨Hotel upgrade:
Special upgrade to Shangri-La's Hambantota Resort and Spa for the 9.29/10.3 batches
Surrounded by unspoiled nature, the hotel boasts a unique architectural style that blends traditional Sri Lankan elements with modern flair. Enjoying a private beach with pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters, guests can enjoy stunning sunsets over the Indian Ocean. The hotel also features several restaurants and bars, offering a wide variety of culinary options, including local specialties and international cuisine. Furthermore, the hotel offers a wide range of leisure facilities and activities.
Day 6 Yala → Southern Coast
All day
After breakfast, we will head to Galle, a popular beach resort in Sri Lanka, to admire the ancient and unique Ceylon fishing method: standing fishing. The turquoise waters, white waves, and shallows will all captivate you as you watch fishermen calmly sit on a wooden pole, expertly casting their unbaited hooks into the sea.
Then, savor the unique charm of Galle Fort. This ancient city, nestled on a promontory at Sri Lanka's southern tip, exudes a colonial charm. Its tranquil streets weave together buildings from the Portuguese and Dutch colonial periods, and the city walls, built over 300 years ago, still bear Dutch names. A leisurely stroll through the old town offers a glimpse into the city's mottled walls, elegant cafés, a massive anchor chain, ancient churches, and handicraft shops.
The Dutch Lighthouse, a legacy of coastal settlers, provides a beautiful backdrop for photo opportunities. Its white tower stands out against the azure sky and deep blue sea, creating a striking and beautiful backdrop. After your visit, return to your hotel.
Day 7 Southern Coast → Colombo
All day
Recommended morning free time: [Whale Watching in Mirissa (at your own expense)]
A visual feast for the eyes on the Indian Ocean. Rise early at your hotel and arrive at Mirissa Harbor around 6 or 7 AM for your boat trip. As the dawn breaks, you'll sail into the depths of the ocean under the glow of the morning sun. If a whale comes into view, nearby whale-watching boats will scurry in. After a few spouts, a few dips on the surface, and a deep dive—the whale's resurfacing for breath provides the perfect opportunity to watch. Mirissa whale-watching season runs from November to March.
We were just about to board the "Sea Train" featured in the film "Spirited Away." The train, traversing the turbulent Indian Ocean, traveled northwards, its tracks running along the fine sandy beach. At its closest point, it was only a meter away from the ocean, making it feel like it was "floating" on the surface. The vast Indian Ocean, with the waves seemingly crashing right at our feet, was a truly breathtaking experience.
We stayed in downtown Colombo that night. There was a lively nightlife and a variety of restaurants near the hotel, so we could dine with friends freely in the evening.
Day 8 Colombo★ Disbandment Day
All day
Today we'll have plenty of time to explore Colombo. We'll first visit the Candy Mosque for a photo op. This red and white mosque, with its ingenious blend of European-style Roman columns and Islamic domes, is a landmark in Colombo. This vibrant area offers a glimpse into the authentic Sri Lanka. We'll then head to Independence Square for a visit.
Afterwards we will go to Colombo's commercial district, leaving you with plenty of free time to shop for your favorite products.
In the afternoon, we will send you off to Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (approximately 1 hour by car). Goodbye Colombo! Goodbye Sri Lanka!
Airport drop-off matters
The recommended time for airport drop-off is approximately 5:00 PM local time. We recommend booking a return flight after 8:00 PM local time. If you depart later, you can book a separate car at your own expense or use Uber to go to the airport yourself (estimated taxi fare: 120 RMB).
