Day 1-2

Meet at the airport and drive to Colombo, 1 hour

Colombo can easily be toured in a day or two. If cultural immersion is of interest then you’ll find this on a stroll around the hectic, people-packed streets of the Pettah market where trade-specific lanes lined with shops and stalls sell anything from plastic buttons and ribbons to mobile phones, gold and kitchenware. Many temples, kovils and mosques are dotted in and around the city; the most convenient is the Gangaramaya Temple whose exquisite museum contains numerous priceless gilded Buddhist relics, including the world’s smallest Buddha, a thimble-sized deity, which can only be viewed through a looking glass. Another highlight of this atmospheric temple is its resident tusker elephant.

Accommodation: Kingsbury Hotel

Day 3-5

Colombo – Sigiriya, 4-5 hours

Enjoy the drive to Sigiriya your base to explore the Cultural Triangle, stopping at Millennium Elephant Foundation on the way.

Two full days allow you to visit Sigiriya and climb the rock fortress one day as well as visiting Dambulla Royal Cave complex.

Sigiriya – A mighty 600 ft high rock-fortress of a 5th century King is famous for its entrancingly beautiful frescoes which are found in a sheltered pocket of the rock. One cannot fail to marvel at the masterful execution of the sinuous forms of these women (originally 500, of which only 19 remain today). The old stairway to the top led through the mouth of a huge crouching lion, carved from the rock- today only the paws remain. Remains of the handsome royal citadel are on the summit.

Accommodation: Hotel Sigiriya or Jetwing Vil Uyana

Day 6

Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa, 2 hours

Polonnaruwa rose to fame as the capital after the decline of Anuradhapura. Its period of greatness was from the 10th – 12th centuries AD. The entire landscape of the region is punctuated by huge man-made reservoirs, the most famous of which is the Prakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama, larger in size than the Colombo harbour. The monuments of this medieval city are relatively well preserved and give clear evidence of the glory of Sri Lanka’s past.

Accommodation: Lake Polonnaruwa Hotel

Day 7-9

Polonnaruwa – Trincomalee, 3 hours

Trincomalee is the famous port towns of Sri Lanka, connecting it with the main continental India, and is one of the oldest towns in Asia. The famous Koneswaram temple is over 2500 years old. Its colonial history changed hands between Portugese, Danish, French, Dutch and final British and the architecture of the town shows this great variety and the old Dutch Fort is definitely worth a visit. The town is also known for its beautiful and pristine beaches and crystal clear blue waters.

Accommodation: Chaaya Blu in Trincomalee

Day 10-11

Trincomalee – Kandy, 5 hours

Enjoy the drive to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s religious capital. Home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, some lovely Botanical Gardens and the Kandy Lake as well as numerous walks and waterfalls.

En route visit the luxurious spice gardens.

Accommodation: Amaya Hills or Queens Hotel

Day 12-14

Kandy – Nuwara Eliya, 4 hours

After breakfast in Kandy drive through the beautiful tea plantations to the hill country, to Nuwara Eliva, home to many ancient temples and a ruined city. The rolling hills and tea plantation make this into one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic areas.

Accommodation: Heritage Tea Factory

Day 15-16

Nuwara Eliya – Yala National Park, 5 hours

Leave the Hill Country behind and head to Yala National Park for your chance to spot the elusive leopard.

Accommodation: Laya Safari Hotel

Day 17-21

Yala National Park – Bentota, 4-5 hours

Drive through the dry zone and then watch as the coast road unfold into jungle and to Galle, the historic jewel in the crown. Explore the Galle Fort and the numerous jungle beaches in the surrounding areas including Unawatuna, Dallawella, and the quaint town of Mirissa. This area is great for relaxing, swimming, snorkelling and surfing. The fishing town of Bentota is located about 30mins north of Galle and its beaches and is a great base for exploration. It is quieter than Galle and offers loads of activities right on your doorstep.

Accommodation: Bentota Beach Hotel

Day 22

Bentota – Colombo Airport, 4 hours

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.