Stunning Sri Lanka

DAY 1 Colombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Your tour commences with an arrival transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure.

Stay at: Cinnamon Lakeside (4 star) or Hilton Colombo Hotel (5 star)

DAY 2 Colombo – Sigiriya
This morning explore the vibrant city of Colombo. It is a diverse mix of people, architecture and religion influenced by ancient kingdoms and European settlers and a great starting point for your Sri Lankan adventure. You will explore with your guide the highlights of this wonderful capital which include Pettah Bazaar, Wolvendaal Dutch Church, Gotami Vihara and Hindu Kovil at Slave Island, one of Colombo’s most impressive Hindu Temples.

Depart Colombo and travel north to the cultural Triangle, on arrival check in to your hotel. This afternoon join a jeep safari in the Minneriya National Park, one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants. Enjoy this evening’s dinner at the hotel.

*At certain times of year, the safari in Minneriya may take place in the connecting areas of Kaudulla National Park or Eco Park where the elephant herds may be roaming.

Stay at: Aliya Resorts and Spa (4 star) or Jetwing Lake (5 star)
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 3 Sigiriya - Anuradhapura - Sigiriya
After breakfast drive to the ancient city of Anuradhapura. This city is famous for its well preserved ruins of an ancient civilization. It’s also considered a sacred place by the Buddhists as it is surrounded by various monasteries. Visit the Sacred Bo-tree said to be the oldest historical tree in the world. Also see Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparama Dagoba and more.

Stay at: Aliya Resorts and Spa (4 star) or Jetwing Lake (5 star)
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 4 Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya
Get an early start today, to reach nearby Sigiriya Rock Fortress just as dawn is breaking and with very little people around - an incredible experience! Take the opportunity to climb to the top of this striking rock with its sheer vertical walls supporting the remnants of an ancient 5th century city - a UNESCO World Heitage site. Alternatively, you may choose to hike the short but steep route up Pidurangala Rock which offers magnificent 360 degree views of the surrounding landscape including Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Late today, explore the ancient royal capital of Polonnaruwa, one of the most beautiful centres in Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. Discover on foot, or by bicycle, the wonderful treasures that remain in the archaeological park including the four beautiful rock-cut Buddha statues at Gal Vihara Temple.

Stay at: Aliya Resorts and Spa (4 star) or Jetwing Lake (5 star)
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 5 Sigiriya – Nuwara Eliya
Your tour continues to the hill station of Nuwara Eliya, also known as ‘Little England’. En route to Nuwara Eliya, discover the journey from tree to cup of the world-famous high-grown Ceylon Tea. With your expert guide, walk through a local tea plantation, meet with a Tea plucker and visit the factory to see the processing stage followed by a tea-tasting session.

This afternoon discover the beauty of Nuwara Elia, set against beautiful backdrops of mountains, valleys, waterfalls and Tea Plantations. See the colonial bungalows, well-tended lawns and red telephone boxes - evidence of the British influence.

Stay at: Araliya Green Hills (4 star) or Grand Hotel (5 star)
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 6 Nuwara Eliya - Horton Plains National Park - Nuwara Eliya
Enjoy the views as you depart early for Horton Plains National Park, travelling on scenic village roads past Ambewela and Pattipola. This stunning National Park lies in the shadows of some of Sri Lanka’s highest peaks and offers excellent hikes for all levels including World’s End and Baker’s Falls. You can choose to hike, or simply enjoy the stunning scenery and wait for wildlife to appear. Return to Nuwara Eliya, with the remainder of the day at leisure or experience an optional high tea at the iconic Grand Hotel where you can enjoy a selection of small sandwiches washed down with a cup of local tea.

Stay at: Araliya Green Hills (4 star) or Grand Hotel (5 star)
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 7 Nuwara Eliya – Udawalawe National Park
Descend from the high country and journey to Udawalawe National Park which is undoubtedly the best place in Sri Lanka to see wild Asian Elephants in their natural habitat.

This afternoon visit the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned or sick elephants are fed and cared for until they are strong enough to be returned to the wild. A highlight of the of the visit is feeding time, whilst you cannot feed the elephants yourself, you can watch them ambling along behind a keeper, into the compound where they will be fed milk through plastic hoses with funnels attached.

Stay at: Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort (4 star) or Centuria Wild (4 star)
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 8 Udawalawe National Park
Depart early for your jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park home to a great diversity of water birds and Sri Lankan elephants. The rusty spotted cat, fishing cat and Sri Lankan leopard are also present in the National Park. Tonight, enjoy a barbeque dinner by campfire.

Say at: Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort (4 star) or Centuria Wild (4 star)
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 9 Udawalawe National Park – Galle
Travel the scenic route along the coast to Galle in the southwest. Once in Galle, an historic fort town, you will enjoy a tour of the Heritage listed fort area, one of the best-preserved Dutch Forts in the country. See the tiny guest houses and stylish cafes located on quaint, narrow, cobblestoned streets which crisscross the fort; making it easy to imagine what life must have been like during the Dutch colonisation.

Stay at: The Fort Printers (4 star) or Radisson Blu Resort (5 star)
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 10 Galle
A free day to relax and explore the area. Wander around the historic fort area, enjoy a drink or lunch in one of the beautiful old buildings now transformed into trendy cafes and restaurants. You might like to try an optional cooking class to learn how to cook the local cuisine, followed by lunch where you can enjoy the tasty dishes you have just learnt how to cook.

We highly recommend ending your day with a sunset walk along the fort’s wall, a truly memorable experience.

Stay at: The Fort Printers (4 star) or Radisson Blu Resort (5 star)
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 11 Galle – Mirissa
Travel to Mirissa a tropical paradise located in the South. Whale and dolphin watching activities are popular in this area as well capturing the most stunning sunsets and sunrises.

Stay at: Paradise Beach Hotel (3 star) or Triple "O" Six Resort (4 star)
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 12 Mirissa
Rise early this morning for an unforgettable ocean experience off the coast of Mirissa. Board a boat and head out into the Indian Ocean, where you’ll have the chance to spot blue whales - the largest animals on earth - along with playful dolphins and other marine life.

As you cruise across these rich waters, take in the beauty of the coastline from a different perspective while your guide shares insights into the region’s marine life and ecosystem.

**included whale watching cruise is available during November to May, outside this period enjoy a day at leisure

Stay at: Paradise Beach Hotel (3 star) or Triple "O" Six Resort (4 star)
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 13/14 Mirissa
Enjoy a slow mornings by the water, refreshing swims, or simply unwind at a beachfront cafe. As the sun sets, settle in for fresh seafood by the ocean.

With nothing scheduled, Mirissa is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a destination where culture, history, and coastline quietly meet.

Stay at: Paradise Beach Hotel (3 star) or Triple "O" Six Resort (4 star)
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 15 Mirissa – Colombo
Your tour concludes with a departure transfer to Colombo Airport for your onward journey.

Meals included: Breakfast