Pure Sri Lanka

Start Colombo

Our Sri Lankan adventure begins in Colombo. Find your feet in this diverse & laid-back town with coastal beaches, local fish markets and a working Dutch-style canal system. This evening you'll meet up with your Trip Manager and your team for a full brief of the travels about to unfold, before heading out for the first taste of some local delicacies.

Fairway Hotel (or similar)

• Colombo

Colombo to Sigiriya

This morning we'll drive inland to Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress town in the Matale District. Home to palace ruins set on a giant ancient lava rock, and surrounded by ancient relics of gardens and reservoirs, Sigiriya is a hotspot of historical significance here in Sri Lanka. After checking in to our accommodation, we'll begin our explorations with a guided visit to Hiriwadunna village, a spiritually important site where Prince Siddhartha was said to have attained Buddhahood. We'll sit down for an authentic Sri Lankan lunch here at the village, surrounded by greenery and wildlife. After waving goodbye to Hiriwadunna, we'll head back to our hotel.

Habarana Village by Cinnamon (or similar)

• Colombo
• Sigiriya

Sigiriya

We couldn't visit Sigiriya without exploring the incredible Sigiriya Rock Fortress that's been dominating the skyline ever since we've arrived, and morning is the best time to visit. After our included breakfast we'll take a trip to the fortress to check out the UNESCO-listed 'Lion's Rock', with it's 5th-century buildings, painted rock frescoes and massive pair of lion paws at the entrance. We're back on the road, this time to visit the nearby town of Dambulla where you'll have the chance to find your own lunch. Here we'll find another World Heritage Site, the sacred Dambulla Cave Temple, the largest best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka complete with five inner sanctuaries, 150 gilded Buddha statues, and Buddhist murals. We'll then head back to our hotel where we'll join together for an included dinner tonight.

Habarana Village by Cinnamon (or similar)

• Sigiriya

Sigiriya to Kandy

Feel like a morning adventure? You'll have the opportunity to explore the Pidurangala Rock –a rite of passage for Sigiriya first-timers – on a sunrise trek. Otherwise, catch some extra sleep and save your energy for later. Awed by our time brushing with the ancient world in Sigiriya, it's time to move on to the vibrant cultural scene in Kandy. Today we're gathering to watch history and mythology explode into colour & rhythm at a traditional Kandyan Folkdance show. Later tonight, you're free to do what you want. But we've got a hunch that the street food here might catch your eye...

Queen's Hotel (or similar)

• Sigiriya
• Kandy

Kandy to Ella

Today we head further into the hill country on the train, passing lush green hills & waterfalls en route to Nuwara Eliya. This small town is found in the heart of Sri Lanka's famous Ceylon tea industry, so it'd be rude not to visit a tea plantation (& sample some of the best) before continuing on to our next destination of Ella. We've arrived at Ella where new adventures await!

Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel (or similar)

• Kandy
• Ella

Ella

The day is yours to explore the beautiful countryside and laid-back backpacker hub of Ella, nestled among green cloud forests and tea plantations. Spend the day in Ella doing the local walks that show off the incredibly insta-worthy views down through the Ella Gap, including the cascading waterfalls this small town is famous for. If you're lucky, you might even get to meet one of the locals: the leaf-eating Langur monkey.

Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel (or similar)

• Ella

Ella to Udawalawe National Park

As our journey continues south towards lush jungle & rich wildlife, we'll stop en route at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home before heading to our accommodation for the night: riverside glamping at The Udawalawe National Park. Next morning we'll jump aboard our Safari Jeep to explore the park's wildlife. You're free to spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool, or hire a bike for your own cycle adventure.

Athgira River Camping (or similar)

• Ella
• Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park to Unawatuna via Galle

Say goodbye to the wilderness as we head along the South West coast to Unawatuna, here we'll take a trip to explore the UNESCO-listed fort city of Galle & in the evening you can learn the ways of Sri Lankan cooking with locals. At Mirissa, why not head out whale watching for an unmissable up-close encounter. The afternoon is yours to unwind on the beach or opt in for a surf lesson at nearby Weligama Bay.

Insight Resort Ahangama (or similar)

• Udawalawe National Park
• Unawatuna
• Galle
• Unawatuna

Unawatuna

Today is yours to unwind on the tropical palm-studded beach with clear turquoise waters, or opt in for a surf lesson at nearby Weligama Bay.

Insight Resort Ahangama (or similar)

• Unawatuna

Unawatuna to Colombo

Today we'll be heading back to where it all began - the bustling capital city of Colombo. En route we'll make a stop to learn about the traditional art of balsa-wood mask painting, followed by a visit to the Kosgoda Turtle Conservation centre. Once we hit Colombo, the best way to continue is with a sightseeing tour of this sprawling, richly multicultural city. Marvel at the atmospheric temples & showstopping mosques, check out the rose-tinted colonial buildings and, if you're brave enough, pick up some hot cobra chillies or souvenirs from the truly authentic (and famously chaotic) Pettah Bazaar. Tonight you can put on your party pants, because we've already sussed out the best rooftop bars and we're going out in style - the perfect way to cap off the last incredible 10 days with your Sri Lanka crew.

Fairway Hotel (or similar)

• Unawatuna
• Colombo

End Colombo

Your Contiki trip finishes this morning in Colombo. Hold back the happy tears as you say goodbye to your newest life-long friends & plan a meet up somewhere in the world soon.

• Colombo