Meet & Greet: Upon arrival in Colombo, you will be welcomed to Sri Lanka by your local guide and transferred to The Galle Face Hotel in a chauffeur driven car for a 2-night stay. On arrival, check-in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Galle Face Hotel (Superior Room)

Morning Colombo city tour: This morning drive through the commercial and city centre area known as the “Fort”, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century where grand colonial era buildings stand alongside the huge modern office structures of this fast moving city. Drive past the Town Hall and the Independence Square. Visit the famous Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple and a Hindu Kovil to experience the diversity of religion, ethnicity and customs of the people. Finish your morning with a visit to the National Museum, home to a large collection of important Sri Lankan regalia.

Afternoon at leisure: This afternoon is at leisure to relax at your hotel or explore independently.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Galle Face Hotel (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey to Galle: After breakfast, your driver will meet you at your hotel and you will set off for Galle a few hours south. En-route you will be taken to visit the Kosgoda turtle hatchery. The beaches of Sri Lanka are the nesting grounds for five species of marine turtles: the Green turtle, the Leatherback, the Hawksbill the Loggerhead and the Olive Ridley. All 5 species have been recorded to nest along specific areas of Sri Lanka’s coast. Turtles are known to lay eggs instinctively at the same area where they were born. The Hatchery administration carries out constant night-watch along the coast to find laid eggs or purchases them from the fishermen, incubates the eggs for a specific period, then feeds and keeps the hatchlings for up to 3 days at the farm before releasing them into the ocean at night. Continue on to Galle to arrive in the late morning and check into your hotel.

Afternoon tour of Galle: This afternoon you will be taken on a tour of the famous Galle Fort. The magnificent Dutch fort is the most popular attraction of the town and is one of Sri Lanka's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The old colonial atmosphere is still very much alive around the fort and amidst its many historical buildings. Walk around the fort stopping at various points of interest and soaking in the fine views out over the Indian Ocean and into the famous Galle Cricket Ground.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Fort Bazaar (Bazaar Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey to Yala National Park: After breakfast this morning you will be met at your hotel and driven east along the coast to the Yala National Park. En-route, pass through the sleepy coastal village of Tangalle and stop to visit the famous lighthouse at Dondra Head. Dondra Head is the southernmost point in the Indian sub-continent. The 160 foot British period lighthouse is located in a beautiful garden and is considered the highest lighthouse in Asia. It is 161 feet in height and contains 7 floors, 14 two-panel yellow colour windows and 196 steps to the top. Your total driving time to Yala today is approximately 5 hours.

Afternoon safari in the Yala National Park: Depending on your time of arrival today, you will be taken on a safari tour of the Yala National Park in a private open-air jeep. Yala is the most famous park in Sri Lanka and boasts one of the most abundant and accessible wildlife populations in Asia. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, deer, wild boar, wild buffaloes, monkeys, sloth-bears, crocodiles and leopards, as well as a huge variety of exciting birdlife.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Cinnamon Wild Yala (Jungle Chalet)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Early morning safari in the Bundala National Park: After an early breakfast, head west along the coast to the Bundala National Park, a journey of approximately 1 hour. On arrival transfer to a local jeep and set off for a safari in the Bundala National Park, one of the best parks in Sri Lanka for bird-watching, especially seeing greater flamingos which migrate here in large flocks at certain times of year. After a few hours exploring the park, you will be reunited with your driver and return to your hotel near Yala.

Afternoon Safari in Yala National Park: This afternoon set off for another jeep safari in Yala, returning to your hotel in the evening to have dinner and relax.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Cinnamon Wild Yala (Jungle Chalet)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Road journey from Yala National Park to Uda Walawe: After breakfast this morning, leave Yala behind and head for Uda Walawe National Park, a journey of approximately 2 hours.

Afternoon safari in Uda Walawe National Park: After checking into your hotel, head into Uda Walawe National Park for a jeep safari. Uda Walawe is among the most renowned National Parks in Sri Lanka, and one of the best sites in the country for spotting herds of wild elephants. There are also some fantastic bird-watching opportunities, with a plethora of water bird species inhabiting the wetlands and tanks dotted around the park.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Kalu's Hideaway (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey to Ella: After breakfast, head north-east by road into the hill country to the sleepy village of Ella where you can admire the spectacular view and explore the famous Ravana Falls. The total journey time today is approximately 2 hours.

Explore Ella & the surrounding area: There are lots of opportunities to set off for on a trek or cycle ride from your base in Ella and today's itinerary is flexible for you to explore, with your driver-guide at your disposal. Little Adam's Peak, Ella Rock and the Ravana & Bambaragama Falls are all within easy striking distance of your hotel.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Mountain Heavens (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Train journey to Nuwara Eliya: At the advised time today, your driver will transfer you to the railway station in Ella, where you will board the train for the scenic 2.5 hour ride through the Hill Country to Nanu Oya, near Nuwara Eliya. On arrival, you will be met by your driver (provided he has made it there in time) and transferred to your hotel in the town. After checking in, you have the rest of the day to explore Nuwara Eliya with your driver.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Jetwing St Andrew's Hotel (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Morning trek in the Horton Plains National Park: Rise early this morning, collect your packed breakfast from reception and leave for the Horton Plains National Park, the highest plateau in the country. Horton Plains is one of the most important national parks in Sri Lanka particularly for its topographical variations. It has unique vegetation and is famous for many rare and endemic highland birds. The most awesome physical feature of the Horton Plains is the escarpment that falls 880 meters to the lowlands of the southern region of the island. Aptly known as the ‘World's End' the view from the precipice of the countryside below, towards the south coast, is breath-taking. There are a number of trekking routes around the park which you can take depending on how long you would like to walk for, but please be aware that some of the tracks are rough and the longer walking routes can be quite challenging. Sturdy walking shoes or boots should be worn for this excursion. Your driver will wait for you at the park entrance and you will be accompanied on your trek by a local English speaking guide.

Afternoon at leisure: Return to your hotel in the afternoon for some time at leisure.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Jetwing St Andrew's Hotel (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey to Kandy, via a tea factory: Today you will descend through the hills to the city of Kandy, a drive of around 3 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions. En route your driver will take you to visit one of the famous tea factories that are spread throughout the hill country. Here you can learn about the production process and enjoy a cup of tea before continuing on to Kandy.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Clove Villa (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Morning visit to the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens: After breakfast visit the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, where a rare collection of tropical exotic and indigenous flora including the famous Orchid House could be viewed. The Gardens are renowned for the collection of a variety of orchids and include more than 4000 species of plants, including of orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. Attached to the gardens is the National Herbarium. Your guide will leave you to have some time at leisure to potter around the area and explore independently before being taken back into Kandy, where you will have the opportunity if you wish to visit a local gem museum to learn about the vast selection of gems that are mined in the nearby countryside.

Afternoon city tour of Kandy: In the afternoon, you will set off on your guided tour of Kandy. Start with a drive up the hill to the south of the lake to a special vista point, where you can get a bird's eye view of this remarkable city. The famous Kandy Lake was built in 1807 and forms an attractive centre-piece for the town. Return to the city centre, where your guide will take you on a walking tour around the famous shopping streets and to points of interest such as the central market and the historic railway station. Later in the afternoon you will be taken on a stroll along the lakeside to visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most important places in all of Sri Lanka, housing the country's most sacred religious relic, the tooth of the Buddha. Depending on the time of your visit, you may catch the evening ‘Puja' or ceremony which lasts for around one hour and involves lots of noisy drumming and excitement. Most of the ceremony actually takes place behind closed doors, but at the end, the tooth relic is opened to the public gaze. Return to your hotel afterwards for an evening at leisure or head out to explore the Kandy nightlife.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Clove Villa (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey to Sigiriya, via the Dambulla Cave Temples: After breakfast, your driver will meet you at your hotel and you will set off for Dambulla, in the cultural triangle region, a journey of approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival in Dambulla, you will be taken on a tour to the famous Golden Rock Cave Temple complex. The caves are located at the top of a hill and the only access is on a pathway and stairs carved into the hillside. The path is steep in sections and the walk from the bottom to the summit is quite tough, however, it is possible to drive up to a point about half way up for those who don't fancy walking all the way from the bottom. The walk from halfway up will still require a good level of fitness, but at the top you will be rewarded with 5 magical and dimly lit caves crammed with Buddhist statues and murals. Dating back over 2000 years the caves are of huge significance to Sri Lanka's Buddhists. After exploring the caves and taking in the impressive views from the top (on a clear day you will get a very good view of Sigiriya Rock), descend the hill, back to the comfort of your air-conditioned car. Please be aware that those visiting the cave temples at the summit will be required to remove your shoes before entering the site. Continue by road to your hotel near Sigiriya, about 20 minutes' drive from Dambulla.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Aliya Resort & Spa (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Morning climb of Sigiriya Rock: Early this morning you will be driven to the bottom of the Sigiriya rock, one of Sri Lanka's most famous and striking attractions. The rock is best climbed early in the morning and depending on your time of departure, you may wish to arrange for a packed breakfast to be taken with you, this can be arranged at your hotel the night before. On arrival at the rock you will commence the climb with an expert local guide who will explain the ancient history of this unique rock fortress. Walk through the extensive gardens, ringed by an intimidating moat, and up the steep steps, passing through the famous Lion's Paw to the summit where you will enjoy the jaw-dropping views out over the Sri Lankan countryside. After some time to rest, descend the rock and meet up with your driver who will take you for lunch at a local restaurant (payable locally). Visitors should be aware that sections of the climb are steep and the upmost care should be taken when ascending and descending the rock. The last section up to the summit is on a narrow metal staircase and to reach the summit requires a good level of fitness. Many people decide to stop by the Lion's Paw, about two-thirds of the way up and enjoy the view from there.

Afternoon tour of Polonnaruwa: This afternoon you will be taken on a tour of the ruined ancient city of Polonnaruwa. A well-planned city defended by enclosing walls (around 5 km of which still remain), graced by palaces, shrines, monasteries, pavilions, parks, ponds and irrigation lakes. Polonnaruwa is strewn with ruins in a resplendent state of preservation and is a delightful place to explore.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Aliya Resort & Spa (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Morning Safari in Minneriya National Park or Hurulu Eco-Park: Early this morning, you will set off on a private jeep safari. Depending on the season and conditions on the ground, the safari will either be in the Minneriya National Park or the Hurulu Eco-Park, both famed for their elephant populations. This area is known locally as the ‘elephant corridor' due to the large number of elephants that pass through at certain times of year when the water dries up in different parts of the country. As well as elephants you are also likely to see deer, monkeys and many rare species of bird.

Road journey to Trincomalee:  After your safari, you will be transferred to the famous city of Trincomalee, a journey of approximately 2 hours. 

Guided tour of Trincomalee: This afternoon, you will visit Thirukoneswaram Temple which is one of the five Eswaram-Sivan temples in Sri Lanka. The temple is situated on the topmost pinnacle of Swami Rock and is known as the Southern Kailasam. It is said to have been built by sage Agastyar under the instructions of Lord Shiva who was impressed by the devotion of King Rawana. Afterwards stop off at Lovers Leap. This vantage point commemorates the tragic end of a love affair. As the story goes - a Dutch general’s daughter, named Francina Van Rhede, leapt off this 350 feet high rocky cliff when her lover abandoned her and sailed back to Europe. She survived the fall and, according to government archives, got married eight years later. A shelter and a memorial have been built to commemorate her. From Lovers Leap you will move on to the Kanniya hot water springs, which are said to date back to King Rawana's era. According to one legend, King Rawana struck the earth with his sword in several spots and these fountains sprang up. There are seven wells in a square shape with only 3-4 feet of water. The well bottom can be clearly seen and the temperature varies from one well to another. The entrance is a part of a Buddhist monastery and monks have used it as a part of their complex for many years. Some ruins can be seen scattered over the area however most of the historical artefacts were destroyed during the war. After the sightseeing you will transfer to your hotel to relax by the pool or on the beach for the rest of the day.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Trinco Blu by Cinnamon (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey to Jaffna: After breakfast, you will be transferred north to Jaffna. Depending on stops for refreshments and sightseeing, this is a journey of around 4-5 hours.

Afternoon tour of Jaffna: This afternoon, take a brief city tour starting with a drive through the city centre to view the Jaffna Library, which was burnt down on the night of the 31 May 1981, the Dutch Fort which was initially built by the Portuguese in 1619 and then re-built, and expanded, by the Dutch during the second half of the 17th & 18th centuries, and the Thuraiyappa Stadium which is named after the late Mayor of Jaffna. You will also see the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil which is one of the most important Hindu temples in Sri Lanka. Originally founded in 948AD, the present building dates back to the 18th Century. The original temple used to stand on the site presently occupied by St. James Church about a quarter mile from the present temple, but this was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1620. The modern day temple plays host to the most important religious festival of the Jaffna Peninsula – the 26 day long annual chariot festival which ends on the August full moon.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Jetwing Jaffna (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Guided visit to Delft Island: Rise early, collect your packed breakfast and leave for Kurikadduvan jetty to catch the 06:30 am ferry to Delft Island. The ferry journey takes around 30 minutes to reach the island which is just 50 square kilometres in size and is surrounded by shallow waters. Locally-hired transport (around US$35) will take you on an excursion around the island. Roots of the Dutch era are still clearly visible with scattered ruins of the Dutch Fort and Court House located in the grounds of Delft Hospital. This hospital plays an important role in the lives of the islanders as snake-bites are responsible for a high number of fatalities here. On the tour you will also see a giant hollow 'baobab tree' big enough for about five people to stand comfortably in its cavity, the old stables of the Dutch era and 'giant foot prints' which Hindus refer to as the foot prints of Lord Hanuman (the monkey god of Ramayana mythology). Other sites include ancient Buddhist ruins at one end of the island and to the west of the island temple ruins that were designed in South Indian Chola style. You may also see a pigeon house designed by the Portuguese, when pigeons were used as a mode of communication, and groups of wild ponies as you travel around. After the sightseeing you can have lunch at the missionary school (payable locally) before making your way back to Jaffna.

Please be aware that the ferry to Delft Island is operated by the Sri Lankan Navy and the schedule is liable to change at any time without notice. Facilities on-board the ferries are very basic and you might find yourselves without a comfortable seat.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Jetwing Jaffna (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Full day tour of the Jaffna Peninsula: This morning you will be taken on a city tour starting with a drive through the city centre to view the Jaffna Library, which was burnt down on the night of the 31 May 1981, the Dutch Fort which was initially built by the Portuguese in 1619 and then re-built, and expanded by the Dutch during the second half of the 17th & 18th centuries, and the Thuraiyappa Stadium, which is currently being reconstructed and is named after the late Mayor of Jaffna. You will also see the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil which is one of the most important Hindu temples in Sri Lanka. Originally founded in 948AD, the present building dates back to the 18th Century. The original temple used to stand on the site presently occupied by St. James Church about a quarter mile from the present temple, but this was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1620. The modern day temple plays host to the most important religious festival of the Jaffna Peninsula – the 26 day long annual chariot festival which ends on the August full moon. (Please note that male visitors may be required to remove their tops if they wish to enter inside the temple).

This afternoon take a tour around some important sights on the Jaffna peninsula, outside the city. Your first stop will be at the ‘Kadurugoda Stupas’ (Kantharodai Vihara), a Buddhist site consisting of 60 Dagobas believed to contain holy relics of Arahant monks. It is also believed that the Lord Buddha visited this site during his second visit to Sri Lanka. Afterwards move on to the ‘Nilavarai Bottomless well’. Villagers narrate stories as to how numerous experiments have been carried out to determine the depth of the well: according to one, a cord was dropped down with a video camera fixed to it. The experiment was aborted when the cord marked a depth of 500m yet the bottom was not reached. Hindu devotees believe this well to be a ‘handiwork’ of Lord Rama, who could not find a drop of water to quench His thirst thus took the form of an arrow and hit the ground creating this bottomless well. From the bottomless well move on to the ‘Keerimalai Natural Pond’ which is believed to possess miraculous curative effects. According to legend, the pond dates back to ancient times when a man whose face resembled a horse, due to a deformity, took a dip in this pond and found himself cured! This legend is commemorated by a statue that stands by the side of the pond inviting visitors to bathe. Next you will proceed to ‘Dambakolapatuna Vihara', a Buddhist site that dates back to the era of the King Dewanampiyatissa (307 BC to 267 BC). Here the king went down chest-deep to the sea to welcome Arahant Sangamitta Thero who had sailed from India with a sapling of the holy Bo-Tree ‘Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi’ under which the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.  As well as the above sites you will also have a chance to visit Casuarina Beach and the Point Pedro Lighthouse.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Jetwing Jaffna (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Train journey to Anuradhapura  This morning you will be taken to the train station in central Jaffna in time to board your train heading south to Anuradhapura. This line was re-opened in late 2014 after a closure of 25 years, brought on by the lengthy civil war. Much of the conflict was focused in the areas which you will be travelling through: this humbling thought tempered by optimism as you roll out of Jaffna's lovingly restored station - itself reopened in 2014 after an enthusiastic renovation. This journey should take around 3 hours.

Guided tour of Mihintale & Anuradhapura: This afternoon, visit the ancient remains of Mihintale, a sacred place which is regarded as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The rock is dotted with shrines and rock dwellings. A grand stairway of 1,840 steps made of granite slabs, 5 meters wide, leads to the summit with its splendid views of the surrounding countryside. Unless otherwise requested, your driver will take you to a point about half of the way up to cut out the walking. The most interesting and important sights of Mihintale are at the top. Please be aware that a good level of fitness is required to reach the summit and some of the viewpoints when you get there are up further flights of steep and narrow steps.

After exploring Mihintale, continue to the ancient city of Anuradhapura itself. Founded in the 4th century B.C., Anuradhapura has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982. It has the largest number of ancient monuments of the great Sinhala civilization which has flourished in Sri Lanka. You will see some of the most famous as well as the tallest Dagobas of Sri Lanka, Ruwanweliseya Dagoba, built in the 2nd century BC and famous for its elephant walls and the Thuparama Dagoba, built in the 3rd century. The ‘Sri Maha Bodhi' or the sacred Bo tree at the heart of Anuradhapura is over 2,200 years old and reputed to have grown from a branch of the very tree under which "The Buddha" attained enlightenment - making it the oldest historically documented tree in the world.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Palm Garden Village Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Morning safari in Wilpattu National Park: Early this morning, check-out of your hotel and head to nearby Wilpattu, one of Sri Lanka's largest and most interesting national parks, for a private jeep safari. The wildlife population is starting to return after years of abuse and the park today is home to countless mammals, reptiles and rare birdlife and offers one of the best nature experiences anywhere on the island.

Road journey to Alankuda Beach: After your safari, continue by road to Alankuda Beach on the Kalpitiya peninsula, this is a journey of approximately 2 hours. On arrival, check-in to your hotel and relax on the beach.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Dolphin Beach Resort (Standard Tent)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Days at leisure: These days are at leisure to do as much or as little as you choose. A wide range of activities can be arranged through the resort including Dolphin and Whale watching, kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking, donut rides and other water sports, fishing, snorkelling, diving and cycling in the local countryside.

Accommodation: Stay these nights at the Dolphin Beach Resort (Standard Tent)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Road journey to Kotugoda: This morning, you will be met at your hotel and transferred south along the coast, to the small village of Kotugoda, a journey of approximately 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Arrive at the Wallawwa in time for afternoon tea and some final hours of relaxation before flying home tomorrow.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at The Wallawwa (Wallawwa Bedroom)

Meals: Breakfast