Day 1: Colombo
Our Sri Lankan adventure begins in Colombo. Find your feet in this diverse city, buzzing with modern life, colonial buildings & historical monuments. 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.
Day 2: 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. We'll begin our explorations with a guided visit to Hiriwadunna village. 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 to our hotel.
Day 3: 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.
Day 4: 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. This afternoon, you're free to do what you want-but we've got a hunch that the street food here might catch your eye! This evening we're gathering to watch history and mythology explode into colour & rhythm at a traditional Kandyan Folkdance show.
Day 5: 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!
Day 6: 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.
Day 7: Ella to Udawalawe National Park
Our journey continues south, as we head down from the hill country into the southern plains where a rich abundance of wildlife awaits us.Our first stop is at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned baby elephants are cared for before being released back into the wild. In this unmissable experience that's sure to pull a few heartstrings, we'll get to watch the babies at feeding time, while you try to restrain yourself from adopting one then and there. But tear yourself away, because next, we'll jump aboard our Safari Jeep to explore the park's wildlife and then we're heading to our Special Stay accommodation for the night. Glamping alongside the Walawe riverbed in full Safari style, surrounded by the vibrant flora and fauna of the Sri Lankan jungle.
Day 8: Udawalawe National Park to Ahangama via Galle
Wave goodbye to the wild side. Today we're swapping the safari vibes for the seaside.This afternoon, we’ll make a stop in the UNESCO-listed fort city of Galle (a must-see for its fascinating blend of European and South Asian architecture). You’ll have time to wander the cobbled streets, shop for local treasures, and grab some lunch before we continue on.Sri Lanka’s southwest coast is all about golden beaches, tangled mangroves, and colonial port towns shaped by the Portuguese, Dutch, and English. You’ve got a free evening to unwind at your beachside stay or take a dip in the ocean. Later, you can opt to join a Sri Lankan cooking class and dinner experience in Unawatuna. What better way to end the day than mastering a curry or two?
Day 9: Ahangama
Today is yours to unwind on the tropical palm-studded beaches with clear turquoise waters, or opt in for a surf lesson at nearby Weligama Bay.
Day 10: Ahangama 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 on the coach 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're going out in style - the perfect way to cap off the last incredible 10 days with your Sri Lanka crew.
Day 11: 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.
