The Wild Heart of Ceylon

DAY 1: Arrival in Negombo

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport, you will be greeted by our friendly tour representative and transferred to your accommodation in the coastal town of Negombo. Settle in, relax and enjoy your first evening in Sri Lanka at your leisure.

MEALS: Nil

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

Start your morning with a fascinating visit to the lively Negombo Fish Market. Early morning is the ideal time to experience this colourful local marketplace, where fishermen and vendors display the day’s fresh catch, including crab, lobster and squid.

Continue your journey towards Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest national park and one of the country’s most rewarding wildlife destinations. The park is renowned for its natural rainwater lakes, known as Willus, and is particularly famous for leopard sightings.

During your safari, keep an eye out for elephants, leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer and spotted deer, as well as an impressive variety of birds and reptiles. Following your wildlife adventure, continue onwards to the historic city of Anuradhapura.

APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 5.5 hours

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: Sightseeing around the ancient city of Anuradhapura

Enjoy a relaxed morning with time to explore Anuradhapura independently, or choose to join an optional sightseeing experience through this remarkable ancient capital.

Once the centre of a powerful kingdom for more than a thousand years, Anuradhapura was home to 113 successive kings and four queens. The ancient city features magnificent Buddhist monuments, enormous dagobas, royal ruins, landscaped gardens and remarkable sculptures. Its monumental stupas remain among the greatest architectural achievements of the ancient world.

Later, travel to Mihintale, a sacred mountain site closely associated with the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. According to tradition, Buddhist monk Mahinda met King Devanampiyatissa here, beginning a significant chapter in the island’s religious history.

After exploring this important pilgrimage site, continue to Dambulla or Habarana for your overnight stay.

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Anuradhapura – Sacred Bodhi Tree Temple

Anuradhapura – Ancient Kingdom World Heritage Site

Anuradhapura – Cycling Tour

Today brings together ancient history, authentic village life and an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Begin the day with an optional visit to Sigiriya Lion Rock, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The climb involves numerous steps and requires a reasonable level of fitness.

Once the royal fortress of King Kassapa, Sigiriya showcases the extraordinary creativity and engineering abilities of ancient Sri Lankan civilisation. Explore its landscaped gardens, historic frescoes, Mirror Wall and the famous stone lion paws before reaching the summit, approximately 370 metres above sea level. From the top, enjoy spectacular panoramic views across the surrounding countryside.

Later in the morning, experience rural Sri Lankan life during a Hiriwaduna village excursion. Travel by traditional bullock cart along rural paths, walk through the surrounding countryside and cross the lake in a traditional oruwa. You will also have the opportunity to meet a local farmer, learn about traditional agriculture and enjoy authentic village-style food prepared using fresh local ingredients, herbs and traditional cooking methods.

In the afternoon, head into Minneriya National Park for an exciting jeep safari. The park is particularly famous for its large elephant population and the spectacular Elephant Gathering, when hundreds of Asian elephants can congregate together.

Return to Dambulla after your wildlife adventure.

APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 2.5 hours

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: Sigiriya – Lion Rock

NOTE: The Sigiriya visit takes approximately 3.5 hours. The final 30-minute ascent from the Lion’s Paw to the summit involves steep and narrow steps and walkways. Guests who do not wish to reach the summit may wait at the Lion’s Paw until the group returns. Access to the water gardens, boulder gardens, frescoes and Mirror Wall also involves climbing.

After breakfast, travel towards the cultural capital of Kandy, stopping along the way at the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple.

The temple complex is built into a rock rising approximately 100 metres above the surrounding landscape. Stone steps lead towards the cave entrances, with beautiful views unfolding along the way. Inside, discover an impressive collection of Buddhist statues, paintings and religious artwork.

Continue through the lush countryside towards Matale, where you can visit a traditional spice garden and discover some of the herbs and spices that have played an important role in Sri Lankan cuisine and culture. You may also enjoy a traditional head massage and browse local spice products.

In the evening, there is an optional opportunity to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist sites. Located beside Kandy Lake, the temple houses the country’s most important Buddhist relic. During the daily puja ceremonies, devotees and visitors gather around the heavily protected shrine where the relic is kept within a series of ornate golden caskets.

NOTE: When visiting temples, hats and shoes must be removed. Avoid leaving footwear unattended outside, as monkeys may take them. Designated shoe-storage facilities are available for a small fee, or footwear can be carried in your bag.

APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 3.5 hours

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Kandy Cultural Show

Leave Kandy behind and journey into Sri Lanka’s beautiful central highlands, travelling towards the picturesque town of Nuwara Eliya, often known as “Little England” due to its colonial character and cool mountain climate.

Enjoy a short city tour before continuing to Nanu Oya railway station. From here, board the renowned scenic train to Ella and experience one of Sri Lanka’s most memorable journeys.

Relax as the train winds through emerald tea plantations, misty mountains, valleys and picturesque bridges. The approximately three-hour journey offers spectacular views of Sri Lanka’s hill country.

On arrival in Ella, check in and spend the remainder of the day relaxing at your own pace.

NOTE: Train tickets are subject to availability and are particularly difficult to secure during peak travel periods, including December–April and August. Every effort will be made to arrange the train journey. If tickets cannot be secured, the journey from Nanu Oya to Ella will be provided by private vehicle instead.

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

Spend the day discovering the spectacular scenery and highlights of Ella, one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque mountain destinations.

Visit Little Adam’s Peak, offering beautiful views across the surrounding hills and valleys. Continue to the famous Nine Arch Bridge, an impressive railway bridge surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and rolling tea-country landscapes.

Later, visit Ravana Falls, one of the island’s most recognisable waterfalls. The cascading waters and surrounding scenery make this a popular stop for visitors exploring the Ella region.

You will also experience the magnificent Ella Gap, where the mountains open dramatically towards the distant plains. The area is surrounded by scenic viewpoints, dramatic peaks and opportunities for rewarding walks.

Return to your accommodation and enjoy another relaxing evening in Ella.

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

After breakfast, leave the cool highlands behind and travel towards Sri Lanka’s beautiful western coastline.

Sit back and enjoy the changing scenery as the journey takes you from the mountains towards the tropical coast. Upon arrival in Kalutara, check in to your accommodation and spend the remainder of the day relaxing.

Enjoy the warm coastal atmosphere, unwind by the beach and prepare for two peaceful nights beside the Indian Ocean.

APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 4.5 hours

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

After an exciting journey through Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, wildlife parks, mountains and countryside, take the opportunity to simply relax on the coast. Spend your day on the beach, enjoy the tropical surroundings, sample fresh seafood or unwind with a refreshing cocktail.

This leisurely coastal day provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on the unforgettable experiences of your Sri Lankan adventure.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

Your Sri Lankan adventure comes to an end today.

After breakfast, check out and meet your driver for your transfer to Colombo International Airport. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy your final moments in Sri Lanka before beginning your journey home.

We hope you leave with wonderful memories of Sri Lanka’s wildlife, ancient heritage, misty mountains and tropical coastline. Alternatively, you may choose to extend your stay and spend a few more days enjoying the island’s beautiful beaches.

APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 3 hours

MEALS: Breakfast