Late today, you’ll arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport, located near the charming fishing village of Negombo. On arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, the Jetwing Lagoon.

Stay: Negombo, Jetwing Lagoon

insider experience

Overlook the rock fortress during your stay at Sigiriya Jungles.

Today, venture to the World Heritage-listed Dambulla Cave Temple. Home to over 150 incredible Buddha paintings and statues, Dambulla is the largest and most well preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. Explore the five sanctuaries, each containing ornate statues and ancient art relating to the life of Buddha. Later this afternoon, travel on to your hotel where you’ll enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travellers.

Stay: Three Nights, Sigiriya Jungles

• Breakfast
• Dinner

This morning visit the World Heritage-listed ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya. Rising 200 metres above the central plains, this spectacular geological formation was once home to an ancient civilisation. If you’re feeling active, climb the open staircases to the top of Sigiriya and take in the impressive views at its summit. Alternatively, visit the Sigiriya Museum and learn more about the cultural significance behind the iconic rock mass. Take a guided tour of the area before returning to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure.

• Breakfast

Today after breakfast, head to the World Heritage site of Polonnaruwa for a tour of its ancient city. Once a prosperous religious centre, it was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. Explore the fascinating ruins and discover a world of archaeological treasures, including beautiful Buddha statues, impressive stupas and intricately carved Hindu sculptures. Have lunch in Polonnaruwa before returning to the hotel. This afternoon you may wish to embark on a safari to see the herds of elephants at Minneriya National Park.

• Breakfast
• Lunch

insider experience

Nestled in the picturesque hilltops of Kandy, Amaya Hills is a breathtaking retreat that looks out onto the lush green mountains of Hanthana. With its design inspired by a traditional Kandyan palace, experience a tasteful mingling of Kandyan culture with fabulous contemporary trimmings.

This morning travel from Sigiriya to the historic city of Kandy, the last capital from the ancient kings’ era of Sri Lanka. Here you’ll depart on a guided tour of Kandy’s major sights, learning more about its intriguing history and culture. See the World Heritage-listed Temple of the Tooth, which houses one of Buddhism’s most sacred relics – the tooth of Buddha. Later this evening, experience the energy of a traditional Sri Lankan cultural performance before returning to your hotel.

Stay: Two Nights, Kandy, Amaya Hills

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Today you will visit the exquisite Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya. Home to over 4,000 species of exotic flora and fauna, the gardens are renowned for their collection of beautiful orchids. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. You might choose to set out on an optional trip to the sustainable farm at Tamarind Garden in the Digana country side.

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Today transfer to Nuwara Eliya with a stop en route at a tea plantation and factory. Enjoy lunch in Nuwara Eliya before an afternoon sightseeing tour. Relax in your hotel before dinner this evening.

Stay: Nuwara Eliya, Araliya Green Hills Hotel

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

insider experience

Nestled amid splendid vegetation, enjoy both style and privacy at the premium Jetwing Yala.

After breakfast transfer to Nanu Oya Railway station for a scenic rail through the Hill Country to Ella. Arrive in Ella in time for lunch. Later, travel to Yala where you’ll check-in to your hotel.

Stay: Two Nights, Jetwing Yala

• Breakfast