A friendly 'Ayubowan!' from Sri Lanka, a beautiful island known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, and boasting rich biodiversity and stunning natural landscapes. After disembarking your international flight to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), you will be transferred to your hotel in cosmopolitan Colombo for a 3pm check-in. Once you've completed check-in, enjoy time at leisure relaxing in your room or set out to explore this inimitable city, known for its bustling street markets and eclectic cityscapes of colonial mansions and modern structures.
Embark early from charming Colombo on a journey up the coast towards Wilpattu (approximately 4+ hours away by road). In the heart of this lush landscape, the nearby vibrant Wilpattu National Park is the perfect place to connect with nature and spy wildlife by watering holes. Sitting amid over fifty wetlands and gravel roads, this wildlife sanctuary is known for its natural lakes and a thriving leopard population. After checking into your accommodation, spend the rest of your day kicking back and relaxing to the sight of thick jungle.
Fuel up for the day before embarking on a wildlife-spotting safari expedition as you navigate the natural lakes and dense forest of Wilpattu National Park. Accompanied by a guide, traverse the forest trails as you endeavour to spot diverse wildlife – meet a mongoose, watch for lurking leopards and crocodiles and discover grazing buffaloes and turtles.
With planned morning and afternoon safaris, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to connect with nature and experience thrilling animal encounters. At the end of the day, return to the resort for a well-earned dinner as you enjoy your luxurious accommodation at your leisure.
After a hearty breakfast, say farewell to the forest of Wilpattu as you make your way on a two-hour journey to Sigiriya. On the way, visit Anuradhapura temple complex, a World Heritage site renowned for sprawling Sinhalese ruins. A well-preserved historical treasure trove, thousands of ancient monuments and heritage relics await eager explorers. Experience this archeological wonder with your guide before meeting forest-dwelling Buddhist monks to hear their fascinating tales of simple living. A walking tour of the Ritigala jungle monastery will have you ascending endless stone stairs enveloped by creeping foliage as you witness ruins dated back thousands of years.
After a fascinating day of discovery, travel to and check-in at your hotel before enjoying a relaxing evening spent at your leisure.
Set off early for awe-inspiring Sigirya or Lion Rock, an ancient rock fortress built upon an imposing pillar of rock that is also a hardened magma plug of an extinct volcano. Meander through the manicured gardens towards the base of this UNESCO World Heritage site before hiking to the summit, passing fantastic frescoes along the way.
Energise with a satisfying breakfast before continuing to Polonnaruwa. After the fall of Anuradhapura, this site served as the capital and boasts many well-preserved ruins. Visit Polonnaruwa Museum to learn of this archeological site’s rich history before visiting the Buddhist shrine of Gal Viharaya, impressive Lankathilaka Temple and the ruins of the Royal Palace.
After breakfast, depart from Sigiriya on a three-hour journey towards Kandy. On the way, you’ll be stopping for a steep hike to explore the intricate Dambulla cave temples. Enjoy sweeping views over the surrounding forest before entering this Buddhist cave monastery. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that has served as a sacred pilgrimage site for centuries, this well-preserved wonder is filled with fantastic mural paintings and a score of statues.
In the late afternoon, arrive at a local hall for a captivating show of traditional Sri Lankan dance, music and drumming before checking in to your hotel to spend a night at your leisure.
Energise your body with a satisfying breakfast before embarking on a trip to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic or Sri Dalada Maligawa. A world heritage site located within the royal palace of the former kingdom of Kandy, this shrine is home to a sacred relic of the Buddha. Boasting intricate carvings and artwork, this important location draws pilgrims daily, eager to glimpse the golden casket said to house a sacred relic historically held by Sinhalese kings.
After visiting this beautiful and important shrine, depart for picturesque Nuwara Eliya for a city tour. Visit a tea factory and tea plantation, learn about the tea making process and the different grades of tea.
As all good things must come to an end, so too does this fascinating tour of Sri Lanka. Fuel up for the trip ahead before your guide delivers you on a five-hour journey from Nuwara Eliya to the airport to catch your departure flight home.