Upon your arrival at Bandaranayake International Airport, our professional chauffeur will extend a warm English-speaking welcome to you. Your journey will then take you to Sigiriya in complete comfort and security. Your adventure begins with a visit to the renowned Sigiriya Rock Fortress, often referred to as `Lion Rock,` one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This extraordinary fortified garden city showcases ancient urban planning, architectural marvels, advanced construction techniques, impeccable hydraulic engineering, artistic finesse, and a harmonious blend of nature and human creativity. It stands as a testament to the meticulous planning that went into creating this city and palace in the 5th century AD. Sigiriya Rock Castle stands as an exceptionally well-preserved example of a first-millennium urban site in Asia, essentially a living museum of history.

En route to your destination, you`ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a traditional village tour. Village Tour Sri Lanka offers you a holistic experience of authentic Sri Lankan village life. Engage with the locals and gain insights into their way of life. Partake in various village activities, including an ox cart ride, a leisurely catamaran excursion, and a stroll through the verdant fields. You`ll even learn the secrets of crafting traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. To cap off this immersive experience, relish a delightful buffet lunch served in traditional Sri Lankan fashion – a truly authentic Sri Lankan vacation awaits.

The next stop on your itinerary is a visit to either Minneria or Kaudulla National Park, both located nearby. These parks offer captivating wildlife safaris. Minneriya National Park is famous for its annual `elephant gathering` event, which takes place between August and September each year. During the dry season, 200–300 elephants congregate around the lush Minneriya reservoir, showcasing their feeding, bathing, and social interactions with the herd – a mesmerizing spectacle. Kaudulla, just 40 minutes from Minneriya, is home to a significant population of Sri Lankan elephants. Like Minneriya, it also witnesses large herds of elephants congregating at water holes from August through September. Furthermore, these parks boast unique native wildlife, including the Sri Lankan sloth bear, albino axis deer, and the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. With 160 bird species, Kaudulla holds the prestigious title of an Important Bird Area.

Finally, you`ll be comfortably transferred to a hotel in Sigiriya to spend the night and conclude your day of exploration.

To make the most of your day, we recommend setting off after a hearty breakfast on your journey from Sigiriya to Kandy. While en route, you`ll have the opportunity to explore the captivating Dambulla cave temple. The Dambulla Temple boasts five remarkable caverns, or shrine rooms, all adorned with exquisite statues of Buddha and other significant figures from the rich tapestry of Buddhist history. Inside these caverns, you`ll find an impressive collection of 150 Buddha images. These caverns also house an array of sculptures and paintings, reflecting various epochs of Sinhalese sculpture and artistry. Some scholars speculate that the earliest paintings in Dambulla date back to the 8th century A.C., although definitive evidence is elusive due to subsequent overpainting. Nevertheless, Dambulla remains a treasure trove of decorative motifs, displaying patterns akin to those found in Sigiriya.

Following your visit to Dambulla, your next stop will be the Matale Spice and Herbal Garden. Situated just 25 kilometers from Kandy`s picturesque hill capital, these spice gardens are among the most renowned on the island. Here, you`ll gain insights into the cultivation and processing of a wide range of spices. Take a leisurely stroll through the gardens and acquaint yourself with nutmeg, pepper vines, clove trees, curry leaves, cinnamon, and the rare cardamom, a close relative of ginger that thrives in the shade of towering jungle trees and requires delicate manual harvesting. Visitors have the opportunity to purchase spices, traditional remedies, and skincare products. Additionally, you can savor a herbal infusion and, in some cases, relish the full spectrum of Sri Lankan spices during lunch or indulge in an Ayurveda massage using natural garden-based products.

Your next destination is the remarkable Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. While the term `elephant orphanage` may be unconventional, it is a factual and exceptional place. Nestled in serene surroundings, this unique facility is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment for captive elephant calves, ranging in age from just weeks to fifty years. It stands as the sole orphanage of its kind globally.

Afterward, your journey continues with a visit to the Kandy cultural dancing performance and the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Dalada Malaigawa), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kandyan cultural performance will leave you awestruck with its mesmerizing dance, acrobatics, elaborate costumes, and rhythmic music. This vibrant cultural showcase, held in the heart of Kandy town, showcases various styles of Kandyan dance, originally indigenous to the region but now cherished across the island. The Sri Dalada Maligawa, or Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is a sacred Buddhist temple housing Lord Buddha`s revered tooth relic. It is nestled within the royal palace complex of the ancient Kingdom of Kandy. Kandy, the final grand capital of Sri Lanka`s ancient monarchs, owes its UNESCO World Heritage Site status in large part to the presence of this temple.

You will spend the night in Kandy, concluding your day of exploration and cultural immersion.

To make the most of your day, we recommend departing after a delightful breakfast for your journey from Kandy  to Nuwara Eliya. While en route, you`ll have the opportunity to explore the renowned Royal Botanical Garden. The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya proudly stand as Sri Lanka`s oldest formal gardens, attracting approximately 2 million visitors each year, both local and international. This splendid park boasts a rich diversity of flora, encompassing around 4,000 plant species, including orchids, spices, medicinal herbs, and palm trees. It is particularly renowned for its captivating orchid collection and the picturesque palm-fringed pathways that wind through the gardens.

Your next destination is a visit to a tea factory and museum. The Ceylon Tea Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Sri Lankan tea traders, with a special focus on notable figures like James Taylor, a Scottish tea farmer who pioneered the cultivation of tea in Ceylon, and Thomas Lipton, another Scotsman who played a pivotal role in producing Ceylon tea and exporting it to Western markets, starting in 1890. The museum is spread across four floors, housing vintage tea-processing equipment, such as 19th-century generators, rollers, dryers, fermentation tables, and sorting machines on the ground and second floors. The first floor hosts a library and an auditorium featuring audio and video presentations, while the third floor is home to a tea shop where you can explore and purchase a variety of tea products.

Finally, your day concludes with a Nuwara Eliya city tour, allowing you to immerse yourself in more breathtaking scenery. The city tour commences with a visit to Nuwara Eliya, where you`ll first catch a glimpse of the historic Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, one of the oldest golf clubs in Asia, from the outside before proceeding further into the town. As you explore the town, you`ll have the opportunity to visit one of Sri Lanka`s oldest post offices. Victoria Park, a charming park named after Queen Victoria`s memorial, is a must-visit. The park showcases a traditional Tudor-style colonial building with a distinctive red brick facade. Be sure to stroll through the park, taking in the serene ambiance and picturesque vistas, featuring lush trees and well-manicured lawns. The next stop on your tour is Lake Gregory, a man-made marvel from colonial times. Originally constructed for electricity generation, it now serves as a delightful destination for recreation and relaxation. The serene lake is surrounded by stunning panoramic views of distant mountains.

You`ll spend the night in Nuwara Eliya, culminating your day of exploration and discovery.

04 Day

our day begins early as we depart from your hotel, heading to the mesmerizing Horton Plains. The standout feature of Horton Plains National Park is the renowned World`s End, where the highland plateau dramatically gives way to a sheer 1,000-meter drop, unveiling a breathtaking vista before your eyes. Nearby lies Mini World`s End, with a somewhat shorter drop of 300 meters. If you arrive before 10 a.m., you`re almost guaranteed to witness a truly magnificent spectacle. Arrive later, and you might find yourself gazing into a sea of mist, particularly during the wetter months from May to September. While there`s a designated viewing area with protective barriers, venturing off the prescribed path near the cliff`s edge is clearly perilous. A side trip to nearby Baker`s Falls, one of Sri Lanka`s most impressive waterfalls, is also a rewarding endeavor, especially for those with ample energy.

Next on your itinerary is a scenic railway journey that commences at either Nanuoya or Ohiya train station and transports you to Ella. This Highland train ride traverses lush tea plantations, treating you to awe-inspiring vistas of the hill country`s natural beauty. Along the route, the train gracefully navigates through man-made tunnels, offering fleeting glimpses of grey stone cliffs and meandering rivers, with occasional sightings of majestic waterfalls cascading down the mountainsides. The journey continues its ascent, passing through Hatton and eventually reaching Nanuoya. If you`re bound for Nuwara Eliya, this is where you should disembark.

Your final destination for the day is the enchanting Ella Nine Arch Bridge. Situated in the hill town of Ella in Sri Lanka, a mere 3 kilometers from Ella Railway Station, this historic bridge is one of Ella`s most iconic landmarks, also known as Ahas Namaye Palama or the Bridge in the Sky. The Nine Arch Bridge gracefully spans lush green tea plantations, framed by the majestic backdrop of towering mountains. Located at Demodara, nestled between the Ella and Demodara train stations, this architectural gem measures 91 meters in length and soars to a height of 24 meters. It never fails to captivate travelers with its sheer beauty. The bridge harmoniously blends with the surrounding verdant landscape, and the rocky path provides opportunities for hiking, as well as stops at waterfalls, ancient caves, and tea estates. The bridge enjoys immense popularity among both tourists and locals, drawn to witness the iconic blue train`s leisurely passage across the bridge. It`s also a prime spot for photography and filmmaking. On the slopes, you`ll find several eateries offering scenic views of the bridge.

Your day concludes in Ella, where you`ll spend the night, reveling in the unforgettable experiences of your journey.

Your day`s adventure begins right after a satisfying breakfast as we set off from Ella on our journey to Tissa. If you`re looking for a delightful way to spend your morning in Ella, we recommend taking a short trek to the summit of Little Adam`s Peak. This charming peak, aptly named for its resemblance to the renowned Adam`s Peak or Sri Pada, is the younger sibling of Ella and a must-see attraction. Ascending Little Adam`s Peak is a relatively straightforward endeavor; at an elevation of 1,141 meters, it`s more of a leisurely two-hour stroll than a challenging hike. The path leading to Little Adam`s Peak is conveniently well-marked, ensuring you`ll have no trouble finding your way.

Your next stop on this journey is the captivating Ravana Waterfall. When in Ella, the Ravana Falls is an unmissable natural wonder. These falls hold a prominent position among Sri Lanka`s most picturesque waterfalls nestled in the enchanting hill country. The falls are truly a sight to behold, and you can even get up close by navigating the rocks. If you have an affinity for water and wish to enjoy some time frolicking in the waterfall, this is the ideal spot in Ella. Take a dip, but do exercise caution as the rocks can be slippery. Ravana Falls is presently one of the country`s broadest falls, cascading from a curved granite outcrop, standing at approximately 25 meters (82 feet) in height.

Following your visit to Ravana Falls, we`ll head to the serene Tissa Lake. Tissa Lake is a historical tank or reservoir that was constructed during the reign of Sri Lanka`s ancient monarchs. The view from the center of the lake, surrounded by lush vegetation, is simply mesmerizing. This expansive artificial reservoir, built around the third century BC, is now an integral part of the regional irrigation network that sustains the greenery in Anuradhapura. As you enjoy a boat ride on the placid waters, you`ll have the opportunity to appreciate the tranquil ambience of the first capital city of Sri Lanka, once ruled by mighty monarchs. The boat ride offers a tranquil experience, allowing you to observe native birds, local flora and fauna, and the daily life of the local inhabitants as they go about their routines.

Our day kicks off with an early morning departure from the hotel as we whisk you away to Yala National Park. Yala, Sri Lanka`s second-largest and most renowned national park, boasts a rich history as a prominent conservation hub in the country`s eastern region. Its conservation legacy dates back to the early 20th century when it was initially established as a wildlife sanctuary. The park was officially designated as a national park in 1938, primarily due to its remarkable biodiversity, which includes a wide spectrum of flora and fauna, including numerous endangered species like elephants and leopards, as well as a diverse array of bird species. Yala National Park is divided into five distinct zones, each characterized by unique features and a diverse range of wildlife. Among these, Zones 1 and 5 stand out as the most popular, renowned for their exceptional wildlife encounters, particularly the elusive leopards.

Following your Yala National Park adventure, we head to the tranquil shores of Mirissa Golden Sand Beach. A visit here promises relaxation and rejuvenation for your mind and soul. Mirissa Beach graces the shores of the vast Indian Ocean in the picturesque coastal town of Mirissa, Sri Lanka, located approximately 30 kilometers from Unawatuna and 35 kilometers from Galle. Mirissa Beach offers an expansive sandy stretch, providing ample space for you to unwind and immerse yourself in the laid-back beach atmosphere. The beach is lined with swaying palm trees and boasts clear, crystalline waters and soft sands. At one end of Mirissa Beach, you`ll find Parrot Rock, a distinctive rock formation surrounded by the ocean on three sides. Adventurous visitors can scale the rock to enjoy a breathtaking bird`s-eye view of Mirissa Beach. The beach is also a hub for water sports enthusiasts, offering activities such as surfing and snorkeling. Additionally, Mirissa is renowned for its popular whale-watching and dolphin-watching excursions, providing unforgettable marine experiences.

Your day concludes with an overnight stay in the serene surroundings of Mirissa, allowing you to relish the beauty and tranquility of this coastal haven.

Just as the morning before, we embark on our journey early from the hotel. Mirissa Harbor, equipped with well-prepared boats, offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the magnificent Blue Whales. Mirissa is globally recognized as one of the premier destinations for whale watching, particularly for spotting the Blue Whales, the largest and most renowned marine mammals. Remarkably, the distance from Mirissa Harbor to the prime whale habitat is a mere six to nine nautical miles. Among the three types of whales that grace these waters are killer whales, sperm whales, and bryde whales. A delightful array of dolphin species, including spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and risso dolphins, can also be encountered. Keep an eye out for other marine treasures that occasionally make an appearance, such as the greenback turtle, whale shark, flying fish, and tuna fish.

Following this mesmerizing marine encounter, you can explore the ancient tradition of stilt fishing. Stilt fishing is an age-old and enduring fishing technique that remains actively practiced along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, with notable locations including Koggala, Weligama, Dikwella, Galle, and Tangalle, among others. In the indigenous Sinhala language, this practice is known as `Ritipanna.` Stilt fishing doesn`t have a known ancestry, but it is believed that traders who witnessed fishermen returning from the sea with mesh bags filled with fish popularized the method among merchants. Consequently, this cherished tradition has been handed down from one generation to the next.

As you continue your journey, you`ll have the opportunity to visit a Turtle Farm. This hatchery and rescue facility is dedicated to the care and preservation of five distinct turtle species, including the Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Leatherback Turtle, and Olive Ridley Turtle. The modern facilities at the sea turtle hatchery and rescue center include water tanks that cater to adult turtle species pulled from the sea after suffering injuries.

Subsequently, you`ll explore the historic city of Galle and its iconic Dutch Fort. Fifty Lighthouse Street serves as the perfect starting point to explore the rich tapestry of Galle. Stroll along the fort`s ramparts and admire the stately edifices, such as the Galle Lighthouse, the Galle Clocktower, and the Groote Kerk, all meticulously preserved in their former glory. Only a local insider can reveal the hidden gems of a Galle Fort Walking Tour with us. This walking tour delves into the fort`s enchanting backstreets, unveiling charming buildings, museums, historical landmarks, and more, all while unraveling captivating stories about the Galle Dutch Fort.

As your journey concludes on the last day, remember that farewells are akin to the final brushstrokes on a masterpiece, each one adding depth and significance to the canvas of your travel experience.