Hill Country & Romantic

After a delicious Sri Lankan breakfast, we journey to Pinnawala, where an unforgettable experience awaits with friendly jumbos at this popular attraction for orphaned and injured elephants.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage encompasses a 25-acre property and offers visitors a chance to get up close to elephants. Highlights include seeing elephants being bottle fed and watching as they play and cool off during their bath at the river nearby.

In the afternoon, head to the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, one of the island's most picturesque gardens, originally a royal pleasure garden.

This site was later developed by the British; today, it offers the ideal escape from the bustling city and features lush lawns, charming pavilions and a vibrant variety of flowering plants. The Orchid House is a not-to-be-missed attraction here, as is the giant Javan fig tree.

As the day draws to a close, head back to your hotel. Overnight stay in Kandy.

After a hearty breakfast, continue your hill country adventure as you head to Nuwara Eliya.

Enjoy a scenic tour through lush mountains carpeted with tea bushes interspersed with the occasional gushing waterfall, famously known as Little England.

Sprawling tea plantations and refreshing mountain air await travelers here, offering a welcome respite from the tropical heat.

Take in well maintained colonial bungalows which still retain their old world charm, and the Nuwara Eliya Golf Course, a Donald Steele masterpiece and one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in South Asia.

Take a stroll or an invigorating bike ride along the scenic banks of Lake Gregory towards the evening. A hike through the green grass and past redbrick walls should present breathtaking views of a buzzing countryside hamlet.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Horton Plains National Park lies in its raw, windswept beauty, with the thrilling reward of its iconic viewpoint. At an altitude above 7,000 feet, the plateau sweeps across a robust 3,170 hectares.

World's End is a dramatic escarpment that plunges nearly 880 metres, offering awe-inspiring, panoramic vistas that stretch all the way to the distant coast on clear mornings.

The Park invites explorers to wander through a unique montane ecosystem of misty grasslands, cloud forests tangled with moss-covered trees, and serene waterfalls like Baker's Falls, all while keeping an eye out for elusive wildlife such as sambar deer and a variety of endemic birds.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not just a hike; it's an unforgettable journey into the wild, rugged heart of Sri Lanka's highlands, perfect for adventurers and nature lovers seeking both grandeur and tranquility.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

After your breakfast, embark on a journey into the heart of Ceylon's famous tea country.

Wander through emerald-green terraces, where skilled tea pluckers in vibrant traditional sarees expertly harvest the tender leaves.

Then, step inside a working factory to discover the fascinating art of transforming fresh leaves into the world's finest tea. End your tour with a fragrant cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea while feasting your eyes on misty valleys and peaks.

Proceed to Ella. The Nine Arch Bridge, also known as "The Bridge in the Sky", is one of Sri Lanka's most famous and photogenic landmarks. It's located between Ella and Demodara railway stations, hidden amidst lush green tea plantations and rolling hills.

Ella is a charming town surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, ideal for adventurous travelers to explore via treks and hikes. Popular spots to visit include Mini Adam's Peak, Ella Rock and the Nine Arch Bridge, all of which offer some spectacular views.

Overnight stay in Ella.

After a leisurely breakfast, proceed to Colombo for some last-minute shopping — a true city of startling contrasts.

Colombo is the bustling commercial metropolis of the island. It's a hub where colonial buildings and temples exist alongside gleaming skyscrapers. Traverse the city, and shop at exclusive concept stores featuring the work of premier local designers.

Why not enjoy a unique culinary dining experience at fusion restaurants, or head towards Pettah — walk around its bustling streets and take in the cacophony of exotic sounds.

Pay a visit to the Dutch Hospital Complex and enjoy live music, a plethora of restaurants serving great food and more. Round up your stay by experiencing Colombo's evolving nightlife at popular clubs and casinos.

Overnight stay in Colombo.

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer from Colombo to the airport for departure.

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and prepare to leave for the first great capital of Sri Lanka — a place where time stands still. Imagine walking in the footsteps of ancient kings: Anuradhapura is one of the greatest and oldest civilizations in the world, spanning over 1,300 years.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site mesmerizes visitors with its vast archaeological park, where sacred Bodhi trees descended from the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment tower above sprawling complexes of magnificent dagobas, like the immense, white-domed Ruwanwelisaya, and intricate moonstone-carved palaces.

Wandering among these awe-inspiring ruins, some dating back to the 4th century BC, you feel the profound spiritual energy and engineering brilliance of an ancient civilization that mastered hydraulic innovation with sophisticated reservoirs.

Savor a delectable dinner at a hotel in Kandalama. Overnight stay in Kandalama.

After a scrumptious breakfast head to Sigiriya, the fifth-century citadel of King Kashyapa on a 200 metres high rock and an iconic world heritage site. Sigiriya does not only boast of ancient Sri Lankan engineering and urban planning supremacy but is also acclaimed as one of the finest monuments to ancient arts and culture, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Take in the iconic frescoes of the graceful cloud maidens, stroll beside the legendary mirror wall that lines the western side of the fortress, and pause to appreciate the artistry of ancient verses and poems etched by visitors.

On your journey, a stop at the legendary Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, a sacred complex that has been a place of pilgrimage and royal patronage since the 1st century BC.

Thereafter, transfer to Polonnaruwa. The city of Polonnaruwa offers a glimpse into the island's ancient culture and heritage blended with religious beliefs. Wander around the World Heritage Sites taking in various stupas, reclining Buddha statues and more.

Savor a delectable dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay in Kandalama.

Relish a delicious breakfast at your hotel and en route to Kandy stop at an iconic attraction in Sri Lanka: the Dambulla Rock Temple, also known as the Golden Temple, which houses ancient relics.

This site is home to distinctive paintings which can be found in five magnificently constructed cave temples beside the Golden Temple of Dambulla. Observe how these exquisite cave paintings are drawn along the walls, along with over 150 statues of Lord Buddha. While you explore this sanctuary make sure to take in the massive gold Buddha statue as well.

Your journey continues to a lush spice garden in Matale, where you will engage all your senses. Learn about traditional growing methods and the healing power of spices before enjoying a well-deserved cup of invigorating herbal tea, and proceed to Kandy.

Savour a delectable dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay in Kandy.

The Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya offers a blissful escape from the hustle and bustle of the streets. Manicured lawns and well-tended greenery intercepted with lovely blooms make the space a welcoming place to relax.

The Royal Gardens is located just four miles from Kandy town. Step into a 147-acre sanctuary of natural tranquility. Stroll past elegant pavilions, manicured lawns, and a striking octagon conservatory as you immerse yourself in these vast, lush gardens.

Find the perfect respite at the cafeteria north of the entrance, located near key attractions such as a giant Javan fig tree and the Orchid House.

Visit Kandy, a picturesque hill city, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, sense of rich history, heritage and the unique traditions that pervade it.

Overnight stay in Kandy.

A day in Kandy. One of its foremost attractions is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha (Sri Dalada Maligawa), and the enduring legacies of ancient royalty.

Wander through the town's vibrant streets, discovering a treasure trove of attractions. Browse shops offering intricate local souvenirs and international brands, explore a fascinating gem museum, and arts & crafts centre.

In the evening explore the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a key destination for Buddhist pilgrims and a repository of immense cultural and spiritual significance.

After which you will be able to enjoy a cultural show which showcases "Kandyan Dance" — the traditional drumming and dancing which form a major part of the Kandyan identity.

Enjoy a delectable dinner at a hotel in Kandy.

Replete with misty winding roads, slopes blanketed by lush green carpets of tea bushes and invigorating fresh mountain air, the charming little town of Nuwara Eliya offers visitors an intimate getaway experience.

It offers cool weather, colonial charm, and breathtaking landscapes. A visit to a tea plantation, a hike to World's End in Horton Plains, or a boat on Gregory Lake make for a perfect day out.

Enjoy hikes among grassy slopes and valleys which open to captivating vistas of a picturesque countryside hamlet.

A delicious dinner awaits you at the hotel. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Breakfast at hotel, thereafter transfer to Horton Plains.

Explore Horton Plains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and eco-tourism haven nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka. Vast expanses of verdant grasslands surround one of the island's most pristine wet montane evergreen forests, offering a refreshing escape into nature's tranquility.

At an altitude above 7,000 feet above sea level, the plateau stretches across 3,170 hectares, home to unique flora and fauna found nowhere else on the planet. Be sure to marvel at the majestic Baker's Falls, cascading dramatically over rugged rock cliffs.

Trek across frost-kissed grasslands, inhaling the crisp, refreshing mountain air. Gaze down at the dizzying 3,700-foot cliff of World's End, a breathtaking drop into the southern plains. Alternatively, drive gently through herds of shy sambar deer as birdsong fills the air, creating a truly magical encounter with nature. On completion transfer to Kandapola.

Overnight stay in Kandapola.

Savor a delicious breakfast at the hotel before embarking on your journey to the wild wonders of Yala.

Set off on a safari to explore Yala National Park by jeep, sprawling across an area of 1,260 square kilometres. Yala, home to rugged terrains including dunes, grass and shrub lands and water holes, has long been the second largest nature reserve in Sri Lanka.

The Park is home to large herds of elephant, sloth bear, spotted deer, jackals and an array of bird species. It's also one of the best spots to catch a glimpse of the elusive Sri Lankan leopard — this mesmerizing destination has one of the highest leopard densities in the world.

Hear the cries of the wilderness and bask under the warmth of the tropical sun as you traverse the jungle.

Treat yourself to a delectable dinner at a hotel in Yala. Overnight stay in Yala.

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Galle.

Galle is among the most visited cities located on the Southern Coast of the island. The Dutch Fort offers an interesting blend of classic Dutch period architecture and tropical settings, a trademark of a quintessential island experience.

Wander through the historic fort, soaking in the atmosphere of its stylish cafes, diverse restaurants, and cultural museums.

Check out bastions preserved to this day, showcasing evidence of a heritage preserved for more than three and a half centuries, after which you can catch a spectacular sunset from the ramparts overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Head back to your hotel for a hearty dinner. Overnight stay in Galle.

On completion of the tour, transfer to airport for departure.