Discover Sri Lanka: Inside an Epic Travel Experience with Hays Travel

After touching down at Colombo Airport late afternoon and being greeted by our friendly tour hosts, our group began their Sri Lankan journey in Negombo, a charming coastal town known for its golden beaches and vibrant atmosphere.

We checked into the 5* Jetwing Blue, a stunning beachfront sanctuary offering modern luxury, spacious rooms, and breathtaking sea views right from the balcony. As the sun set, we enjoyed a delicious dinner right on the beach, the perfect way to kick off our Sri Lankan adventure.

After breakfast, we made our way inland to Dambulla, the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Along the way, we enjoyed a tuk-tuk ride through the local village, a fun and authentic way to see daily life up close. Upon arrival, we joined a traditional cooking demonstration at the village, where we learned to prepare authentic Sri Lankan dishes using homegrown spices and fresh produce. The best part? Enjoying our creations afterwards!

In the afternoon, we took a peaceful catamaran ride across the village lake, surrounded by lush greenery, before checking into our hotel for the evening.

We set off before dawn to hike Pidurangala Rock, reaching the top just in time to enjoy the sunrise with panoramic views of Sigiriya Rock Fortress rising from the jungle. It was an early start, but completely worth it! 

After our hike, we enjoyed the facilities at Amaya Lake, with some opting for a refreshing dip in the large swimming pool, whilst others headed to the on-site spa to enjoy some treatments.

Later that day, we embarked on a safari at Minneriya National Park, home to one of the largest gatherings of wild elephants in Asia. We spotted over 100 elephants, many up close, grazing and splashing in the water. Watching these gentle giants roam freely in their natural habitat was a highlight for everyone.

Our next stop on our tour was Kandy, the cultural heart of Sri Lanka. Here, we couldn’t resist trying the iconic swing ride that soars over the treetops, equal parts thrilling and scenic!

In the evening, we enjoyed a food tour filled with local favourites like chicken roti kottu and sweet Sri Lankan desserts. As evening fell, we attended a Kandyan cultural dance performance, filled with rhythmic drums, colourful costumes, and vibrant storytelling, an amazing glimpse into the island’s proud traditions.

A trip to Sri Lanka wouldn’t be complete without the famous train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. Often described as one of the most scenic rail routes in the world, the journey took us through misty hills and lush tea plantations.

Once in Nuwara Eliya, we toured a tea plantation, tried our hand at tea picking, and sampled some of the freshest tea you can imagine. Our stay at the Grand Hotel, one of Sri Lanka’s most historic and elegant properties, was the perfect end to a perfect day.

From the hills of the tea country, we travelled south to Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s most renowned wildlife reserves. Our safari was filled with excitement as we spotted elephants, buffalo, monkeys, crocodiles and countless exotic birds. If you're a wildlife lover, add Sri Lanka to your holiday list! 

Just when we thought the day couldn’t get better, we were lucky enough to spot a leopard right at the end of our drive! A thrilling sight that left everyone speechless.

Our final full day took us along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline to Galle, a historic town steeped in colonial charm. We visited a turtle hatchery, where conservationists are helping to protect endangered sea turtles, and then stopped to watch the traditional stilt fishermen, a fascinating sight unique to Sri Lanka’s shores.

As evening fell, we enjoyed a farewell dinner at Jetwing Lighthouse, perched dramatically on a clifftop overlooking the Indian Ocean. It was the perfect setting to reflect on our incredible week exploring this unforgettable destination before heading home the next morning via Colombo.