Day 1 - Arrive in Negombo

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you are met by our Airport Representative who introduces you to your English-speaking Chauffeur Guide.
Transfer from airport to your hotel in Negombo. (Approximate duration: 20 Minutes-Distance: 10 kilometers/ six miles)
Afternoon proceed to Negombo for a sightseeing tour.

Located north of Colombo and just 30 minutes’ drive from Bandaranaike International Airport lies the fishing town of Negombo. 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. That said, there are still a few very important Buddhist temples to explore as well.

Return to your hotel in the evening at spend the rest of the day at leisure

Overnight: Jetwing Lagoon (Deluxe Room)

Day 2 - Negombo – Sigiriya – Habarana

After a relaxing breakfast, proceed to Sigiriya to climb the rock fortress. (Approximate duration: four hours Distance: 145 kilometers/90miles)

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya is an enormous rock boulder rising up 200 meters (656 feet) above the surrounding jungle. Incredibly, the rock fortress was built by King Kassyapa I in the fifth Century and served as a royal citadel for more than 18 years, something that seems more astonishing with every step you climb. 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’ll immediately see that it was worth the effort. Wander through the ruins and admire the courage and work it must have taken to build this palace all those years ago- you will even find a fully-functional swimming pool at the summit. Aside from the ruins, with the unparalleled 360 degree view of the surrounding jungle and hills, it will not be just be the climb that takes your breath away.

On completion, leave for Habarana and check in at the hotel. (Approximate duration: 40 minutes. Distance: 25 kilometers/16 miles). Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Cinnamon Lodge (Deluxe Room)

Meal Plan: B

Day 3 - Habarana – Polonnaruwa – Minneriya – Habarana

After an early breakfast drive to Polonnaruwa and explore the ancient city and the archaeological museum. (Approximate duration: two hours. Distance: 88 kilometers/55 miles)

An interesting blend of archaeological monuments, Polonnaruwa was the second kingdom of Sri Lanka and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The iconic man-made reservoir was appropriately named “Parakrama Samudra”, or “the sea of Parakrama”, due to its enormous size. Look out for the famous Gal Viharaya or “Rock Temple” where you will see four colossal statues of the Buddha cut into the stone, reflecting peace, serenity and strength. Polonnaruwa also boasts ruins of ancient palaces, intricately-carved moon stones and royal baths. If you are feeling a bit more energetic, this whole site can also be explored on bike and your guide will be more than happy to arrange this for you at an additional cost.

Late afternoon enjoy a game drive in the Minneriya National Park (Approximate duration:  30 minutes. Distance: 25 kilometers/16 miles)

Minneriya National Park, located in the North Central district of Sri Lanka is a sanctuary for wildlife. Alongside the Udawalawe National Park it is one of the best places on the island to see the Sri Lankan Elephant up close, all year round. As well as elephants, you are likely to see a whole host of other mammals, birds, butterflies, reptiles and amphibians. The park is also an important habitat for the two endemic monkeys of Sri Lanka - the Purple-faced Langur and Toque Macaque.
Aside from the wildlife, the impressive Minneriya tank - a reservoir built by an ancient civilization – is undoubtedly the highlight of the park. If you are visiting between June and September you are likely to experience the dry season when the reservoir slowly dries out, giving way to fresh grass and shoots and attracting large herds of elephants, deer and water buffalo. It is during this time that Minneriya National Park gains fame in the viewing of “the Gathering” of wild elephants. If you are lucky, you may witness between 50 and 300 wild elephants making their way to the shores of the reservoir in what is considered to be the largest known meeting point of Asian Elephants in the world. We recommend an early morning or late evening visit to the park.

Late evening return to your hotel and relax. (Approximate duration: one hour & 30 Mins. Distance: 50 kilometers/31 miles).

Overnight: Cinnamon Lodge (Deluxe Room)

Meal Plan: B

Day 4 - Habarana – Dambulla – Kandy

After breakfast at the hotel, checkout and drive to Kandy.  (Approximate duration: two hours. Distance: 72 kilometers/ 45 miles).

Along the way, visit the World Heritage site of Dambulla, known for its richly painted caves. 

Dating back to the first Century BC, Dambulla is a vast cave complex, converted into a rock temple which is still regarded today as one of the most important Buddhist monasteries. Covering the rock ceiling is the largest collection of paintings within a cave temple in Sri Lanka, and surrounding you is the highest number of Buddha statues found in one single place. As you wander through the temple, notice the serenity and the exceedingly well-preserved nature of the place. It is no wonder the Rock Temple has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Continue your drive to Kandy.
En route, visit a spice garden in Matale, to see many different types of spices Sri Lanka is famous for.

The city of Kandy was the last Kingdom of Sri Lanka and has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will notice a more comfortable temperature here, compared to the tropical climate prevailing throughout the rest of the island. The Sacred Temple of the Tooth is certainly the most revered and iconic place to visit in this cultural capital but other highlights include the historic Kandy Lake, the Royal Botanical Gardens and the scenic Victoria Golf Club. Whilst you are in Kandy, also look out for the silverware, brassware and gem-studded jewelry, carefully carved and designed by the Kandyan craftsman, who are known to be the most skilled in the country. Kandy can be a bustling place in the day so there is nothing quite like a late evening stroll around the serene lake with a view to the Sacred Temple and the distant sound of drums in the background.

Late evening check-in at your hotel where you will spend the next two nights.

Overnight: Cinnamon Citadel (Deluxe Room)

Meal Plan: B

Day 5 - Kandy

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya (Approximate duration: 30 minutes. Distance: 10 kilometers/six miles).

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. Spread over 147 acres and bordered by the charming Mahaweli River - the longest in Sri Lanka - it is the largest botanical garden on the island. 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.

Later in the day visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Built during the 16th Century, the Temple of the Tooth is one the most important temples for Buddhists as it houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha. The Relic of the Tooth is kept in a two-story inner sanctum. The ‘Thevava’ or auspicious offering to the Sacred Tooth Relic takes place three times a day at pre-set times and a visit during this time is quite an experience. The resident monks demonstrate this age-old tradition as you become surrounded by the sound of drums and the smells of lotus and jasmine flowers, as well as incense. In July and August the whole city comes to life as the Kandy Esala Perehara pageant takes place in honor of the Relic.

Head back to the hotel and relax.

Overnight: Cinnamon Citadel (Deluxe Room)

Meal Plan: B

Day 6 - Kandy – Nanuoya – Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast, checkout from the hotel and proceed board the train bound from Peradeniya to Nanuoya. 
This journey is considered to be one of the most scenic railway journeys through the highlands of Sri Lanka. Take in the unmistakable aroma of pure Ceylon tea as you pass through the lush green tea estates, the mist-covered mountains and the scenic waterfalls.

Depart : Peradeniya Station : 12:25 
Arrive : Nanuoya        : 16:33 
Your driver will await to pick you up at the station and take you to your hotel where you will spend the next two nights.

Overnight: Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Meal Plan: B

Day 7 - Nuwara Eliya – Horton Plains – Nuwara Eliya

After an early breakfast drive to Horton plains, which is well recognized for its rich biodiversity.

Lying at an altitude between 2,100 and 2,300 meters (6890 - 7, 550 feet), and in stark contrast to the climate found elsewhere in Sri Lanka, Horton Plains National Park is often shrouded in mist, ground frost and low-lying cloud. A UNESCO nature site, it is the only national park in the central highlands. The plains protect the sources of important rivers and host many species of plant, endemic birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and butterflies. Embark on an early morning trek for a higher chance of spotting the bold sambar deer and the purple-faced langur.

Trickling streams lead you to the picturesque Baker Falls and Slab Rock Falls, and no trek through Horton Plains would be complete without taking in the views from World’s End, where the southern plains suddenly drop to 1,050 meters (3,500 feet) below.

Head back to your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Meal Plan: B

Day 8 - Nuwara Eliya – Colombo

After breakfast, leave for Colombo. (Approximate duration: five hours. Distance: 180 kilometers/ 112 miles) Along the way stop at a tea factory to learn the process of making the famed Ceylon tea.

Continue to Colombo and commence a panoramic city tour of Colombo.

The city of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and largest city, is a blend of both historic value and modern vibes. Dating back over 600 years, Colombo was a trading hub for sea merchants and colonial rulers, and one of the first things you will notice on your tour is how diverse the city has become. The wide array of Buddhist and Hindu temples, mosques and churches reflect the various beliefs practiced all over the island and the beautiful facades of the old, colonial buildings contrast with the modern shopping arcades. Your insightful tour takes you past the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, the Pettah bazar area, the Wolfendhal Dutch Church, the Old Parliament complex, The Bandaranaike International Memorial Hall, Nelum Pokuna Theatre, Viharamahadevi Park, the Independence Square and the National Museum. Before heading back to your hotel, perhaps take a stroll along the Galle Face green and enjoy afternoon tea or a sundowner (payable locally) at the iconic Galle Face Hotel, one of the oldest in South Asia, with fantastic views out across the glistening Indian Ocean.

Check in at the hotel and be at leisure.

Overnight: Galle Face Hotel (Premier Ocean View Room)

Meal Plan: B

Day 9 - Departure

This morning bid farewell to this beautiful island and transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (transfer time is approximately 40 minutes) in time to connect with your onward departure flight.