Day 1

Met on arrival in Colombo

Transfer to your Negombo hotel

Overnight <Hotel1>

Day 2

Drive to the Cultural Triangle

Afternoon jeep safari in Minneriya National Park

Overnight <Hotel2>

Day 3

Morning excursion to a rural village

Overnight <Hotel2>

Day 4

Morning visit to Sigiriya

Afternoon visit to Polonnaruwa

Overnight <Hotel2>

Day 5

Drive to Kandy

Evening sightseeing

Overnight <Hotel3>

Day 6

Morning visit to Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

Drive to Nuwara Eliya via a tea plantation

Overnight <Hotel4>

Day 7

Morning trek in Horton Plains National Park

Overnight <Hotel4>

Day 8

Drive to Yala National Park

Overnight <Hotel5>

Day 9

Morning jeep safari in Bundala National Park

Afternoon jeep safari in Yala National Park

Overnight <Hotel5>

Day 10

Morning jeep safari in Yala National Park

Drive to Uda Walawe National Park for afternoon jeep safari

Overnight <Hotel6>

Day 11

Morning visit to the Elephant Transit Home

Drive to Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Overnight <Hotel7>

Day 12

Morning bird watching walk

Later drive to Galle

Overnight <Hotel8>

Day 13

Morning walking tour of Galle Fort

Drive towards Bentota via Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

Overnight <Hotel9>

Day 14

At leisure

Overnight <Hotel9>

Day 15

Transfer to Colombo airport for your onward flight

Day 1

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival al at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport you will be met by your guide for a private transfer to your hotel in Negombo (15km / approx. 30 mins). Please note standard check-in time is 14:00.

Once a trading port for the Dutch and British, Negombo has developed into a bustling modern town with a handful of reminders of its colonial past. Situated close to the international airport, it makes a convenient rest stop before heading inland to explore or before an onward flight. The wide golden sand beach is dotted with fishing boats and the inland resort road offers a selection of restaurants and bars.

Overnight <Hotel1> (<RoomType1>)

Today’s meal inclusions - None

Day 2

This morning you will leave your hotel after breakfast and drive to the ‘Cultural Triangle’ (175 km / approx. 5.5 - 6 hrs).  Please note that this approximate journey time takes into consideration road works currently affecting the main route between Colombo and the Cultural Triangle. Your driver/guide will be updated on the current conditions and will take the best route for your route and day of travel.

Commonly referred to as the ‘Cultural Triangle’, the central plains area boasts ruined temples and ancient cities combined with national parks and glistening reservoirs. UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the striking rock fortress of Sigiriya, Dambulla’s Royal Rock Temple and crumbling archaeological treasures of Polonnaruwa. The stunning setting and historic interest means a stay in this region is sure to be a highlight of any trip to Sri Lanka.

Drive to Minneriya National Park for a 2-3 hour jeep safari (20km / approx. 45 mins). Dominated by the ancient Minneriya Tank, which was built in 3rd Century AD by King Mahasena, the plains and forests of this park are home to herds of elephants who come to graze and to bathe in the tank’s waters. Flocks of cormorants and stocks, toque macaque and sambar deer may also be spotted. Depending on the movement of the elephants you may visit the nearby Kaudulla National Park or Eco Park instead.

Overnight <Hotel2> (<RoomType2>)

Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast

Day 3

This morning you will head into the countryside to experience a traditional Sri Lankan village.

Walk through the peaceful village where your guide will talk to you about the daily lives of the local people. Continue along a scenic trail past crop fields and an ancient reservoir where you can spot many birds, butterflies and perhaps other wildlife. Stop to enjoy a refreshing king coconut and meet one of the local villagers who will take you for a short ride in his bullock cart.

At the end of the morning you will enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch before returning to your hotel to spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight <Hotel2> (<RoomType2>)

Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4

Set off this morning for Sigiriya, also known as the ‘Lion Rock’ (25km / approx. 45 mins).

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. A spectacular pillar of rock visible from miles around, geologically Sigiriya is a hardened magma plug of an extinct volcano. Historically, the origins of the remains are disputed and thought to have been either a royal fortress built under the reign of King Kashyapa (477 - 495 AD) or a Buddhist monastery.

You might like to start your visit with a visit to the Sigiriya Museum to learn more about the site, before wandering through the vast landscaped gardens to the base of the rock. The walk to the top is steep with many steps and there are some sections where the path or staircase is very narrow with steep drops protected by fences. We do not recommend this for those without a head for heights or the less mobile. The hike up and down again will take 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on your fitness.

You will pass beautiful frescoes and a sheer ‘mirror wall’ before arriving at the massive stone lion’s paws, which lend the rock its nickname ‘Lion Rock’. The old stairway to the top led through the mouth of a crouching lion but today only the huge paws remain giving an indication of the massive proportions of the head. The summit, covering an area of 1.6 hectares, was originally completely covered by buildings, but only remains of the royal citadel can be seen today.

The second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 AD to reunite the country once more under a local leader. Over the following three centuries Polonnaruwa became a thriving commercial and religious centre, reaching its zenith under King Parakramabahu I in the 12th Century. He created beautiful parks, huge buildings and an enormous tank (reservoir) which acted both as a defensive border against intruders and as an important water source.

Today the archaeological park contains many well-preserved ruins within a compact area. Start with a visit to the Polonnaruwa Museum where you can learn about the site in more detail, before heading out to Gal Viharaya, a Buddhist shrine where four statues of Lord Buddha are carved out of the rock. Other stops include Nissanka Latha Mandapaya which boasts well-preserved stone columns, the impressive Lankathilaka Temple and the ruined stone walls of the Royal Palace.

Overnight <Hotel2> (<RoomType2>)

Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast

Day 5

After breakfast drive south to the hill country capital of Kandy (105km / approx. 3 - 3.5 hrs).

Sri Lanka’s second largest city, Kandy was the capital of the last Sinhalese Kingdom and enjoys a scenic setting around a lake surrounded by green hills. Home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, said to house Buddha’s tooth, each August the city also hosts the spectacular Perahera festival featuring dancers, firebreathers and lavishly decorated elephants.

Late afternoon you will head to a local hall to watch a show of traditional Sri Lankan music, dance and drumming. Afterwards you’ll visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, known locally as Sri Dalada Maligawa, the most sacred temple in the whole of Sri Lanka. This important shrine boasts intricate carvings and beautiful Sri Lankan art. During the evening ‘puja’ throngs of pilgrims visit the temple to line up to glimpse the golden casket said to hold the sacred relic and to make offerings of flowers.

Overnight <Hotel3> (<RoomType3>)

Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast

Day 6

After breakfast head to the beautiful Peredeniya Botanic Gardens (10km / approx. 25 mins) to enjoy a leisurely stroll among the orchids and royal palms.

Surrounded on three sides by the Mahaweli river, these botanical gardens were founded in 1824 and are still home to one of world’s largest collections of plants and trees. Giant ficus trees, palms, an orchid house and a vast array of trees such as ebony, teak, satinwood, mahogany and tamarind can be seen here.

Next you will head south to Nuwara Eliya (92km /approx. 3 hrs). En route you will stop at a tea factory and tea plantation where you will have the opportunity to learn more about the tea making process and the different grades of tea.

Located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country at an elevation of 1900m, Nuwara Eliya was a favoured retreat of the British in the19th Century thanks to its cool climate. With an abundance of red and green roofed plantation bungalows, English country style homes, a fine 18 hole golf course and a racecourse, the town still has a decidedly British feel. The surrounding mountain slopes and valleys are carpeted with lush green tea plantations, interspersed with gushing streams and tumbling waterfalls.

Overnight <Hotel4> (<RoomType4>)

Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast

Day 7

Early this morning at approx. 05.30 – 06:00, you will depart from your hotel for the drive to Horton Plains National Park (55km /approx. 1.5 hrs). It’s best to depart as early as possible as the mists build up as the day continues, obscuring the view from World’s End. We suggest you ask your hotel the night before if they can prepare a packed breakfast for your journey.

Horton Plains National Park sits on Sri Lanka's highest plateau at over 2100m above sea level in the central mountains and offers an astounding variety of scenery – from misty mountains to grasslands, from marshes to ice cold streams, lakes and waterfalls. The park is home to colourful butterflies, many species of birds and other wildlife including sambar deer, bear monkeys, barking deer, giant squirrels, fishing cats and wild boar.

On your 2-3 hour hike (approx. 9km) you will stop at the beautiful ‘Bridal Veil’ Baker’s Falls and stop at the World’s End escarpment, where the plateau plunges almost 1000m in a sheer drop. If the weather is clear this spot affords spectacular views.  This is a relatively easy hike but over uneven terrain with some steep sections. You should wear sensible footwear and take drinking water.

Drive back to your hotel around lunchtime and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight <Hotel4> (<RoomType4>)

Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast

Day 8

Set off on the drive to Yala (190km / approx. 5 hrs) and check into your hotel near the national park.

Overnight <Hotel5> (<RoomType5>)

Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast

Day 9

Leave after an early breakfast for a 2 hour jeep safari of Bundala National Park (40km / approx. 1 hr each way).

Bundala National Park stretches for 20km along the south coast, protecting an important area of coastal wetland renowned for its abundant birdlife. Much less visited than nearby Yala National Park, its five shallow lagoons, mud flats and scrub jungle, are home to every species of resident water bird, such as painted storks, egrets and spoonbills, as well as huge flocks of flamingos. Elephants, deer and crocodiles can also be spotted.

Return to your hotel and unwind before an afternoon game drive around Yala National Park.

Yala National Park is one of the largest national parks in the country with a varied terrain of dry woodland and grassy plains which supports an abundance of wildlife.  It is home to a large number of elephants, spotted deer, sambar deer, wild buffalo, jackals, mongoose and crocodiles. The park boasts one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, but they are elusive creatures so any sighting is sure to be a highlight. Yala National Park is also home to ancient ruins and this mixture of natural beauty, wildlife and ancient culture make this park a national treasure.

Overnight <Hotel5> (<RoomType5>)

Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast

Day 10

Enjoy an early morning game drive around Yala National Park. You will be picked up early and proceed in your jeep to the park entrance to collect tickets prior to the park opening. In busy periods this process may take up to 45 minutes.

Afterwards you will drive on to Uda Walawe National Park for an afternoon jeep safari (95km / approx. 2.5 hrs).

Uda Walawe National Park is renowned as one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see elephants. Centred on a large reservoir the light vegetation makes game watching easy and most visitors will be graced with numerous sightings of herds of these gentle giants as they roam the grassland and scrub landscapes. The park also hosts many other species such as water buffalo, sambar deer, monkeys and the occasional leopard. It is also a wonderful place to enjoy birding.

Overnight <Hotel6> (<RoomType6>)

Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast

Day 11

Start the morning at the Elephant Transit Home, a small facility on the border of the national park which cares for orphan elephants until they are ready to be released into the wild. You’ll watch from behind a barrier as the elephants follow the keeper into the compound and eagerly await their turn to receive their milk.

Afterwards continue to your eco-lodge in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve (80km / approx. 3 hrs).

Sinharaja Forest Reserve contains Sri Lanka’s last remaining tract of primary tropical rainforest and is recognised by UNESCO for its biological importance. More than 60% of the trees are endemic and it is home to over 50% of Sri Lanka's endemic species of mammals and butterflies, as well as many kinds of birds, reptiles and amphibians. A number of rare and threatened species occur within the reserve including the purple-faced leaf monkey, green-billed Coucal and the Sri Lankan Blue Magpie.

Overnight <Hotel7> (<RoomType7>)

Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast & Dinner

Day 12

Rise early this morning for a guided 2 hour walk along a lane bordering the rainforest to spot birds, departing at 06:00. It’s an easy 4km walk along an established undulating trail where you can look out for birdlife such as the Sri Lankan Blue Magpie or the Grey Headed Canary Flycatcher.

Return to the lodge to freshen up before continuing your journey south to Galle (105km / approx. 2.5 hrs).

Set on a promontory on the southwest tip of Sri Lanka, Galle Fort offers the best preserved example in Asia of a European built fortified city. It was built by the Dutch in the 17th Century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the narrow streets of this immensely charming town you will find decaying colonial buildings, grand fort walls and numerous boutiques and cafés.

Overnight <Hotel8> (<RoomType8>)

Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast

Day 13

Enjoy a morning walking tour of Galle Fort. Wander along the ramparts, pass the lighthouse and the old Portuguese harbour and stop to see some of the many colonial era buildings, including the Dutch Reformed Church, the Anglican All Saints Church and the former house of the Dutch governor, built in 1684 and now the luxurious Amangalla hotel.

Drive along the coast to Bentota (55km / approx. 1.5 hrs), visiting a turtle hatchery near Kosgoda en route.

Sri Lanka is home to five endangered species of turtle: leathery, olive ridley, loggerhead, hawksbill and the green turtle. To aid conservation, hatcheries have sprung up along the west coast. Fishermen are paid to collect the eggs (mostly Nov - Apr) and hand them over to the hatchery staff who then bury the eggs protected areas before releasing the hatchlings into the waters.

Afterwards, you will drive to your beach hotel.

Overnight <Hotel9> (<RoomType9>)

Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast

Day 14

At leisure.

Overnight <Hotel9> (<RoomType9>)

Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast

Day 15

Drive north to Colombo airport (105km / approx. 2 – 2.5 hrs) for your onward flight.

Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast