Day 1 – Arrive in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Your Small Group Discovery tour begins!

Welcome to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, where colonial-era architecture meets a vibrant modern city. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.

Day 2 – Colombo to Habarana

Into the Wild

Travel inland to Habarana, gateway to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. This afternoon, enjoy a game drive in Minneriya National Park, or an alternate nearby national park depending on seasonal elephant migration. Enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 – Habarana

Citadels & Ancient Capitals

Visit the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress before exploring the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Enjoy lunch at a rural café featuring traditional dishes, followed by free time. This evening, experience a lively Paduru Party with local music, storytelling and village hospitality.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Habarana to Kandy via Dambulla & Matale

Sacred Spaces

Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with centuries-old Buddhist murals and statues. Continue to Matale for a private spice garden visit and lunch before arriving in Kandy. Visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 – Kandy

Culture & Cuisine

Visit a local home for a hands-on Sri Lankan cooking experience, beginning with a neighborhood market visit to select fresh ingredients. Later, explore Kandy’s traditional brass-making heritage at Ancient Craft Artisans. Enjoy a Kandyan dance and drumming performance this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 – Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Highland Retreat

Travel through Sri Lanka’s lush central highlands and visit the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, known for its tropical plants and orchids. Continue to Nuwara Eliya, often called “Little England.”

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 – Nuwara Eliya

Tea Country in the Clouds

Visit the Pedro Tea Estate and learn about the production of Ceylon tea. Explore Nuwara Eliya on a walking tour, taking in its colonial-era architecture and surrounding tea estates. Enjoy traditional high tea at the historic Hill Club.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 – Nuwara Eliya to Yala National Park via Ella

From Hills to Plains

Take a scenic train journey from Ambewela to Ella through Sri Lanka’s beautiful central highlands. Travel by tuk tuk to see the Nine Arches Bridge before continuing south to Yala National Park. Dinner is included at your resort.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 – Yala National Park

Leopard Country

Rise early for a morning Jeep safari through Yala National Park, known for its high concentration of leopards and abundant birdlife. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or choose an optional afternoon game drive for another opportunity to spot wildlife.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 – Yala to Galle via Udawalawe

Conservation in Motion

Travel toward Sri Lanka’s southern coast and visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where young elephants are rehabilitated before being released into the wild. Take part in a hands-on pottery workshop and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to historic Galle.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11 – Galle & Excursion to Weligama

Heritage on the Coast

Visit a cinnamon plantation before travelling to Weligama for a traditional stilt fishing experience. Return to Galle for a guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Dutch Fort. This evening, enjoy an arrack tasting followed by a festive farewell dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12 – Galle to Colombo

Homeward Bound

Visit a turtle hatchery and learn about marine conservation efforts before returning to Colombo. Explore the Barefoot Gallery, enjoy lunch at a garden café and take a walking heritage tour of the city. Day-use rooms are provided before your evening flight.

Flight Information: Schedule flights to depart Colombo International Airport after 8:00 pm.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch