PURE SRI LANKA

Colombo

This morning we’ll drive inland to Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress town in the Matale District.

Sigiriya

Home to palace ruins set on a giant ancient lava rock, and surrounded by ancient relics of gardens and reservoirs, Sigiriya is a hotspot of historical significance here in Sri Lanka. After checking in to our accommodation, we’ll begin our explorations with a guided visit to Hiriwadunna village, a spiritually important site where Prince Siddhartha was said to have attained Buddhahood. We’ll sit down for an authentic Sri Lankan lunch here at the village, surrounded by greenery and wildlife. After waving goodbye to Hiriwadunna, we’ll head back to our hotel.

Sigiriya

Feel like a morning adventure? You’ll have the opportunity to explore the Pidurangala Rock –a rite of passage for Sigiriya first-timers – on a sunrise trek. Otherwise, catch some extra sleep and save your energy for later. Awed by our time brushing with the ancient world in Sigiriya, it’s time to move on to the vibrant cultural scene in Kandy.

Kandy

Today we’re gathering to watch history and mythology explode into colour & rhythm at a traditional Kandyan Folkdance show. Later tonight, you’re free to do what you want. But we’ve got a hunch that the street food here might catch your eye…

Kandy

Today we head further into the hill country on the train, passing lush green hills and waterfalls enroute to Nuwara Eliya. This small town with colonial-era buildings is found in the heart of Sri Lanka’s famous Ceylon tea industry. We’ll stop to visit a tea plantation to find out how different teas are grown, plucked and packaged before continuing on to our next destination of Ella.

Ella

We’ve arrived at Ella where new adventures await!

Ella

Our journey continues south, as we head down from the hill country into the southern plains where a rich abundance of wildlife awaits us.

Udawalawe National Park

Our first stop is at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned baby elephants are cared for before being released back into the wild. In this unmissable experience that’s sure to pull a few heartstrings, we’ll get to watch the babies at feeding time, while you try to restrain yourself from adopting one then and there. But tear yourself away, because next, we’ll jump aboard our Safari Jeep to explore the park’s wildlife and then we’re heading to our Special Stay accommodation for the night. Glamping alongside the Walawe riverbed in full Safari style, surrounded by the vibrant flora and fauna of the Sri Lankan jungle.

Udawalawe National Park

Say goodbye to the wilderness, because today you’re heading along the coast to the beachside town of Unawatuna.

Unawatuna

The South West coast of Sri Lanka is famous for its beaches, mangrove forests and picturesque colonial port towns set up in turn first by the Portuguese, secondly by the Dutch and finally the English, and Unawatuna is no exception.

Galle

This afternoon we’ll take a trip to explore the UNESCO-listed historic fort city of Galle, a must-see for its distinctly unique mishmash of European and South Asian traditional architecture. Check out the Portuguese Franciscan chapel, Dutch coat of arms and British Queen Victoria Jubilee Tower.

Unawatuna

Later this evening, you can opt to learn the ways of Sri Lankan cooking with our cooking demonstration and dinner.

Unawatuna

Today we’ll be heading back to where it all began – the bustling capital city of Colombo. En route we’ll make a stop to learn about the traditional art of balsa-wood mask painting, followed by a visit to the Kosgoda Turtle Conservation centre.

Colombo

Once we hit Colombo, the best way to continue is with a sightseeing tour of this sprawling, richly multicultural city. Marvel at the atmospheric temples & showstopping mosques, check out the rose-tinted colonial buildings and, if you’re brave enough, pick up some hot cobra chillies or souvenirs from the truly authentic (and famously chaotic) Pettah Bazaar. Tonight you can put on your party pants, because we’ve already sussed out the best rooftop bars and we’re going out in style – the perfect way to cap off the last incredible 10 days with your Sri Lanka crew.