After breakfast, we depart for a scenic drive of approximately four hours, passing through coconut palms, paddy fields, and banana plantations on our way to Dambulla. Our first stop will be the stunning Cave Temple, one of Sri Lanka's most impressive sights. Inside the caves, you’ll find vibrant, well-preserved paintings and Buddha statues dating back to the first century BCE.

After lunch, we continue our journey to Sigiriya (Lion Rock). From our hotel, we’ll be treated to a view of the towering rock fortress rising from the plains. On occasion, we may stay closer to Dambulla, depending on hotel availability.

Sigiriya is undoubtedly one of Sri Lanka's most remarkable attractions, featuring the ruins of a fifth-century palace atop the towering granite peak, also known as Lion Rock. This morning, we drive to the base of the rock, where impressive water gardens surround a moat. From there, we begin our ascent to the summit, climbing 655 feet (200 meters) via a series of steep steps and gangways. Along the way, we’ll pass an overhanging rock, adorned with ancient portraits of native maidens holding flowers and temple offerings. At the flat-topped summit, explore the extensive remains of the King’s Summer Palace.

In the afternoon, you have the option to join a thrilling game drive in either Minneriya National Park, Kaudulla National Park, or Hurulu Eco Park to spot elephants in their natural habitat, with the location depending on the movement of the elephant herds. For those who prefer a more relaxed afternoon, you can unwind by the hotel pool.

This morning, we enjoy a short drive to Girithale, where our hotel offers beautiful views of the scenic Girithale Tank. The early inhabitants of this area solved the challenges of heat and water scarcity by building large tanks to serve as reservoirs, which also help cool the warm breeze. These tanks now provide an essential habitat for birds, especially from August to April.

Today, we’ll take a leisurely cycle ride through small villages and serene lakes. For those who prefer not to cycle, there is an excursion tuk-tuk available at an additional cost. Along the way, we’re likely to spot a variety of birdlife, including Egrets, Brahminy Kites, Kingfishers, and Bulbuls. We’ll break the journey for a traditional village lunch before returning to our hotel in Girithale by late afternoon.

After breakfast, we take a short drive to Polonnaruwa, the 10th-century capital of Sri Lanka and the heart of the Sinhalese civilization. Here, we’ll explore a wealth of Buddhist relics and ruins, some dating back over 1,000 years to when Sinhalese culture reached its peak. The city flourished in the 12th century after the capital was moved from Anuradhapura to avoid invasions from southern India. As a result, the ruins here are younger and better preserved than those in Anuradhapura. We’ll visit a variety of temples, palaces, massive dagobas (Buddhist stupas), and impressive Buddhist sculptures.

After lunch, we head into the hills to the charming town of Kandy. Along the way, we stop at a spice garden near Matale, where we’ll learn about the spices and herbs that grow in the region. There will also be an opportunity to purchase fresh spices, massage oils, and Ayurvedic medicines. It’s a long but fascinating day, and we’ll arrive in Kandy in the early evening.

Kandy, nestled by a small lake, is a picturesque town where we’ll spend two full days exploring its beauty and cultural significance. We’ll visit the Temple of the Tooth, Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist shrine, said to house Buddha’s sacred tooth. Each day hundreds of worshippers gather here, and in August, the grand Kandy festival takes place, with dates announced just months in advance.

We’ll also stop at a scenic viewpoint with a massive Buddha statue, explore a gem museum, and wander the stunning Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, home to rare orchids. The second day is free for you to relax by the pool, stroll the hills, or browse handicraft shops. In the evening, you may enjoy a traditional performance of dance and fire eating.

We leave Kandy early for a scenic drive to Kitulgala, where you can explore the jungle or nearby villages. Adventurers may opt for white-water rafting (minimum four participants, extra cost), lasting up to 1.5 hours with routes ranging from gentle to Grade III rapids. Non-rafters can relax by the river before we continue to Nuwara Eliya.

For those seeking a challenge, you may also climb Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) during the December–May season. This optional trek begins with a midnight drive from Nuwara Eliya, followed by a four-hour ascent to reach the summit at sunrise, before rejoining the group the next day.

This morning, you have free time to explore the charming town of Nuwara Eliya. Once a popular hill station during the British era, it sits in the cool highland air and is affectionately known as "Little England." The town is filled with British-style houses, parks, and landmarks, including a golf club and a racecourse.

After lunch, we’ll visit a nearby tea plantation and factory, where you'll learn about the intricate process of tea production, from leaf picking to processing. It’s a great opportunity to appreciate the importance of tea in Sri Lankan culture and its global significance.

We start early with a 19-mile (30km) drive south to Horton Plains, a vast plateau over 6,560 feet (2,000m) high with views of Sri Lanka’s second and third-highest peaks. A guided three to four-hour walk (5.5 miles / 9km) takes us across rolling grasslands and varied landscapes, with chances to spot monkeys and other wildlife. The highlight is World’s End, where the plateau drops 3,445 feet (1,050m) to the plains below.

Afterward, we board a scenic train from Sri Lanka’s highest station, descending through cloud forests and tea plantations in just 90 minutes. We’ll disembark at Ella and drive to Ella Gap for sweeping views of the coastal plain and, on clear days, the distant Indian Ocean. Continuing south, we reach Kataragama, our base for exploring Yala National Park, the country’s most renowned wildlife reserve.

Today, we head to Tissamaharama, where we’ll take a short walk to a local farmhouse. Here, you’ll be offered tea served in a coconut shell, along with a traditional Sri Lankan snack. This experience allows us to immerse ourselves in local life, and we’ll also take part in some traditional Sri Lankan games before returning to our bus in tractors used by the farmers.

Later in the afternoon, we embark on a game drive through Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserves. Yala is home to elephants, leopards, bears, crocodiles, and wild boars, and is known for having one of the highest concentrations of leopards in the world. We’ll explore the less-visited Block 5 area, which features denser vegetation than the open plains but still offers excellent opportunities to spot the elusive leopards and sloth bears. The quieter location also means we won’t have to compete with many other game vehicles.

Please note that the sanctuary is typically closed for four to six weeks between September and October for animal welfare checks. If this coincides with our visit, we will explore a nearby alternative, usually Udawalawe National Park.

This morning, we begin our journey towards the coast, known for its beautiful, palm-fringed bays. On the way, we’ll visit the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe. This unique stop highlights Sri Lanka's conservation efforts for wild elephants. Located on the outskirts of Udawalawe National Park, the Elephant Transit Home serves as a rehabilitation center for orphaned and sick elephants. Here, they receive care and nourishment until they are strong and healthy enough to be released back into the wild.

After our visit, we continue on to Ahangama, where we’ll arrive at our coastal hotel in the afternoon. You’ll have the rest of the day to relax by the pool or unwind on the beach, enjoying the serene atmosphere of this beautiful location.

Today is a free day for you to relax and unwind. You can spend your time lounging on the beach or by the hotel pool, enjoying the peaceful coastal atmosphere. For those seeking a bit of adventure, there are optional activities available. You can take a boat ride through mangrove swamps to visit a cinnamon plantation, or, if you're visiting between November and April, you can embark on a whale-watching excursion off Dondra Head. This area is renowned as one of the best places in the world for spotting blue and sperm whales, and you might even see pods of dolphins playing alongside the boats.

We begin the day with a drive along the scenic coastal road to the historic port of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 17th century. On the way, we’ll stop at a charming folk museum inspired by local writer Martin Wickramasinghe. The museum is housed in a traditional Koggala region home and is surrounded by beautiful gardens, offering a glimpse into the local culture and history.

After our visit, we continue along the express way to Colombo, where we’ll reach our hotel in the late afternoon, giving you some time to relax and reflect on the experiences of the day.

The adventure comes to an end today as you begin your return journey home.

For those on the group flight, you’ll take a transfer to the airport this morning. If you’re not traveling on the group flight, please ensure you provide your flight details at least two weeks prior to arrival to secure your return airport transfer.

It’s been an unforgettable, culture-packed adventure. If you're craving some rest and relaxation, consider extending your trip with a post-trip getaway to the Maldives – speak to your sales representative for more details. Alternatively, if you’d like to explore more of Sri Lanka, you can book an extension to your hotel stay.