Sri Lanka is a true gem and there is so much exploration on this beautiful tropical island. This country is filled with nature, wildlife, sandy beaches and incredibly scenic views making it a great destination for the perfect private friends holiday in Sri Lanka.
It is surely a place one must visit as it has all you can imagine just in one place, whether it is for beaches, nature, adventure or wildlife, Tours in Sri Lanka are definitely some of the best one can experience.
Amongst many tours in Sri Lanka, there are several popular places one must visit such as the famous Ella train ride, Sigiriya Rock, Pinnawela Elephant orphanage, Little Adams peak and so much more.
Sri Lanka should definitely be in everyone’s bucket list as it is truly a unique experience!
Here is an 11-day itinerary for a private friends holiday in Sri Lanka:
Day 1: Welcome to your private friends holiday in Sri Lanka
On Arrival, transfer from Colombo Airport to your hotel in Colombo where you will get to check-in and refresh.
You can enjoy the rest of the day free at leisure and explore the suprroundings.
Day 2: White water rafting adventure
After breakfast, your driver will take you on your full day tour to Kelani River for a fun adrenaline-filled adventure. Because no private friend holiday will be complete without riding the tides of the Kelani River.
After, your driver will take you back to your hotel in Colombo and enjoy the rest of the evening free at leisure
Day 3: The most scenic Train Ride
After breakfast, transfer to your hotel in Ella.
You can visit one of the tea factories in Nuwara Eliya to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and tea tasting as well as you can buy some of the most popular teas in Sri Lanka.
The Ella train ride is one of the most scenic train rides in Sri Lanka, it is definitely a must when visiting Sri Lanka.
Day 4: Visit Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arch Bridge
After breakfast, transfer to Little Adam’s Peak for those who love trekking, this is a great place to hike up to the mountain. Many tourists visit every year to enjoy the beautiful panoramic views .
After you can walk at the nine arch bridge in Ella, which is one of the main highlights when visiting Ella. With a short 30 minute walk you will walk through the jungle until you reach a piece of beautiful architecture that is hidden between lush green tea fields.
In the afternoon you can spend the rest of the day free at leisure or experience a zipline adventure in Ella.
Day 5: Visit Rathna Ella falls
After breakfast, transfer to Mahiyangana, with its many major attractions one can visit including several National Parks, Bird Sanctuaries and aborigine lands. Sorabora Wewa Reservoir, Dambana, Ulhitiya Wewa Reservoir, Minipe Reservoir, Randenigala Reservoir, Maduruoya Wildlife Park andWasgomuwa Wildlife Park.
On the way, you can stop to visit Rathna Ella falls, one of the highest waterfall in the Kandy region. It is on of the most beautiful waterfalls in Rathna Ella Village
Enjoy the rest of the evening free at leisure
Day 6: Tribes and Jeep Safari
Transfer to Vedda Village by boat. Veddha community is the indigenous people of Sri Lanka. You will be able to get some in-depth knowledge of their unique daily life styles, you will be able to witness their culture, the hunting & farming methods and much more.
In the evening you can enjoy a Jeep Safari in Maduru Oya National Park. Maduru Oya is well known for its elephants. Other than elephants; leopards, sloth bears, Sambhur, spotted and barking deer, wild boar and wild buffalo are also found here. If you are lucky you can also see the Torque Macaque, Purple-faced leaf monkey and nocturnal slender Loris.
Day 7: Trincomalee
After breakfast check out from your hotel in Mahiyangana and transfer to Trincomalee.
Check in at your hotel in Trincomalee
Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. You can opt to book on half board basis to include your dinner at the hotel.
Day 8: Explore Pigeon island and snorkelling
After breakfast, transfer to Pigeon Island for some free time on the beach and snorkel around the different tropical fish and spectacular coloured coral reefs.
Pigeon Island is surely a great place to visit and to explore the most beautiful coral reefs and different sea creatures. Many turtles including the Hawksbill Turtle tend to visit often on this island
Enjoy the evening with a tasty dinner at the hotel and some relaxation
Day 9: Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Sigiriya
Check-in at your hotel in Sigiriya and transfer to the fortress to explore.
Sigiriya Rock is a wonderful ancient rock fortress which you may find the Northern district close to the town of Dambulla . You can enjoy a private tour discovering the beauty of Sigiriya
It is a great place for those who love hiking and culture!
After, you can enjoy the evening free at leisure and enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan dinner
Day 10: Trekking in Pidurangala rock and Visit Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
After breakfast, transfer to Pidurangala Rock fortress, a must–visit destination in Sri Lanka.
Pidurangala is another outstanding place to visit. It is a massive rock just a few kilometres north of Sigirya. It is ideal for those who love climbing and trekking and the climb to the top of Pidurangala is quite strenuous but worth visiting!
Later on during the day you can visit Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage on your way to Negombo
This village is where orphaned wild elephants are kept and is one of the most photographed sites.
Check in to your hotel in Negombo at Goldi Sands Hotel
You can enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the local restaurants.
Day 11: Farewell on the end if your private friends holiday in Sri Lanka
After breakfast, Check out from your hotel and transfer to Colombo Airport depending on your flight schedule.
This beautiful destination of Sri Lanka is definitely worth visiting and is a fun place full of nature and wildlife and fantastic scenery which makes it an ideal holiday for families or a romantic couple get-away!