Day 1 - Airport-Kotugoda

Upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be met by our Akorn Airport Representative and will be introduced to your Chauffeur Guide/Guide. Transfer from airport to your hotel. (Approximate Duration-20 Mints-Distance 10 Km)

Check in at the Wallawwa hotel and relax.

A 'wallawwa' is typically an old manor house with architectural features such columns, courtyards and verandas. The Wallawwa is just that and much more with an interesting history that dates back to the mid-17th century when it was owned by a head chieftain of Galle. This colonial bungalow has been lovingly restored maintaining its old world charm with a blend of luxurious comforts and stylish design. The bedrooms are situated around the central courtyard and pond. The restaurant serves sumptuous Asian fusion cuisine. Relax and unwind at the Z spa or laze by the swimming pool set amidst one of the finest private gardens in Sri Lanka.

Overnight: The Wallawwa

Meal Plan: D

Day 2 - Kotugoda-Pinnewala-Thirappane

After breakfast, you will proceed to Anuradhapura via Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage (Approximately 2 hours/80km)

Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage:
• Located approximately one hour’s drive from the Kandy City, Pinnewala is both an orphanage and breeding ground for wild elephants. It has one of the largest herds of captive elephants in the world.
• Established in 1975, originally founded in order to afford care for and provide protection to the many orphaned elephants stranded in the jungles.
• Each grown animal is given around 76 Kgs (170 Lb) of green manure a day and around 2 Kg from a food bag containing rice bran and maize.
• Baby Elephants feeding times are 09:15 am, 13:15 pm and 17:15 pm.
• Duration of the visit at the site approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Later on proceed to Thirappane. (Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes/140km)

Ulagalla Resort opened in 2010 and consists of luxurious individual chalets scattered across woodlands and overlooking paddy fields and two reservoirs. Each chalet provides complete privacy and has its own plunge pool and scenic views. The Ulagalla estate has a long history and was once the abode of a village chieftain. The original walawwa (ancestral mansion), which was built in 1885, still remains and has been renovated to house the resort’s reception area. Ulagalla follows strict eco-friendly policies and also produces much of its own rice and vegetables on the estate. Ulagalla Resort is a peaceful setting that is ideal for nature lovers and offers several adventurous activities ranging from horse riding and kayaking to birdwatching.

Check into the hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Ulagalla Resort

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 3 - Thirappane-Sigiriya-Dambulla-Thirappane

After an early breakfast you will continue your journey to Sigiriya to climb the famous Rock Fortress. (Approximately 1 hours and 30 minutes/73km) 

Sigiriya Rock Fortress:
• A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya is a large colossal rock boulder, which is about 200 meters high.
• The rock fortress was built by King Kassyapa I in the 5th Century AD and was a royal citadel for more than 18 years.
• It is a complex of buildings, part royal palace and part self-contained town with the famous Lion Gate, water gardens, boulder gardens walls and moats on par with the best in the ancient world, comparing to a sophisticated architectural feat of the ancient Sinhalese. 
• In a sheltered pocket approached by a spiral stairway are the famous Sigiriya frescoes, 21 figures of females depicted as rising from the clouds, some of the earliest surviving art in Sri Lanka. 
• The poems inscribed on the rock by admirers of the frescoes, and known as the 'Sigiri graffiti,' are among the most ancient texts in the Sinhalese language. 
• The Summit of the rock boulder with an area of one hectare was the fortified palace of King Kassyapa I, which was reputed to be invincible.
• Minimum duration to ascend is about 1 hour at a moderate climbing pace.

Later this evening you will proceed to Dambulla.

Dambulla Cave Rock Temple:
• Dating back to the 1st Century BC Dambulla is a vast caved rock mass which was later converted into a rock temple.
• The rock of Dambulla is the centre of a Buddhist cave-temple complex established in the 3rd century BC as one of the largest and most important Buddhist monasteries occupied continuously until today. 
• By the end of the 12th century, with the introduction of sculpture to the caves on the upper terrace, the caves assumed their present general forms and layout.
• The rock ceiling is one large sweep of colourful painting, which is the largest collection of paintings in Sri Lanka within a cave temple and the most number of Buddha statues found in a single place.

Return to the hotel and relax for the rest of the day (Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes/60km)

Overnight: Ulagalla Resort

Meal Plan: B

Day 4 - Thirappane-Anuradhapura-Mihintale-Thirappane

After breakfast begin a sightseeing tour of Anuradhapura Ancient Capital. (Approximately 30 minutes/20km) 

Anuradhapura Ancient City:
• Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka’s first Capital Kingdom founded in the 5th Century BC according to the ancient Sinhalese Chronicle ‘Mahavansa’. 
• Anuradhapura was an example par excellence of a Hydraulic Civilization. The Construction of reservoirs, canals and irrigation channels during this period exhibited an amazing engineering knowledge 
• The unique feature of Buddhism in Sri Lanka is the Stupa (Dagoba) usually a curved dome which enshrines relics of Lord Buddha and objects of worship. 
• The Abayagiri Stupa built in the 1st Century BC and the Jethavana Stupa built during the 3rd Century AD were taller than the 3rd Pyramid of Giza and were the great wonders of the time. 
• The strikingly white Ruwanweliseya Stupa built during the 2nd Century BC is by far the most beautiful. The ‘Samadhi’ Buddha statue that dates back 4th Century AD is a statue of Buddha in a meditative pose and considered as a masterpiece of sculpture. 
• Throughout centuries the Sacred ‘Bo’ tree of ‘Sri Maha Bodhi’ has been worshipped by Buddhists and the world’s oldest authenticated tree, a sapling brought to the Island during 3rd Century BC from the Bo tree under which Buddha attained Enlightenment.
Late afternoon proceed to Mihintale. Mihintale is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. 

Later this evening travel back to the hotel and relax. (Approximately 20 minutes/17km)

Overnight: Ulagalla Resort

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 5 - Thirappane-Polonnaruwa-Passikudah

After breakfast begin your journey to Passikudha and stop for a sightseeing tour en route of the Polonnaruwa Ancient Capital. (Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes/120km) 

Polonnaruwa Ancient Capital:
• A UNESCO World Heritage site, Polonnaruwa is the 2nd ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka that remains today an interesting blend of archeological monuments.
• Polonnaruwa rose to prominence between the 11th and 13th centuries and peaked during the reign of the famous monarch, King Parakramabahu I who proceeded to add more and more monuments making it history's most astonishing urban creations.
• The huge water reservoir which was named as Parakrama “Samudra” or “the sea” of Parakrama was one of his greatest achievements.
• Look out for the famous Gal Viharaya or the “Stone Temple” where four colossal statues of the Buddha are cut in stone reflecting peace, serenity and strength. These statues resemble the glory of Polonnaruwa and the peak of its artistic achievements.
• Other interesting places worthy of mention are Thiwanka Image House, Atadage, Hetadage, Watadage, Shiva Dewala, Lotus Pond, Alahana Pirivena, Rankoth Dageba, Kumara Pokuna, Stone Book, Royal Palace and Nissanka Latha Mandapaya.

Late afternoon proceed to Passikudah and check in to your hotel. (Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes/70 Km)

Uga Bay is a welcome addition to Pasekudah. Opened in late 2012, the resort is set on a seven-acre property scattered with coconut palms leading to a bay where the waters are safe for swimming and water sports. This contemporary beach resort fuses tropical living and Mediterranean style. Enter through the main doorway and take in the magnificent infinity views of water starting at the pond, flowing gently to the swimming pool and finally to the turquoise seas beyond. Accommodation is in 46 studios built in a cluster style allowing for direct access to the beach. Rise at dawn and take in the spectacular sunrise. Spend your days snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing on the beach. At night fall, enjoy fusion cuisine under a starlit sky.

Overnight: Uga Bay

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 6 - Passikudah

Breakfast at the hotel.

Full day at leisure on the beach.

You could enjoy the hotels underground spa or could engage in some water sports and beach activities.

Overnight: Uga Bay

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 7 - Passikudah-Mahiyanganaya-Kandy

After breakfast you will continue to Kandy and en route you visit Mahiyanganaya Temple. (Approximately 5 hours/195km)

Proceed to your overnight hotel and relax rest of the day.

The Kandy House is a carefully-renovated old colonial 'Walauwa' (ancestral mansion) in the spice-growing hills that surround Kandy. Its completion heralded what the hill-country-capital had been waiting for so long: a brilliant small boutique hotel capable of offering stylish and private accommodation and attentive personal service in a beautiful natural setting. The inspired refurbishment of the 'Walauwa', with its light white interiors, polished hardwood floorboards, jackwood staircase, Dutch-style antique furniture and careful injections of colour, has been a triumph. Channa Daswatta, one of Geoffrey Bawa’s protégés and Sri Lanka’s leading modern architects, provided the creative inspiration. The bedrooms are unquestionably the finest in Kandy. The freshwater infinity pool in the garden provides an irresistible opportunity to unwind and relax under the shade of tropical trees. The wide verandas provide the perfect place to doze with your favourite novel. The Kandy House was once the seat of the king’s Chief Minister, Ratwatte Adigar, who betrayed his king to the British in the early 19C as Ceylon fell into colonial hands in 1815. Old Ratwatte family photos and antique furniture still remain. The Kandy House was added to the Conde Nast US Traveller Hot List in 2006. Note: Children are welcome, although they must be over 12 years.

Overnight: The Kandy House

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 8 - Kandy

After breakfast you will proceed to do a city tour in Kandy. 

Kandy:
• The city of Kandy is considered as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site as it is home to the Sacred Temple of the Tooth, most revered by Buddhists.
• Kandy was the last Kingdom of Sri Lanka.
• The city is located about 1600 ft above sea level and this topographic location has given it cooler temperatures in contrast to the tropical climate prevailing in the rest of the island.
• Some of the other highlights in the city are the historic Kandy Lake, the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya and the scenic Udawatta Forest reserve.
• The ancient Embekka Temple, the Gadaladeniya Temple and Lankathilake Temples have gained international fame for their intricate wood and stone craftsmanship.
• The city of Kandy keeps Sinhalese arts and crafts traditions alive.  This includes weaving, silver crafts and wood carving. The Kandyan craftsmen produce the most exquisite items and consequently entire traditional craft villages are set up in the area.

Evening proceed to the Sacred Temple of the Tooth followed a traditional dance performance.

Temple of the Tooth:
• The sacred Temple of the Tooth is considered as one of the most revered Temples by the Buddhists as it houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.
• The present temple was built during the 17th Century BC and is located in the city centre, overlooking the picturesque Kandy Lake.
• Kandy was nominated as a UNESCO world heritage site. 
• The Relic of the Tooth is kept in a two-story inner shrine fronted by two large elephant tusks. Although visitors are not often permitted to enter this inner shrine you can offer flowers at the outer shrine area.
• The Paththirippuwa or the ‘Octagon’ is a highlight and was originally built as part of the Royal Palace premises by the last King of Sri Lanka Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe (1797 - 1814) to address fellow countrymen. 
• The Thevava or auspicious offering to the Sacred Tooth Relic takes place three times a day at 5:30 am, 09:30 and 18:30 pm during which you can witness the large offering of flowers, sweet meats and curries in honour of the Tooth Relic. 

Return to your hotel and relax rest of the day.

Overnight: The Kandy House

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 9 - Kandy-Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya. (Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes/78km).
En route enjoy the picturesque central highlands of Sri Lanka.

This evening engage in a sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya:
• Due to the dominant presence of the British the city, often called Little England was once a leisure hub of the British civil servants and planters.
• Located at an altitude of 1,868m (6,128 ft) the city’s cold temperatures call for sweaters, log fires, and blankets, contrasting completely with the usual tropical weather prevailing throughout the rest of the island.
• Nuwara Eliya has been synonymous with Tea and this highland region produces some of the world's finest tea.
• Guests to Nuwara Eliya should not miss the chance to explore the vegetable and fruit markets and also to grab a bargain at the night bale market.
• Nuwara Eliya region has the country’s largest network of vegetable cultivation such as potatoes, leeks, beetroot, carrot, cabbage and salad leaves. 
• Gregory Lake, which was built during the year 1874 by a British governor ‘Gregory’, is popular amongst tourists for boat rides and morning promenades.
• Established in 1891 The Nuwara Eliya Golf Club still remains prestigious and is one of the oldest 18-hole Golf Courses in the country within walking distance of the city centre.
• The sacred Seetha Amman Temple is worshipped as a holy place, especially by the Hindus, and the Temple has been built in line with Hindu architecture.
• Visitors to Nuwara Eliya can also engage in hard and soft trekking at the Horton Plains National Park which is the only national park in the hill country. 
• Established in 1861 the scenic botanical gardens in Hakgala is a must visit for guests to Nuwara Eliya with its well-kept landscape in the back drop of ‘elephant jaw mountain’ or Hakgala.

Proceed to overnight hotel and relax for the rest of the day.

The Heritance Tea Factory was once exactly that before it was converted into a resort and arguably the finest hotel in the highlands. It is still possible to pluck your own tea from the nearby Heathersett Estate and process it at the hotel's own miniature tea factory. The reception was once the drier room, the sifting and packing rooms now house a highly-recommended restaurant and bar. In a nostalgic recreation of the years of steam travel -- a narrow gauge railway ran along these slopes until 1940 -- the Tea Factory's fine-dining restaurant is a restored railway carriage, where you can enjoy a five-course meal with an infusion of Western and Eastern influences without any risk of soot in your eye. But it is the setting that delights many -- the gentle whirl of the night-time breeze is likely to lull the most troubled mind to sleep. Heritance Tea Factory follows a strict green philosophy and does much to conserve nature and develop the local village communities.

Overnight: Heritance Tea Factory

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 10 - Nuwara Eliya-Yala

Early morning after breakfast you will proceed to Yala. (Approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes/180km) 

Cinnamon Wild, formerly known as Yala Village, has a rustic chic, contemporary ambience that blends seamlessly with the surrounding wilderness – a commendable transformation achieved by Sri Lankan architect Channa Daswatte. The central feature is a meandering swimming pool with an expansive deck that spreads throughout linking the public spaces housed in several magnificent pavilions. Enter through the reception and lounge pavilion designed with cinnamon wood furniture, gigantic cinnamon stick ceiling lamps in the shape of bird’s nests, and dramatic photographs of Yala’s elusive leopards. Accommodation here is in luxurious Jungle and Beach chalets immersed in nature.

Overnight: Cinnamon Wild–Yala

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 11 - Yala

Early morning game drive in the Yala National Park.

Yala National Park: 
• Yala is considered to be the second largest national park in Southern Sri Lanka that facilitates one of the richest ecosystems in the Island. 
• This National Park is situated in the semi-arid climatic region and receives an annual rainfall ranging between 500–775mm from the North-East monsoon from about November to January. For the rest of the year the park remains dry with average temperatures around 27 C. 
• The park hosts a number of habitats such as monsoon forests, freshwater ecosystems, marine and inland bird ecosystems, dry monsoon forests, thorn forests, grasslands, sand dunes and many more. 
• It is estimated that the Yala National Park is home to around 215 different species of bird, 6 of which are endemic to the region. October to April bring in the large flocks of migratory birds. The park is undoubtedly one of the best bird watching hot spots in Sri Lanka.
It is also thought that the park hosts one of the highest densities of leopards in the world with excellent visibility throughout the year.
• Sloths are the next attraction for Yala with excellent visibility during the months of May to July.
Transfer back to Yala National Park for another Game Drive this evening.

Note:
Normally Yala National Park is closed during the month of September as it’s the mating season for most of the animals. So it’s advisable to avoid Yala during that month.

Overnight: Cinnamon Wild–Yala

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 12 - Yala-Galle

After breakfast you will proceed to Galle. (Approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes/175 km)
Stilt Fishermen:
You will be able to experience the ever famous stilt fisherman engaging in their daily catch. Stilt fishing is an age old fishing method in Sri Lanka and today remains as a scenic icon in the southern coastal belt. You will notice how carefully balanced that the fishermen position themselves on the thin stilt during the low tide to fish in the rising waters of the high tide, which is a picturesque sight.

Check-in to the hotel and rest of the day at leisure.

Amangalla is an ancient building, wonderfully restored. Amangalla is an amalgamation of buildings dating back over 400 years, used as an HQ for the Dutch commander and his officers in the 17th century and later as a billet for British soldiers. In 1865, the New Oriental Hotel was born and in its heyday on either side of the Second World War there were no more sought-after or daring parties in Sri Lanka. But the hotel suffered for a lack of investment until the arrival of Aman Resorts, the leading luxury hotel development company in Asia. A long, sensitive and complete refurbishment followed and in 2005 Amangalla opened for business. Amangalla now offers excellent old-world luxury, superb food, arguably the best spa in the island and exceptional service.

Overnight: Amangalla

Meal Plan: B

Day 13 - Galle

Optional:
This morning before breakfast you could go Whale and Dolphin watching in Mirissa (Approximately 45 minutes/40km). The Sea off Mirissa and Dondra are important areas for Whale and Dolphin watching. Dondra and Mirissa are more famous for the sightings of the Blue Whales and Sperm Whales along with the hundreds of Spinner Dolphins.

Note:
The Season for whale watching in Mirissa is from November to April & during the rest of the months whales are not visible. 

Galle Dutch Fortress:
• A UNESCO World Heritage site, the city of Galle has been exposed to the best of the Colonial rule in Sri Lanka. It is an urban ensemble which showcases the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions during the 16th to 19th Centuries.
• The city’s significant location, lying off the south-west coast of Sri Lanka and sheltered by a rocky peninsula, has made it very popular for naval activities since ancient times.
• The Fortress of Galle was built by the Dutch is the most impressive around.  It still exists today, just with a few alterations. It has an area of 52 Hectares inside the walls defended by 14 bastions with the majority of the outside walls built in 1663. 
• The fort contains a large number of public administrations, trade establishments, a lighthouse and a Protestant church which is the oldest in Sri Lanka and was constructed in 1775.
• Today the city is famous for its atmospheric streets, plush boutique hotels and stylish stores.

Return back to your hotel and relax rest of the day.

Overnight: Amangalla

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 14 - Galle-Colombo

After breakfast you’ll transfer to Colombo, visiting Beruwela en route. (Approximately 3 hours/120km)

This evening engage in a panoramic sightseeing tour of Colombo.

Colombo:
• The city of Colombo which is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka is a blend of both historic value and modern vibes.
• The history of Colombo dates far back as a trading hub for the Arab, Chinese, Persian& Greek merchants, especially due to the fact that the city was in possession of a natural harbour.
• Consequently the city of Colombo was strongly exposed to the Portuguese, Dutch & British Colonial rule.
• The present day population of Colombo is a mix of numerous ethnic groups, mainly Sinhalese (41%), Sri Lankan Moors (24%) and Tamils (29%).
• Colombo is divided into 15 areas mainly due to postal purposes. 
• One may be surprised to notice the predominant English street names such as York Street, Duke Street & Bristol Street which was a direct result of the British presenceon the Island in the 18th Century AD.
• Colonial buildings influenced by the Portuguese, Dutch and British exist alongside structures built in Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Indian and Contemporary architectural styles. There are many places of touristic interest that can be visited or enjoyed as a panoramic view.
• Many places of touristic interest that can be visited or enjoyed as a panoramic view.

Proceed to your hotel later on. 

Tintagel Colombo is the creation of Shanth Fernando, a Sri Lankan lifestyle designer and entrepreneur who also owns the Gallery Café - the capital's leading restaurant -- and the popular lifestyle home store Paradise Road. The transformation of the house took just under three years as Shanth, assisted by architect Phillip Weeraratne, paid close attention to detail and refused to compromise on quality. The original colonial mansion remains with a few minor structural changes. An entirely new wing has been added at the rear which blends seamlessly, housing the exquisite bedroom suites, swimming pool and a small spa. Elements of colonial architecture including high ceilings, ornate columns, arches and wooden floors have all been retained. Shades of white and ebony blended with vibrant red and black permeate the interiors. Tintagel will appeal to discerning travellers looking for stylish and luxurious accommodation in the center of Colombo.

Overnight: Tintagel Hotel

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 15 - Colombo-Airport

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer from Colombo to airport (Approximately 1 hour/ 40km) and connect to your international flight for departure.

Meal Plan: B