2 Weeks Off-the-Beaten-Path Sri Lanka Tour with Kandy Perahera 2027 — The Most Spectacular Festival!

Today after breakfast, we leave for Kandy at 8:00 am.

Kandy is a picturesque town and UNESCO site situated around a lake and about 150 km away from Colombo. The transfer by road will take around 3-4 hours. Along the way we will visit the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex and have lunch at a nearby village restaurant run by one of the most welcoming Sri Lankan family.

After checking in at our lovely hotel in the late afternoon around 3-4 pm, the remainder of the day is free at your leisure. Those of you who would like to watch the processions this night as well (4th Randoli Processions), we will help you organize the tickets - warning: you would need to leave the hotel soon after check-in.  Those who would like to recover from the long journey may do so, as we will have one more night in Kandy to watch the stunning processions.

• Included meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)
• Accommodation: Fox Kandy or similar (ensuite)
• Included activities: Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex (entrance fee inclusive)
• Optional activities: Kandy Perahera Festival 04th Randoli Perahera (reserved seat prices start at $70 each, departure by 4:00 - 4:30pm from the hotel)

Note: If your flight arrives in the early morning hours, you may join the tour on this day without staying overnight in Negombo. There will be one group transfer to Kandy. Private transfer is available upon request at an extra fee. 

Today is dedicated to making the most of festival celebrations and indulging in the Sri Lankan culture by joining the hundreds of locals and devotees who walk around in parades.

The Kandy Esala Perahera is a spectacular event that showcases the rich traditions of Sri Lanka. With traditional dancers, mesmerizing fire performers, skilled drummers, majestic elephants adorned in beautiful attire, and intricately decorated floats, this grand procession is a sight to behold. Spanning across 10 consecutive nights, each procession grows in magnificence, leaving spectators in awe.

Tonight is the final and most mesmerizing night of the processions. The procession starts around 7:00 pm and lasts until 1:00 am at night. So it's going to be a very long night but so worth it. We will ensure you experience the festival in the best way possible despite its duration of a long-haul flight!

Our local guide and driver will be with us throughout and throw in visits to nearby attractions like Nelligala Buddhist Temple visit in the morning, tea factory and souvenir shopping. If you would like to do your own thing until the festival, you are free to do so. Please note, departure time from the hotel is usually at 4:00 pm as we need to be seated by 5:00 pm. Dinner will be in the form of a packed box. We recommend having a late lunch at 3 pm.

• Included meals: Breakfast (B), Dinner (D)
• Accommodation:  Fox Kandy or similar (ensuite)
• Included activities: Kandy Sightseeing (entrance fees apart), Kandy Perahera Festival Entry Grand Randoli Procession (reserved seat included)

This morning is free to lie in, or even get a massage to relax after the fairy tale night.  The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is going to be really really busy for the duration of the festival, but those who are willing to sacrifice their sleep would have the last chance to visit the temple today early in the morning (if not done already).

We will leave Kandy latest by 12:00 pm towards our accommodation cradled by the rugged Knuckles mountain range ( ~2 hour-drive). The remainder of the day will be free at your leisure. Our hosts will be happy to arrange the half-day optional activities according to your desire. Whether you choose to explore the cloud forests, plunge into the depths of crystal clear rock pools, let the cascading waterfalls wash over you or simply gaze into the endless vistas, you are guaranteed to disconnect and recover from the buzz of the city. Recharged we will meet for a peaceful group dinner.

• Included meals: B, D
• Accommodation: Boutique Hotel converted from a Tea Planter's Bungalow (ensuite)
• Included activities: Kandy Sightseeing (entrance fees apart)
• Optional activities: 1/2 day Three-Waterfalls & local villages tour by tuk tuk (easy hiking) , ca. $25 per person payable at the venue, price subject to change.

Knuckles Mountain Range is Sri Lanka's one of the most stunning and overlooked natural wonders and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are several trails to choose from easy/half-day hikes (e.g. Waterfalls, village hikes) to strenuous (e.g. Knuckles Five Peaks Trail) full day hikes, you are free to pick the trail depending on your fitness level. Those who would like to simply enjoy the views with a cup of tea from the comfort of our accommodation will be free to do so. The rest can expect to see tea plantations, waterfalls, viewpoints, butterflies and endemic animals during the hike. If joining a hike, lunch will be in the form of a picnic as there are no facilities while hiking in the Knuckles.

The dilemma you will face though is whether to stay at our lovely accommodation or be active - of course weather permitting. You will have the following options today:

• Guided hiking to the waterfalls in the Knuckles Mountain Range, start at 8-10 am, return 1-3 pm, $55 each, entrance and lunch box included, min 2 pax ($45 without lunch)
• Guided hiking the 5-peak trail in the Knuckles Mountain Range, start 6-8 am, return 5-7 pm, $60, entrance and lunch box included, min 2 pax
• 1/2 tuk tuk tour to 3-waterfalls and local villages, start at 2 pm, return at 6pm, $25 each, min 2 pax
• Enjoy the amenities at the lodge, and take unguided walks to nearby tea plantations/factories free of charge.

In 2025, our group split into exactly four, and everyone wished they could have stayed at the accommodation for another day to simply relax. This place was an absolute highlight for all, and we're happy to tailor your day according to your individual wishes.

Overnight will be in the area to be able to enjoy the nature to the fullest, and dinner will be taken at the accommodation.

• Included meals: B, D
• Accommodation: Tea Planter's Bungalow (ensuite)
• Optional activities: Guided hiking in Knuckles Mountain Range or 1/2 day tuk tuk tour

Today is an exciting day. We will depart from our lovely accommodation in the Knuckles after breakfast and make our way towards the natural wonder of Gal Oya National Park, recognized as one of the premier national parks in Sri Lanka.

Situated in the southeast, Gal Oya National Park boasts breathtaking scenery and is among the finest locations in Sri Lanka to observe wild elephants - swimming! Despite its beauty, Gal Oya remains remote and largely undeveloped for tourism, rendering it a hidden treasure for travelers seeking a unique Sri Lanka safari experience. The national park offers exceptional boat safaris that allow visitors to witness elephants as they move between islands.

But before getting on a boat, we will stroll through the jungle,  gaining insights into the traditional lifestyle of the ancient Vadda people. The Vadda community, recognized for their strong bond with nature, provides a rare insight into a realm unspoiled by modern influences. We will have the chance to engage with their fascinating history, from ancient fire-making methods to traditional dances and cultural narratives handed down through generations.

After checking into our accommodation in the late afternoon of Day 6, you will have the rest of the day at your leisure until we meet for dinner.

The next morning (day 7), we will depart early for a sunrise boat safari, and with a bit of luck we may encounter swimming elephants—an extraordinary sight seldom witnessed elsewhere.

Gal Oya National Park is home to substantial populations of elephants, with herds visible throughout the year. The optimal period for visiting Sri Lanka to experience the beauty of Gal Oya National Park is from June to December, coinciding with the dry season. Throughout these dry months, one can witness large herds of elephants while enjoying picturesque boat safaris.

With more than 100 bird species, the Senanayake lake serves as a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Encircled by stunning mountains, we will enjoy this tranquil and wildlife-abundant environment before we return to our lodge by 9-10 am.

For those who want a little more adventure, there are optional activities available, such as a jeep safari, canoe ride or village walk. But honestly, many people find that simply being here is the highlight in itself.

• Included meals: B, D
• Accommodation: Boutique Lodge or Glamping tents (ensuite)
• Included activities:  Vadda People visit in Rathugala, Boat safari in Gal Oya National Park

It will be hard to leave this beautiful place, but after a tasty breakfast, we will proceed to Dambulla Cave Temple, the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka.

The Dambulla Cave Temple is a living Buddhist site that is focused on a series of five cave shrines. Inhabited by forest-dwelling Buddhist monks since the 3rd century BCE, these natural caves have been transformed continuously throughout the historical period into one of the largest and most outstanding Buddhist complexes in the Southern and Southeastern Asian region, showcasing innovative approaches to interior layout and decoration.

After visiting the cave temple, we will have lunch at a lovely place run by local ladies. This could possibly be the most delicious meal yet.

The remainder of the day (late afternoon) is free at your leisure. For those who are still in need of action, we can recommend Pidurangala Rock to enjoy the sunset and the best view of Sigiriya Rock. Our guide and driver will be at your service to help you arrange the sunset climb to Pidurangala (entrance fee ca. 3 USD).

• Included meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
• Included activities: Dambulla Cave Temple (entrance fee included)
• Optional activities: Pidurangala Rock (entrance fee extra ca $3 USD)

Today in the early morning, another famous landmark Sigiriya, the ancient rock fortress is on agenda. We will leave by 5 am to be able to beat the crowds and heat, and hopefully enjoy a beautiful sunrise from the top.

The 5th century rock fortress, Lion Rock is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle. To visit the world-renowned frescoes of the ‘Heavenly Maidens’ of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway, one need to climb 1200 stairs.

After admiring the King's exquisite taste, we will return to our accommodation for breakfast and have about 1-2 hours to rest before we set off to visit a local village at around 11 am. We will cook and enjoy a traditional lunch together.

As we return by 1pm, the rest of the day will be free at your own leisure. You may want to relax by the pool, get a massage or be adventurous. Those of you bitten by the safari bug may opt for a half-day safari in the Minneriya National Park.

Another option for the afternoon would be the Polonnaruwa Ancient City, the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. Our local team will help you arrange optional activities.

• Included meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
• Included activities: Local village visit with cooking, Sigiriya Rock Fortress (entrance fee included)
• Optional activities: Polonnaruwa Ancient City tour (entrance fee ca. 30 USD, complimentary transfer), Minneriya half day safari (entrance fee ca. 55 USD, jeep cost payable at the venue depending on the number of participants)

Today after breakfast we will head to Jaffna, the northernmost city and cultural center in Sri Lanka. The journey by road will take about 5 hours.

Lunch will be taken at a local Tamil restaurant in the city, an experience in itself.

In Jaffna we will be joining some of the Nallur Temple festival events, which lasts 25 days in total!

• Included meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Fox Jaffna or similar (ensuite)
• Included activities: Jaffna City tour, Nallur Temple (time/festival schedule permitting)

We will spend the day exploring Jaffna and its surroundings.

Today we have the option to visit Delft Island by local ferry, a unique island off the coast of Jaffna peninsula. Depending on the festival schedule (which will be published closer to the date), we will alternatively join the ceremonies at the Nallur Temple. Our professional guide will ensure you won't be missing out on anything.

Please note that the public ferry to the island is the only option to get there, and it's not the most comfortable way of traveling. It's usually jam-packed, and if you suffer from claustrophobia, you may want to spend the day by relaxing or shopping in town instead. If all group members would like to join this trip, we would hire a private boat for an additional fee (to be shared among participants at the venue). We think Delft Island  is an interesting place and worth the extra effort, however due to the tough & bumpy travel conditions both on the boat and the trucks used on the island, we keep this day trip as optional. It's absolutely a rough adventure and not for everyone.  

Delft is a remote island with rich history from the Chola Dynasty, Portuguese, Dutch and the British colonial period. Certainly off-the-beaten-path surprising destination that should not be missed by anyone visiting Jaffna. Apart from historical sites, a large baobab tree, various birds and wild horses can also be observed. We will even have time for a swim at the beach and seafood lunch before taking the return ferry at 3pm.

The evening will be free at your leisure.

• Included meals: B
• Accommodation: Fox Jaffna or similar (ensuite)
• Included activities: Jaffna city tour or Delft Island day tour by public ferry
• Optional activities: Delft Island day tour by private boat (min. 4 participants)

Today after breakfast we will transfer to Anuradhapura.

Depending on the festival schedule (which will be published closer to the date), we may join the morning ceremonies at the Nallur Temple before departing from Jaffna if not visited the previous day.

We will be making stops along the way for King coconuts or tropical fruits.

After settling in our hotel and freshening up, we will visit the Mihintale mountain and temple for sunset, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

We will have a group dinner tonight.

• Included meals: B, D
• Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
• Included activities: Mihintale sunset visit (entrance fee included)

Today is an exciting day as we will go on a half day safari in Wilpattu National Park, some 35 km away from Anuradhapura. Departure is at 5am, so set your alarm early one last time.

The Wilpattu National Park is one of the most important elephant habitats in the country and is also a great place to observe the elusive Sri Lankan leopard and the sloth bear.

This park has a denser forest cover unlike many other National Parks in Sri Lanka. WNPs landscape comprises of dry zone forests and thorny scrub interspersed with extensive open plains, sand dunes and the unique Villu wetlands. Bare reddish cliffs rising abruptly from narrow beaches of the Portugal Bay and Dutch Bay are another striking feature of its landscape.

After the safari we will transfer to Kalpitiya, a tranquil coastal town situated at the northwestern tip of Sri Lanka, for a well deserved beach holiday.

• Included meals: B, L
• Accommodation: The Blue Lagoon Resort or similar (ensuite)
• Included activities: Wilpattu NP half-day safari (fees included)

Today is a free day to spend at your own pace.

Renowned for its pristine beauty, serene lagoons, and picturesque peninsula, Kalpitiya serves as a premier destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers in search of unique experiences. It is particularly well-known for dolphin watching, kite surfing, and eco-tourism.

Today you can simply relax, take a boat safari, go birdwatching, go on a village walk, or try kitesurfing in the flat lagoons until we meet for our farewell dinner. Our on-site team will be happy to help you organize your desired activities.

• Included meals: B, D
• Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
• Included activities: None

After breakfast, we will offer one complimentary transfer to the airport/Negombo and bid farewell to those who are departing today. We recommend you stay a couple of nights longer if you can though.

• Included meals: B
• Accommodation: None
• Included activities: Complimentary airport transfer latest at noon.

Please note: If you need any support with you pre-/post-tour arrangements, please get in touch with us. It's also possible to skip Kalpitiya and depart after the safari in Wilpattu. We can arrange private transfers to catch your flight home.