12 Days in Sri Lanka Beyond the Tourist Trail

Day 1: Welcome to Sri Lanka: Galle & the Southern Coast

1. Galle Dutch Fort
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Meet your private Eco Love Tours driver/guide and begin your journey through Sri Lanka. Assistance with luggage and private transfer towards Galle.
2. Galle Dutch Fort
   1h
   Begin your Sri Lankan journey with a relaxed introduction to the historic Galle Fort, its ramparts, architecture and atmospheric streets.

Day 2: Beyond Galle Fort: Craft, Culture & Coastal Life

1. 3h · Admission ticket included
   Traditional Jewellery-Making Workshop
   Get hands-on with Sri Lankan traditional jewellery making. Work alongside a local artisan, learn traditional techniques and create your own piece rather than simply watching a demonstration.
2. 2h · Admission ticket included
   Enjoy authentic Sri Lankan flavours and learn about local ingredients, cooking traditions and everyday food culture.
3. Galle Dutch Fort
   3h · Admission ticket included
   Explore the historic Galle Fort with your local guide, discovering its ramparts, colonial architecture,tasting home made ice cream, hidden corners and the everyday life of the Fort community.(And enjoy a beautiful sunset)

Day 3: Southern Coast / Local Community

1. Hiriketiya Beach
   2h
   Discover a quieter side of the southern coast and experience local life away from the main tourist trail.
2. 1h
   Less crowded beach where you can enjoy a peaceful beach stay while witnessing an amazing sunset!

Day 4: From the Coast to the Wild: Galle to Udawalawe

1. 3h · Admission ticket included
   Visit an ancient cave temple with getting in to local customs and exploring the way of living.
2. Elephant Transit Home (ETH)
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Visit the elephant transit home which is the only orphanage which operates in an ethical manner.
3. Udawalawa
   30m
   Stop in the countryside to experience rural Sri Lankan life and learn about local livelihoods, food and traditions.

Day 5: From Wildlife to the Mountains: Beragala

1. Udawalawe National Park
   6h
   Experience a wildlife safari in Udawalawe National Park, looking for elephants, birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The safari follows responsible wildlife-viewing practices and respects animals and park regulations.(A slow ðhical safari ride is guaranteed)
2. Beragala
   3h
   Arrive in the peaceful mountain region of Beragala and experience spectacular views, rural landscapes and a quieter side of Sri Lanka.

Day 6: Exploring the mountains: Beragala to Ella

1. Bambarakanda Falls
   3h · Admission ticket included
   Hiking the waterfall with a local guide.Enjoy the scenic view from the top and swim in natural pools.
2. Lipton’s Seat
   1h
   Visit the famous view point.
3. Ella
   2h
   Explore the little town with enjoying food & shopping.

Day 7: Sacred Mountains: Rakkhiththakanda Sunrise & Ella

1. 1h
   A hidden sunrise view point where you don’t need to hike mountains.Just 5 minutes walk after driving 20 minutes from Ella.
2. Organic Tea Queen - Ella
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Meet local tea growers and discover the journey from tea plant to cup. Depending on the season, guests can experience tea picking, processing, rolling and tasting.
3. Nine Arches Bridge
   1h
   Walk to the bridge and spot the train on the bridge.
4. Little Adam's Peak View Point
   2h
   Sunset hike.

Day 8: From the Mountains to Kandy

1. Nanu Oya railway station
   3h · Admission ticket included
   Scenic mountain train journey from Ella to Nanu Oya.The driver will drop you off from Ella station and meet you again at Nanu Oya station.
2. 1h
   Visit a tea factory on the way to Kandy and taste finest Ceylon Tea.
3. Kandy
   2h
   Arrive in Kandy, Sri Lanka's historic hill capital, and experience the atmosphere of this culturally important city.

Day 9: Living Culture: Kandy Beyond the Temple

1. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Visit one of Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist temples and learn about its religious, cultural and historical significance. Respectful clothing is required.
2. 3h · Admission ticket included
   Nature walk / Bird watching
3. Kandy Lake
   1h
   Explore the area around historic Kandy Lake and learn about the landscape and history of the former royal capital.

Day 10: Into the Ancient Kingdoms: Kandy to Habarana

1. Golden Temple of Dambulla
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Explore the historic cave temple complex, known for its ancient Buddhist murals, statues and religious heritage.
2. Nalanda Gedige
   1h
   An image house located in the right centre of the island (geographical centre)
3. Habarana Lake
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Enjoy a peaceful sunset canoe ride across Habarana Lake, surrounded by forest, wetlands and countryside. Look for birds and other wildlife while watching the sun set over the lake.

Day 11: Stories in Stone: Sigiriya & the Ancient Landscape

1. Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
   3h · Admission ticket included
   Explore the ruins of Sri Lanka’s medieval royal capital, including ancient temples, royal buildings, sculptures and the remarkable Gal Vihara, while learning how the kingdom shaped the island’s history.
2. kandalama Reservoir
   2h
   Take a slower journey through villages, paddy fields and rural landscapes, with time to experience everyday life beyond the major archaeological sites.
3. Sigiriya Lion Rock
   3h · Admission ticket included
   Explore the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, discovering its royal gardens, archaeological remains, frescoes and remarkable history while learning about the ancient civilisation that developed around the rock.

Day 12: The Journey Home: Cultural Triangle to Colombo / Airport

1. Colombo
   3h
   Depending on the departure time, enjoy a short introduction to Colombo, with opportunities to explore local neighbourhoods, markets or food before departure.
2. Bandaranaike International Airport
   2h
   Private transfer to the airport for your onward flight, concluding your 12-day journey through Sri Lanka.

Pickup details

Pickup is available from your hotel, guesthouse, villa, airport, or another agreed location. Please provide your pickup address when booking. For airport pickups, share your flight details so we can arrange the meeting point and timing. Exact pickup time will be confirmed before the tour.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels