Fly from the UK to Sri Lanka

After being personally greeted by your tour representative upon arrival, your adventure to uncover the marvels of this island will commence.

Experience, immerse, and explore. Feel the vibrancy of this island nation, revel in its captivating beauty, and indulge in an exceptional journey. Delve into Sri Lanka's pristine beaches, its storied past, abundant wilderness, and lively urban hubs, and prepare to be astonished!

Upon arrival, transfer to Negombo, where you'll check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to leisurely enjoy the beaches of Negombo.

Arrive at your hotel and settle in. Later in the afternoon, embark on a thrilling jeep safari adventure into the Minneriya Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, you'll have the incredible opportunity to witness numerous herds of Sri Lankan wild elephants thriving in their natural environment.

Situated within the heart of the Cultural Triangle, Minneriya National Park stands as a premier destination for observing elephants in their natural habitat within Sri Lanka. The park is renowned for hosting sizable gatherings of elephants, especially during certain seasons, notably September, when other areas experience dry conditions. Throughout your safari, you'll traverse the park's terrain aboard a rugged 4x4 jeep, accompanied by an expert naturalist guide.

Anuradhapura, the inaugural chronicled capital of ancient Ceylon, nestles in the dry zone as Sri Lanka's initial capital, boasting prominence as one of the country's foremost ancient cities. Its allure extends to various attractions such as the sacred Bo Tree, temples, Brazen Place, Samadhi Buddha, Kuttam Pokuna, and Mihintale, situated 12 kilometers from Anuradhapura. Mihintale, adorned with shrines and dwellings on a rocky terrain, offers a breathtaking ascent via a grand stairway comprising 1,840 granite slabs, culminating in a panoramic vista of the surrounding countryside.

Among the vestiges of its former splendor lies the Ruwanvaliseya Temple, ensconced within the Mahamega Gardens. Erected in the second century B.C. under the reign of King Dutugamunu, the temple stands 100 meters tall, 77 meters wide, with a diameter of 300 feet. Initially conceived in a "Bubble" shape, successive restorations have altered its form. The construction of this grand stupa, costing the king 6.4 million coins in wages, commenced on a full moon day in May 144 B.C. Its foundation comprised butter-clay imported from India, serving as cement. Additionally, four smaller stupas adorn the corners, symbolising reverence.

A stroll around the stupa reveals a life-sized statue believed to depict King Dutugamunu and an inscription by King Nissankamalla on the platform. During a fatal illness, King Dutugamunu entrusted the completion of the stupa to his younger brother, Saddhatissa.

Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, served as a capital during the reign of King Vijayabahu I, who successfully repelled an invasion of Chola warriors in 1070 CE. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as one of the country's most meticulously planned archaeological relics, bearing witness to the discipline and grandeur of its earliest rulers. Its captivating beauty even graced the backdrop of scenes filmed for the Duran Duran music video "Save a Prayer" in 1982. Remember to wear a cap, apply sunscreen generously, and bring along a bottle of water for your visit.

Sigiriya, famously known as the "Lion's Rock," is arguably Sri Lanka's most iconic site. The ruins of this rock fortress attract numerous tourists, drawn in by its ancient frescoes reminiscent of India's Ajanta Cave paintings. Constructed by King Kasyapa between 477 and 495 AD, Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka's seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The ascent typically takes about an hour, though the pace can vary depending on your preference. With 1200 manageable steps, it's advisable to tackle the climb in the morning or late afternoon for a more comfortable experience.

Depart for Kandy with a stopover to explore the Dambulla cave temples.

Situated atop a towering rock formation, the Dambulla Cave Temples boast the title of the largest and most well-preserved rock cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Rising 160 meters above the plains, this site encompasses over 80 documented caves, five of which house ancient statues and paintings depicting the life of Lord Buddha. The ascent from the base is gentle, taking about 30 minutes at a relaxed pace, with your guide facilitating the process, including purchasing entrance tickets. The climb comprises approximately 200 steps, best tackled in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Visitors are required to cover their knees and shoulders and enter the inner chambers barefoot or wearing socks.

Upon arrival in Kandy, embark on a sightseeing tour of the town, including the picturesque lake and the renowned Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa). This exquisitely adorned shrine exudes a rich historical ambiance, featuring decorative walls, a moat, turrets, a golden roof, and intricate woodwork dating back to the 16th to 19th centuries. Visitors have the opportunity to witness three daily religious ceremonies, known as "poojas," accompanied by traditional music.

Next, explore the sprawling Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, the largest of its kind in Sri Lanka and hailed as one of the finest in Asia. Originally serving as the headquarters for the allied command during WWII, these gardens offer a serene stroll amidst diverse botanical specimens. You may choose to explore independently or opt for a guided tour led by a resident botanist.

Conclude the day by checking into your hotel, where you can unwind and leisurely enjoy the remainder of the day.

Feel free to unwind or delve deeper into Kandy at your own pace. Optionally, you can explore the Udawattakele Forest Reserve, also known as Udawatta Kele, a historic sanctuary nestled on a hill-ridge within Kandy. Spanning 104 hectares, this reserve, once dubbed "Uda Wasala Watta" during the Kandyan kingdom, offers an enchanting trekking experience.

Easily accessible and boasting diverse flora and fauna, the forest holds significant educational and recreational value. It's a frequent destination for school groups and students, who benefit from its educational centre. Foreign tourists, particularly bird enthusiasts, flock to the area. Moreover, the forest serves as a hub for scientific research, attracting scholars keen on its ecological wealth.

Adding to its allure, the forest harbours three Buddhist meditation hermitages and rock shelters for monk hermits, underlining its spiritual significance.

The Nine Arch Bridge, also known as the Bridge in the Sky, stands as a remarkable viaduct in Sri Lanka, showcasing exemplary colonial-era railway craftsmanship. Local lore attributes its construction to P. K. Appuhami, a Ceylonese builder, in collaboration with British engineers.

Rising to 1141 meters, Little Adams Peak beckons travellers to Sri Lanka with its scenic allure. A leisurely hike up this peak rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic vistas. Along the way, lush tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque paddy fields paint the backdrop of the journey.

Nestled amidst the verdant estates of Ella, the Flying Ravana Adventure Park offers a unique experience in Sri Lanka. Proudly boasting the country's inaugural Mega zip-line, this attraction features a thrilling two-wire zip-line spanning over half a kilometre, reaching speeds of 80kmph, and granting a spectacular aerial perspective of the island's stunning hills.

Upon your arrival, embark on a captivating sightseeing journey of the Galle fort and town. Galle's history dates back to ancient times when it served as a bustling seaport for various civilizations including Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Malays, and Indians. However, its modern significance began in 1505 when the first Portuguese ship, led by Lourenco De Almeida, sought refuge there after being caught in a storm. Over the centuries, Galle witnessed the rise and fall of different colonial powers, with the Dutch invading 135 years later and the British arriving in 1796, leaving the fort remarkably preserved. Today, Galle Fort stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site, blending historic charm with contemporary luxury. Wander through its cobblestone streets lined with opulent villas, boutique hotels, quaint cafes, and vibrant shops selling antiques and fabrics. Afterward, you'll be dropped off at your designated hotel in Galle, where you can either unwind at your leisure or continue exploring the rich tapestry of Galle and its surroundings at your own pace.

Arrive at your hotel and unwind. The rest of the day is yours to relax. You may choose to explore Colombo city with an optional sightseeing tour, leaving some time for shopping as well.

Picture yourself lounging on pristine white-sand beaches, surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters teeming with vibrant marine life. Spend your days snorkelling among colourful coral reefs, diving into the depths of the ocean, or simply unwinding with a rejuvenating spa treatment. With world-class dining experiences featuring fresh seafood and international cuisine, every meal is a culinary delight. Whether you're seeking romance, adventure, or relaxation, a stay in the Maldives promises an unforgettable experience in paradise.

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