Island Wonders

On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, you will be warmly welcomed by your driver and transferred to your accommodation.

MEALS: In-flight

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Colombo, Sri Lanka's vibrant commercial capital. Situated along the western coast, the city offers a fascinating combination of modern urban life, colonial heritage and diverse cultural influences.

During your panoramic city tour, discover the contrasting Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial architecture alongside Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Indian and contemporary influences.

Explore some of Colombo's most notable landmarks, including Galle Face Green, Viharamahadevi Park, the Twin World Trade Centre Towers, Old Parliament Building, Fort District and Independence Hall at Independence Square.

You will also have the opportunity to experience Colombo's popular shopping scene, with a variety of malls and department stores offering a wide range of products.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

After breakfast, leave Colombo behind and travel towards Dambulla, your base for the next two nights.

For those interested in wildlife, there is an opportunity to visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage at an additional cost. Observe elephants as they move around the sanctuary, feed and bathe in the river.

Continue to Dambulla and visit the remarkable Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple complex consists of five caves decorated with approximately 150 Buddha statues, paintings and murals, with some artwork dating back more than 2,000 years.

Your guide will introduce you to the cultural, historical and religious importance of this extraordinary site.

After checking in, spend some time relaxing at your accommodation. Later, enjoy dinner before heading out to explore Dambulla's bustling wholesale market. Watch as trucks arrive with large quantities of fresh agricultural produce destined for markets around Sri Lanka.

APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 5 hours

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

Following breakfast, set off for Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka's most historically important destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As the country's first ancient capital, Anuradhapura is filled with magnificent monuments, sacred sites and fascinating archaeological remains.

With your guide, explore the impressive Ruwanweliseya and Jetawanaramaya stupas, which provide a glimpse into the remarkable achievements of Sri Lanka's ancient civilisation.

Continue through the ancient ruins and temples while learning about the history and development of this once-great kingdom.

Visit the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree Temple, home to the sacred Bodhi tree believed to have been planted in 236 BCE. The tree is traditionally regarded as the oldest human-planted tree in the world.

Complete your visit with a stop at Isurumuniya Temple, famous for its beautiful ancient stone carvings.

Return to Dambulla in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxed evening at your leisure.

APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 4 hours

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Village Tour

Minneriya Elephant Safari

Today, discover one of Sri Lanka's most iconic attractions with a visit to Sigiriya, the legendary Lion Rock.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a remarkable example of ancient engineering, architecture and artistic achievement. Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding the rock before reaching the famous Lion's Paw entrance.

As you make your way upwards, discover the historic Mirror Wall and ancient inscriptions left by visitors from centuries past.

The complete Sigiriya experience takes approximately 3.5 hours. The final 30-minute section from the Lion's Paw to the summit includes steep and narrow steps and pathways.

Guests who do not wish to climb to the summit may remain at the Lion's Paw while the rest of the group continues. Please note that access to the water gardens, boulder gardens, frescoes and Mirror Wall involves climbing.

After visiting Sigiriya, continue towards Kandy. Along the way, stop at a spice garden in Matale and discover the herbs and spices that play an important role in Sri Lankan culture and cuisine.

On arrival in Kandy, enjoy a free evening. Take a leisurely stroll around Kandy Lake or explore the city at your own pace.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

Surrounded by green hills and centred around a beautiful lake, Kandy is one of Sri Lanka's most enchanting cities.

Once the royal capital of the country's last kingdom, Kandy has retained much of its historic and cultural character.

Begin the day's sightseeing with a visit to the renowned Dalada Maligawa, or Temple of the Tooth, home to Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist relic. The temple has attracted pilgrims for centuries and remains one of the country's most important religious sites.

Continue to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya, one of Asia's finest botanical gardens. Explore its extensive grounds, impressive fig tree, beautiful orchids and peaceful surroundings.

Later, experience the vibrant traditions of Sri Lanka through an evening cultural performance, featuring traditional music and dance.

TEMPLE VISIT NOTE: Hats and shoes must be removed when entering temples. Guests are advised to use designated shoe-storage facilities or keep their footwear safely in their bags.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY

Cooking Class in a Local Home

Today, leave Kandy and travel into Sri Lanka's spectacular tea-growing highlands.

Enjoy a memorable scenic railway experience between Kandy and Nanu Oya, travelling through lush mountains, forests and tea country.

After arriving at Nanu Oya, continue by vehicle to Nuwara Eliya, situated approximately 1,800 metres above sea level. Known for its cool climate, beautiful landscapes and colonial character, the town offers a striking contrast to Sri Lanka's tropical lowlands.

The area was particularly popular with British and Scottish settlers during the colonial period, and traces of this heritage can still be seen in the town's gardens, architecture and country houses.

Later, visit Single Tree Temple and enjoy a short hike of approximately 40 minutes, taking in panoramic views across the surrounding hills and tea plantations.

TRAIN NOTE: Train tickets are in very high demand, particularly during peak travel periods such as December–April and August. Every effort will be made to secure tickets. If tickets are unavailable, the journey will be completed by private vehicle.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

Begin your morning with a visit to a tea estate in Nuwara Eliya. Discover how freshly picked tea leaves are processed into the world-famous Ceylon black tea.

Learn about the tea-making tradition before enjoying a tasting of freshly prepared Sri Lankan tea.

Continue towards Ella, one of Sri Lanka's most scenic mountain destinations. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and breathtaking landscapes, Ella is surrounded by dramatic green hills and tea plantations.

Visit the spectacular Nine Arches Bridge, a famous colonial-era railway structure measuring approximately 91 metres in length and standing around 24 metres high.

This picturesque location provides excellent photography opportunities. Depending on conditions and preference, your guide will recommend the most suitable route to the bridge. The railway-track walk from Ella station is the easiest option, while viewpoints around the bridge may require a moderate hike.

After exploring Ella, continue towards Kataragama, located close to Yala National Park. Check in and enjoy a relaxing evening.

APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 4.5 hours

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

Rise early for an exciting 4x4 jeep safari through Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka's most renowned wildlife destinations.

Travel through a diverse landscape of open grasslands, forests and peaceful lagoons while your experienced safari guide searches for wildlife.

Keep watch for elephants, crocodiles, monkeys and buffaloes, with the possibility of encountering the park's most famous resident — the elusive Sri Lankan leopard.

During the day, experience a taste of Sri Lankan cuisine with buffalo curd, traditionally served in clay pots with sweet treacle.

After the safari, continue towards the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally established by the Portuguese in 1588 and later strengthened by the Dutch, the fort is filled with fascinating architecture and centuries of history.

Walk along the impressive Galle Ramparts and visit the iconic Galle Lighthouse, which offers beautiful views towards the harbour and coastline.

Continue to Hikkaduwa, where you will spend the night.

APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 4.5 hours

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace in the beautiful coastal town of Hikkaduwa.

Relax on the sandy beach, swim in the warm tropical waters or simply unwind and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Sri Lanka's southern coastline.

You are free to explore the surrounding area independently or spend the day relaxing by the beach.

NOTE: The tour vehicle will not be available for personal use today.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

Enjoy your final breakfast in Sri Lanka before beginning your transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight.

The journey to the airport takes approximately 2.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Take this final opportunity to reflect on your unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka, from ancient cities and sacred temples to misty tea plantations, wildlife encounters and tropical beaches.

NOTE: Depending on the airline schedule, your departure flight may operate during the early hours of Day 12.

MEALS: Breakfast, In-flight

OVERNIGHT: In-flight

After breakfast, transfer to the international airport for your departure flight. The drive to the airport takes approximately 2.5 hours. We hope you’ve had a wonderful time exploring Sri Lanka!

MEALS: Breakfast