Today after breakfast, we leave for Wilpattu National Park.

The Wilpattu National Park is one of the most important elephant habitats in the country and is also a great place to observe the elusive Sri Lankan leopard and the sloth bear.

This park has a denser forest cover unlike many other National Parks in Sri Lanka. WNPs landscape comprises of dry zone forests and thorny scrub interspersed with extensive open plains, sand dunes and the unique Villu wetlands. Bare reddish cliffs rising abruptly from narrow beaches of the Portugal Bay and Dutch Bay are another striking feature of its landscape.

After arriving our accommodation near the national park, we will have free time until sunset, then we will take a boat trip in the lagoon accompanied by birdsongs (approx. 2 hours). Enjoy the mystical atmosphere as you glide past the various lagoon islands.

• Included meals: Breakfast (B)
• Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
• Included activities: Boat trip in the lagoon

Note: If your flight arrives in the early morning hours, you may join the tour on this day without staying overnight in Negombo. There will be one group transfer to Wilpattu. Private transfer is available upon request at an extra fee. 

Today is an exciting day as we will go on a full day safari in Wilpattu National Park, the largest nature reserve in the country. Departure is at 5am, so set your alarm clock early.

Exploring the wilderness in an open off-road vehicle may provide the fortunate opportunity to encounter leopards, elephants, and sloth bears. The park, characterized by over 40 lakes, expansive grasslands devoid of trees, and lush forests, presents an ideal and varied environment for wildlife observation. Enjoy a serene picnic lunch amidst the natural beauty of the park.

After the safari we will transfer to Anuradhapura, some 35 km away from the park. We will enjoy a group dinner by the pool.

• Included meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)
• Accommodation:  Hotel (ensuite)
• Included activities: Wilpattu NP Full Day Safari (entrance fee extra ca. 45 USD)

This morning we will visit the Mihintale mountain and temple for sunrise, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

We will return to our hotel for breakfast before we set off to the so-called Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, Habarana, where we will spend the next 3 nights.

The remainder of the day (late afternoon) is free at your leisure. For those who are still in need of action, we can recommend Pidurangala Rock to enjoy the sunset and the best view of Sigiriya Rock. Our guide and driver will be at your service to help you arrange the sunset climb to Pidurangala (entrance fee ca. 3 USD).

Overnight at an eco hotel with pool. Psst: we usually pick a tree house for overnight in this area!

• Included meals: B
• Accommodation:  Hotel (ensuite)
• Included activities: Mihintale sunrise visit (entrance fee extra ca. $3 USD)

Today in the early morning, another 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)

Today after breakfast, we will head to Polonnaruwa Ancient City, the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993.

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.

After the guided visit of Polonnaruwa, we will have lunch a lovely place run by local ladies before heading back to our hotel in the late afternoon.

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

After a hearty 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 we will be joining New Year Celebrations today and tomorrow. The schedule of the days will depend on the events taking place in the villages around. Our local team will ensure you have an authentic experience over the course of these two days.

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

Today is the first day of Sinhala New Year and the events will continue on the streets. Depending on the festivities, which are not published anywhere but known only to the locals, our professional team will organize the day accordingly.

Our local driver and guide will be with us throughout and throw in visits to nearby attractions like Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya temple visit, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple etc.

• Included meals: B, L, D
• Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
• Included activities: Kandy sightseeing, New Year Celebrations

After breakfast, we 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. After taking enough photos, we will visit the tea field and factory to learn about tea picking and processing.

Along the way we will visit the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex and have lunch at a nearby village restaurant run by one of the most welcoming Sri Lankan family.

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 inclusive), Tea Plantation visit

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

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 our hotel with a wonderful view or explore the city with the guidance of your guide or on your own.

• Included meals: B, L
• 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 and later head to Tangalle, a quaint town on the Indian Ocean.

You now deserve a tropical vacation! We will have our dinner at an oceanside restaurant where we will taste seafood.

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

Breakfast, then sea & sand & sun all day! The day is yours!

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

Since there is a possibility of seeing blue whales in this season, another option is to get up very early in the morning and join a whale watching tour (boat tour is about $60 USD per person).

In the afternoon, those who wish could visit Mirissa Coconut Hill, swim at Mirissa beach and watch the sunset there. Or how about surf lessons? Our local team will be happy to arrange any activities you wish.

• Included meals: B
• Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
• Included activities: None

After breakfast, we will set off for Galle, the country's fourth largest city. We will take a break here for a city tour and lunch. The city, known to have been dominated by the Portuguese and the Dutch in its history, resembles a European town.

Depending on your flight departure time, we can spend more time in Galle or return to Colombo to have our last dinner together.

We will be transferring to the airport latest around 1:00 am at night and we will have come to the end of an epic Sri Lanka trip. However if you can, why not to linger a few nights longer? Simply chat with us for personalized options!

• Included meals: B
• Accommodation: None
• Included activities: Transfer to Airport via Galle

Please note: If you need any support with you pre-/post-tour arrangements, please get in touch with us.