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 at our accommodation near the national park, we will have free time until dinner. If you wish, you can take a boat trip in the Kalipinya/Puttalam lagoon accompanied by birdsongs (approx. 2 hours) at sunset and enjoy the mystical atmosphere as you glide past the various lagoon islands.

• Included meals: Breakfast (B), Dinner (D)
• Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
• Included activities: None

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 5 am, 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.

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). Another option would be guided (bike) tour of the Polonnaruwa Ancient City, the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 (ca. $50 USD pp including entrance fee).

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

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 the little-known but absolutely gorgeous Gal Oya National Park on a scenic route, where, with a little luck, we may spot wild elephants.

Overnight stay in a comfortable tent camp where you can't get enough of the beauty surrounding you.

After dinner, you will witness the mesmerizing Kiri Koraha, a sacred dance ritual practiced by the Adivasi group, offering you a profound glimpse into the spiritual heritage of the Veddah community. the island’s indigenous people.

• Included meals: B
• Accommodation: Glamping tent (ensuite)
• Included activities: Dambulla Cave Temple (entrance fee ca. $7 USD), Veddah Cultural Show

Gal Oya’s Swimming Elephants is a unique wildlife experience in Sri Lanka offering a different perspective as you cruise through the country's largest lake, the Senanayake Samudra.

Observing the elephants from the lake as they gather close to the water to drink and if you’re lucky even swim from island to island- a truly unique sight! The reservoir is also home to abundant birdlife, crocodiles, deer and more which can be spotted during the 2-hour boat safari.

We will raise early for this unforgettable experience (5am) and we will be stopping for snack and tea/coffee with a lovely panorama before returning to our fabulous glamping camp at around 9:30 am.

Until the check-out time at noon, you are free to enjoy a relaxing swim in the outdoor pool while taking in the views of the surrounding mountains and lush vegetation, or participate in a farm tour for a great insight into local farming techniques, or chef-led cooking demos for a farm-to-table journey. For those of you who are more active,  you may want to take part in a jungle walk with Veddah, go on a guided bike tour in the village, or go on a walk around the lake. Although the options are countless, rest assured that you will enjoy every moment no matter what you choose.

Just in time for sunset, we will arrive at our accommodation in Arugam Bay. You now deserve a tropical vacation!

• Included meals: B
• Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
• Included activities: Gal Oya Boat Safari

Today is a free day in beautiful Arugam Bay to simply enjoy the beach, sand, and sun.

If you wish you can try your hand at surfing or go on a 2-hour lagoon safari in the beautiful untouched lagoons of Kottukal or Urani where you can spot crocodiles, elephants, and other wildlife. How about climbing up the Elephant Rock for a great view of the whole area, where you may even spot wild elephants?

Our local team will be happy to help you plan your day exactly as you wish.

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

Today after breakfast, you will be transferred to Ella, a small but touristic town. Of course, we will not be missing out on visiting the most famous spots such as Nine Arches Bridge.

We will be hiking to the Little Adam's Peak for sunset to enjoy the stunning views.

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: Nine Arches Bridge, Ella town tour, Little Adam's Peak Hike

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

Nuwara Eliya, also known as “little England",  offers a classic English environment with its green valleys and Tea Fields on the slopes of the hills, small streams and climate.

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: Train ride, Nuware Eliya Tour

After a hearty breakfast, we will proceed 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.

Along the way, we will visit a tea field and factory to learn about tea picking and processing.

• Included meals: B, L, D
• Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
• Included activities: Tea factory visit, 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 passionate professional local team will organize the day accordingly.

Our local guide will be with us throughout and throw in visits to nearby attractions like Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya temple visit, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and ensure you have an authentic experience.

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

Sadly it's time to bid farewell to those departing today to mark the end of our epic Sri Lanka trip.

You will be transferred to the Colombo airport latest at noon (approx. 3hrs transfer time). However if you can, why not to linger a few nights longer? If you are into hiking, the legendary Pekoe Trail starts near Kandy for instance, or you may want to head to the beaches in the south. Simply chat with us to discuss your personalized options!

• Included meals: B
• Accommodation: None
• Included activities: Transfer to Colombo Airport

Please note: There will be one group transfer back to Colombo/Negombo. Private transfers available upon request at an extra fee. If you need any support with you pre-/post-tour arrangements, please get in touch with us.