On arrival at the Bandaranayke International Airport, you will get your first taste of warm Sri Lankan hospitality. Representative of the organization will welcome you at the airport and you will proceed to Dambulla. Arrive at Dambulla, check-in at the hotel and rest of the day will be at leisure. Later in the afternoon if time permits visit to Pidurangala Rock. EXPLORE – Pidurangala Rock The climb up to the summit of Pidurangala is not a clear one and is a combination of steps and just manoeuvring oneself up the boulders, so definitely tougher than tackling Sigiriya Rock. Once you reach the end of the stairs, there is a reclining statue of Buddha hidden away, believed to have been the largest brick statue at some point during the past. Proceed further up the rock, this time though without any steps so you’ll find yourself squeezing through and scrambling over boulders for this last bit. Once you reach the flat summit, the views will be breath-taking and the stress of the climb will be a thing of the past. The entire experience will take roughly two hours, depending on how long you might want to spend at the summit.. OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE - Late afternoon visit to explore the Dambulla cave temple. EXPLORE – Dambulla Cave Temple The climb from the base is not strenuous – and can be done at a leisurely pace. It takes approximately 30 minutes. Your guide will buy your entrance fee and climb with you. There are approximately 200 steps. The best time to climb is in the early morning or the late afternoon to avoid the heat. You will need to cover your knees and shoulders – and access the inner chambers barefoot or with socks. You will find socks in the basket inside the vehicle and a sarong in case you need one. The entire visit takes approximately 1.5 hours. Overnight at your accommodation

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Sevanagama

After breakfast we travel to explore the medieval city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Upon completion later during the afternoon we engage in jeep safari at Minneriya / Kaudulla / Eco National Park. EXPLORE – The ancient city of Polonnaruwa Polonnaruwa is divided into 4 areas. The visit starts with the Kings Palace and Baths. We then visit 3 different tooth relic temples and then proceed to the stupas. The visit ends on the far western side of the complex where you will see one of the most astonishing Buda rock carvings in Sri Lanka. One can walk, bike or drive between locations. It’s hot – no doubt. If it looks like it might rain don’t forget to take an umbrella from the vehicle. EXPERIENCE – Wildlife at Minneriya National Park Which park you visit will depend on the time of year and the recent sightings in the parks. Since the parks are relatively close to each other, the decision of which park to visit will be often made on the day itself, based on up-to-date information about the location of the elephants at that given time, ensuring you the best sightings. From the safety of a well-equipped jeep you will navigate the park with a naturalist who will be able to point out various animal species to you and knows the best spots from which to view the elephants. It’s a bumpy ride but a great adventure and nothing beats the feeling of seeing wild elephants mere meters away from your jeep. Return to the hotel for your overnight stay.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Sevanagama

Early morning visit to engage in exploring the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya with a packed meal, return to the hotel for breakfast. EXPLORE : The Rock Fortress of Sigiriya Sigiriya consists of 1200 steps. The first part of the visit is a leisurely walk through the pleasure gardens. Then one starts to climb. There are two areas where one can take a break on the way up. The entire duration of the experience takes approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the speed at which you want to climb. Water is provided. If it looks like it might rain don’t forget to take an umbrella from the vehicle. Upon completion we transfer to the sacred city of Kandy for our overnight stay. On route we visit spice garden in Matale as we engage in a cooking demonstration program. Soon as we arrive at our destination we pay homage to the temple of the tooth relic and embark in a Kandy city tour followed by a visit the Bahirawakanda view point. EXPLORE – Matale spice Garden on an easy hike around the garden with your guide and the expert from the establishment to learn about the crops and trees for around 45 minutes. After the informative tour, enjoy a delicious, traditional home cooked rice and curry lunch, prepared with fresh herbs and vegetables sourced mainly from the plantation. 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. Check-in at the hotel after visits and relax the rest of your day. Overnight at your accommodation

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Fox Kandy by Fox Resorts

After breakfast we travel to Ella for our overnight stay. We travel to the Kandy railway station to engage in our rail transfer to Nuwara Eliya. EXPEREINCE – Train journey to Ella The train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya powers down through Sri Lanka’s southern hill country, crossing the tea plantations before it winds up and disappears into the clouds, weaving in and out of the many mountain tunnels as it finally descends to Nuwara Eliya. It’s indeed spectacular and definitely the most beautiful train ride in Sri Lanka, if not in the world. You will meet your guide at the Nuwara Eliya station as you engage in a panoramic tour of the city and visit to a tea factory. Upon completion you will continue your journey to Ella. Check-in at the hotel after visits and relax the rest of your day. Overnight at your accommodation

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Ella Flower Garden Resort

After breakfast we engage in full day sightseeing of Ella. 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. 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. EXPLORE - Ravana Falls The Ravana Falls are located in the misty mountains of Ella, Sri Lanka along the road. The water gushes down a height of 25 meters fallen from an oval concave rock. Ravana Falls is a 3-tier cascading waterfall, creating rock pools along its way down. During the wet season the Ravana Falls takes the form of a drooping areca flower, but its wide size is reduced dramatically during the dry season. Upon completion return to the hotel and rest of the day will be at leisure. Overnight at your accomdation.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Ella Flower Garden Resort

After breakfast we travel to Yala for your overnight stay. Upon our arrival to the destination we engage in afternoon jeep safari at the National Park. EXPLORE – Afternoon jeep safari at Yala National Park. In the morning or afternoon your guide will travel with you to the meeting points by either 6AM or at 3PM. The meeting point will be one of the entrance gates of Yala National Park. You will meet your tracker and driver here who will take you on a 2.5 to 3 hour game drive into the National Park. The Park is situated in the dry semi-arid climatic region and rain is received mainly during the northeast monsoon. Yala hosts a variety of ecosystems ranging from moist monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands. The number of mammals that has been recorded from the park is 44, and it has one of the highest leopard densities in the world. Check-in at the hotel and relax amidst the nature. Overnight at your accommodation.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Kithala Resort

After breakfast we travel to Galle for your overnight stay. On route to the destination we visit a turtle hatchery and once we arrive at the destination we engage in walking tour of the Dutch Fort with your guide. EXPERIENCE – Visit to Turtle hatchery in Tangalle Sri Lanka is a vital habitat for sea turtles. It has been observed that five of the seven endangered species come to the shores of Sri Lankan beaches to lay their eggs. Watching adult and newly-hatched turtles is a popular attraction for tourists in Sri Lanka, hence Blue Lanka Tours always include this activity in all their Sri Lanka holiday itineraries. Throughout the south western coastline of Sri Lanka, there are several turtle hatcheries that conserve sea turtles. Kosgoda, Bentota, Induruwa, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna and Tangalle are a few towns where you can experience an encounter with turtles. 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. Check-in at the hotel and relax amidst the nature. Overnight at your accommodation.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Parawa House

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.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast