On arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake, you will get your first taste of warm Sri Lankan hospitality. A local representative will welcome you & you will be transferred to your hotel in Negombo. [General hotel check-in time is at 1400 hours] Check in to the hotel & unwind from your journey. Later towards the evening, meet with your Tour Guide at the hotel lobby where he will brief you on the journey you are about the embark on! Dinner will be served at the hotel. Transfer times: Airport (BIA) to Negombo: approx. 20-30 minutes Special Note: For flights originating from US/ Canada, considering the long duration of the flight, we recommend you to choose flights arriving to Colombo (Sri Lanka) during early afternoon hours, so you could rest well & recover from your long journey before commencing the tour the next day. Early check-in can be arranged on request (at an additional cost). The Tour Guide featured on the 12-day tour is an English-speaking Chauffeur guide, who is well trained & playing a dual role of offering guide services while driving the tour vehicle. A Chauffeur Guide completes a guiding course & receives a license issued by the Tourist Board. They drive the vehicle & would provide you background information about the places/sites you visit. Additional site guides are not required. However, if you wish to upgrade to a Local National Guide (holding a National Tourist Guide Lecturers license) OR a Language speaking Chauffeur/National Guide, we can arrange on request, at an additional cost. City Description: Negombo is a city by the beach in Sri Lanka, located in the Western Province of the island. The BIA Airport is located in close proximity. This place is known for its great and olden trawling industry with busy fish markets, sandy beaches, hotels and restaurants. Along the Lewis place, due to bounty of seafood, the town restaurants are a gourmet lover’s delight and street shopping can be fun.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation:

• Budget: Beacon Beach Hotel
• Superior: Goldi Sands Hotel

After an early breakfast, check-out from the hotel. Head out to visit the most famous Negombo fish market by the fishing harbour which is known as ‘Walla’ by the locals. Here you will witness the gathering of local fishermen hauling their days' catch. As you continue your journey stop to meet with a local village family that earns a living through handloom shawl making. Spend some time with the family and if you are interested, join them to learn the art of traditional handloom shawl weaving. Before departing, enjoy some of the local sweetmeats prepared for you by the family. On the way from Negombo to Sigiriya/Habarana, experiencing how the busy roads change to a flat terrain stretching miles ahead as the climate gets warmer. Surely, it will be fascinating to observe the drive through the lush green paddy fields. En-route stop to explore the Dambulla Cave Temple. Upon reaching Sigiriya/Dambulla, check in to the hotel and spend the rest of your day at leisure. Transfer times: Negombo to Sigiriya/Dambulla: approx. 3.5 - 4 hours Excursion durations: Negombo Fish Market: approx. 1 hour Shawl weaving experience with local family: approx. 1 hour Dambulla Cave Temple: approx. 1.5 - 2 hours (168 meters above mean sea level) Special Note: Dambulla Cave Temple - when visiting temples, you are advised to dress respectfully covering your shoulders and clothes to reach below knee level. Site Descriptions: Dambulla Cave Temple - As one reaches the city of Dambulla, lies a hub which has been treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.C. Today, an icon in the face of Sri Lanka, Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the most unique drawings in magnificently constructed 5 cave temples which were prime meditating grounds for Buddhist monks throughout phases of history. Step through the gateways trodden by millions of devotees and take a slow climb right to its summit, to observe how exquisitely cave paintings are done along walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks

Accommodation:

• Budget: Kassapa Lions Rock
• Superior: Sigiriana Resort by Thilanka

After breakfast, explore the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa. You can opt to explore the site on bicycle as well (bikes can be arranged at an extra fee). Next, join with locals for an interactive Sri Lankan cooking experience. After lunch, hop on to a jeep and head over to Minneriya National Park for a thrilling afternoon private safari. Local snacks & tea will be served during the safari. Return to the hotel for dinner. Transfer times: Sigiriya/Dambulla to Polonnaruwa: approx. 1 hour Polonnaruwa to Minneriya: approx. 45 minutes Excursion durations: Polonnaruwa ruins: approx. 1.5 - 2 hours Cooking experience with locals: approx. 30 minutes Half day Private Minneriya Safari: approx. 3 hours Special Note: Polonnaruwa - when visiting temples/kovils, you are advised to dress respectfully covering your shoulders and clothes to reach below knee level. Minneriya Safari - seat belts must be worn at all times during your safari ride Site Descriptions: Polonnaruwa - A medieval capital & crown jewel of King Parakramabahu I, the city of Polonnaruwa remains superior proof of ancient culture & heritage blended with religious beliefs. The once thriving commercial region of the island hides an array of archeological treasures extending from statues and stupas to tombs, temples and a fascinating quadrangle which is shadowed up to date with a legend that snakes back to more than 8 centuries. Don’t hesitate to grab a bike and ride across the king-trodden lands, as the huge tank and remnants of the past will offer much more than a simple cultural experience to be cherished for a lifetime. Minneriya - A national park located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The park is a dry season feeding ground for the elephant population. The park was declared as a wild life sanctuary in order to protect the watershed of Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the surrounding area. The tank is historically important for the country as it was built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks

Accommodation:

• Budget: Kassapa Lions Rock
• Superior: Sigiriana Resort by Thilanka

After an early breakfast, enjoy climbing Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Thereafter, you will continue your journey to Kandy, where you will feel the climate change from the dry zone to wet zone and you will witness the change of pattern in paddy cultivation from flat fields to step down fields. En-route, you can opt to visit the Spice Garden to observe how Sri Lanka’s world-class spices are grown and processed (free entry). Upon reaching Kandy, check in to your hotel and relax. Later towards the afternoon, visit to the much-famed Temple of the Tooth and explore the city of Kandy, including the Kandy Bazaar, arts & crafts, gem museum and enjoy a walk around Kandy Lake. Before returning to the hotel for dinner, witness a Cultural Dance Show. Transfer times: Sigiriya/Dambulla to Kandy: approx. 3 hours Excursion durations: Sigiriya Rock: approx. 2 - 2.5 hours (265 meters above mean sea level) Optional Matale Spice Garden: approx. 30 - 45 minutes Temple of the Tooth & Kandy city tour: approx. 3 hours Cultural Dance Show: approx. 1 hour Special Note: Sigiriya Rock - recommend comfortable walking shoes & bottle of water Temple of the Tooth - you are advised to dress respectfully covering your shoulders and clothes to reach below knee level. Site Descriptions: Sigiriya Rock - a fortress complex of a ruined palace and one of the World Heritage sites declared by UNESCO. Every step from the entrance to the top is a marvel on its own, and the interesting surroundings makes the tedious climb to the top easy. At the top, you will be presented with nothing less than a mesmerizing living specimen of King Kasyapa’s 5th century citadel. Do not be surprised - after all, you are at the 8th Wonder of the World! Kandy the popular charming hill capital of Sri Lanka is surrounded by hills, valleys, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. It is the cultural center of the island and a UNESCO heritage city. The sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha is enshrined at the the Temple of the Tooth.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Budget: Thilanka Hotel - Kandy
• Superior: Amaya Hills Kandy

After breakfast, check out from the hotel & visit the Royal Botanical Garden. Next you will board a local train and enjoy a scenic train ride through mountains, waterfalls & tea estates to the hill country, Nuwara Eliya. Upon reaching Nanu Oya Railway Station, hop off the train and meet with your Tour Guide. You will then be transferred to the hotel in Nuwara Eliya. En-route, stop for 'High Tea' at a stylish semi-outdoor venue of a Heritage hotel, serving the best of best teas, accompanied with a delightful array of cakes, scones and savories. Check in to the hotel and relax. Transfer times: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya by Train: approx. 4 hours Excursion durations: Royal Botanical Garden: approx. 1 - 1.5 hours High Tea experience - approx. 3 hours Special Note: Train ride * As there is no restaurant on the train, clients can opt to carry a light snack/lunch (at an additional cost) * Please note that train tickets can only be confirmed 14 days' prior train travel date. * Class of travel (1st class air-conditioned, 2nd/3rd class none air-conditioned) can only be confirmed, once tickets are secured. * Train delays/ cancellations are possible. Nuwara Eliya - Recommend warm sweater/fleece, due to cooler climate (daytime temperature ranges between approx. 14-19°C & during night time approx. 4-12°C). Site Descriptions: The Royal Botanical Garden - was first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and was expanded by the British. It is 147 acres in extent and provides an amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers & the beautiful avenues and sprawling lawns are breathtaking. Train ride in the hill country is frequently hailed as the most scenic train ride in all of Asia by travelers. As your local tour operator, it is our responsibility to explain the ground reality to avoid expectation drop/complains. The train booking system is a traditional one, hence we cannot guarantee the exact seats/category of travel until tickets are secured. A fully public transport.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks

Accommodation:

• Budget: Oak-Ray Summer Hill Breeze Hotel
• Superior: The Blackpool

Free morning to relax at the hotel, enjoying the picturesque views coupled with the sweet-scented mist surrounding the area. Or you can opt for an early morning hike with a packed breakfast to Horton Plains National Park and witness the World's End (can be arranged at an additional cost). In the evening, drive through Nuwara Eliya, the town known as ‘Little England’ and enjoy the typical British architecture in all corners. Tour a tea plantation & factory and enjoy tasting a warm cup of Ceylon Tea. Thereafter, proceed to Lake Gregory and spend time by the lake, while enjoying local cocktails personally prepared by your Tour Guide. Return to the hotel for dinner. Transfer times: [Optional] Nuwara Eliya to Horton Plains: approx. 1 - 1.5 hours Excursion durations: [Optional] Trek to Horton Plains National Park: approx. 4 - 5 hours (2100 meters above mean sea level) Tea Plantation, drive through Nuwara Eliya & Lake Gregory: approx. 2 - 2.5 hours Special Note: [Optional] Horton Plains Trek - Recommend hiking shoes (boots not necessary) & to carry a light waterproof/ rain jacket. Site Descriptions: Horton Plains - Experience the micro climatic zone of highlands at World's End which is a high windy plateau consisting of beautiful grassland and cloud forests. Horton Plains National Park in Ohiya is a protected area in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is covered by montane grassland and cloud forest. This plateau is rich in biodiversity and many species found here are endemic to the region. Nuwara Eliya - a city in the hill country of the Central Province is well known for tea cultivation and its cool climate being the coolest area in Sri Lanka. Many of the buildings have still preserved features from the colonial period. Many private homes have also maintained their old English-style lawns and gardens. The town wakes up with many activities in April for the Sinhalese and Tamil New year. Main allure during April season include the motor and horse racing events.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Budget: Oak-Ray Summer Hill Breeze Hotel
• Superior: The Blackpool

After an early breakfast, drive away from the hills and proceed to Yala. En-route as you pass through Ella, visit the marvelous Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana waterfall & witness Ella Gap. Enter the wilderness spread across Yala National Park. Hop on to a jeep for a thrilling afternoon safari. Head over to your campsite for a BBQ dinner, seated around a bonfire under the stars in quiet wilderness. Transfer times: Nuwara Eliya to Yala: approx. 4.5 hours Excursion durations: Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Waterfall & Ella Gap: approx. 1 hour Half day Private Yala Safari: approx. 3 hours Special Note: Yala Safari - seat belts must be worn at all times during your safari ride Yala camping - all tents are none air-conditioned equipped with pedestal fans and offers en-suite basic bathroom facilities. Clients are advised to carry insect repellents if necessary. Also, for those who prefer to stay at a hotel instead, we can offer alternative options (at an additional cost). Site Descriptions: Ella - a hotspot of young. The beautiful hill country village is surrounded by mountains, tea plantations and greenery everywhere you go. Ella is the best place to relax and wind down and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The Nine Arch Bridge, also known as the ‘Bridge in the Sky’ was constructed by connecting two bog mountains when constructing the Badulla – Colombo railway. This bridge is 300 feet in length, 25 feet in width and 80-100 feet in height. It is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country. The Ravana Ella Falls is another spectacular sight in Ella. Yala - spreading across 1268 sq. km of scrub forests, grassy plains and brackish lagoons, is undoubtedly one of the hottest regions of bio-diversity in the island boasting of an abundance of Sri Lankan Leopard, Elephants and Sloth Bear, often known as Sri Lanka’s Big Three! Flanked by herds of wild boar, spotted deer, jackals, peacock and crocodiles the park has a whole bundle of wilderness on offer.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Budget: Big Game Camp Yala
• Superior: Big Game Camp Yala

Wake up to the sounds of creatures & birds and enjoy a good breakfast at the campsite. Optional Excursion - Early rise and take another safari to Yala National Park, along with a picnic breakfast. * Please note that optional excursions can be arranged on request, at an additional fee. Today you will journey to Sinharaja. En-route as you drive by Udawalawe, stop to witness bottle feeding of baby elephants at the Elephant Transit Home. Enter Sinharaja and check-in to your resort, which is the perfect place to enjoy the hospitality of the village folk in a natural setting ideal for nature lovers. Transfer times: Yala to Sinharaja (via Udawalawe): approx. 4.5 hours Excursion durations: [Optional] Half day Private Yala Safari: approx. 3 hours Elephant Transit Home: approx. 1 hour Special Note: [Optional] Yala Safari - seat belts must be worn at all times during your safari ride Site Descriptions: Elephant Transfer Home - a facility within Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka that was established in 1995 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation. Its primary objective is to rehabilitate orphaned elephant calves for ultimate release back into the wild. Be there by noon to see how they feed the baby elephants. The Rainforest Ecolodge resort - situated in the Sinharaja Division in Deniyaya, the lodge has been designed using eco-friendly material with minimum disturbance to the natural habitat. This plot of previously cultivated tea land borders the south-western fringe of the Sinharaja forest reserve. Sinharaja rainforest is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site inscribed in 1988. Set amidst 10 feet away of the tropical rainforest, the luxury chalets have been designed especially for people who are seeking serenity and indulgent pleasure.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Budget: Blue Magpie Lodge, Kudawa, Weddagala
• Superior: The Rainforest Ecolodge - Sinharaja

Rise early and explore the Sinharaja Rainforest. You can either start early morning and return to the lodge for breakfast or commence the trek after an early breakfast. Thereafter, proceed to your much-awaited beach stay in the southern coast. Check-in to the beach resort & relax by the beach. Later towards the afternoon, explore Galle Dutch Fort & Museum. Return to the hotel for dinner. Transfer times: Deniyaya to Ahangama/Hikkaduwa: approx. 2.5 - 3 hours Excursion durations: Sinharaja Guided Nature Walk: approx. 2 - 3 hours (approx. 2-3 km trail) Galle Dutch Fort & Museum: approx. 1.5 - 2 hours Special Note: Sinharaja Forest Trek - Be mindful of leeches. Recommend clients to carry a leech repellent/leech socks, wear proper trekking shoes & to carry a lightweight waterproof/rain jacket. Site Descriptions: Sinharaja Rainforest - richest biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka of international significance and has been designated a World Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. The hilly virgin rainforest covers a narrow silver of land 21 km long and 3.7 km wide, covering an area of roughly 11,187 hectares. This rainforest is home to the highest concentration of endemic species of plants and animals, several of which are rare or endangered. Galle - is a beautiful colonial town along the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka. Galle is popular for the 300-year-old fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 36-hectare fort was originally built by the Portuguese and later extended by the Dutch in 1663, surrounded on three sides by the ocean. The streets within the fort are crammed with colonial remnants from the Dutch clock tower, Reform church and the commander’s house to the British coat of arms on the outer wall. It is interesting to take a walk around inside of the fortress area where you would enjoy a lot of ancient architecture glazing through the ramparts to reach the Lighthouse and is a very educational and an enjoyable one.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Budget: Insight Resort
• Superior: Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon

Free day to relax on the sandy beaches. Optional excursions that may be of interest, (a) Whale & Dolphin watching Excursion in Mirissa [Season is between months November to April] Early morning set sail on a shared boat to the depths of the Indian Ocean, in search of the magnificent creatures that dwell beneath the surface of the azure waters. Mirissa is the ideal place for whale & dolphin watching during the season, as the waters become a playground for a myriad of whales and dolphin species. Some of the most commonly spotted whales include sperm whales, killer whales, Bryde whales, short finned whales, while you’ll be able to see schools of bottlenose & striped dolphins, as they playfully frolic around your boat! However, the main whale type to look out for is the blue whale – the largest animal in the world! (b) Mask painting experience with a local artisan craftsman Learn the ways of painting a traditional Sri Lankan mask with the help of a renowned artist from Ambalangoda, an area in the South known for traditional masks. You will learn much about these masks that are ingrained in Sri Lankan culture and the paintings methods that have been used by traditional artists for generations. This is a fun and local experience leaving you with a painted mask and a day to remember. (c) Surfing, Snorkeling, Diving or go Sailing Transfer times: [Optional] Ahangama to Mirissa: approx. 20 minutes [Optional] Hikkaduwa to Mirissa: approx. 1 hour Excursion durations: [Optional] Whale & Dolphin watching - approx. 4 - 5 hours [Optional] Mask Painting experience - approx. 1.5 - 2 hours [Optional] Surfing/Snorkeling/Diving/Sailing - minimum 1 hour (varies on package booked) Special Note: Whale & Dolphin watching excursion - You are required to report at the harbour early hours at least by 6.30am for the briefing before departure. Packed breakfast & life jackets will be provided. Advise clients to carry sea sickness tablet. Private boat rides at additional cost.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Budget: Insight Resort
• Superior: Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon

Wake up to the waves of the tropical sea and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast. Spend your morning by the beach/pool. Thereafter, check out from the hotel and journey to the city of Colombo for your final night, En-route while driving past Bentota, stop to visit the famous architect, Geoffrey Bawa’s Country Estate. On request, can arrange a garden lunch (at an extra fee). Upon reaching Colombo, check-in to the hotel & relax. Later towards the afternoon, explore the hustle and bustle city of Colombo including visits to the Colombo National Museum, Gangarama Temple, Pettah bazaar, the Floating market, Galle Face and enjoy driving across commercial, residential & market areas of the city. Return to the hotel for dinner. You are free to explore the city on your own or go shopping. Transfer times: Ahangama/Hikkaduwa to Colombo: approx. 2.5 hours Excursion durations: Geoffrey Bawa’s Country Estate: approx. 2 hours Colombo city tour: approx. 3 hours Site Descriptions: Geoffrey Bawa Country Estate - No place reveals the soul of Geoffrey Bawa, the acclaimed Sri Lankan architect, better than his country home. When Bawa purchased the site in 1948, it was nothing more than a derelict rubber estate sitting on a promontory in the Dedduwa Lake, 2 km inland from the Bentota coast. But over the next fifty years, he painstakingly transformed it into one of the most seductive, passionate pleasure gardens of the twentieth century. Colombo - Sri Lanka‘s bustling commercial hub, is by far the country’s biggest city, as well as the most developed. Like many capital cities in developing countries, Colombo is fast changing its face. Almost overnight, skyscrapers arise from where old buildings once stood. Yet in some parts, the old world charm is retained like the 100-year-old clock tower and several British built colonial buildings. The city is a jarring mix of old & new, with a central cluster of high-rise office blocks and hotels overshadowing red-tiled colonial-era buildings.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Budget: ME Colombo
• Superior: Ramada by Wyndham Colombo

As your holiday in Sri Lanka comes to an end, depart after breakfast & head towards Colombo Airport to meet your departure flight. For early morning flights, a packed breakfast can be arranged. Transfer times: Colombo to the AIrport (BIA): approx. 1 hour Special Note: General check-out time at hotels is between 11am to 12noon. Late check-out is strictly subject to availability and can be arranged on prior request at an additional cost. Clients are advised to report at the airport at least 3-hours prior to their departure flight. For those interested in extending their holiday to Maldives, feel free to reach us.

Meals: Breakfast