Today in the early morning, the famous landmark Sigiriya, the ancient rock fortress is on agenda. We will leave by 5 am to be able to beat the crowds and heat, and hopefully enjoy a beautiful sunrise from the top.

The 5th century rock fortress, Lion Rock is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle. To visit the world-renowned frescoes of the ‘Heavenly Maidens’ of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway, one need to climb 1200 stairs.

After admiring the King's exquisite taste, we will return to our accommodation for breakfast and have about 1-2 hours to rest before we set off to visit a local village at around 11 am. We will cook and enjoy a traditional lunch together.

The afternoon will be free at your leisure. For those bitten by safari bug, we could arrange a half day safari in Minneriya National Park (ca. $65-75 USD pp).

• Included meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
• Included activities: Local village visit, Sigiriya Rock Fortress (entrance fee extra ca. 35 USD)

This morning is free to lie in, or enjoy the beautiful jungle pool. At lunch time we will head to Polonnaruwa Ancient City, the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. Enroute, we will stop by a restaurant for lunch where you will be treated not only to delicious food but also stunning rice paddy views.

Polonnaruwa boasts well-preserved ruins set in a meticulously planned park. The compact layout makes it perfect for a leisurely exploration not only on foot but on a bicycle, too. Numerous temples, monuments, and stupas are conveniently located close to each other, linked by charming tree-lined streets. For those who are not keen on walking or biking, our van will be following us.

In the evening, you will attend the Cultural Dance Show before dinner.

• Included meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
• Included activities: Polonnaruwa Ancient City tour (optional by bike, entrance fee extra ca. 30 USD), Cultural Dance Show

Today after breakfast, we will proceed to Dambulla Cave Temple, the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka.

The Dambulla Cave Temple is a living Buddhist site that is focused on a series of five cave shrines. Inhabited by forest-dwelling Buddhist monks since the 3rd century BCE, these natural caves have been transformed continuously throughout the historical period into one of the largest and most outstanding Buddhist complexes in the Southern and Southeastern Asian region, showcasing innovative approaches to interior layout and decoration.

After the temple visit, we will continue to Kandy, where you will have time to explore the city and surroundings led by our professional guide.

• Included meals: B
• Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
• Included activities: Dambulla Cave Temple (entrance fee ca. $7 USD), Kandy sightseeing

Our local professional guide will be with you throughout and will bring you to Nelligala Buddhist Temple for the morning ceremony, then Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. After lunch, a visit to Botanical Garden and Tea Factory would be on agenda.

If you wish, you can simply relax at the hotel and enjoy the beautiful views or explore the city on your own.

• Included meals: B
• Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
• Included activities: Kandy sightseeing (excluding entrance fees)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Nuwara Eliya, also known as “little England”, which offers a classic English environment with its green valleys and Tea Fields on the slopes of the hills, small streams and climate.

Along the way you will have the option to visit the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex and have a snack at a nearby village restaurant run by one of the most welcoming Sri Lankan family. Please note that, on public holidays and weekends, we skip this tower & the restaurant due to the extreme crowds.

After checking in at our lovely hotel and freshening up, we will take a sunset tour around Gregory Lake.

• Included meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
• Included activities: Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex (entrance fee ca. $7 USD), Tea Plantation visit

Today is the day for that famous train journey! If there is no delay, you will arrive in Ella after a 4-hour train ride.

Please note that while we always do our best to get the train tickets, Sri Lankan Railway Authorities may change the train schedule without prior notice, and sometimes only a shorter version of the train is available. If the train schedule would alternate the program hugely, we would travel by road. Our expert logistics manager will have the final word on the best course of the action.

No matter what, we will not end the day without taking photos at the bridge known as the Nine Arches Bridge.

Ella is a small but touristic town. In the evening, you can either rest at your hotel with a wonderful view or explore the city with the guidance of your guide or on your own.

• Included meals: B
• Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
• Included activities: Train ride, Nine Arches Bridge, Ella town tour

After breakfast this morning, we will enjoy the stunning views of Ella on Little Adam's Peak Hike. The adrenalin junkies among you can opt for a zipline activity.

In the late afternoon we will transfer to Yala for an exciting safari adventure next morning. Of course, along the way, we would make sure to stop at Ravana Falls for photos.

• Included meals: B, D
• Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
• Included activities: Little Adam's Peak Hike

One last early wake-up call this morning for an exciting wildlife safari, in arguably the most beautiful national park in Sri Lanka. We will depart by 5am for a half day morning safari, with bit of luck we might spot leopards and bears!

We will be back at the accommodation by 10-11 am and leave for Tangalle for a well deserved beach holiday.

You can spend time in your hotel's pool and garden, go to the beach, and watch birds in the lagoon on a canoe, surf, dive and more.

We will have a farewell group dinner at our favourite beach restaurant tonight.

• Included meals: B, D
• Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
• Included activities: Yala National Park Half Day Safari (entrance fee ca. $45 USD)

Today it's sadly time to bid farewell. However if you can, why not to linger a few nights longer?

If you need any support with your pre or post trip planning, we are here to help. Simply chat with us to discuss your personalized options.

For those departing today, we will have a complimentary airport transfer departing at 1pm latest (safe to catch flights departing from 7pm onwards).

• Included meals: B
• Accommodation: None
• Included activities: Complimentary airport transfer