Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and meet your Sonne & Ceylon representative. Transfer approximately 20 minutes to your hotel in Negombo, located near the lagoon. Relax after your flight, take an evening walk along the lagoon or the beach, and enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at a nearby restaurant.
After breakfast, depart for a 4.5-hour drive to Anuradhapura. Explore the sacred city with a guide, visiting stupas, temples, and the famous Bodhi tree while learning the spiritual and historical significance of each site. Evening at leisure to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of your hotel or a short village walk.
Rise early for a sunrise hike to Mihintale, the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Watch as the first light illuminates the sacred hills and ruins. In the afternoon, participate in a village craft workshop to learn traditional weaving or pottery techniques from local artisans.
Travel 2.5 hours to Sigiriya and prepare to climb the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Explore ancient frescoes, water gardens, and panoramic jungle views. Evening at leisure with the option to attend a traditional dance performance featuring local myths and music.
Depart early for a morning safari at Minneriya National Park to witness elephants, deer, and exotic birds. After breakfast, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple to admire rock-cut Buddha statues and intricate murals. Return to your lodge and spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring nearby village areas.
Drive 1.5 hours to Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka. Take a guided tour of the ruins, temples, and statues. Optionally, cycle through the city and surrounding areas, then join a village cooking demonstration to prepare a traditional Sri Lankan meal.
Travel about 4 hours to Kandy, the cultural heart of Sri Lanka. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to witness its sacred rituals. Evening optional Kandyan dance performance provides an introduction to local music, dance, and costumes.
Visit Peradeniya Botanical Gardens to admire orchids, royal palms, and giant ferns. Continue to a nearby tea and spice garden for demonstrations and tasting. End the afternoon with a leisurely market stroll, shopping for local crafts, spices, and souvenirs.
Board the morning train to Nuwara Eliya, enjoying misty hills, waterfalls, and tea plantations. Tour a working tea estate to observe plucking, processing, and tasting. Stroll around Gregory Lake in the late afternoon and relax at your hill country hotel.
Depart early for Horton Plains National Park, trekking through cloud forests and highland grasslands. Hike to World’s End for panoramic views of valleys and distant mountains. Observe endemic birds and wildlife along the trail before returning to your hotel for afternoon rest.
Drive 2.5 hours to the village of Ella, nestled among tea plantations. Hike Little Adam’s Peak for breathtaking valley views and visit the Nine Arches Bridge, a marvel of colonial-era engineering. Evening at leisure in your boutique lodge surrounded by nature.
Spend the day at a village wellness retreat with yoga or herbal spa treatments. Afternoon free to explore local trails, relax at your lodge, or enjoy tea and snacks while taking in the scenery. Evening at leisure to immerse yourself in Ella’s peaceful environment.
Travel about 2 hours to Haputale, known for its panoramic viewpoints and tea estates. Visit Lipton’s Seat for spectacular vistas and tour a tea estate and factory to understand the full production process. Evening at leisure at your hilltop hotel.
Optional morning trek in the Knuckles Mountain Range to explore endemic flora and wildlife. Alternatively, enjoy a guided tour of a local tea factory with tasting sessions. Evening free to relax and enjoy the serene hill country atmosphere.
Travel approximately 4 hours to Yala National Park. Embark on an afternoon safari to spot elephants, leopards, and a variety of bird species in the wild. Check in at a nearby lodge or safari camp for an authentic nature experience.
Start the day with an early morning safari at Yala to see wildlife during the cooler hours. After breakfast, transfer approximately 5 hours to Mirissa on the southern coast. Enjoy a late afternoon whale watching tour to spot blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins.
Relax on Mirissa Beach, swim in the calm waters, or lounge with a book. Optional activities include a surf lesson or snorkeling excursion to explore marine life. Evening at leisure to enjoy a seaside dinner and the peaceful coastal ambiance.
Drive along the southern coast to Galle, exploring its colonial fort if time permits. Continue to Colombo for a short city highlights tour before reaching Bandaranaike International Airport for departure. Depart with memories of Sri Lanka’s culture, hills, wildlife, and coastal beauty.
