Wild Sri Lanka

At the next stop Sigiriya, a Cultural Triangle favourite the focus is split between history and nature. Your trip over from Anuradhapura is an easy one so there’s time to reset with some down time at your hotel before your action-packed full day in the area. You’ll start with an ascent of the iconic Sigirya Rock, a soaring granite rock used by King Kashyapa as his capital. Once you’ve made it to the top, wander around the ruins and take in the views. Then it’s on to Minneriya, a national park that’s known for its massive herds of elephants and the extraordinary elephant gathering that happens from May to October. An afternoon in the company of these beautiful creatures is good for the soul.

Swap rural for urban and nature for heritage in Kandy, a city with a rich heritage, tranquil tropical gardens and a buzzing and busy vibe. We’ve included a city tour that gives you an introductory insight into what makes the city tick.

This is the day we take you off the well-trodden path. While most people will head head up to the Hill Country towns from Kandy, you’ll be heading east to Gal Oya National Park. It’s a bit of a hidden gem so this visit gives you some serious bragging rights. You’ll be tracking those classic Sri Lankan species like the Asian elephant and leopard, all with a magnificent backdrop of emerald hills and the huge Senanayaka Samudra reservoir. But the most special thing of all about the park? This is one of just a handful of places on Earth where you may be lucky enough to see elephants swimming. Pure magic.

We’ve saved Sri Lanka’s most famous reserve for last – Yala National Park. The name alone conjures up images of playing hide and seek with elusive leopards (although they’re less elusive here as the park has one of the world’s highest concentrations); elephants wandering sedately in a family line across the grasslands; and a windswept, untouched coastline. We haven’t skimped on time in the park on this holiday – a full-day safari is included to give you the best chance to seek out as much of the wildlife as Yala has to offer.

From the southeast to the southwest: the final leg of the trip ends in heritage-packed Galle, a stunning spot with a fortified old city. You can pick a peaceful spot to stay about 10 miles from Galle or be right at the heart of the action by choosing a city bolthole. Either way, there’ll be the chance to completely unwind after your jam-packed holiday. Between chill times, we recommend some easy-going exploring along the streets of Galle Fort which are crammed with character boutiques, cafés and locally owned restaurants.