Savour the sweet life in Sri Lanka

Cocktails and pool views in Negombo

Touch down at Colombo International Airport where you’ll be met in traditional Sri Lankan style with an Ayubowan (“Long Life”) greeting. Be whisked away by private transfer to your first hotel in Negombo, a beautiful retreat on the shores of a lagoon that was once a trading port for the Portuguese and the Dutch. Spend your afternoon here relaxing at the pool (one of the largest on the island) or the sandy white beach (tough decision, we know). Then, meet your fellow Flashpackers and guide with a team briefing at around 5.30pm. Enjoy a welcome cocktail with splendid views while getting to know your Flashpacker crew, before tucking into a hearty dinner at the hotel. After dinner, it’s time to unwind ahead of your big adventure that kicks off tomorrow.

Sigiriya Fortress at sunset

Enjoy breakfast at your boutique hideaway before heading to the beach-side fish market in Negombo. If we arrive early enough, we’ll be able to observe how local fishing folk engage in negotiation with wholesalers over their daily catch. Afterwards, we’ll hit the road and head three hours inland to Dambulla to check into our lakeside hotel, keeping an eye out for wild elephants en-route. From here, it’s a short drive to one of Sri Lanka’s most famous attractions – the 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress. With its Water Gardens, the Mirror Wall, ancient graffiti and panoramic views, make sure you have your camera handy for this legendary sight. Bond with your fellow Flashpackers as you climb up the 1,200 steps in time for a picturesque pink sunset across the rolling plains. After descending, the rest of the evening can be spent drinking beer or, for the brave, some arrack – a traditional coconut spirit that will go down nicely in your tropical surroundings.

Temple-hopping Polonnaruwa by bike

Look lively, Flashpackers; we have a jam-packed schedule for today. First up, saddle up for a leisurely bike ride around the medieval city of Polonnaruwa. Cycle through the city’s ancient wonders, cruising past the mesmerising temples of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. All this pedal power is hungry work, so we’ll stop by a local farmer’s house for lunch overlooking the rice paddy fields. The afternoon is then yours to do as you please back at your hotel. This is often ranked as a Flashpacker favourite, thanks to its gorgeous pool and moreish cocktails. Relax and unwind in your lakeside surroundings. Come evening, we’ll be spoiling you with another delicious meal at a nearby village. Expect fire torches, hearty curries and plenty of singing and dancing.

Sacred sights and street food in Kandy

Wake up in a tapestry of green and rolling hills, and savour a tranquil start to the day. Late morning, after you’re fully loaded on carbs and coffee, we’ll check out and head to Kandy, with a fiery stopover at a Spice Garden in Matale to learn the secrets of Sri Lankan cuisine (your curries will never be the same again). Then it’s onward to the sacred city of Kandy. As the hill capital and last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings, this city holds an aura of grandeur, and colonial influences still remain (as well as some spectacular traditional dances!) Head into the city for a chance to explore its vibrant array of shops and architecture, alongside ornate temples. If you have time, we definitely recommend seeing the Temple of the Tooth. And don’t miss a taste of Kandy’s famous street food – we recommend kottu, a chilli-infused roti dish and one of the nation’s favourite snacks. Then for dinner, we are going local, to a secret and beloved spot just outside of town.

The world’s most beautiful train ride

This morning we’ll check out of Kandy and head to Nuwara Eliya, in the heart of the Hill Country. This drive takes a couple of hours, so bring some snacks and games, or simply drink in the soul-lifting views all around. Once we arrive, you’ll soon see why Nuwara Eliya is known as “Little England” with its cottages, rolling hills and a cooler breeze. Have an amble around and stretch your legs before we head onwards, hopping aboard a train ride known as one of the most scenic in the world. The route to Haputale takes us through the lush highlands of Sri Lanka’s interior, passing through hazy mist-clad valleys, with plantations and forestland spooling out for miles into the horizon. Our final destination is a quiet hamlet in the hill country, surrounded by mountains and tea plantations. Take a dip in the hotel pool or marvel at the evocative hillside scenery over a cup of local Ceylon tea.

Tea-making and mountain walks

After breakfast and a refreshing cup of tea at the hotel (we are surrounded by tea plantations, after all), we’ll explore the laid-back town of Ella. Perched on a mountainside and surrounded by spectacular landscapes, the area is popular with trekkers and hikers thanks to its cooler climate. We’ll then head through the jungle to the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge arches, an atmospheric railway spot in the heart of the valley. Walk along the train track as you soak in the scenery here – fear not, it’s perfectly safe to do so! Next up, we’ll visit a tea plantation and factory to watch the process of turning the raw green leaf into the familiar product we so know and love. Then enjoy a short hike to Little Adam’s Peak, where you can gaze upon the beautiful mountains surrounding Ella. After exploring this charming little town, tuck into dinner and well-deserved beers with your Flash Pack family.

The road to a Sri Lankan safari

Relax and enjoy a lie-in: you deserve it after all the exploring we’ve done on this epic trip so far. We’ll spend the morning feasting on a lazy al fresco breakfast overlooking hills coated in mist and tropical greenery. After a few hours of sunbathing, swimming or trekking to a nearby waterfall (completely optional but we suggest to do it!), we’ll start to head south and out of the Hill Country to Yala National Park. Along the three-hour route, we’ll stop at the amazing, rock-carved Buddha statue of Buduruwagala that towers majestically from the cliff-face. We’ll then drive towards our hotel near the edge of the world-famous Yala National Park. Take it easy tonight and make sure your camera is fully charged for our early start tomorrow morning. Safari hour is nigh…

Look out for leopards in Yala National Park

It’s an early start today but it’s worth it – we’re jumping into jeeps for an incredible morning game drive through the country’s second largest park, known for its elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and wild boar. Yala also boasts the highest density of leopards in the world, so there’s a fair chance you may spot one of these elusive big cats. Have your binoculars handy as you peer across the plains and bushland: seeing these animals in their natural habitat is nothing short of magnificent. Afterwards, we’ll check out of our hotel and head for the coast, around four hours away. We’ll travel south to the port city of Galle where a relaxed walkabout awaits. This includes a wander around the Galle Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that brims with fascinating architecture and history. Take in the Dutch-influenced housing and shimmering sea beyond, before we head onward to our beach retreat in Kosgoda. It’s a hard life.

*From 5th September onwards, this trip will include an overnight stay in Galle, offering more time to explore this beautiful place. We will depart for the beach and continue as normal the following morning.

Life’s a beach in Kosgoda

Sun, sea and sand are the order of the day today. Simply kick back on the golden beach overlooking the Indian Ocean and wallow in a day of barefoot luxury on Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Take a dip in the clear-green pool, just moments away from the sea, or book in for an aromatherapy treatment at the hotel’s Balinese Ayu spa. Grab a book and a beer before moseying your way through the warm, shallow surf. This is a great chance to fully unwind after a full-on trip, and you’ll soon be back in reality – so, make the most of your last few days of the sweet life (plus, those poolside Insta snaps will make your colleagues that bit more jealous…) A dusk stroll along the beach, with its wide skies and gently swaying palm trees, is not to be missed.

Become a turtle hero

Make the most of your shore-side surroundings this morning with a lazy breakfast and some beachside chillin’, before a late afternoon visit to rescue baby turtles. Yes, really. We’re visiting a sea turtle conservation project in Kosgoda where you’ll learn all about the plight of these lovely marine reptiles. Marvel at these incredible creatures and learn about their battle for survival against widespread marine pollution and the destruction of nesting areas. You may even get an opportunity to help release tiny baby turtles into the sea, an unforgettable experience as you watch them face the open ocean on their own. After wishing them well on their journey, enjoy a delicious beach barbeque by a fire next to the Indian Ocean. Savour the very best of home-cooked Sri Lankan fare, as you salute the sunset with your Flashpacker pals. The evening is long and the horizon’s wide. It’s your last night in Sri Lanka – go wild!

So long, Sri Lanka

It’s time to say goodbye to glorious Sri Lanka and reluctantly take a taxi back to Negombo where this adventure all started. The airport is on the way so if you would prefer to be dropped off there, let your driver know. Fly back safe in the knowledge that you’ve had one seriously awesome adventure. You’ve cycled through temples, hiked misty hillsides and savoured dizzying views on one of the world’s most incredible train rides. You’ve forayed through the home of the largest population of leopards, helped to save baby turtles and passed plenty of wild elephants en-route. And you’ve learnt to make tea: a Sri Lankan rite of passage. Fancy one more slice of paradise? If you have an evening flight, we suggest getting dropped off at the Jetwing Lagoon Resort, where you can purchase a day pass for a last few rays of sunshine. Reality can wait.