Luxury Sri Lanka

Ayubowan and welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at Colombo's international airport, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in the coastal town of Negombo. This evening, join your local leader and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting at 6 pm to learn more about the adventure ahead.

If you arrive earlier in the day, perhaps unwind by the beach or take a stroll through the surrounding area to soak up your first impressions of Sri Lanka. Afterwards, celebrate the start of your journey with complimentary cocktails and a welcome dinner featuring traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, bursting with aromatic spices, vibrant flavours and local specialties.

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Today, journey inland towards Dambulla, stopping along the way to visit the ancient Ridi Vihara shrine – a remarkable Buddhist cave temple believed to date back to the 2nd century BC. Once home to hundreds of monks, this peaceful hillside sanctuary offers a fascinating insight into Sri Lanka's spiritual heritage.

Discover traditional crafts and centuries-old techniques, including palm leaf writing, wood carving and stone craftsmanship, before exploring the temple caves adorned with Buddha statues and colourful floral offerings. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Dambulla, where you'll settle into your accommodation for the next three nights. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy at leisure.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours

Rise early this morning to visit the iconic Sigiriya, before the tropical heat sets in. One of Sri Lanka's most celebrated landmarks, this towering rock fortress rises dramatically above the surrounding plains and is crowned by the ruins of an ancient royal palace. As you make the climb, your leader will bring the site to life with stories of the civilisation that once thrived here. The ascent is steep, but the sweeping views from the summit make every step worthwhile.

After returning to the hotel for breakfast and some time to relax, enjoy lunch with a local family and experience authentic Sri Lankan hospitality. Later, travel to the village of Muriya Kadawala to discover the traditions of Sri Lankan pottery-making. Learn the techniques from local artisans and try creating your own piece under their guidance. You'll also have the chance to taste a refreshing herbal drink alongside halapa, a traditional sweet delicacy wrapped in kenda leaves.
The remainder of the afternoon is free to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings at your own pace.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours

After breakfast, travel to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and explore its remarkable archaeological treasures by bicycle. Ride through the impressive Quadrangle complex, where beautifully preserved temples, stupas and royal monuments offer a glimpse into the grandeur of Sri Lanka's medieval kingdom. Along the way, visit the remains of the seven-storey Royal Palace, admire the magnificent rock carvings of Gal Vihara and discover the legacy of

King Parakrama I, one of the country's most celebrated rulers.
For lunch, enjoy a special visit to a local grandmother's home, where you'll learn how to prepare traditional Sri Lankan favourites such as dhal curry and pol sambol. Roll up your sleeves and try shredding fresh coconut using a traditional scraper before sitting down to enjoy your homemade meal.

Later this afternoon, head out on safari in Minneriya National Park, one of the best places in Sri Lanka to observe elephants in their natural habitat. Keep an eye out for herds gathering near the water, as well as macaques, spot-billed pelicans and a variety of other wildlife that call the park home.

Today's journey time will be approximately four hours.

Please note that your wildlife safari destination may vary depending on the season and animal movements. To maximise your chances of memorable wildlife encounters, your visit may take place in Minneriya National Park, Kaudulla National Park or Hurulu Eco Park. These neighbouring reserves form an interconnected ecosystem, allowing elephants and other wildlife to roam freely between them throughout the year

Today, continue your journey to the cultural heart of Sri Lanka – the charming city of Kandy. En route, stop in Matale to visit a local spice garden, where you'll discover the fragrant spices that have shaped Sri Lankan cuisine, trade and traditions for centuries.

Upon arrival in Kandy, join a guided city tour and visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most important Buddhist sites in the country and home to a sacred relic believed to be a tooth of the Buddha. Surrounded by rolling hills and centred around a picturesque lake, Kandy offers a relaxed atmosphere despite being Sri Lanka's second-largest city.

This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps sample a fragrant local curry, stroll along the lakeside as the city lights begin to shimmer on the water or attend an optional cultural performance showcasing traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

Enjoy a relaxed start to the day before travelling to the rural village of Ambagasthenna, where you'll be welcomed by local hotel and tea plantation owner Mr Thilina for an authentic insight into village life. Join him for a guided walk through the surrounding countryside as he shares stories of the community and the traditions that shape everyday life in Sri Lanka's hill country.

For lunch, sit down to a delicious home-cooked meal lovingly prepared by Mr Thilina's mother, offering a true taste of local hospitality. Later, visit the family tea plantation to learn about the journey from leaf to cup, sample freshly brewed tea prepared the Sri Lankan way and discover more about sustainable farming practices, local crops and centuries-old landscaping techniques.

As the day draws to a close, head to a spectacular viewpoint to enjoy a refreshing drink while watching the sun set over the rolling hills — a fitting finale to an unforgettable day in Sri Lanka's highlands.

This morning, leave Kandy behind and board one of Sri Lanka's most scenic train journeys as you travel through misty mountains and rolling tea plantations towards Nuwara Eliya. Set at an elevation of 1,800 metres in the heart of the country's tea-growing region, this charming hill town enjoys a refreshingly cool climate and a distinctly colonial atmosphere.

Upon arrival, take an orientation walk through Nuwara Eliya and stroll along the tranquil shores of Gregory Lake while admiring the surrounding landscapes. Later, check into the historic Grand Hotel, a beautifully preserved National Heritage Property and your Feature Stay for the evening. Combining timeless elegance with modern comforts, the hotel is also recognised for its commitment to sustainability, including initiatives aimed at eliminating single-use plastics and reducing waste.

To complete your arrival, enjoy a traditional high tea experience featuring fragrant Ceylon teas accompanied by delicate finger sandwiches and an assortment of sweet treats.

• Due to the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, some train services in Sri Lanka may remain disrupted until 2027. Should your scheduled rail journey be unavailable, alternative transport by private vehicle will be arranged to ensure your trip continues smoothly.
• Reserved seats on Sri Lanka's popular train routes require passport details at least 45 days prior to departure. While every effort will be made to secure tickets, bookings made after this deadline or periods of high demand may result in travel by private vehicle instead.
• As Nuwara Eliya enjoys a cooler climate thanks to its location in Sri Lanka's central highlands, rooms at your Feature Stay are not equipped with air conditioning, as it is generally unnecessary in this region.

Bid farewell to the rolling tea-covered hills of Nuwara Eliya as you journey towards Colombo, Sri Lanka's vibrant coastal capital. Along the way, visit a tea plantation and factory near Labukelle to gain further insight into the island's world-famous tea industry and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Upon arrival in Colombo, join your leader for an orientation walk through the city, discovering landmarks such as the historic Old Parliament building, the National Museum and some of the best places to shop for locally made and fairtrade souvenirs.
This evening, celebrate the end of your Sri Lankan adventure with a farewell dinner alongside your fellow travellers at a contemporary restaurant showcasing the country's bold flavours and aromatic spices.

Enjoy innovative local dishes inspired by traditional ingredients as you reflect on the memories made throughout your journey.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay in Colombo, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.