Highlights of Sri Lanka

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • Departure

  Begin your journey to Colombo.

• Day 2 • Arrival in Colombo

  Upon your midday arrival, settle in for a relaxing overnight stay at the four-star Arie Lagoon Hotel, a tranquil retreat perfectly positioned between the serene Negombo Lagoon and the Indian Ocean.

• Day 3 • Dambulla

  Your Sri Lankan adventure truly begins today as the island’s vibrant landscapes and rich cultural heritage gradually reveal themselves. As we journey through the countryside, expect to see lush paddy fields dotted with water buffalo, farmers in traditional sarongs tending their crops, and towering coconut palms swaying in the breeze. Along the way, you might spot majestic elephants, guided by their devoted mahouts, or pass vast pineapple plantations and shimmering lakes nestled within the dense jungle.

• Day 4 • Sigiriya Rock

  This morning, we visit what is often considered Sri Lanka’s most breathtaking and iconic monument—Sigiriya, also known as ‘Lion Rock’. Rising 600 feet above the surrounding plains, this colossal granite fortress, with its sheer cliffs and dramatic silhouette, is crowned by the ruins of an ancient royal palace dating back over 1,500 years.

• Day 5 • Kandy

  As the morning sun rises over Sigiriya, we set off on our journey to Kandy, the former royal capital of Sri Lanka. Along the way, we stop at a captivating spice garden, where the air is rich with the scents of pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon—just a few of the island’s prized botanicals. It’s a sensory delight, offering a glimpse into the deep-rooted traditions of Sri Lankan spice cultivation.

• Day 6 • Kandy

  Kandy pulses with energy, its lively streets a whirlwind of daily life. Schoolchildren in crisp white uniforms weave through the crowds, while bustling market stalls and shopfronts overflow with everything from fragrant spices to handcrafted souvenirs.

• Day 7 • Journey to Nuwara Eliya

  This morning, we bid farewell to Kandy and set off on a journey to Nuwara Eliya, winding through increasingly dramatic mountain landscapes. Along the way, the scenery transforms before our eyes—lush tropical jungle fades into towering pine forests, which then give way to an endless sea of tea plantations. At first, the neatly pruned tea bushes appear in scattered clusters, but soon they dominate every hillside, carpeting the terrain in a velvety green expanse that stretches as far as the eye can see.

• Day 8 • Elephant Transit Home

  Leaving behind the rolling hills of Sri Lanka’s tea country, we journey south toward the lowlands, where a heart-warming experience awaits. Our destination is the Elephant Transit Home, nestled within Udawalawe National Park and supported by the UK’s Born Free Foundation. Here, we have the rare opportunity to watch young orphaned elephants being bottle-fed during one of their daily feeding sessions—a touching sight that highlights the country’s dedication to wildlife conservation.

• Day 9 • Yala National Park

  The day begins with an early start, accompanied by the enchanting symphony of a tropical dawn chorus. As the first light filters through the trees and the morning mist fades beneath the rising sun, we set off on an exhilarating safari through Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife reserve. Aboard rugged 4x4 vehicles, we venture deep into the jungle, where an astonishing variety of wildlife awaits. Yala is renowned for its high concentration of leopards—the island’s apex predator—making it one of the best places in the world to spot these elusive big cats.

• Day 10 • Kalutara

  After breakfast, we make our way back to Sri Lanka’s west coast, stopping en route for a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed city of Galle. This historic gem is best known for its imposing 16th-century Dutch Fort, where cobbled streets, colonial architecture, and ancient ramparts offer a fascinating glimpse into the island’s colonial past.

• Day 11 • Free Day

  Today is yours to spend as you wish—perhaps unwind at your hotel, indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment, or simply soak up the sun by the pool, letting the tranquil surroundings wash over you.

• Day 12 • Free Day

  Extend your free time and enjoy another day at leisure.

• Day 13 • Return Home

  Say goodbye and start your journey home.