The adventure begins with your arrival at the hotel, located about 20 minutes' drive from Bandaranaike Airport in Colombo. This evening, we'll gather for a welcome briefing and group dinner at the hotel. It's a fantastic opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and get to know everyone before setting off on the journey ahead. Your tour leader will provide details on the time and location.

We depart the coast and make our way to Sigiriya, with the journey taking around 3 hours and 30 minutes. Along the way, we'll stop for breaks, including a visit to Elephant Rock in Kurunegala, a remarkable formation rising 1,037ft (315m) above the plains. We'll pause at a nearby lake to stretch our legs before continuing to the hotel.

In the afternoon, we embark on a gentle bike ride through paddy fields, peaceful villages, and the breathtaking landscapes surrounding the Sigiriya fortress. Along the way, our tour leader will help us engage with the locals, offering insight into their daily lives and routines.

If cycling isn't your preference, don’t worry—you won’t miss out on the sights. You can hire a tuk tuk to follow the group and explore the same sites at your own pace. The tuk tuk ride can be arranged through your leader for 4,000 rupees (approximately US$13) per tuk tuk.

After an early breakfast, it set out to climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a towering granite peak crowned with the ruins of a fifth-century palace. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya offers breathtaking views and fascinating history, though the climb involves steep steps and narrow gangways. Families can choose how far to ascend, with the option to explore the base instead.

In the afternoon, head out on a thrilling elephant safari at Minneriya, Kaudulla, or Hurulu Eco Park—chosen based on where herds are most active that day. This flexibility gives you the best chance to witness elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat, an unforgettable highlight for both adults and children.

This morning, we leave Sigiriya and begin our journey to Kandy, the former capital of Sri Lanka. The drive takes about three hours, with a comfort stop along the way to stretch our legs.

Kandy is a charming hill town set around a picturesque lake. It is home to the Temple of the Tooth, which houses one of the most sacred Buddhist relics—the Tooth of Buddha. This relic was taken from Buddha’s funeral pyre in 543 BCE and arrived in Sri Lanka in the fourth century CE, making it an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax and cool off by the hotel pool. If you feel like exploring, you can wander around the town of Kandy, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, or take a taxi up to the surrounding hills for stunning views of the area.

It’s a relaxed start this morning, so take your time to enjoy a leisurely lie-in or spend some time unwinding by the pool. Later, we set off for Kitulgala, a scenic town nestled amid forested hills, located about a three-hour drive away. The town is bordered by the Kelani Ganga river, which offers a stunning natural backdrop and thrilling white-water rafting opportunities, which we’ll enjoy tomorrow.

Today, if time allows, you can opt for a walk to the Makul Ella waterfall in the nearby Makandawa rainforest. This lesser-known area is home to a unique variety of plants and animals, and some bird species here can only be found in this region. To get there, you’ll either cross the river via a bridge or take a hand-pulled ferry. Our tour leader will accompany you and advise on the best route.

After breakfast, get ready for an exciting white-water rafting adventure! We'll navigate the scenic Kelani Ganga river, conquering five major rapids and four minor ones—an exhilarating experience for adrenaline seekers. The rafting session is equipped with safety gear, modern rafts, and a detailed briefing from expert instructors. You can choose between routes ranging from 1.25mi to 3mi (2km to 5km), with some height/weight restrictions for children.

Once we dry off and pack up, we head to Watawala (approximately a one-hour drive), where we board the train to Ella. The journey takes about four hours, offering a relaxing ride through Sri Lanka’s stunning hill country. A picnic lunch will be served, with opportunities to admire the breathtaking views along the way.
Upon arrival at Ella station, we'll transfer to our hotel, where you’ll have free time to explore this charming hill town.

We start the day with a late-morning visit to a local village house for an immersive Sri Lankan cooking class. Guided by our host, we learn traditional techniques, explore family traditions, and prepare authentic dishes before sharing a delicious home-cooked meal together.

In the afternoon, we explore Ella’s highlights, beginning with the Nine Arch Bridge, where a short walk to the railway tracks offers stunning photo opportunities (and maybe a passing train!). Next, we hike to Mini Adam’s Peak, a gentle trail with a final stair climb that rewards us with sweeping 360-degree views—on clear days, reaching as far as the south coast.

Those seeking relaxation may unwind at the hotel, while adventure lovers can opt for Flying Ravana, Sri Lanka’s first zip line, soaring 500m over lush tea estates at thrilling speeds of up to 80kph.

This morning, we descend through the scenic Ella Gap, enjoying sweeping views of the plains and, on clear days, the distant Indian Ocean. After a local lunch, we stop at the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe, where orphaned calves are cared for before being reintroduced into the wild. Watching them eagerly bottle-fed by rangers is a heartwarming glimpse of Sri Lanka’s conservation efforts.

By early evening, we arrive in the coastal village of Ahangama, with its golden beaches and laid-back charm. Here you can swim in the warm Indian Ocean, watch the sunset, or simply unwind by the pool, embracing the relaxed rhythm of island life.

Over the next two days, we have free time to enjoy the coast and choose from a variety of optional activities, which our tour leader can help arrange.

On Day 10, we take a round-trip transfer to Weligama Beach, a lively spot known for its gentle waves, making it ideal for surf lessons and snorkelling. The beachfront is lined with bars and restaurants, perfect for relaxing after some time in the water.

From November to April, there’s also the chance to go whale watching. Since public boats are not recommended, a private boat hire can be arranged—the more people interested, the lower the cost per person.

On Day 11, we end the evening with a beach barbecue dinner (included), where the group gathers for sundowner drinks and a feast of delicious Sri Lankan barbecue bites—a perfect way to enjoy our last evening by the ocean.

Today, we set off along the coastal road to Galle, a historic 17th-century port city and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After exploring the fort, wandering through its quaint streets, and souvenir shopping on Pedlar Street, we continue our journey along the express way to Colombo, reaching our hotel in the late afternoon.

As our trip comes to a close, take a moment to reflect on the sights, sounds, and flavours that have made this adventure so memorable for you and your family.

The adventure ends today. You will be transferred to Colombo International Airport for your return flight to home.