Unbeatable Sri Lanka

Today, depart for Bandaranaike International Airport, Negombo, Sri Lanka.

Upon arrival, you’ll be met by one of our friendly Sri Lankan representatives and escorted to your hotel. After a short transfer, you will reach Colombo, the vibrant capital of Sri Lanka, where modern skyscrapers meet grand colonial architecture nestled with bustling street markets. Check into the hotel and take some time to settle in and ease away any travel weariness. Tomorrow, your tour of the Jewel of Ceylon begins!

Overnight: Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo or similar

Meals included: In-Flight

Enjoy your breakfast in the hotel before departing the capital city. Your next stop is Sigiriya, where you’ll trade the urban pulse for the emerald landscapes and ancient mysteries of the Sri Lankan Cultural Triangle. In the afternoon, embark on an adventure to the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Built in the 5th century, this UNESCO world heritage site features symmetrical royal gardens and advanced hydraulic systems. For those who wish to enrich their experience, a short virtual reality experience can be purchased as an optional extra before you climb the fortress.

As you ascend, pause to admire the ethereal Sigiriya frescoes and the historic Mirror Wall. At the summit, the remains of the royal palace await, offering breathtaking 360° views that connect you to the spiritual grandeur of ancient Lanka. Following the Rock Fortress, return to the hotel. Nestled in the lush greenery, this sanctuary is the perfect place to unwind and relax your legs from today's climb.

Optional Activity: Virtual reality Tour of Ancient Sigiriya
Upon arrival into Sigiriya, take part in a short VR experience showcasing Sigiriya as it was centuries ago. This cinematic reconstruction brings King Kashyapa’s 1,500-year-old kingdom to life, offering a vivid look at the restored art and architecture of Sigiriya as a prelude to your climb. Please see current pricing in Important Information

Overnight: Sigiriyana by Thilanka, Sigiriya or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Following a leisurely breakfast this morning, proceed to Udawalayagama for an authentic village trek. Step into the heart of rural Sri Lanka with a guided village experience in Udawalayagama, offering a warm and authentic glimpse into traditional life that has remained unchanged for generations. The experience begins with a leisurely catamaran ride across a village reservoir, gliding past lotus blooms and water birds, before continuing on a hand tractor ride through winding village paths and paddy fields. A guided walk through the rice fields follows, where you will learn about age-old rice cultivation methods that continue to sustain village communities.

Visit a traditional rice mill to understand how paddy is processed, followed by a hands-on opportunity to pound rice using the classic mortar and pestle, just as it has been done for centuries. Engage with villagers during a village style cooking lesson, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and traditional clay pots, culminating in a simple yet flavourful Sri Lankan meal. The experience also includes a visit to a local Buddhist temple, where you will observe how food is respectfully prepared and offered to monks, providing insight into the spiritual rhythms of village life. You will also witness the traditional curd making process, learning how fresh buffalo milk is transformed into one of Sri Lanka’s most loved village delicacies. After your village trek, return to the hotel. This afternoon, choose to take part in a thrilling optional Jeep safari through Minneriya National Park.

Please note: Depending on wildlife movements, the guides may make use of Minneriya, Kaudualla National Park or Hurulu Eco Park.

Optional Activity: Afternoon Jeep Safari through Minneriya National Park
Experience an afternoon safari at Minneriya National Park. If you're up for a serious rumble in the jungle, then Minneriya is the place to go! Spread over 8800 hectares, it's a sanctuary for elephants and home to herds of deer and ample birdlife, but its spotlight remains between swaying trunks and flapping ears. Park your jeep on the bank of the reservoir and switch off its engine. Have the opportunity to see herds of elephants - one by one - roll onto the grass-covered banks to feed on tender shoots. In fact, this is considered one of, if not the largest elephant gathering in the world (over 300 at a time) – it's an absolute must-do for wildlife enthusiasts. Please see current pricing in Important Information

Overnight: Sigiriyana by Thilanka, Sigiriya or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Following breakfast at the hotel, check out and begin your journey to the misty central highlands of Sri Lanka. Your first stop on the route to Kandy is at Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, a spiritual icon treasured by Sri Lankan Kings since the 1st century BC. Step into a world of ancient devotion with five magnificently constructed caves. Here, exquisite murals and 150 statues of Lord Buddha are sheltered by the living rock. As you enter, marvel at the gigantic golden Buddha standing as a glittering landmark and greeting to the cave system.

Following the visit to the Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, continue on your journey to the hill city of Kandy, the last royal capital city of the Sri Lankan kings. Here, undertake a city tour of the ancient capital, Strolling through the colours of the bazaar and witnessing the daily life of a Kandyan. In the evening, celebrate the rhythmic beat of traditional drumming with a cultural show that showcases the vibrant spirit of the island. After the show, head to the hotel and settle in for the rest of the night.

Overnight: Earls Regent, Kandy or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will travel further into the heart of hill country. Firstly, enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and get ready to depart for Ella. The first leg of today’s journey is by road and takes you to Nanu Oya. The air grows crispier, and the landscapes transform into endless carpets of emerald tea plantations. Along this journey, pause to admire the Ramboda Falls cascading through the lush forest. You will also stop at a tea factory and learn about and witness the delicate art of making tea. Following that, head to the train station to board the next leg of the journey.

Upon reaching the Nanu Oya train station, prepare to board the train to Ella. This journey is widely considered one of the most beautiful rail routes in the world, offering an unparalleled view and a penetrating glimpse into both the scenic beauty and the rich culture of the highlands. As the train winds through rolling tea estates, ancient tunnels, and misty mountain peaks, you can simply sit back and soak in the rhythmic charm of the tracks. Your main luggage will be safely transported by your tour vehicle, ensuring a seamless transition.

Please note: Train tickets are strictly subject to availability and in the rare case that tickets are not available, the same route will be done by road.

Upon arrival at the station, hop back into your vehicle and the tour will visit the famous Nine Arch Bridge which is a very short drive away. After your visit to the bridge, you will head to the hotel and check in.

Overnight: MOI Ella, Ella or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After a hearty breakfast, you bid a gentle farewell to the misty highlands and begin your descent toward the sun drenched shores of the Deep South. The air grows warmer and salt kissed as the emerald hills give way to the sapphire expanse of the Indian Ocean. Upon arrival in Dickwella, check-in to your seaside resort. This afternoon is kept free for your own leisure. Feel free to unwind by the pool, take a stroll along the coast, or take a dip in the ocean. The choice is yours!

Overnight: Dickwella Resort & Spa, Dickwella or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today after breakfast you will begin your journey toward the golden shores of Bentota. Bentota is known for its long, golden sand beaches, clear waters for swimming and the Bentota River lagoon. En route to the seaside resort town, stop to explore Galle on a guided city tour. Galle is the epic southern capital of the country, where Dutch architecture meets a beautiful tropical and coastal setting. During the city tour, wander the historic streets and observe how European influence meets South Asian traditions. You will get to wander and discover the Galle Fort, preserved for more than three centuries. Upon completion of the tour, continue to the final leg of the journey and drive to Bentota to check into the hotel.

Later this afternoon, a visit to a local sea turtle sanctuary has been arranged. International volunteers work tirelessly to protect and preserve these majestic travelers of the deep. You will learn about the conservation efforts involved in this noble cause. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. If you still wish for some adventure, feel free to take an optional boat safari along Lake Madampe.

Optional Activity: Lake Madampe Boat Safari
Discover the beauty of Lake Madampe aboard a leisurely boating excursion. You will sail through lush mangroves and swaying palms, keeping an eye out for wildlife such as kingfishers and water monitors. The guides here are especially knowledgeable about the local ecology and will be sure to share their knowledge. Please see current pricing in Important Information

Overnight: EKHO Surf Bentota, Bentota or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today marks your final day in the Jewel of Ceylon. And it’s time to bid farewell to Sri Lanka. At the appropriate time, your chauffeur guide will transfer you to the airport for your return flight home.

Meals included: In-Flight

Meals included: None