Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, you’ll be warmly greeted by your local guide who will accompany you throughout your Sri Lanka highlights tour. After a quick freshen-up and briefing, you’ll set off on a scenic journey north towards the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle — the awe-inspiring Sigiriya.

The drive offers your first glimpse of the island’s captivating countryside — lush paddy fields, roadside stalls brimming with tropical fruit, and glimpses of daily life in rural villages. As you approach Sigiriya, the iconic outline of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress rises majestically from the jungle, a powerful symbol of ancient Sri Lankan civilisation.

On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy some time at leisure. Relax by the pool, soak in the tranquil surroundings, or take a gentle walk through the tropical gardens. As the sun sets, the stillness of the landscape sets the tone for the magical days ahead.

Tomorrow, your journey continues with a Hiriwadunna village tour, where you’ll explore traditional rural life on a catamaran ride across a lake, followed by an authentic Sri Lankan cooking demonstration. For those interested, an optional climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress can be arranged at extra cost — a chance to marvel at one of Sri Lanka’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Return to your hotel in Sigiriya for a peaceful overnight stay, where the soft evening breeze and chorus of nature create the perfect setting to unwind before the adventures ahead. Dinner included and overnight at the Sigiriya Village Hotel or similar.

This morning offers a deep dive into authentic rural life as your Sri Lanka highlights tour takes you to the peaceful village of Hiriwadunna. Begin your day with a tranquil catamaran ride across a still lake, surrounded by lush greenery and birdlife, as fishermen cast their nets and the morning sun glistens on the water. The gentle rhythm of the boat and the serenity of the surroundings transport you into the heart of traditional Sri Lankan living.

Upon reaching the village, you'll be welcomed with warm smiles and invited to immerse yourself in the local way of life. Take part in a hands-on Sri Lankan cookery class, where you’ll learn the secrets behind fragrant curries and mouth-watering sambols, prepared using clay pots and firewood stoves. It’s an intimate, enriching experience that connects you with the land, flavours, and people of this captivating country.

After your village visit, return to your hotel to relax and unwind. Enjoy a swim in the pool, a drink under the shade of a palm tree, or perhaps a rejuvenating spa treatment — the choice is yours.

In the afternoon, for those eager to delve deeper into Sri Lanka’s ancient history, there’s the option to join an unforgettable excursion to the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Towering 200 metres above the surrounding plains, this 5th-century royal citadel is famed for its sky-high palace ruins, frescoes, mirror wall, and lion paw entrance. The panoramic views from the summit are simply breathtaking. This is an optional excursion available at an additional cost.

This optional excursion can be selected during the online booking process under the “Add Ons” section.

Return to your hotel in Sigiriya for a restful overnight stay, where the memories of village warmth and ancient wonders gently linger under a starlit sky. Dinner included and overnight at the Sigiriya Village Hotel or similar.

After days of immersive cultural experiences, today on your Sri Lanka highlights tour is kept leisurely — a well-deserved chance to rest, rejuvenate, and soak in the peaceful surroundings of your hotel. Whether you prefer to unwind by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or simply enjoy the tropical beauty of the landscape, the day is yours to savour at your own pace.

For those eager to explore more, a highly recommended optional excursion offers the perfect combination of history and wildlife. Begin with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka and the crown jewel of King Parakramabahu I’s reign. Wander among timeworn ruins and intricate carvings that whisper stories of a glorious past. Marvel at the symmetry of ancient stupas, the serenity of stone Buddha statues, the sophistication of early irrigation canals, and the remarkable blend of Sinhalese and Hindu architectural elements. This is an optional excursion available at an additional cost.

Admire the delicate stone craftsmanship of the Watadage relic house, stand before the immense seated Buddhas of Gal Viharaya, and lose yourself in the grace of the Nissankamalla Council Chamber, a forest of carved stone pillars that once echoed with royal decree. Nearby, the vast Parakrama Samudraya — an ancient man-made reservoir — showcases the brilliance of ancient hydraulic engineering that sustained entire civilisations.

In the afternoon, continue your adventure with a thrilling game drive in Minneriya National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries. Renowned as a vital dry-season gathering ground, this park is best known for its spectacular herds of wild elephants. Watch these gentle giants roam freely against a backdrop of grasslands and reservoirs. With a little luck, you may also spot the elusive Sri Lankan leopard, sloth bear, spotted deer, and countless bird species in their natural habitat. This is an optional excursion available at an additional cost.

This optional excursion offers a remarkable day of cultural discovery and wildlife adventure — a must for those wanting to experience the full spectrum of Sri Lanka’s charm.

This optional experience can be selected during the online booking process under the “Add Ons” section.

Return to your hotel in Sigiriya for a restful overnight stay, embraced by the stillness of the jungle and the timeless spirit of Sri Lanka’s ancient heartland. Dinner included and overnight at the Sigiriya Village Hotel or similar.

After breakfast, your Sri Lanka highlights tour continues as you leave the plains of Sigiriya and head into the central highlands. Your destination today is the picturesque city of Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital and former royal stronghold. The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours, but the day is filled with enriching stops that unveil the layers of the island’s heritage.

En route, you’ll pause to explore the majestic Dambulla Cave Temple, just 30 minutes from Sigiriya. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is perched atop a giant granite outcrop that rises 160 metres above the surrounding plains. Known also as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, this ancient rock monastery dates back to the 1st century B.C., when King Valagambahu sought refuge here. He later transformed it into a sacred temple complex, now famed for its astonishing preservation and spiritual serenity.

Climb barefoot along sloping paths and stone staircases to reach the five richly decorated cave shrines, each adorned with 2,000-year-old frescoes, vibrant ceiling murals, and over 150 statues of the Buddha. The centrepiece is a remarkable 15-metre-long reclining Buddha carved directly into the rock. The peaceful ambience, spiritual aura, and panoramic views of the surrounding plains — including a distant view of Sigiriya Rock — make this a deeply moving experience.

Continuing south, your next stop is in Matale, a region renowned for its fragrant spice gardens. During your guided visit, stroll through aromatic plantations where the air is scented with cinnamon, cardamom, clove, and nutmeg. Learn about the medicinal properties and culinary uses of Sri Lanka’s native spices, and discover why the island became a centre of the global spice trade. Watch traditional processing techniques and perhaps sample a soothing herbal tea brewed fresh on site.

By afternoon, your journey brings you to the lush hill country city of Kandy, nestled amidst emerald tea-covered mountains and shimmering lakes. This charming city was the final capital of the ancient Sinhalese kingdom and remains a proud centre of Buddhism and culture. On arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax and enjoy the cool climate of the highlands.

As dusk descends, you’ll visit one of the holiest sites in the Buddhist world — the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa). Housed within the golden-roofed temple is a sacred relic believed to be a tooth of the Buddha, enshrined in a lavishly decorated inner chamber. Walk through the beautifully preserved corridors of this venerated temple complex, adorned with traditional Kandyan architecture — whitewashed walls, wooden pillars, tiled roofs, and intricate carvings — and experience the rhythm of evening prayers accompanied by the soft beat of traditional drums.

Return to your hotel for a restful overnight stay, surrounded by the cultural richness and mountain serenity of Kandy. Dinner included and overnight at Amaya Hills or similar.

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a leisurely morning in the charming highland city of Kandy. Nestled among forested hills and tea plantations, Kandy is a cultural gem and the spiritual heart of the island. Today’s pace is relaxed, giving you time to absorb the atmosphere or choose from enriching optional experiences that add depth to your Sri Lanka highlights tour.

For those with a love for nature, you may opt to visit the famed Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, just a short drive from Kandy. These exquisite gardens are Sri Lanka’s largest and most impressive, home to over 4,000 plant species, including a world-renowned collection of orchids. Stroll through tree-lined avenues, towering palms, vibrant floral beds, and spice groves as tropical birds flutter above. The gardens were once reserved exclusively for Kandyan royalty — today, they remain a place of serenity and natural splendour. This is an optional excursion available at an additional cost.

This optional experience can be selected during the online booking process under the “Add Ons” section.

In the afternoon, take part in a relaxed sightseeing tour of Kandy. Discover the city's colonial charm, bustling markets, and tranquil lakeside setting. Your guide will reveal the stories behind the architecture, legends of the last Sinhalese kings, and the continuing importance of Buddhism in local life.

As evening falls, enjoy a captivating Kandyan cultural dance show, a visual feast of rhythmic drumming, vibrant costumes, and traditional dance styles rooted in centuries-old rituals. These performances echo the ancient agricultural traditions and folk beliefs of the island, dating back to a time long before the introduction of Buddhism. With fire-dancing, mask performances, and elaborate storytelling, the show offers a vivid connection to Sri Lanka’s deep cultural heritage.

Afterwards, return to your hotel, or for those seeking a culinary experience, take part in our optional Sri Lankan cooking demonstration at the delightful Thotupala Residency. This hands-on class offers insight into authentic local cuisine — learn the art of preparing classic dishes using fresh herbs, spices, grated coconut, and locally sourced vegetables. Guided by a local chef, you’ll create a vibrant meal bursting with flavour and tradition — a true taste of Sri Lanka to take home with you. This is an optional excursion available at an additional cost.

This optional experience can be selected during the online booking process under the “Add Ons” section.

Return to your hotel for a restful overnight stay, surrounded by the cultural richness, cool highland air, and gentle charm of Kandy’s mountain serenity. Dinner included and overnight at Amaya Hills or similar.

After breakfast, your Sri Lanka highlights tour continues with one of the most breathtaking travel experiences in Asia — a scenic train ride into the emerald hills of tea country. You’ll be transferred to Kandy Railway Station to board the local train bound for Nanu Oya, the gateway to Nuwara Eliya. Although Nuwara Eliya has no station of its own, this section of the highland railway is famed as one of the most picturesque rail journeys in the world.

Settle in and watch the landscape transform — from rolling hills and mist-draped forests to sprawling tea plantations and sleepy villages nestled among the highlands. This 3–4 hour train ride offers panoramic views, cool mountain breezes, and fantastic photo opportunities as you climb towards the island’s highest elevations. Towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and carpets of green tea bushes unfold before your eyes, creating a moving postcard of Sri Lanka’s hill country.

N.B. Train tickets on this route can only be purchased a short time in advance, and unfortunately, seat availability cannot be guaranteed. Should train tickets be unavailable, you will instead be driven from Gampola to Nuwara Eliya — a scenic journey of a similar duration that still showcases the breathtaking beauty of Sri Lanka’s highlands.

At Nanu Oya station, your chauffeur guide will meet you and escort you on a scenic half-hour drive along winding roads to reach Nuwara Eliya, the highest town in Sri Lanka at 1,890 metres above sea level. Nestled beneath the island’s tallest peak, Pidurutalagala (Mount Pedro), the town’s cool climate, colonial architecture, and rolling landscapes have long earned it the nickname ‘Little England.’

On arrival in Nuwara Eliya, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Take time to relax, unwind, and soak in the tranquil beauty of the highlands. You may wish to take a gentle stroll through the charming gardens, sip a cup of locally grown Ceylon tea, or simply savour the crisp mountain air from your balcony.

Return to your hotel for a restful overnight stay, embraced by the peaceful atmosphere and colonial charm of Nuwara Eliya. Dinner included and overnight at Mirage Kings Cottage or similar.

After breakfast in the cool mountain air of Nuwara Eliya, your Sri Lanka highlights tour continues as you descend from the misty highlands to the dry lowland plains of Sri Lanka’s southeast. Today’s destination is the iconic Yala National Park, one of the island’s most celebrated wildlife reserves and home to a remarkable diversity of animals and landscapes. The scenic drive takes approximately 3–4 hours, winding past tea estates, rural villages, cascading waterfalls, and ever-changing terrain as you head toward the island’s wilder side.

Upon arrival at your lodge or safari-style accommodation near the park, check in and take the remainder of the day to relax at your leisure. You might choose to cool off by the pool, enjoy the serene surroundings of the wilderness, or listen to the sounds of birds and distant wildlife echoing through the trees — a peaceful prelude to the adventure that awaits tomorrow.

Return to your hotel for a restful overnight stay, immersed in the quiet rhythm of Sri Lanka’s southern wilds. Dinner included and overnight at EKHO Safari or similar.

Rise early this morning for one of the most exhilarating highlights of your Sri Lanka highlights tour — a thrilling Jeep safari in Yala National Park. As dawn breaks and golden light spills across the savannah, set off on an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuary, a landscape of scrub forests, open plains, rocky outcrops, and freshwater lagoons.

Yala is home to a dazzling array of fauna, including elephants, spotted deer, wild boar, crocodiles, water buffalo, and a staggering variety of birdlife. But its most famous residents are the elusive and majestic leopards — Yala boasts one of the highest leopard densities in the world, offering a rare opportunity to spot these solitary big cats in their natural habitat.

As your expert tracker navigates the park’s winding trails, keep your camera ready for unforgettable encounters — a herd of elephants cooling off in a watering hole, a peacock dancing in the grasslands, or a leopard lounging in the shade of a tree. Every safari is different, but each moment offers a deep connection with Sri Lanka’s untamed beauty.

After an adventurous morning, return to your hotel around midday for a well-deserved rest. Spend the afternoon entirely at your leisure — unwind by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or simply take in the tranquillity of the surrounding wilderness.

For those with a deep interest in wildlife and photography, there is the opportunity to join an optional second Jeep safari this afternoon. This extended game drive offers another chance to explore different zones of the park and observe a wider variety of animal activity as the heat of the day fades. It’s a perfect choice for those who want to maximise their wildlife experience in one of Asia’s most iconic national parks. This is an optional excursion available at an additional cost.

This optional experience can be selected during the online booking process under the “Add Ons” section.

Return to your hotel for a peaceful overnight stay near the edge of Yala’s wild frontier. Dinner included and overnight at EKHO Safari or similar.

After a final breakfast in the peaceful wilderness near Yala National Park, your Sri Lanka highlights tour takes a relaxing turn as you journey westward towards the idyllic coastal town of Bentota. This scenic drive unfolds through Sri Lanka’s ever-changing landscapes — from arid grasslands and forested hills to bustling market towns and tranquil coconut groves — each mile bringing you closer to the ocean breeze and palm-fringed shores.

Continuing onward, you’ll reach Bentota, where sun-drenched beaches, calm turquoise waters, and soft golden sands await. Upon arrival, check in to your seaside resort and breathe in the salty ocean air. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure — whether you choose to dip your toes in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, stretch out under swaying palms, or simply let the day fade into a spectacular coastal sunset.

Return to your hotel for a serene overnight stay by the shores of Sri Lanka’s tranquil southwest coast. Dinner included and overnight at EKHO Surf or similar.

Today is all about relaxation. After days filled with exploration, culture, and adventure, this day on your Sri Lanka highlights tour is kept entirely at leisure for you to unwind in the coastal haven of Bentota.

Wake to the sound of waves and spend your day as you please — whether it’s basking under the tropical sun, taking a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean, strolling along the golden sands, or enjoying the facilities of your beach resort. With no scheduled activities, you're free to savour every moment at your own pace, surrounded by palm trees, ocean breezes, and the laid-back rhythm of Sri Lanka’s southern coast.

Whether you choose to indulge in a spa treatment, sip a fresh coconut by the pool, or simply do nothing at all, this is your time to truly relax and reflect on the unforgettable journey you’ve taken across this remarkable island.

Return to your hotel for a peaceful overnight stay beside the sea. Dinner included and overnight at EKHO Surf or similar.

Today marks the end of your unforgettable Sri Lanka highlights tour — a journey that has taken you across ancient cities, misty highlands, tropical jungles, and serene coastal shores. With a heart full of memories and camera roll bursting with breathtaking scenes, it’s time to say goodbye to this captivating island nation.

Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred from your beach resort in Bentota to Colombo International Airport for your return journey home.

If you’re not quite ready to leave, you may wish to extend your stay with additional nights at your beach resort, enjoying more time to relax by the Indian Ocean.

Alternatively, elevate your journey even further with one of our specially curated post-tour extensions — whether that’s a luxurious retreat in the Maldives or a culturally rich experience through India’s Golden Triangle.

These optional experiences can be selected during the online booking process under the “Add Ons” section.

We hope this journey through Sri Lanka has left you inspired, uplifted, and longing to return.