Day 1 - Arrive in Seeduwa or Colombo

 Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be met by our Airport Representative who will introduce you to your English-speaking National Guide/Driver Guide.
Transfer to your overnight hotel in Colombo (transfer time approximately one hour) or Seeduwa (transfer time approximately 30 minutes). 
This evening you meet your host, Mark Forbes.
Later in evening you may engage in an optional tour of Colombo by World War II Jeep.
Enjoy Dinner at the overnight hotel.

 Overnight: The Wallawwa or Tintagel Colombo

Meal Plan: D

Day 2 - Seeduwa or Colombo

 Breakfast at hotel. This Morning your host, Mark Forbes will give you an introduction to the tour, the sites, the customs and the general way of life in Sri Lanka.
Spend the rest of the morning at leisure enjoying the hotel facilities.
Later proceed on a Walking Tour of Colombo. (Transfer time approximately one hour when travelling from your hotel in Seeduwa and approximately 30 minutes from hotel in Colombo)
You may also choose to take the time to explore and appreciate the traditional and contemporary art and craft this island has to offer. Wind up the evening with an interesting ‘Dodgy Bar’ tour.

Colombo city walk
One of your host’s favorite places to explore is Colombo. Mark’s fascination began when he simply started photographing the old buildings of Colombo, which led him to research the history of the locations during their heyday. Today Mark gives you vibrant recount of the story of the island’s capital city as he takes you on a walking tour.

Your journey starts at the Old Dutch Hospital, a colonial treasure and former hospital from the 17th Century, which is now home to a number of high-end restaurants and boutiques. Continue on to the commercial hub of Colombo Fort, away from the tourist hotspots, to learn about the colonial buildings and important monuments whose stories have helped shape the Colombo of today. Perhaps stop for a refreshing cup of Ceylon tea and, if you have the energy, Mark will lead you to the bustling Pettah Bazaar. The bazaar is both a wholesale and retail market place, selling everything from trinkets to textiles, from vegetables to electronics and of course, plenty of spices. Flexibility is key to this entertaining and gentle walk with Mark.
A similar interest led Mark to create the innovative ‘Dodgy Bar Tour’. Characteristic to its very name, Mark escorts his guests to little bars with an interesting past frequented by the locals where you stop, not just for a social drink, but to do as the locals do! 
Return to the hotel for dinner.

 Overnight: The Wallawwa or Tintagel Colombo

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 3 - Seeduwa or Colombo– Negombo-Wilpattu-Thirappane

 Breakfast at hotel. This morning make an early start and proceed to Negombo. Transfer time approximately 30 minutes when travelling from Seeduwa & approximately one hour from Colombo) 

Negombo
Negombo is another favorite of Marks where he enjoys exploring the city, which is affectionately known as ‘Little Rome’. With its hectic harbor and bustling fish market (every day except Sundays and Poya holidays), this town is a gourmet paradise with seafood aplenty. Palm-fringed beaches, old-fashioned catamarans, a Dutch-built canal, colonial architecture and colorful boutiques all add character to this hub of activity. You will notice that ornate churches pepper the landscape in this part of the country since the majority of people here are Catholic or Christian.
Later transfer to Wilpattu National Park for a game drive (Transfer time is approximately four hours). 

Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu National Park is one of the largest, as well as one of the oldest, national parks in Sri Lanka offering a fantastic new wildlife experience. The park derives its name from its unique topography of nearly sixty small natural lakes or ‘willus’, which attract hundreds of water birds, spotted deer and water buffaloes to name a few, making the area a feast for the photographers eyes. Having started his career as a wildlife photographer Mark’s passion for nature is obvious. As Mark would say, it is sheer luck if you get the chance to spot the Sri Lankan leopard or a sloth bear, which the park boasts of, however he believes that wildlife photography is not about pursuing to capture ‘the elusive’, as there is so much beauty that prevails during the course of a wildlife journey, which only requires passion and bit of patience.
Late evening check in to your overnight hotel for dinner.

 Overnight: Ulagalla Resort

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 4 - Thirappane – Anuradhapura -Thirappane

 After breakfast spend the morning at leisure enjoying the hotel facilities.
Late afternoon proceed on a photographic tour of Anuradhapura ancient city accompanied by your host. (Transfer time approximately 40 minutes).

An evening exploration of Anuradhapura ancient city with Mark will make you appreciate the ancient monuments from an aesthetic perspective. The unique feature of Buddhism in Sri Lanka are the Stupas and Dagobas (religious monuments), many of which have been preserved by the ancient city of Anuradhapura. During this evening photographic tour gain the unique opportunity to capture the strikingly-white Ruwanweliseya Stupa or Jethawanaramaya Stupa, which stands taller than the third pyramid of Giza, from the best vantage points. In addition, the man made lakes, which were once a crucial part of the irrigation system in the city, are presently inundated with lotus flowers, adding to the scenic beauty of the historic kingdom.  
In the evening return to the hotel.

 Overnight: Ulagalla Resort

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 5 - Thirappane – Sigiriya – Dambulla -Kandy

 After an early breakfast, transfer to Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Transfer time is approximately two and a half hours).

Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a magnificent fifth Century rock boulder which reigned as a Royal Citadel for over 18 years and demonstrates great human creativity and advanced town planning technology. Mark will pause occasionally during your ascent to admire the mirror wall, the sigiri graffiti, the famous Sigiriya frescoes (paintings) and the great lion paws. Upon reaching the summit you will immediately see that the climb was worth the effort. With the unparalleled 360 degree views of the surrounding jungle and hills, it will not be just the climb that takes your breath away.
Note: climbing up to the summit requires good fitness level and is by no means mandatory.
Later in the afternoon explore the Dambulla Cave Temple. (Transfer time approximately 30 minutes).

Dambulla 
With a history leading back to the first century BC, the rock ceiling of the Dambulla Cave Temple is a large canvas of colorful paintings and murals and is the largest collection within a cave temple in Sri Lanka. It is not always easy to capture these shots in semi-darkness, but with Mark’s expertise and trained eye you are sure to learn how to ‘steal’ precious streaks of daylight which trickle in to the inner chambers.
Proceed to Kandy and check-in at your hotel.

 Overnight: The Kandy House

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 6 - Kandy - Peradeniya - Kandy

 This morning drive to Peradeniya to explore the Royal Botanical Gardens. (Transfer time is approximately 40 minutes). 

Royal Botanical Gardens 
Originally created in the 14th Century as a pleasure garden for the Queens, the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya are located in the city of Kandy. The garden is home to over 4,000 species of plants, ferns, shrubs, palm trees, spices and medicinal plants, all complemented by an array of butterflies and bird species. Take time to admire the incredible collection of over 300 varieties of orchids; certainly one of the garden’s highlights. The giant bamboo and double palm trees, both of which are imports to the island and many are over one hundred years old, create a natural canopy. A leisurely stroll through the immaculate lawns and along the quiet paths, perhaps stopping to enjoy a sumptuous picnic, is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Late afternoon your host Mark will take you on a walking tour of Kandy city, the last kingdom of the island. 
You will notice a more comfortable temperature here, compared to the tropical climate prevailing throughout the rest of the country. Let Mark guide you in capturing the best angles of the rich Kandyan architecture and craftsmanship which the city is renowned for. There is nothing quite like an early evening stroll around the serene lake with a view to the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic or exploring the closely-knitted roads in the city center.
In the evening return to the hotel.

 Overnight: The Kandy House

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 7 - Kandy - Hatton

 Breakfast at hotel. Spend the rest of the morning at leisure indulging in the hotel facilities until your departure time. 
Arrive at the Peradeniya /Kandy Railway Station (transfer time approximately 40 minutes) in time for the train bound to Hatton. (Train ride approximately. two hours)

The stunning journey from Peradeniya/Kandy to Hatton is a photographer’s paradise and one the best ways to enjoy the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Along the way marvel at the scenic waterfalls, the vast tea terraces, the old tea factories and the expansive vegetable fields. As you roll past the tea estates, you cannot help but indulge in the unmistakable aroma of pure Ceylon tea. This hill country train ride usually takes around two hours, depending on the local railway regulations, but with Mark it will certainly feel shorter and make you wish for a longer journey.
Arrive at Hatton railway station and transfer to your overnight bungalow.*
Spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Note*: Shuttle services will be arranged to reach the respective bungalow

 Overnight: Ceylon Tea Trails

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 8 - Hatton

 Breakfast at the hotel. 
This morning Mark will take you on an unforgettable tea experience and photographic tour on the hill country. 
Later this afternoon engage in a unique Anglican Church Experience followed by an insight to the tea planter-bungalow culture.
The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

 Overnight: Ceylon Tea Trails

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 9 - Hatton-Galle

 After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Galle. (transfer time approximately five hours)
Check in at your hotel in Galle and relax for the rest of the afternoon.
This evening take a walking tour of the Galle Fort with your host and capture the beautiful sunset from the Moon Bastian.

Galle walking tour
The city of Galle mixes the exotic with the colonial. The impressive Fortress, originally built by the Portuguese and later continued by the Dutch, still stands today with only a few changes and is a living example of the interaction between European architecture and South Asian traditions during the 16th to 19th Centuries. Escorted by Mark, explore the Galle Fort on foot at your own pace, perhaps paying a visit to the Old Dutch Reformed Church, the lighthouse and the bustling souvenir shops afterwards.  Early evening is the perfect time to climb the Moon Bastion and the best place to capture the sunset through the lens.

 Overnight: Amangalla

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 10 - Galle – Weligama -Galle

 After breakfast proceed on a scenic photo journey to visit a cinnamon plantation and the iconic Stilt Fishermen of the southern coast.

Stilt fishing
Stilt fishing is an age-old method that is practiced on the southern coast of the island, mainly in areas like Weligama and Koggala, and is a tradition unique to Sri Lanka. The stilt, which is locally made by tying a small crossbar to a wooden pole, is mounted in the shallow sea while wooden rods are used to catch fish. During your stay on the south coast, watch in awe at how carefully the fishermen have to balance on the thin stilt. The rest of the process demands much patience and requires the fishermen to wait in complete silence since the slightest disturbance will scare the fish away. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to spot this spectacle and watch how the fishermen go on to sell the fish, mostly spotted herring or small mackerel. If you’re feeling brave enough, try mounting the stilt yourself to win a catch!  
Return for dinner at the hotel.

 Overnight: Amangalla

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 11 - Departure

 This morning bid farewell to this beautiful island and your host, Mark Forbes and transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (Transfer time is approximately two and a half hours) in time to connect with your onward departure flight. Alternatively you may choose to select a 3 Nights/ 4 Days Private Tour Extension.*

Note *: The transfer to your tour extension hotel by English-speaking driver will be arranged separately. Arrival and departure transfers may not be on private basis. Arrival and departure transfers are based on single transfer for all guests.

Note*: General check-in time at hotels: 2:00 pm | General Check-out time at hotels: 12:00 Noon

 Meal Plan: B