Grand Sri Lankan Explorer Tour - 20 Nights / 21 Days

Flights
Breakfast
Hotel
Sightseeing
Transfers
Wi-Fi

Overview

The Grand Sri Lankan Explorer is a meticulously curated 21-day package designed to showcase Sri Lanka’s extraordinary cultural depth, natural splendour and diverse landscapes.

From ancient royal capitals and sacred temples to wild rainforests, pristine islands, golden beaches and world-renowned national parks.

Beginning with the coastal charm of Negombo and the quiet serenity of Kalpitiya, the journey blends slow travel with rich storytelling, offering authentic encounters with local communities, fishing traditions and island life.

You will explore breathtaking islands such as Baththalangunduwa and Delft, wander through the historic wonders of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, and experience the spiritual vibrancy of Jaffna and its surrounding islets.

The cultural triangle unfolds with the iconic climb to Sigiriya Lion Rock, visits to UNESCO cave temples, and hands-on pottery and cooking demonstrations that bring Sri Lankan heritage to life.

The itinerary then journeys deep into the Knuckles Mountain Range for unforgettable trekking options, highlands, waterfalls or rural village trails, followed by the hill-country charm of Kandy and the peaceful tea hamlets of Mandaramnuwara.

As the landscape shifts southward, stunning viewpoints in Ella lead towards Yala National Park, where jeep safaris promise encounters with leopards, elephants and vibrant wildlife. The lush Sinharaja Rainforest adds another dimension of biodiversity before you unwind along the tranquil beaches of Weligama.

The experience concludes with the colonial splendour of Galle Fort and the urban buzz of Colombo, blending heritage, cuisine and contemporary life.

Across three unforgettable weeks, the Grand Sri Lankan Explorer tour package reveals the island’s soul with comfort, authenticity and a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, ideal for travellers seeking a deep, meaningful and beautifully paced discovery of Sri Lanka.

Itinerary

Experience Sri Lanka’s complete landscape, historic kingdoms, northern islands, cultural triangle, tea country, rainforest wilderness, pristine beaches and thrilling wildlife, across 21 days of immersive travel blending culture, heritage, nature, adventure and relaxation.

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo - Travel to Kalpitiya via Negombo−

(Approx. 145 kms - 03 hrs 20 mins drive from Airport to Kalpitiya)

Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport, you will be received by our representatives and transferred to Kalpitiya. En route visit Negombo city and the fish market.

Negombo, one of Sri Lanka’s largest towns, lies on the west coast at the mouth of the lagoon. Once a fishing village, today it is known for its beaches, mangroves, restaurants, bars and its vibrant fresh and dry fish markets.

Influenced heavily by the Portuguese and Dutch, Negombo is often called “Little Rome” due to its many churches and Catholic heritage.

After the visit, continue to Kalpitiya. On arrival, spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Stay in Kalpitiya.

Day 2: Excursion to Baththalangunduwa Island+

After breakfast, take an excursion to Baththalangunduwa Island. Boats from Kalpitiya operate daily except Sundays. Travellers weave through the busy jetty before boarding the ferry departing at 8.30 am.

The island lies 38 km off Kalpitiya and is a thin, five-square-kilometre strip known for its fishing village, unique culture and adventure activities such as kitesurfing, whale watching and deep-sea fishing.

After the visit, return to your hotel. Overnight in Kalpitiya.

Day 3: Kalpitiya - Anuradhapura+

After breakfast, travel to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, the royal capital for nearly 1400 years. Explore major sites including the Sacred Fig Tree (Sri Maha Bodhi), Isurumuniya, Jetawanaramaya, Abhayagiriya, Thuparama and the Twin Baths. Dinner and overnight in Anuradhapura.

Day 4: Anuradhapura - Jaffna by Train+

After breakfast, proceed to the station for the morning train to Jaffna. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Later enjoy a city tour.

Jaffna, capital of the Northern Province, has a population of around 90,000 and a rich Tamil cultural history. After the tour, return to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 5: Jaffna - Nagadeepaya - Delft Island - Jaffna+

After breakfast, proceed by boat to Nagadeepaya followed by Delft Island. Visit the Buddhist and Hindu temples of Nagadeepa, the market, the statue of Shivaji and the public library.

Continue to Delft Island, known for its Dutch fort, Baobab trees, wild horses and fishing villages. After a full day of visits, return to Jaffna for overnight stay.

Day 6: Jaffna to Trincomalee+

Travel to Trincomalee. On arrival, spend the rest of the day at leisure or explore the town independently. Overnight in Trincomalee.

Day 7: Trincomalee - Passikudah+

Visit Thirukoneswaram Temple. Later travel to Passikudah and enjoy the remainder of the day relaxing on the beach. Overnight in Passikudah.

Day 8: Passikudah to Sigiriya (via Polonnaruwa)+

Checkout and travel to Sigiriya. En route visit Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s medieval capital known for masterpieces such as the Gal Vihara, Sacred Quadrangle and Parakrama Samudra.

After the visit, transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Sigiriya.

Day 9: Visits in Sigiriya+

Early morning, climb Sigiriya Lion Rock. This iconic fortress features ancient frescos, water gardens and the palace ruins of King Kashyapa.

Return to the hotel for breakfast and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Sigiriya.

Day 10: Day at Leisure in Sigiriya+

Enjoy a pottery demonstration at the hotel, followed by a visit to the vegetable and fruit gardens. Later enjoy a wood-fire cooking demonstration and a vegetarian lunch. Overnight in Sigiriya.

Day 11: Sigiriya - Dambulla - Knuckles Mountain Range+

After breakfast, visit Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, a UNESCO site with ancient sculptures and paintings across five caves.

Continue to the Knuckles Mountain Range for a relaxing evening at your tented camp. Overnight in Knuckles.

Day 12: Trekking in Knuckles Mountain Range+

Choose one from the below treks:

Option 1 - High Knuckles Trek (8-9 hrs)
Option 2 - Waterfall Trek (5-7 hrs)
Option 3 - Heel Oya Village Trek (4-5 hrs)

After your chosen trek, return to the camp for overnight stay.

Day 13: Knuckles to Kandy+

Travel to Kandy. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour including the Temple of the Tooth and learn about the famed Perahera procession. Dinner and overnight in Kandy.

Day 14: Kandy - Mandaramnuwara+

Travel to Mandaramnuwara. After check-in, relax for the remainder of the day. A shuttle vehicle will be provided due to road conditions. Dinner and overnight.

Day 15: Tea Exploration in Mandaramnuwara+

Enjoy a full day learning the journey of tea from leaf to cup, tea plucking, processing and tasting. Take home tea plucked by you. Overnight in Mandaramnuwara.

Day 16: Mandaramnuwara - Ella - Yala+

After early breakfast, travel to Yala via Ella. Explore Ella town and, time permitting, visit Nine Arch Bridge. On arrival in Yala, relax for the rest of the day. Overnight in Yala.

Day 17: Yala National Park - Sinharaja+

Early morning jeep safari at Yala National Park with picnic breakfast. Spot leopards, elephants, deer, buffalo, crocodiles and more.

After the safari, travel to Sinharaja (Approx. 180 kms - 04 hrs 50 mins). Overnight in Sinharaja.

Day 18: Trekking in Sinharaja Rainforest - Weligama+

After breakfast, trek Sinharaja with a local guide. Bird enthusiasts can spot rare species including the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie and Red-faced Malkoha.

Later transfer to Weligama (Approx. 85 kms - 02 hrs 35 mins). Enjoy the beaches. Overnight in Weligama.

Day 19: Weligama+

Free day at leisure on the beaches of Weligama. Overnight in Weligama.

Day 20: Weligama - Galle - Colombo+

Travel to Colombo with a visit to Galle Dutch Fort en route. Explore its colonial streets, cafes, boutiques and heritage architecture.

Continue to Colombo for shopping and overnight stay.

Day 21: Colombo City Tour - Departure+

Enjoy a city tour of Colombo including Fort, Pettah, Independence Square, Galle Face Green, Town Hall and key government landmarks.

After the tour, transfer to Colombo Airport for your departure flight.

FAQs on Grand Sri Lankan Explorer Tour Package

What is the best time of year to take this 21-day Sri Lanka tour?

The best time for this itinerary is between December and April when the weather is generally warm, dry and pleasant across most regions. This period offers ideal conditions for island visits, wildlife safaris, cultural sightseeing, trekking and beach relaxation. Travelling in these months also ensures smoother road travel and clearer visibility in hill-country and coastal regions.

Is this itinerary suitable for senior travellers or those who prefer a relaxed pace?

Yes, despite covering diverse regions, the itinerary is designed with a balanced pace that combines sightseeing with ample leisure time. Long journeys are spaced out, hotels are comfortable, and most activities are optional, especially treks and climbs, making it suitable for seniors and travellers who prefer flexibility and comfort.

What type of accommodations are included during the tour?

Accommodations typically include a mix of boutique hotels, nature lodges, beach resorts and comfortable tented camps. Each property is chosen for cleanliness, safety, location, service and ambience. While some nights are spent in remote nature settings, all stays offer essential amenities and a high standard of hospitality suitable for international travellers.

How physically demanding is the itinerary, and what activities require fitness?

Most days involve mild to moderate activity, such as city walks and temple visits. Physically demanding segments are optional, including the climb to Sigiriya, the treks in Knuckles, and the hike around Ella. Travellers with basic mobility can participate comfortably, while active travellers can opt for more adventurous activities.

Are meals included, and will dietary preferences be accommodated?

Yes, many meals, especially breakfasts and several dinners, are included. Sri Lanka offers a wide variety of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and mild-spice options. Hotels and restaurants are accustomed to catering to international dietary preferences, and travellers can request customised meals with advance notice to ensure comfortable dining throughout the journey.