Only 66,00sq km in area, yet a treasure trove of diverse and astonishing surprises, Sri Lanka is a cornucopia of magnificent beaches, rain forests, charming villages, hill country tea plantations, centuries old, ruined cities, emerald, green paddy fields, fascinating cultural traditions, spectacular pageants and festivals, spicy, exciting cuisine and so much more.

All this is contained in a compact, tropical island whose people have been justifiably renowned for their warmth and hospitality. Discover the amazing diversity of our culture, the natural beauty of the landscape and a complex history stretching back to 543 BC. Choose between a variety of experiences from lazing on the beach to driving in coral reefs, observing wildlife, mountain hikes through tea estates or wandering through the ruins of ancient temples and palaces. Welcome to the isle of serendipity.

Day 01: AIRPORT - COLOMBO

Airport to Colombo: Approx. 1 Hrs.

Meet and assist on arrival at Airport by your Travels Representative. Proceed to

Colombo and check in at hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure.

Overnight Stay at Ramada Colombo – Standard Room or Similar (Standard package)

Overnight Stay at Cinnamon Lake Side Colombo – Superior City view Room or Similar (Superior package)

Day 02: COLOMBO - DAMBULLA – SIGIRIYA

Colombo to Dambulla: Approx. 3.5 Hrs.

Dambulla to Sigiriya: Approx. 30 Mins.

This morning after Breakfast Check out and travel to explore the capital city of Colombo and have a short city tour.

The throbbing metropolis, Colombo - located in the West - is not only the country's commercial capital, but also the turbine that impels above 50% of the national GDP flanking Colombo's fancy urban development effort. Drive along the clean streets edging the crystal white Race Course - horse racing hub in 1893 & World War II airstrip - furnished today with lavish clothing, food & tea boutiques. Meanwhile, ride to Pettah & tune into the Floating Market - an offbeat shopping experience - or feel the buzz surrounding the upcoming inspiration, the Colombo Port City - an offshore city - featuring parks, commercial complexes & even an F1 track! Head along Bauddhaloka Mawatha towards 'Arcade' facing a historic waypost, the Independence Square. Every designer boutique, top-notch cuisine outlet and even the 'walk-over fish tank', have revamped this colonial masterpiece into one of the trendiest shopping and hangout zones in Sri Lanka. Have a chilled beer at the Dutch Hospital while gazing through fancy windows showcasing best fashion, jewelry & handicraft brands. Smell the scent of incense while listening to the chiming bells of Gangarama temple. Or, jazz up to Colombo's night life spiced by night clubs & casinos that borderline its bustle. If you're lucky, head into an exhibition at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) before swaying your head to an opera or play at Nelum Pokuna that should just drive your day into perfection!

B.C. Today, an icon in the face of Sri Lanka, Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the most unique drawings in magnificently constructed 5 cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla. Observe how exquisitely cave paintings are done along walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha. As you enter the retreat, look straight up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold over a land, which today houses an important junction in the country's economic and cultural uplifting.

Transfer to Check In at the hotel.

Overnight Stay at Aliya Resort & Spa – Deluxe Room or Similar (Standard Package)

Overnight Stay at Cinnamon Habarana Lodge – Superior Room or Similar (Superior Package)

Day 03: SIGIRIYA - POLONNARUWA - MINNERIYA - SIGIRIYA

Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa: Approx. 1.5 Hrs.

Polonnaruwa to Minneriya: Approx. 1 hr.

Minneriya to Sigiriya: Approx. 30 Mins.

This morning after Breakfast leisurely travel to visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and commence a guided tour on arrival.

Rising with the decline of Anuradhapura, the city of Polonnaruwa - medieval capital & crown jewel of King Parakramabahu I - remains superior proof of ancient culture & heritage blended with religious beliefs. Walk across its scattered walls of the World Heritage Site - blessed by stupas, resting Buddha statues, irrigation canals and fantastically carved Hindu sculptures - while observing the relic house - Watadage - which boasts of beautiful stone carvings. Take a close glance and you will realize a subtle Hindu influence on architecture and statues found in Polonnaruwa. Or sit by the side of Galviharaya and observe the absolute beauty gushing out of every bend of its huge Buddhist statues. Nissankamalla Council Chamber is however, a head-spinning beauty to just sit back and observe with its swaying pillars reminding the aesthetics of a powerful kingdom which rests beside Parakrama Samudraya - sea of Parakramabahu & masterpiece of irrigation!

If you're up for a serious rumble in the jungle, then Minneriya is your Colosseum! Spreading over 8800 hectares, this is a sanctuary for elephants. Minneriya is home to herds of deer and ample birdlife, but its spotlight remains between swaying trunks & flapping ears. Park your jeep on the bank of the reservoir and switch off its engine. Watch carefully as herds of elephants - one by one - roll on to the grass-covered banks, to feed on tender shoots. In fact, this is the largest elephant gathering in the world - over 300 at a time - which has garnished the park to become a magnet for wildlife enthusiasts across the globe.

Once complete return to the hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure.

Overnight Stay at Aliya Resort & Spa – Deluxe Room or Similar (Standard Package)

Overnight Stay at Cinnamon Habarana Lodge – Superior Room or Similar (Superior Package)

Day 04: SIGIRIYA - KANDY

Sigiriya to Kandy: Approx. 2.5 Hrs

This morning after Breakfast Check out and travel to visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, commence aguided tour on arrival.

Minneriya to Dambulla: Approx. 55 Mins.

The 5th century rock citadel of King Kasyapa and World Heritage Site - Sigiriya - doesn't only boasts of ancient Sri Lankan engineering & urban planning supremacy but also acclaims to be one of the finest monuments of art & culture. Step through the gigantic 'Lion Paws' - overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens below - to comprehend the absolute splendor that once dominated this rock fortress. Surrounded by ramparts & moats the Lion Rock - resembling the mythological 'City of Gods' - is coated by frescoes that relate to Gupta style paintings found in Ajanta caves of India. Walk in the shade of an eminent 'mirror wall' embracing the Western face of Sigiriya representing an artistic hundred meters laminated with graffiti. Wander into the well-fabricated museum downstairs for an epic journey of yesteryears to realize how the citadel floated above citizens with the castle, ponds and irrigation systems that pumped water right onto its summit with an ingenious hydraulic system describing a colossal masterpiece of the great king which remained a wonder in Asia for centuries.

Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. A stroll across this small lakeside town - cradled among the misty hills - will feature the Kandy City Centre - bundled with latest and world class brands, bazaar, an arts & crafts centre, as well as a gem museum & lapidary.walk in color as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market.

Fine tube your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music & drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka.

Once complete travel to Check in at the hotel

Overnight Stay at Amaya Hills – Standard Room or Similar (Standard Package)

Overnight Stay at Earl’s Regency – Standard Room or Similar (Superior Package)

Day 05: KANDY - NANUOYA RAILWAY STATION - NUWARA ELIYA

Kandy to Peradeniya: Approx. 15 Mins

Peradeniya to Nanu Oya Train journey: Approx. 4 Hrs.

Nanu Oya to Nuwara Eliya: Approx. 20 Mins.

After Breakfast this morning you will Check out from the hotel & hotel & continue your way to Kandy/Peradeniya railway station to board a train heading to the city of Nuwara Eliya.

On arrival at the Nanu-Oya Railway Station you will be met by your assigned chauffer guide and proceed to the Hotel.

Check in at the hotel & spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Overnight Stay at Galway Heights Hotel – Standard Room or Similar (Standard Package)

Overnight Stay at Grand Hotel – Deluxe Room or Similar (Superior Package)

Day 06: NUWARA ELIYA - YALA

Nuwara Eliya to Yala: Approx. 5 Hrs.

After Breakfast at the hotel clients will Check out from the hotel and travel to Yala. Check in at the hotel before travelling to the Yala national Park for a safari in the afternoon.

Spreading into a vast 1259 Km2 Yala - with its glory spinning around vast grasslands, shrubs, tanks and dunes - rightfully is the heartland of wildlife in Sri Lanka. As your jeep rumble through the giant gates of Yala, you are not only stepping into the most visited national park in the country, but also the lands of a civilization which thrived during the reign of Sri Lankan kings. You name it, and Yala has it! Its usual inmates cover herds of elephant, sloth bear, spotted dear, jackal, extensively populated birdlife as well as the highest density of leopards in the world that garnish the park to be one of the finest destinations in the country. Feel the rough track as your jeep thunders over rocks and swish passing narrow bends for an exhilarating experience blended with the cries of wilderness under the tropical sun.

Overnight Stay at Jetwing Yala – Standard Room (Standard package)

Overnight Stay at Cinnamon Wild Yala – Jungle Chalet (Superior package)

Day 07: YALA - GALLE

This morning Check out after Breakfast and clients will travel to the South coastal city of Galle. On arrival clients will visit and explore the old Galle Dutch Fort on a well guided tour of the fortress.

Galle, the epic Southern capital, is the intersection where classic Dutch architecture meets a tropical setting creating a vivid atmosphere in beauty. Walk the Dutch-haunted streets listening to the creaks of wooden saloon doors and observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions today flooding cultural enthusiasts on a global scale. Its original ramparts and bastions preserved up to date showcase evidences of a heritage preserved for more than 3 1/2 centuries. Walk clockwise within the fort to observe the 'old gate' carrying the British coat of arms. Flanking the old gate is the Zwart bastion - the oldest of all - and the lighthouse standing 18 feet in its glory next to the Point Utretcht Bastion. This Dutch bliss is painted with streets that spread in a rectangular grid pattern pierced with houses carrying Dutch colonial style verandas. Hop into the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex to be mesmerized by an array of souvenir selections. However, its hallmark stands a reality where the Dutch fort remains a working community with its usual buzz of administrative offices, court complex, commercial buildings, churches and Southern folks frequenting its streets bracing the air of the Elysium of architecture, Galle!

Once complete Transfer to the hotel. Check in on arrival.

Overnight Stay at Radisson Blu Resort, Galle – Deluxe Ocean View Room or Similar (Standard package)

Overnight Stay at Jetwing Lighthouse Resort & Spa – Standard Room or Similar (Superior package)

Day 08: GALLE - AIRPORT

Galle to Airport: Approx. 3 Hrs.

After Breakfast at the clients will Check out and proceed on your way to the Airport in time for your scheduled Departure Flight.

END OF TOUR*****