Welcome to Sri Lanka. Upon meeting your fellow travelers and tour guide Thibaud or Chaya, you have the option to go for a short walk or lay back for some rest at your accommodation.

Later in the evening, we dine together and get to know each other.

We explore the vibrant commercial capital Colombo with lively markets and colonial architecture along with the hustle and bustle of tuk-tuks. The city is a perfect example where multireligious communities live in harmony. In the late afternoon, we head to Galle Face Green to relax by the ocean and watch the sun set.

In the morning, we drive to Kurunegala, soaking in sub-urban and countryside views along the way. We visit an artisan handloom weaving centre. After that, we continue our journey to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s ancient capital.

Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka’s first ancient kingdom. Here, we wander through centuries-old stupas, sacred temples, and ancient ruins that tell stories of a glorious past. Many sites remain as holy places and temples for Buddhists and you will witness rituals and ceremonies performed frequently around these sites.

We continue our journey within the renowned cultural triangle. The drive between Anuradhapura and Sigiriya provides you with glimpses of the Sri Lankan countryside with its paddy fields. Today, we quietly introduce you to the customs of rural life followed by a traditional lunch.

Today after breakfast, we visit Dambulla rock caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring five stunning cave temples adorned with ancient Buddhist murals and over 150 statues of the Buddha.

For early birds, you have the option to climb the Lion Rock in Sigiriya. This palace, built by King Kasapa I, is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We also recommend visiting this early in the morning to avoid mass tourism and the hottest part of the day. We provide free time in the afternoon.

In the morning we visit Polonnaruwa, the second royal kingdom of Sri Lanka around 1070 AD under King Vijayabahu I. In the afternoon on the way back, we do a safari to admire the largest Asian elephants in the wild.

Today we gradually cross the first hills, we make a short stop at Nalanda Gedige. The location of this ancient, complete stone temple near Matale is considered the geographical center of Sri Lanka. When you enter Kandy, you enter a completely different kingdom. We visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, an important holy site for Buddhists in Sri Lanka

In the morning, we visit a drum village where traditional drums are made. Later we take a stroll in Peradeniya Botanical garden. Its history dates back to the 14th century, when the royal family ruled the central highlands of Sri Lanka. The garden contains more than 4,000 species of plants, including orchids, herbs, medicinal plants and palm trees. In the evening, we watch a cultural dance and music show. 

After breakfast we drive deeper into the mountains. As we ascend you see the landscape change and the temperatures also drop. Expect temperatures around 22 degrees during the day and 15 degrees at night. The landscapes quickly convert into tea plantations. We have lunch in the city of Nuwara Eliya, also known as “Little England”. You can't miss a visit to an old tea factory on the way to your hotel near Ella.

The area around Ella is excellent for walking. We climb the Little Adam's Peak, from where, in clear weather, you can see the coast 110 km away. Later we also descend to the idyllic “nine arch bridge”, one of the best examples of railway construction from the colonial era. This stone bridge was finished in 1921 and is still used daily. With a bit of luck we may see a train crossing the bridge.

It's time to leave the cooler climate behind. The descent into the lowlands, south of the mountains, is a pleasure for the eyes. We visit Buduruwagala, Buddhist rock sculptures. The seven carved statues probably date from the ninth century. The largest statue is around 15 meters high, making it the tallest standing carved Buddha statue in the island. Later, we have a relaxed afternoon in Yala. 

Yala National park is famous for its population of elusive leopards and is also home to elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and countless species of birds. We will explore the diverse landscapes of light jungles, open grasslands, and serene lagoons through a jeep safari. Later, we continue to the south coast and have a sunset drink at the beach.

Today is your day to enjoy the Southern Coast and the warm Indian ocean. Soak in the sun, swim in the sea and walk on the sandy beach and completely relax. You have the option to visit a real colonial gem of the Portuguese-Dutch period: The Galle Fort, one of the best preserved living forts in the world. 

Depending on your departure times, you can still enjoy the coast a bit more. We say goodbye and give you many wonderful memories to take home.