Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Touch down at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Katunayake, meet your representative and transfer to your hotel in Colombo. This vibrant capital blends modern energy with colonial charm—once checked in, enjoy time at leisure to wander bustling streets, oceanfront promenades, and nearby cultural landmarks at your own pace.

Overnight: Colombo.

After breakfast, follow the scenic southern coastline to storied Galle, whose maritime heyday peaked under the Dutch in the 17th century. Stroll the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort—a 90-acre walled city of cobbled lanes, preserved ramparts and colonial façades. Notable stops include the Dutch Reformed Church, the National Maritime Museum and small boutiques selling local handicrafts.

Continue inland to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s best-known wildlife reserve of forests, wetlands and dune-backed shores. On an afternoon jeep safari, watch for elephants, sloth bears, jackals, mugger crocodiles and prolific birdlife. With luck, you may glimpse the park’s emblematic leopard moving through scrub or sunning on rock outcrops. After the safari, transfer to nearby Tissamaharama for the night.

Overnight: Tissamaharama.

After breakfast, climb into Sri Lanka’s southern highlands bound for the easy-going hill village of Ella, wrapped in emerald tea and waterfall-cut valleys. Pause by the photogenic Ravana Falls, a 25 m cascade linked to Ramayana lore, and enjoy sweeping views across mist-laced ridges.

Continue to Nuwara Eliya (1,868 m), nicknamed “Little England” for its cool climate and colonial-era charm. Set beside Lake Gregory and framed by pine and eucalyptus, the town exudes a tranquil, old-world feel. Visit a working tea factory to follow the leaf from plucking through withering, rolling and firing. Learn the differences between black, green and white teas, then savour a guided tasting of fine Ceylon brews.

Wind down to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital ringed by forested hills. This evening, enjoy a vibrant Kandyan dance performance—rhythmic drumming, masked dancers and acrobats—culminating in a thrilling fire-walking finale.

Overnight: Kandy.

After breakfast, explore Kandy, the island’s last royal capital and a UNESCO World Heritage city. Visit the venerated Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa), set by tranquil Kandy Lake, where daily rituals unfold to the rhythm of traditional drumming.

Continue north to Matale, an agricultural heartland famed for spices. Stroll a spice garden to learn about cinnamon, cardamom, clove and nutmeg, and enjoy a brief Ayurvedic massage inspired by ancient healing traditions.

Journey on to Dambulla to discover Sri Lanka’s most impressive cave-temple complex. The UNESCO-listed Dambulla Rock Temple spans five sanctuaries adorned with over 150 Buddha images and richly painted ceilings. Highlights include the vast 14 m reclining Buddha hewn from the rock itself. After your visit, transfer to Habarana, gateway to the Cultural Triangle.

Overnight: Habarana.

Begin with a climb up Pidurangala Rock, the atmospheric monastic twin to nearby Sigiriya. Linked to King Kashyapa, the site shelters remnants of ancient monastery walls and a large reclining Buddha en route to the summit. From the top, soak up sweeping panoramas of the forests and a spectacular, front-row view of Lion Rock.

Continue to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s medieval capital (UNESCO). Explore evocative ruins of royal palaces, audience halls, temples and the vast Parakrama Samudra reservoir. Highlights include Gal Vihara, where three sublime Buddhas are carved from a single granite face—seated in meditation, standing in serene contemplation, and the renowned 15 m reclining Buddha. As golden light softens, return to Habarana.

Overnight: Habarana.

After breakfast, ascend the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO), a 5th-century royal citadel soaring 200 m above the plains. Climb via terraced gardens and stairways past the Mirror Wall with ancient verses and the famed “Heavenly Maidens” frescoes. At mid-way, pass between the colossal lion’s paws—remnants of the original entrance—before reaching the summit for sweeping views across forests and lakes.

Later, continue to Hiriwadunna, a tranquil village set around a lotus-dotted tank. Enjoy an immersive village experience: cross the reservoir by country boat, then trundle by ox-cart through paddy fields and homesteads. Meet locals, see simple field-to-table practices and sample the warmth of rural hospitality.

Overnight: Habarana.

After breakfast, drive to the venerable Ridi Viharaya—the “Silver Temple”—a sacred cave monastery with origins in the 2nd century BC. According to tradition, silver found here helped fund the great stupa at Anuradhapura. Explore serene cave shrines with ancient murals, graceful rock carvings and a striking 9 m reclining Buddha.

Continue west to coastal Negombo, a town shaped by Portuguese and Dutch rule and famed for its fishing life. Trace colonial echoes at the Dutch Fort and along the Hamilton Canal, then visit the frescoed St. Mary’s Church. As the day softens, stroll Negombo Beach where catamarans dot the horizon and fishermen draw in the day’s catch.

Overnight: Negombo.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for departure. Please plan to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to your scheduled international flight.

Safe travels — bohoma istuti (thank you) for visiting Sri Lanka.