Day 1: Arrive Negombo
Touch down at Bandaranaike International Airport, located near the charming fishing village of Negombo. A bustling coastal city in Sri Lanka, Negombo charms visitors with its pristine sandy beaches, vibrant fish market and well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture. Be met on arrival and transfer to your accommodation.
Day 2: Negombo - Dambulla - Habarana
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast followed by a welcome briefing. Travel to Dambulla for some time at leisure, before visiting the World Heritage-listed Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple. A sacred pilgrimage site for over 2,000 years, the cave monastery is the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. Explore the sanctuaries of the temple that contain ornate statues and ancient murals depicting the life of Buddha. This evening, savour a taste of Sri Lankan cuisine at an exclusive Welcome Dinner.
Day 3: Habarana, Polonnaruwa, Habarana
Following breakfast, head to the World Heritage site of Polonnaruwa for a tour of its ancient city. Once a prosperous religious centre, it was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 AD. Explore the fascinating ruins and discover a world of archaeological treasures. Have your Insider Experience and dine on a traditional farmer's lunch before returning to the hotel. This afternoon, you may wish to embark on a safari to see the herds of elephants in Minneriya National Park (additional expense).
Insider Experience - Meet a local villager
A fascinating cultural experience awaits you today. Meet a local villager who will demonstrate the process of using traditional ingredients to make energy boosting herbal tonics.
Enhance Your Journey – Minneriya National Park Safari
Embark on a safari to discover Minneriya National Park, situated in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. Discover the park’s breathtaking scenery and spectacular array of wildlife. See the majestic Asian elephants for which the park is famous, as well as a variety of birds, butterflies, reptiles and amphibians. Built by an ancient civilisation, the Minneriya tank is an impressive human-made water reservoir and a highlight of the park.
Day 4: Habarana, Sigiriya, Matale, Kandy
Rise early for today's Insider Experience with an option to climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Before indulging in a delicious buffet lunch at the Matale Spice Garden, you'll be treated to a cooking demonstration, where chefs will prepare fresh roti bread, fragrant coconut rice plus a variety of freshly cooked Sri Lankan dishes like fiery curries using spices grown in the restaurant's garden. After lunch, depart for Kandy, where you'll have free time, before enjoying a buffet dinner of international cuisine at the hotel restaurant.
Insider Experience – Sigiriya Rock Fortress
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya is an enormous rock boulder rising 200 metres above the central plains. This spectacular geological formation consists of a fortress built by King Kashyapa in the fifth century and served as the royal citadel for more than 18 years. Enjoy a refreshing coconut drink while your knowledgeable local guide provides an in-depth briefing prior to the climb. Climbing the rock is optional and requires a good level of fitness. As you ascend, take a moment to admire the imposing lion paws, mirror wall, Sigiri graffiti, and frescoes. Arrive at the summit and soak in the incredible views of the verdant plains below and mountains beyond. Afterwards, return to your hotel for free time.
If you prefer to not participate in the climb, you can enjoy a stroll among the impressive former royal gardens at the base of the rock.
Day 5: Kandy
Today, you may like to choose to embark on an optional excursion (at an additional cost) or enjoy free time. This afternoon, take part in a walking tour of the city of Kandy with its iconic monuments, bustling marketplace, and vibrant shopping opportunities. Tonight, enjoy your Insider Experience.
Enhance Your Journey – Explore the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens
Enjoy a morning's exploration of the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, spread over 147 acres in the heart of Kandy and bordered by the Mahaweli River. Stroll through the gardens and admire a lush oasis showcasing a diverse collection of over 4,000 species of plants including giant bamboo, orchids and exotic trees.
Enhance Your Journey – Sri Lankan Cooking Demonstration
Join a cooking demonstration in Kandy, where the secrets of crafting a traditional Sri Lankan family meal will be unveiled by a local Kandyan family. The meal will be carefully prepared with authentic, local ingredients. Afterwards, savour an included lunch of traditional flavours.
Insider Experience – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Cultural Dance Performance
Overlooking tranquil Kandy Lake, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is the most prominent and revered Buddhist Temple in Kandy, and is where the sacred tooth of the lord Buddha is enshrined. Stroll among the immaculately maintained gardens and be awestruck by the intricate designs that adorn the interior of the temple's walls. Afterwards, enjoy a cultural dance performance in Kandy, offering a unique insight to the area's rich cultural heritage.
Day 6: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya
This morning, travel to the lush, green hills of Nuwara Eliya, stopping along the way at one of the many famous tea estates, the first of two Insider Experiences today. Later in the afternoon, embark on a guided tour of Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as 'Little England' because it was a favourite summer retreat for the British civil servants escaping the stifling heat of the coastal lowlands, when Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon during British occupation of Sri Lanka. During the tour of Nuwara Eliya, admire cascading waterfalls, vast tea terraces and vegetable fields, and charming colonial buildings.
Insider Experience – Tea Plantation Visit and Tasting
Enjoy a guided walk through the scenic terraced fields, where you’ll have the chance to try your hand at tea plucking alongside an experienced local tea plucker. Conclude your visit with a curated tea tasting, featuring a selection of the region’s finest Ceylon teas.
Insider Experience – High Tea at The Grand Hotel
Indulge in traditional high tea-style lunch at The Grand Hotel, a timeless property nestled amid lush surrounds. Indulge in culinary delights including fresh sandwiches, artisanal pastries accompanied by freshly brewed, local Ceylon tea.
Day 7: Nuwara Eliya - Bandarawela - Demodara - Yala
After an early breakfast at your hotel, proceed to Nazareth Chapel of the Good Shepherd Convent in Bandarawela, a small market town situated 1,300 metres above sea level in an area known for its pleasant, dry climate, providing a cool respite from the sultry heat of the coastal lowlands. In 1961, the nuns of the Good Shepherd Convent commissioned a new chapel for their convent in Bandarawela. The chapel was designed by internationally renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, often referred to as the leader of the Tropical Modernist movement and among the most influential Asian architects of his generation.
Enjoy traditional Sri Lankan curry lunch before boarding the train at Bandarawela Railway Station for your Insider Experience train journey to Demodara. Arrive in Demodara and transfer to your hotel in Yala. This evening, enjoy a buffet dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Insider Experience – Scenic Train Journey Through Tea-Covered Highlands
Take an enchanting train ride through the tea-covered highlands from Bandarawela Railway Station to Demodara, a journey considered one of the most scenic rail journeys in Sri Lanka. Enjoy stunning highland vistas of emerald tea plantations as the unmistakable aroma of pure Ceylon tea fills the air.
Day 8: Yala National Park
Enjoy a light early-riser breakfast at the hotel, before embarking on a game drive at Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and largest national parks, in search of native wildlife. Be on the look out for Sri Lankan leopard, sloth bear and elephant – three of Sri Lanka's 'Top Five' wildlife. Afterwards, return to the hotel for a full buffet breakfast, before enjoying the remainder of the day at leisure. Another opportunity to look for wildlife is available in the afternoon on an optional game drive (additional expense).
Insider Experience - Listen to a Resort Naturalist
One of the experienced resort naturalists will share their knowledge and secrets in tracking the abundant, but often reclusive, wildlife found across the national park.
Enhance your journey - Afternoon Game Drive
An afternoon game drive offers another opportunity to enjoy the stunning beauty of Yala National Park and an additional chance to spot wildlife.
Day 9: Yala, Udawalawe, Galle
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, before continuing your journey to Udawalawe, where your Insider Experience awaits. As you drive to Galle, witness the incredible sight of Koggala fisherman, perched on slender poles driven into the shallow seabed, practicing a unique and traditional method of fishing passed down through generations. In Galle, check in to your hotel and enjoying free time, before a delightful dinner in the magnificent grounds of historic Yara Galle Fort.
Insider Experience - Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home
Visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home to learn about the rehabilitation of displaced baby elephants. Discover how these young elephants are nurtured and prepared for reintroduction into the wild once they’re strong enough to survive on their own.
Day 10: Galle
After breakfast, choose from two optional excursions (additional expense). Alternatively, savour some free time this morning to enjoy as you please.
After your optional morning excursions, enjoy some free time, before visiting splendid Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city within the fortress is renowned for its atmospheric cobbled streets and well-preserved colonial architecture. Enjoy a visit to the fascinating Maritime Museum, where centuries of seafaring history come to life, followed by a stop at the iconic Galle Lighthouse. The tour concludes at Galle Cricket Club, where you'll enjoy a sundowner during sunset.
Enhance Your Journey – Una-Eco Tour
Embark on a captivating e-bike tour that showcases the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Unawatuna. Start with a visit to a traditional coir factory to see how coir products are made from coconut husks. Afterwards, continue on your e-bike to Yatagala Rajamaha Viharaya, a tranquil Buddhist temple. Enjoy a refreshing coconut drink as you admire the stunning ancient rock carvings. The final stop is at a handloom factory, where you'll witness skilled artisans weaving intricate textiles using traditional techniques past down through generations.
Enhance Your Journey – Cinnamon Experience at Villa Mayurana
Visit Villa Mayurana, a beautiful property set among a cinnamon plantation with magnificent views of Lake Koggala and the sea beyond. You'll be welcomed with refreshing cinnamon-infused towel, before embarking on a guided tour of the estate. Learn the time-honoured techniques of cultivating and harvesting cinnamon to create the spice powder and aromatic bark used in cooking.
Day 11: Galle, Colombo
After breakfast, depart for Colombo, Sri Lanka's capital. Step aboard a tuk tuk, a motorised rickshaw, for a fun sightseeing tour of the city, visiting sights including Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, Wolfendhal Dutch Church, Old Parliament complex, and the lively Pettah Market area. Return to your hotel for a rest before gathering for this evening's Insider Experience.
Insider Experience - Special Farewell Dinner
Celebrate your unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka with a special Farewell Dinner alongside your fellow travellers. Enjoy a tantalising dishes that capture the flavours and memories of your adventure.
Day 12: Depart Colombo
Your holiday comes to an end this morning with a transfer to the Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward flight.
