On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will get your first taste of warm Sri Lankan hospitality; our representative will welcome you at the airport and then escorted to the commercial city, Colombo. Enjoy a city tour of Colombo with tuk-tuk rides in-between Meet your host at independence square, an historic backdrop to begin the experience. From here you will travel by Tuk Tuk through winding streets that reflect both the bustling city that exists today and its colonial heritage. Reflect in the gloriously colourful Gangaramaya temple and marvel at the granite structure of Sri Ponnambala Vanneswarar Temple. It is here you will learn about the influence of Buddhism and Hinduism continue to have on one another long after their inception in Sri Lanka. After you travel through some of modern day Colombo you will reach Pettah. Your knowledgable guide will walk you through the bustling streets of this merchant city developed over time since 1656. By far the most stunning landmark in this area is Jami Ul-Alfar, a red and white brick mosque built in 1909. Marvel at its detailing before you hit a side road out of the hustle of Pettah to refresh yourself in a colonial hotel. It is from here you will travel a short distance to climb to a viewpoint unparalleled in the city. A 360 degree view awaits you. From port and sea to city views, take your time to drink in an often overlooked and under appreciated Colombo. Afterwards, enjoy some street food at Galle Face Green (You will never be pressured to try food or drink and we cannot guarantee hygiene standards but this is the perfect opportunity to learn about the city’s sights and aromas) and sunset at Galle Face Hotel with some drinks. ( to be paid direct) Or enjoy Spa Ceylon Treatment (to be booked in advance and on direct payment) Stay at: Colombo Court Hotel & Spa (4 Stars) – Deluxe Room Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

After a delicious breakfast proceed towards to the cultural triangle for your overnight stay. Before we arrive in Dambulla we travel to Sigiriya in the late afternoon to climb Pidurangala with an authentic picnic with Coconut Rotti (flat bread) and Lunumiris (chillies and onions paste recipe) EXPLORE – The sunset from the top of Pidurangala The rock next to Sigiriya is called Pidurangala. King Kasyapa built his King’s Palace on Sigiriya, but he worshipped Buddha on Pidurangala. The monastery dates back to the third century BC, but it was under Kasyapa that it became huge. It’s said the monastery was home to 500 monks and occupied an area of 14 acres during his reign. If you feel up for it, climb up Pidurangala Rock to see the famous Sigiriya from a different perspective and admire more stunning views.

Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel and afterwards, you will explore the marvel of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. ancient ruins at Polonnaruwa Ancient city. EXPLORE – The marvel of Sigiriya Rock Fortress Sigiriya is a fortress complex of a ruined palace and one of the World Heritage sites declared by UNESCO. The “Fortress in the Sky” is undoubtedly one of the most treasured historical monuments in Sri Lanka and probably the most visited tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. The most looked forward features of the fortress are the frescoes of maidens which are intact for over 1,600 years and the remains of the Palace on the summit. Out of 1200, every step depicts a historical flashback hidden behind the core of this giant rock and the interesting surroundings make the tedious climb to the top relatively easy. Thereafter visit Polonnaruwa Ancient city to observe the history. EXPLORE – The history at Polonnaruwa Ancient City Polonnaruwa is the second largest city in the North Central province and was once the Capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th -13th Centuries. Polonnaruwa is famous for its clean and beautiful environment, astonishing ancient constructions and most importantly its huge lake ‘Parakrama Samudra’ built in 1200. The city has many untouched ancient archaeological relic sites and remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country. UNESCO has declared this ancient city as one of the World Heritage sites. Return back to the hotel and have a dip at the pool.

Travel to royal city of Kandy for your overnight stay. OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE – Visit a rural village in Habarana and engage in a catamaran ride and authentic village tour with authentic Sri Lankan lunch. A tour to Hiriwadunna will give you a chance to witness the environment of typical Sri Lankan village life. A ride on a bullock cart along a dirt track and through rice paddies down to the picturesque Hiriwadunna Lake will leave you with a sense of peacefulness. A catamaran ride on the lake with its large variety of dry zone bird life and views of the surrounding forest, marshland and vegetable plots of local farmers will be an unforgettable experience to the visitors and will most definitely be one of the places they feel most at peace, during the time spent in Sri Lanka. En route to Kandy stop by Matale Spice Garden to explore Ceylon spices and their usage. Upon arrival to Kandy, you will take a short ride to explore the royalty among these streets and make your way to the Temple of the Tooth Relic. EXPLORE – The royalty amongst Kandyan Streets Kandy, the charming hill capital of Sri Lanka and last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings, surrounded by hills, valleys, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. It is the cultural center of the island and a UNESCO heritage city. Observe the fine method of art that is used to fashion materials and make them colorful just like life. EXPLORE – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic Enter Sri Dalada Maligawa at the impressive Mahawahalkada steps and explore the vibrant, scented spaces of the most iconic temple in Sri Lanka with your knowledgeable guide. Already with offering in hand from one of the many flower vendors outside, proceed through the ornate passageways which lead into the heart of the building. Kandyan architecture houses intricately adorned scenes from the Kandy Esala Perahera festival and ornate Buddhist-influenced décor.

With so much to offer, today’s Freedom Day is the perfect opportunity to explore this fascinating region in a way that suits you. OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE – “Walk with Elephants” at Millennium Elephant Foundation. Visit the Elephant Foundation and spend a few hours with an expert to learn, care for and walk with its residents. The elephant foundation's aim is to constantly develop the care, safeguarding and treatment of captive elephants in Sri Lanka by providing a refuge with appropriate amenities and facilities. In the on-site museum realize the complex history between Sri Lanka and its elephants. Many still live in captivity in poor conditions, however, the foundation’s elephants are well provided for. Help prepare and administer fruit, vitamins and medicines and, under the watchful eye of its mahout, walk through the grounds alongside a majestic resident. To chat more about the foundation’s project work and elephant behaviour, opt for a traditional lunch and visit the paper factory!

Travel to Kalkudah for your overnight stay. Before proceeding to Kalkudha we visit the orange tea factory and upon completion you will take part on a trek at James Taylor’s Loolcondera Tea Estate. EXPLORE – Visit to Orange Tea Factory. Visit the Orange Tea Factory. The fact of this experience being unique is that this is a Boutique Tea Factory and which makes it an interesting exploration rather than a visit to a commercial tea factory. You will be guided by a Manager who is very passionate about this place running it with amazing traditions, since and it was is his family who is in charge over here for decades. EXPLORE – Trek at James Taylor’s Loolcondera Tea Estate. A very unique experience, off the beaten track which has not been discovered by the tourists yet - trek through Loolcondera Tea Estate (stunning tea plantations of Sir James Taylor who was the first one who introduced tea to Sri Lanka) and then climb to the top of Kondagala Rock for the most stunning views to a beautiful Hanthana, Nuwara Eliya and Knuckles Mountain Range (360 degrees view). You will also enjoy a hot delicious cup of tea along with some biscuits for bites overlooking the stunning views of greenery. Thereafter, continue towards Kalkudah.

With so much to offer, today’s Freedom Day is the perfect opportunity to explore this fascinating region in a way that suits you. Depending on your preference you could either chose one activity out of the below mentioned. OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE – Deep Sea Fishing Haul in the catch of the day in the calm waters off the coast on a private 6.2 meter motorboat departing from Passikudah Beach. For deep sea fishing, trolling rods are used and you'll be at sea for about 4 hours; for bottom fishing, casting rods are used and you'll be at sea for about 2 hours. The chef will be happy to discuss cooking options for your big catch.

With so much to offer, today’s Freedom Day is the perfect opportunity to explore this fascinating region in a way that suits you. Depending on your preference you could either chose one activity out of the below mentioned. OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE – Cooking class Head to the kitchen and toss on an apron to discover Sri Lankan cuisine with the chef in a fun 2-hour class. Learn to prepare a traditional curry suite with four different curries, or learn how to prepare a whole fish sourced directly from our beach, along with two side dishes. Enjoy what you’ve cooked after the lesson.

With so much to offer, today’s Freedom Day is the perfect opportunity to explore this fascinating region in a way that suits you. Depending on your preference you could either chose one activity out of the below mentioned. OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE – 3 Hour Sunset Cruise in Passikudah This 3 hours cruise on a sailing catamaran – Departing from the public beach in Passikudah. The yacht anchors in the middle of the bay to allow guest to enjoy relaxing swim or try stand up paddle boarding.

Travel to scenic Ella for your overnight stay. Upon our arrival to Ella we travel Nine Arch Bridge and to Little Adams Peak for our trek as we reach the peak of the trek just in time to observe the sunset. EXPLORE – A visit to Nine Arch Bridge The Nine Arch Bridge in Ella is on the Demodara loop and spans 91 meters at a height of 24m. The beautiful nine arches make it a very picturesque spot especially as it is located in a dense jungle and agricultural setting. Behind the railway, a forest is booming, and below, tea leaves are being cultivated. There is a story behind it that you would love to hear. The World War One broke out and the steel consignment allocated for this site was seized and was used for war related projects. When the work came to a stoppage the Sri Lankan (named Appuhami) came forward and build the bridge with solid stone bricks and cement without steel. EXPERIENCE – A hike to Little Adam’s Peak Walk along rustic footpaths sandwiched between tall grass and thorny bushes as the wind blow cold gusts in your faces every now and then. Covered in deep green vegetation that surroundings would stun you with the enormity of nature. This is approximately a 2km hike and is not as demanding as conquering Ella Rock. However, the views from the top of Little Adam’s Peak are bound to leave you awestruck.

Early morning we engage in a trek to explore Ella Rock. Later during the day if time permits visit the Ella Gap and Ravana Falls. If you love living green, then Ella Rock is one of the places which prove it. The hike to the rock might feel a bit strenuous yet worth taking a step ahead since once you got to the summit the views will take away your fatigue. The panoramic views it provides with mist and cloud covering the area, especially in the early mornings and the late evenings are something you should witness and that would suffice enough to say that you visited Ella. Continue with the city tour by having a visit to Ella Gap which one of the main tourist attraction symbols that makes the area enchanting. Make your way to see one of the islands widest falls Ravana Falls which has been named after the legendary character Ravana (who is said to have been the king of Sri Lanka during then had kidnapped princess Sita, and hidden her behind the waterfall.

A delicious breakfast is ready for another active day. Today your tour continues to the heritage site, Galle. In the afternoon you will be captivated by the unspoilt beauty of the UNESCO world heritage city of Galle, including its historic Dutch Fort. EXPERIENCE – Walk at the timeless Galle Dutch Fort Galle, the beautiful colonial town along the southern coast that was once the chief port of Sri Lanka and houses the largest occupied Fort in Asia. It is still well known for hand-made lace which was introduced by the Dutch and the UNESCO world heritage site, the Galle Fort. Galle Fort originally built by the Portuguese and later extended by the Dutch in 1663 spans over 90 acres. Asia's largest colonial-built fort has protected a wealth of interesting architecture, now housing galleries, cafes, and shops, or fulfilling their initial intended purpose as law courts and administrative buildings. Nearby beach towns provide an altogether different taste of life in the south of the country. Thereafter drive towards Japanese Peace Pagoda to witness the sunset.

Today you will be spending a day on leisure. OPTIOANAL EXPERIENCE – Kanneliya Rainforest trek with lunch on a stream Discover the Kanneliya forest reserve, a less frequented but nonetheless impressive rainforest to explore with your wildlife tracker host. Kanneliya is just 35km from Galle, so in just 90 minutes you can be out of the fort and into the forest. Your exciting morning walk takes you under thick tropical tree canopies housing monkeys, snakes and chameleons. Multitudes of birds will flutter from branch to branch above, whilst plants and flowers blanket the jungle floor. Stop to savour the sounds of your surrounds and refreshments at a local waterfall! The forest itself envelops nearly 80 villages, one of which is your host’s home and where his talented wife will prepare your lunch to be had in the shallows of a lake. A unique dining experience and an idyllic end to your journey.

All good things must come to an end. Enjoy one last relaxing day by the poolside to recharge our batteries and freshen up before our afternoon flight. TIPS: * We recommend you check-out from the hotel early enough to allow you to reach the airport three hours prior to your departure flight. * Please discuss the exact time of departure with your chauffeur, who will be happy to advise you based on your flight timing.