Introduction
Itinerary
Arrive in Colombo where you will be greeted, transferred to your hotel and assisted with check in.
This morning drive to Dambulla, en route visiting the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. The best time to visit is during feeding time and bathing time, when all the elephants are taken to the river close by.
This morning visit and climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, home to the 5th century ‘Fortress in the Sky’, which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island. It is also known as ‘Lion Rock’, because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the fortress. A visit would also be made to Polonnaruwa, the capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th century.
Drive to Kandy this morning, en route visiting the Rock Temple, the finest cave temple in Sri Lanka. The complex of 5 caves with over 2000 sq meters of painted walls and ceilings is the largest area of cave paintings found in the world. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic followed by a show featuring traditional Sri Lankan dance performances.
Visit Kandy this morning, the hill capital. The last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings finally ceded to the British in 1815. Kandy is an example of the Buddhism influence on Sri Lanka. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, featuring 150 acres of the most amazing flowers, trees and landscaped gardens.
Enjoy the scenic drive today to the tea garden region of Nuwara Eliya. Late afternoon visit Nuwara Eliya with visits to the local market.
Drive to Yala this morning. Rest of the afternoon is free. During the coarse of a day there are many things of interest, whether looking out over a waterhole at breakfast, snoozing in a hammock after lunch or star gazing over dinner.
Full day game drive, tracking leopards, sloth bears, elephants and other wild animals and birds.
Transfer to Galle, free afternoon.
This morning is an excursion to Galle. In the afternoon, visit Balapitiya for a boat ride at Madu River, which will take you to various islands as well as the Turtle hatchery at Kosgoda. Highlight places of visit include the Galle Fort, Cinnamon Island, Temple Island and Birds Island.
This evening you will be transferred to Colombo airport for your flight home.