Ayubowan, and welcome to spectacular Sri Lanka!
Your adventure begins upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), where you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your Negombo hotel.
Spend the day at your leisure. Mingle with the locals at Negombo Fish Market, discover colonial history at the Dutch Fort or take a sunset stroll along the beach.
Take to the road after breakfast and head to the myserious jungle surrounds of Sigiriya. In the very heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, this lush area is your ticket to the island's natural splendour. Make your way to your hotel for check-in and settle in with time at leisure.
Come evening drive out to Minneriya National Park, where you’ll enjoy a thrilling evening jeep safari. Dominated by the ancient Minneriya Wewa – a basin built in the 3rd century by King Mahasena – the park is home to herds of grazing elephants, flocks of cormorants and storks, elusive leopards, crocodiles and the occasional sambar deer.
Wake to a hearty breakfast before an early trip to Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The awe-inspiring palace ruins are set high atop a granite rock formation, offering sweeping jungle views, astoundingly well-preserved ancient architecture and impressive water gardens.
In the afternoon, transfer to the ruins of Polonnaruwa, once the thriving capital of Sri Lanka. This garden city is home to the ancient Polonnaruwa Vatadage – an utterly unique structure built to shelter the stupa within – and the incredible Parakrama Samudraya reservoir, built during the reign of King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. Once you’ve explored the vast array of ruins and statues, retire to your hotel to spend an evening at leisure.
Prepare for another day of adventure as you set out to visit the spice gardens of Matale. Meet the local spice farmers and breathe in aromatic air, filled with the scent of fresh cinnamon, deep cardamom and nutmeg, warm pepper and mace – the famous flavours of Sri Lanka.
Continue on your way to Kandy – an ancient seat of royal power, now known for a plethora of must-see cultural sites. In the evening, you’ll visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in time for a puja ceremony, where you’ll make an offering of flowers and listen to the meditative chanting of Buddhist devotees. This beautiful UNESCO World Heritage-listed temple is where the tooth relic of Buddha is enshrined, making it one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka.
Later, reflect on your experience and retire to your hotel, nestled in the nearby hills.
Discover the historic city of Kandy on a guided tour today, culminating in a visit to Kandy View Point. Take in spectacular views over the city and the artificially constructed Kandy Lake at its centre. Opt to walk around the lake or join a memorable boat ride across its calm waters, then spend the rest of your day at leisure in this tranquil haven.
Venture into the central hills of Sri Lanka’s tea country on a scenic train journey (subject to availability) or small-vehicle transfer. Marvel at the rolling green hills of tea leaves and watch workers plucking tea in the verdant fields.
Arrive at your hotel in Nuwara Eliya – an English hill station set in the shadow of Sri Lanka’s tallest mountain, Pidurutalagala. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
This morning, embark on a guided city tour, passing first by the sprawling Nuwara Eliya Golf Club – one of the oldest in Asia. Continuing to town, your guide will draw your attention to the most important structures and stories, from the historic red-brick Nuwara Eliya Post Office to colonial British buildings from Saint Xavier’s Church to the majestic Grand Hotel with its manicured lawns.
Meander through picturesque Victoria Park, then visit Sri Lanka’s only horse racing course. Follow your guide to peaceful man-made Gregory Lake, designed to produce electricity for the region. Now, the reservoir is popular for its many leisure activities. Join in the fun, whether you set off paddling in a swan boat or simply admire the view from the shoreline.
Later, dive into a special tea experience. Visit the local tea fields and factory, and get acquainted with the art of tea-plucking as you try your hand with the guidance of skilled locals. Discover Sri Lanka’s primary export and the different varietals grown in the region, then learn about the process, from planting all the way to tasting.
The rest of your day is spent freely appreciating Nuwara Eliya’s undeniable charm.
Leaving behind the lush tea country of Sri Lanka’s central hills, you’ll be transferred today to Colombo. A famed seaport with a wealth of history to its name, Colombo’s story plays out in its architecture, combining ancient tradition with varied colonial influences and modern skyscrapers – a delightfully cosmopolitan backdrop to the capital’s vibrant culture.
Check in at your accommodation this afternoon, then spend an evening experiencing Colombo however you prefer, whether you decide to delve into the thriving street life or simply relax and unwind at your hotel.
After one final breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the Jewel of the Indian Ocean. Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), where your Sri Lankan jounrey concludes.