Highlights of Sri Lanka

Day 1  Negombo      
Arrive in Sri Lanka and transfer to your hotel in the coastal town of Negombo. The rest of the day is yours to explore, why not visit the pastel-coloured Portuguese churches.        

Day 2  Negombo to Sigiriya      
Journey to Sigiriya to climb the magnificent Lion Rock Fortress and roam the surrounding gardens.      
The Sigiriya maidens are one of Sri Lanka’s most illustrious paintings, the ethereal beauty depicted of the face of the Lion Rock is well worth the visit.      

Day 3  Polonnaruwa        
Visit the ruins of Sri Lanka’s ancient capital city, Polonnaruwa. The once centre of an empire is home to carefully preserved stupas, frescoes, and statues. While here, explore the rock temples at Gal Vihara and the Vatadage, an ancient structure with elaborate stone carvings.        

Day 4  Anuradhapura        
Today you’ll also find yourself uncovering the mysteries of the ancient world as you head to the archaic city of Anuradhapura. For over 2000 years the sacred Sri Mada Bodhi Bo tree has grown in the city’s Mahamewna Garden, visit the extraordinary Buddhist relic, the Ruwanweliseya dagoba and the Samadhi Buddha statue.        

Day 5  Sigiriya to Kandy      
Depart Sigiriya this morning and head for the Dambulla Rock Temple. This beautiful temple is compiled from five decorated caves and features a wide range of historical and religious remnants from the 2nd century. Before reaching Kandy be inspired by Sri Lankan flavours when visiting a spice garden and spectating a cookery demonstration in rural Matale.          

Day 6  Kandy          
Wander the grounds of the graceful Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens absorbing the essence of the flora and fauna and observing the spectacular Orchid collection. The serenity of the day continues as you visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. After a visit to the National Museum, dinner this evening will be phenomenal as you’ll watch a cultural dance show alongside.        

Day 7  Kandy to Nuwara Eliya      
Travel to Nuwara Eliya, nicknamed little England, the town emulates its British historical past, with a cooler climate, architectural styles and love for tea. En route you’ll visit the hilly tea plantations and tea factory. This afternoon visits elegant Victoria Park where you can bird watch and enjoy a stroll around the colonial city centre.  

Day 8  Tea Plantation Visit        
This morning explores a tea plantation and factory, gaining insight into the tea manufacturing process. Later in the day, take a leisurely stroll through the city center, where you will encounter colonial edifices, the racecourse, learn about the interesting history of Hill Club Hotel, Gregory Lake, and visit the Hindu Temple of Seetha Amman Kovil.  

Day 9  Nuwara Eliya to Yala National Park  
Today your safari adventure awaits in Yala National Park, home to a large number of elephants, leopards, sambhur, wild buffalo and over 130 bird species.  

Day 10  Yala National Park  
Today there will be a morning and evening jeep safari through Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s most famous national park, each safari is approximately three hours in length. Please note there are limited toilets available during the park excursions.  

Day 11  Yala National Park to Galle        
Leave Yala behind as you set forth on a roughly 3 hour drive to Galle. En route, make captivating stops at the Hummanaya Blowhole, the Mulkirigala Rock Temple, and the Dikwella Wewurukannala Temple. Following a satisfying lunch, continue your journey to Weligama, renowned for its iconic stilt fishermen. Upon your arrival in Galle, complete the check-in process at your hotel, where you'll be staying for two nights  
   
Day 12  Galle  
Take advantage of the morning to relax at your leisure before setting off on a captivating walking tour of this intriguing city. Explore notable landmarks like Galle Fort, the lighthouse, the Dutch Museum, and the Dutch Reformed Church. Your day will encompass leisurely sightseeing within the Old Town and Dutch Fort, involving approximately two hours of exploration on foot.  

Day 13  Galle to Colombo      
Embark on a city tour of Sri Lanka’s radiating capital this morning. Wander through Pettah Market and visit the Dutch Church of Wolvendhall, dating back to 1749, Kelaniya Buddhist Temple, a major pilgrimage site for Buddhist devotees, and Colombo's finest museums.  

Day 14  Colombo        
Transfer to Colombo airport for your onward journey.