Step into the Heart of Heritage with Our Tours - 14 Days Nature & Eco-Tourism
Nature & Eco-Tourism Tour Package Details
Day 1 - Day 1: Arrival in Colombo → Negombo
Arrival in Colombo → Negombo
After arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be greeted and assisted with your transfer to Negombo. The short drive makes Negombo the ideal first stop after a long flight. This coastal city is well-known for its blend of colonial charm, vibrant fishing culture, and golden beaches.
Boat Ride on Negombo Lagoon
In the evening, you will embark on a peaceful boat ride across the Negombo Lagoon. The lagoon is surrounded by lush mangroves and dotted with small fishing villages. As you glide along the waters, you can observe traditional fishing methods, colorful catamarans, and an array of bird species such as herons, cormorants, and kingfishers. This experience gives you a glimpse into the local lifestyle while being immersed in the natural beauty of the wetlands.
Relax on Negombo Beach
After the lagoon excursion, you can spend time relaxing on Negombo Beach. The beach is a long stretch of soft sand, perfect for unwinding with the sound of the waves. As the sun sets, the beach becomes even more picturesque, offering golden skies and a tranquil atmosphere. Whether you prefer a quiet walk along the shore or simply sitting back to enjoy the sea breeze, this is the perfect way to ease into your Sri Lankan journey.
Day 2 - Day 2: Negombo → Kurunegala
Stop at Kurunegala Rock (Ethagala)
After breakfast, you will travel from Negombo to Kurunegala. On arrival, one of the highlights is Kurunegala Rock, also known as Ethagala (Elephant Rock). This massive rock formation, shaped like an elephant, rises prominently above the town and is a popular viewpoint. From the top, visitors are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of Kurunegala town, lush green paddy fields, and surrounding lakes. The site also has a serene Buddhist statue at the summit, adding a cultural touch to the natural beauty.
Explore Kurunegala Town
Next, you will explore Kurunegala town, which has a lively yet traditional Sri Lankan atmosphere. The town is historically significant as an ancient royal capital and today is known for its mix of urban life and cultural heritage. Walking through the streets, you can experience local markets, small shops, and food stalls. This is a great opportunity to sample authentic Sri Lankan snacks such as “rotti,” “vadai,” or fresh tropical fruits that showcase the region’s flavors.
Leisure Walk in Eco-Surroundings
In the evening, you will enjoy a relaxed walk in the eco-friendly surroundings of Kurunegala. The area is dotted with small lakes, coconut plantations, and tranquil landscapes, making it ideal for an unhurried stroll. The peaceful environment, with views of greenery and calm waters, provides a refreshing escape from the busyness of town life and allows you to connect with nature.
Day 3 - Day 3: Kurunegala → Dambulla → Matale
Dambulla Cave Temple
After breakfast, you will travel from Kurunegala to Dambulla, home to the world-famous Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This sacred cave complex, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is over 2,000 years old and is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Inside the caves, you will find magnificent Buddha statues, cave frescoes, and ancient murals that depict stories from Buddhist history. The site also offers panoramic views of the surrounding plains and distant hills, making it both a spiritual and scenic highlight of the journey.
Matale Spice Gardens
From Dambulla, the journey continues to Matale, where you will visit one of the region’s famous Spice Gardens. Matale is renowned for its rich spice cultivation, and here you will take part in a guided eco-tour that explains the uses and benefits of Sri Lanka’s world-famous spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper. The tour gives insight into how these spices are grown, harvested, and traditionally used in Sri Lankan cooking and Ayurvedic medicine. You may also get the chance to taste spiced tea or buy authentic spice products directly from the gardens.
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In the evening, you will explore Matale town, a lively spot where culture and tradition blend seamlessly. A walk through the streets introduces you to local markets filled with colorful produce, fresh spices, traditional handicrafts, and everyday life scenes. This is an excellent opportunity to engage with the local community, enjoy the bustling atmosphere, and perhaps try some street food specialties unique to the central region of Sri Lanka.
Day 4 - Day 4: Matale Exploration
Aluvihare Rock Temple
The day begins with a visit to the Aluvihare Rock Temple, one of the most historically important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. This sacred site, dating back to the 3rd century BC, is where the Pali Canon (Tripitaka) – the core scriptures of Theravada Buddhism – was first written down on palm leaves. The temple complex is set amidst rocky outcrops and caves, featuring ancient wall paintings, statues, and meditation chambers carved into stone. A visit here offers not only a deep cultural and religious insight but also a peaceful spiritual atmosphere surrounded by natural beauty.
Trek to Knuckles Mountain Foothills
After exploring the temple, you will set off on a trek into the foothills of the Knuckles Mountain Range, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its biodiversity and scenic beauty. The trek takes you through lush forests, gushing waterfalls, terraced paddy fields, and small rural villages where you can witness traditional farming and daily lifestyles. This adventure combines natural exploration with cultural encounters, giving you a glimpse of life in Sri Lanka’s central highlands while being immersed in an unspoiled environment.
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Midday, you will enjoy a traditional eco-lunch prepared in a local village. The meal is typically cooked using fresh ingredients from the surrounding farms and flavored with locally grown spices. Served in clay pots or banana leaves, it offers an authentic taste of Sri Lanka’s village cuisine. Sharing this meal in a simple rural setting creates a memorable cultural experience, connecting you directly with the warmth and hospitality of the local community.
Day 5 - Day 5: Matale → Knuckles Mountain Range Trek
Full-Day Knuckles Trekking Expedition
Today is dedicated to a full-day trek through the Knuckles Mountain Range, often called the “misty mountains” for its cloud-kissed peaks. Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this rugged wilderness is home to dramatic landscapes and rare biodiversity. As you trek, you will pass through cloud forests, crystal-clear streams, and hidden waterfalls. The Knuckles Range is known for its endemic plants, colorful orchids, and rare wildlife such as purplefaced langurs and a wide variety of bird species. The scenic trails also provide sweeping views across valleys and distant mountains.
Day 6 - Day 6: Knuckles → Mahiyanganaya
Knuckles → Mahiyanganaya
Leaving the Knuckles, you’ll journey through winding mountain roads with panoramic views of forests, valleys, and rural villages.
Visit Sorabora Wewa
In Mahiyanganaya, you’ll first visit Sorabora Wewa, an ancient reservoir believed to be built by King Dutugemunu’s era engineers. Its vast waters are a peaceful sight, often dotted with fishermen in traditional boats.
Dambana Veddah Village
You’ll then continue to Dambana Veddah Village, home of the island’s indigenous Vedda people. Here, you’ll learn about their ancient eco-lifestyle, hunting traditions, and spiritual connection to the forest, a culture preserved for thousands of years.
Nature Walk by the Lake
As the day winds down, you will enjoy a leisurely walk around a nearby lake, listening to birdsong and experiencing the tranquility of rural Sri Lanka.
Day 7 - Day 7: Mahiyanganaya → Polonnaruwa
Mahiyanganaya → Polonnaruwa
Your journey continues to Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city flourished between the 11th and 13th centuries under King Parakramabahu I, who transformed it into a thriving center of art, culture, and irrigation engineering. Unlike the ruins of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa is compact and well-preserved, making it easier to explore. The city’s highlights include stone temples, image houses, royal palaces, and colossal Buddha statues.
Gal Viharaya
Located in Polonnaruwa, it is a rock temple featuring four massive Buddha statues carved from a single granite rock. The statues, in reclining, standing, and seated postures, are celebrated for their finely detailed craftsmanship and serene expressions, representing the pinnacle of ancient Sri Lankan sculpture.
Parakrama Samudra
This is a huge man-made reservoir built by King Parakramabahu I to support agriculture. It demonstrates advanced ancient hydraulic engineering, storing rainwater to irrigate the surrounding farmlands, ensuring that “not a drop of water flows to the sea unused.”
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In the evening, you can enjoy a cycling tour around the Polonnaruwa lake and ancient city ruins. Cycling offers a scenic and eco-friendly way to explore the temples and landscapes, passing paddy fields, stupas, and local villages as the sun sets over the water.
Day 8 - Day 8: Polonnaruwa → Wasgamuwa National Park Safari
Wasgamuwa National Park
After breakfast, you travel to Wasgamuwa National Park, located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The park lies between the Mahaweli River and the Knuckles Mountain foothills, giving it a mix of riverine, forested, and hilly landscapes. Unlike more popular parks, Wasgamuwa is less crowded, allowing visitors to experience a more untouched, natural environment where wildlife roams freely.
Jeep Safari in Wasgamuwa
A jeep safari is the main way to explore the park. Safaris take you through the varied terrain— forests, grasslands, and along rivers—offering opportunities to spot wildlife in their natural settings. The park is home to elephants, sloth bears, wild buffalo, and leopards, along with over 140 bird species. The jeep safari allows you to experience close encounters with animals while moving safely through the park.
Day 9 - Day 9: Wasgamuwa → Gal Oya National Park
Gal Oya National Park
After leaving Wasgamuwa, you will enjoy a scenic drive through Sri Lanka’s rural landscapes, including small villages, paddy fields, and lush greenery. The destination is Gal Oya National Park, a lesser-known but unique wildlife reserve in the eastern part of the country, famous for its unspoiled wilderness and rich biodiversity.
Senanayake Samudra Reservoir
Gal Oya National Park offers a rare and unique safari experience: a boat ride on the Senanayake Samudra reservoir, Sri Lanka’s largest man-made reservoir. From the boat, you can observe elephants swimming between small islands, a spectacular sight that is not found in any other national park in the country. The waters also host crocodiles, and the surrounding forests are home to a variety of birds and other wildlife, making the safari a combination of scenic beauty and wildlife adventure.
Campfire at Eco-Lodge
After the safari in evening, you’ll relax at your eco-lodge, enjoying an evening campfire under the stars. Surrounded by the sounds of the wilderness, this setting offers a peaceful way to end the day, connecting with nature in a tranquil environment.
Day 10 - Day 10: Gal Oya → Arugam Bay (East Coast)
Arugam Bay
After leaving Gal Oya, you will travel to Arugam Bay, located on Sri Lanka’s east coast. This village is famous for its surfing beaches and relaxed, eco-friendly vibe. Unlike busier tourist hubs, Arugam Bay combines natural beauty with a small coastal community, making it ideal for beach lovers, surfers, and nature enthusiasts. The area is lined with palm trees, sandy shores, and quiet lanes that give it a peaceful, tropical charm.
Leisure by the Beach
Upon arrival, you can spend the evening relaxing on the golden sands, listening to the waves, and enjoying the sunset over the Indian Ocean. The beach provides a serene setting for a leisurely walk or simply unwinding after your journey.
Lagoon Safari
For those seeking wildlife experiences, an optional lagoon safari can be arranged nearby. The surrounding mangroves and lagoons are home to crocodiles, exotic birds, and occasionally elephants, offering a calm and scenic eco-adventure right next to the beach.
Day 11 - Day 11: Arugam Bay → Kumana National Park
Kumana National Park
After leaving Arugam Bay, you will head to Kumana National Park, a renowned wildlife sanctuary in the southeast of Sri Lanka. The park is often called a “bird paradise” because it hosts thousands of migratory and endemic birds, including painted storks, pelicans, spoonbills, and black-necked storks. Apart from birds, the park is also home to elephants, deer, crocodiles, and leopards, providing a rich safari experience amidst forests, grasslands, and lagoons.
Visit Lagoons & Mangroves Around Panama
After the safari, you will explore the Panama lagoons and mangrove areas nearby. These ecosystems are teeming with biodiversity and provide ideal habitats for birds, reptiles, and aquatic life. The mangroves also offer tranquil scenic views, making it a perfect spot for nature photography and quiet observation of wildlife in their natural environment.
Arugam Bay Beach
You will return to Arugam Bay in the evening for some leisure time on the beach. This is an opportunity to relax, take a walk along the sandy shore, or enjoy the sunset over the Indian Ocean, soaking in the calm coastal atmosphere.
Day 12 - Day 12: Arugam Bay → Hambantota → Bundala National Park
Drive Along the Southern Coast
After leaving Arugam Bay, you will travel along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline. This scenic route passes through fishing villages, coconut plantations, and coastal landscapes, giving travelers glimpses of traditional coastal life and lush tropical scenery. The drive itself offers opportunities to admire the Indian Ocean views and enjoy the calm countryside atmosphere.
Safari in Bundala National Park
Your main stop is Bundala National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve famous for its wetlands and diverse birdlife. The park is home to over 200 species of birds, including flamingos, pelicans, storks, and migratory waterfowl, and is an important habitat for crocodiles, elephants, and other wildlife. A jeep safari through the park allows you to observe these animals and birds in their natural wetland environment, making it a top destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
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In the evening, visit Bundala’s salt pans, where shallow pools of water attract flocks of wading birds. The flamingos and other waterbirds against the setting sun create stunning photographic opportunities, making this a perfect spot for sunset photography and appreciating the tranquil beauty of the wetlands.
Day 13 - Day 13: Tangalle → Rekawa Turtle Conservation
Visit Rekawa Turtle Hatchery
After leaving Tangalle, you will visit the Rekawa Turtle Hatchery, a dedicated conservation site protecting endangered sea turtles, including green turtles, hawksbill turtles, and leatherbacks. At the hatchery, you can learn about the turtles’ nesting process, hatching, and conservation efforts, gaining insight into marine eco-protection and sustainable practices.
Turtle Watching
If visiting during the nesting season, you have the rare chance to witness turtles coming ashore to lay eggs. This is a magical wildlife experience, observing the turtles’ natural behavior under the night sky, guided by local conservationists.
Tangalle Beach
After the turtle experience, you can unwind on Tangalle Beach, known for its wide sandy shores, calm waters, and peaceful ambiance. It’s a perfect place to relax, swim, or enjoy a beach walk, ending the day in a serene coastal setting.
Day 14 - Day 14: Tangalle → Colombo
Tangalle → Colombo
On your final day, you’ll pass through Ratnapura, famously known as the “City of Gems”. For centuries, Ratnapura has been Sri Lanka’s center for precious gem mining, producing worldrenowned sapphires, rubies, and other gemstones. The city is also surrounded by lush landscapes and many waterfalls, giving travelers a refreshing view of nature along the journey.
Bopath Ella Waterfall
Along the way, you’ll stop at Bopath Ella Waterfall, one of the most popular waterfalls in Sri Lanka. The cascade gets its name because it flows in the shape of a Bo leaf (sacred in Buddhism, symbolizing enlightenment). It’s a beautiful spot for photography, enjoying the cool mist, and relaxing in a natural setting before continuing your journey.
Colombo for Departure
After the stop, you’ll continue your journey to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s bustling commercial capital. Here, your 14-day eco-tour concludes, and you will be dropped off for your departure flight or onward travel.