Overview

Immerse yourself in the magic of Sri Lanka, where ancient Buddhist temples, lush jungles, misty tea plantations, and golden beaches create a journey like no other. This tour combines:

• The Cultural Triangle – Home to UNESCO-listed sites like Sigiriya Rock & the Dambulla Cave Temples.
• The Hill Country – Explore colonial-era tea plantations and the charming town of Nuwara Eliya.
• Wildlife Safaris – Spot leopards, elephants & exotic birds in Yala National Park.
• Tropical Beach Retreat – Unwind by the Indian Ocean with three nights of relaxation.
• Authentic Sri Lankan Cuisine – Taste spices, fresh seafood & vibrant local dishes.

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Departure

• Meet at the airport before your flight to Colombo.

Day 2: Arrival in Colombo

• Arrive around lunchtime and transfer to Jetwing Lagoon Hotel (4-star).
• Enjoy free time to relax or explore the hotel’s beachfront setting.
• Evening Welcome Dinner to meet fellow travellers & your tour manager.

Day 3: Dambulla Cave Temples & Habarana

• Journey through lush countryside to the Dambulla Cave Temples, a 2,000-year-old marvel.
• Explore five rock-cut cave temples, with incredible frescoes & Buddha statues.
• Continue to Habarana for a two-night stay at:
  • Sigiriya Village Hotel (3-star superior, 2017 departures) or
  • Habarana Village Hotel by Cinnamon (4-star, 2018 departures).
• Evening at leisure with dinner at the hotel.

Day 4: Sigiriya Rock Fortress

• Visit Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmark, Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Rock).
• Climb to the 600-foot summit, passing:
  • Ancient water gardens & moats.
  • Stunning frescoes of celestial maidens.
  • Breathtaking panoramic views at the top.
• Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the hotel’s serene surroundings.
• Dinner at the hotel.

Day 5: Spice Gardens & Kandy

• Visit a spice garden to see how cinnamon, nutmeg & cardamom are grown.
• Learn about Sri Lanka’s Ayurvedic traditions and spice-based remedies.
• Continue to Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka.
• Check into the Cinnamon Citadel Hotel (4-star) for two nights.

Day 6: Kandy & The Temple of the Tooth

• Explore Kandy, home to Buddhism’s most sacred relic.
• Visit the Temple of the Tooth, housing a tooth of the Buddha.
• Discover the Royal Botanical Gardens, filled with towering palms & orchids.
• Spot flying foxes (giant fruit bats) hanging from trees.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan dance performance.

Day 7: Tea Plantations & Nuwara Eliya

• Travel into Sri Lanka’s lush hill country, famous for tea production.
• Visit a working tea plantation and learn about tea-making.
• Sample a freshly brewed cup of the island’s finest tea.
• Continue to Nuwara Eliya, a colonial-era hill station.
• Check into St Andrews Hotel (4-star), a charming English-style manor house.

Day 8: Elephant Transit Home & Yala National Park

• Visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, supported by the Born Free Foundation.
• Watch orphaned baby elephants being fed & rehabilitated.
• Travel to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s top wildlife reserve.
• Check into Jetwing Yala (4-star), a beachfront lodge for two nights.

Day 9: Yala National Park Safari

• Early morning game drive in Yala National Park.
• Search for Sri Lanka’s elusive leopards, elephants, crocodiles & exotic birds.
• Return for a late breakfast & relaxation.
• Optional evening safari for another chance to see wildlife.

Day 10: Galle – Colonial Heritage

• Travel to Galle, a UNESCO-listed Dutch fort city.
• Walk through 500-year-old cobbled streets, exploring:
  • The ancient fortress walls.
  • Colonial Dutch & British architecture.
  • Local art galleries & boutique shops.
• Arrive at The Lighthouse Hotel (5-star), a stunning beachfront retreat.

Days 11-12: Beachfront Relaxation

• Two full days to relax at the Indian Ocean’s golden beaches.
• Options include:
  • Swimming in the infinity pool.
  • Enjoying Ayurvedic spa treatments.
  • Taking a sunset beach stroll.
  • Exploring local markets & seafood restaurants.

Day 13: Return Flight

• Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
• Arrive later the same day after a spectacular journey through Sri Lanka.

Why Choose This Tour?

✓ Three UNESCO-listed sites – Sigiriya, Dambulla & Galle.
✓ Luxury beach stay – Three nights at a stunning Indian Ocean resort.
✓ Wildlife safaris – Spot leopards & elephants in Yala National Park.
✓ Tea & spice experiences – Visit working tea plantations & spice gardens.
✓ Expert local guides – Gain deep insights into Sri Lanka’s rich history & culture.

Optional Experiences

• Whale watching in Mirissa, spotting blue whales & dolphins.
• Private cooking class, learning to prepare authentic Sri Lankan curries.
• Guided nature trek, discovering hidden waterfalls & wildlife.