Arrival at the Colombo International Airport. Clients will be welcomed by our National Tour Guide and Airport Staff and transfer to the first hotel in Negombo. Negombo – sometimes known as “Little Rome” due to the profusion of Christian Churches, this archetypical fishing village has now grown to a major beach resort on the west coast, north of Colombo and 15 minutes from the International Airport. The wide sandy beaches and safe sea bathing are major attractions, as is the fish market where busy trading of a variety of fish, prawns and crabs takes place each morning (except Sunday) when the fishing craft return to shore. Traditional large sailed outrigger canoes are a picturous sight in this village which was once a trading port for the Portuguese and Dutch. Other attractions are the old Dutch fort gate built in 1672 now a part of the prison and the Dutch Canal which was then a supply route for the Dutch administration,

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Standard Hotels: Villa Hundira
• Deluxe Hotels: Jetwing Lagoon

After breakfast leave for a boat ride along the Dutch canal and the lagoon. The Muthurajawela Marshes are situated just south of Negombo and covers an area of approximately 6,000 hectares inclusive of the Negombo lagoon. The daily high tide brings in seawater from the ocean into the wetland. Continuous mixing of these two waters over thousands of years, has led to a brackish, integrated coastal ecosystem that is biologically diverse and teeming with life. A variety of mangroves and other types of flora including medicinal plants are found alongside numerous types of birds, butterflies and fish, some of which are endemic. Crocodiles, monitor lizards, and Sri Lanka’s largest snake, the Python, are also native. Proceed to Habarana after visiting Muthurajawela.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Standard Hotels: Habarana Village by Cinnamon
• Deluxe Hotels: Cinnamon Lodge Habarana

After breakfast from the hotel, transfer to Polonnaruwa and explore the ancient city. You also have the option of cycling in the ancient city. POLONNARUWA - this medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rose to fame as the capital (10th - 12th century AD) after the decline of Anuradhapura. The entire landscape of the region is punctuated by huge man-made reservoirs, the most famous of which is the Parakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama, larger in size than the Colombo harbour. The monuments are relatively well preserved and give clear evidence of the glory of Sri Lanka's past. Highlights are the Royal Palace complex including the Kings Palace and Audience Hall, the Quadrangle with its concentration of ancient heritage and the spectacular Gal Vihare complex of four massive images of the Buddha, cut from a single slab of granite - a highlight of ancient Sri Lankan rock carving. Some of the best examples of the Hindu influence - the Temples of Shiva, intricate statues of Hindu Gods, fascinating Buddhist temples, the Lankatileka and Watadage, the Galpotha, the Lotus bath, the Kiri Vihare Dagoba and the remains of a former Temple of the Tooth are other impressive sights. Thereafter, transfer to Minneriya/Kaudulla National Park and proceed on a game drive. Kaudulla National Park is a national park on the island of Sri Lanka located 197 kilometres (122 mi) away from the largest city, Colombo. It was designated a national park on April 1, 2002 becoming the 15th such area on the island. In the 2004–2005 season more than 10,000 people visited the National Park, generating an income of Rs.100,000 from entrance fees. Along with Minneriya and Girithale Birdlife have identified Kaudulla as an Important Bird Area. Historically Kaudulla was one of the 16 irrigation tanks built by King Mahasen. Following a period of abandonment, it was reconstructed in 1959. It now attracts and supports a variety of plant and animal life, including large mammals, fish and reptiles.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Standard Hotels: Habarana Village by Cinnamon
• Deluxe Hotels: Cinnamon Lodge Habarana

After an early breakfast / packed breakfast, transfer to Pidurangala. Upon reaching, ascend the famous Pidurangala Rock. Pidurangala Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Pidurangala village of Matale District, Sri Lanka. The temple was constructed on a massive rock called PidurangalaIt is believed that the history of Pidurangala Vihara goes back beyond to the first and second century BC.[3] From those days Pidurangala was used as a Buddhist monastery and but became a prominent place during the reign of King Kashyapa (473 - 495 AC).According to ancient chronicles, Prince Kashyapa had killed his father King Dhatusena and fled to Sigiriya to find out a more secure place to prevent retaliation attacks from his half-brother, Mugalan. With the arrival of King Kashyapa, the Bhikkus who were medidated there were requested move to the nearby Pidurangala. In a sort of compensation, King Kashyapa refurbished the temple and made it a prominent place. Thereafter, proceed to Digana and check-in to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Standard Hotels: Polwaththa Eco-Lodges, Kandy, Sri Lanka
• Deluxe Hotels: Victoria Golf & Country Resort

After breakfast, experience a waterfall trek which is organized by the Polwaththa Eco Lodge Team. Trek # 2a: Village Walk + Waterfall swim (4-10 KM walk with a ride back in our tuk-tuk or jeep): soft-medium This is the most popular trek especially among children with the waterfall-swim as the highlight. The walk begins from our Lodge and is through quaint villages with their Kandyan Forest Gardens where the villagers go about their daily chores at their own easy pace. You will be invited to visit their houses and see, for example, how they make treacle and jaggery (syrup and sugar blocks made from the sap/nectar of a palm tree). You will be given a "Botany lesson" by our Guide of the various trees you will see on the way, such as cloves, pepper, nutmeg, coffee, cocoa, jack, bread-fruit, arecanut, mangosteen, mango, passion-fruit, rambuttan, banana, papaya etc. You will also see rice-fields, and time permitting, a glimpse of our nearby reforestation program – life in harmony with nature……and a breath-taking view of the lake surrounded by majestic mountains. Return back to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Standard Hotels: Polwaththa Eco-Lodges, Kandy, Sri Lanka
• Deluxe Hotels: Victoria Golf & Country Resort

After breakfast leave to the Peradeniya Railway Station and transfer to Hatton Railway Station. Meet your vehicle and transfer to Kitulgala In the evening explore the surroundings.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Standard Hotels: Rafters Retreat
• Deluxe Hotels: Palmstone Retreat

In the morning engage in a rafting and canyoning adventure. (The basic course offers 3 major rapids & 4 minor rapids which tops at a level 3 difficulty - recommended for rafters with basic/moderate rafting skills above the age of 8 years.) The trip begins with a short jungle hike up to the canyons through rainforest. From here, we’ll cover a few ground rules in a safety briefing and then hop right in — literally. As we make our way down the canyons, we’ll have to jump into plunge pools and wade across small “potholes,” the best and only way to experience the stony canyons features carved by rushing water over many thousands of years! There are even a few “waterslides” along the way! The canyon is a great introduction to canyoning. Its safe but challenging and is fun for the whole family. Our combined rafting and canyoning trips begin on the Upper Kelani, rafting down the Class III and Class II rapids, which takes around 45 minutes. After the rapids, we disembark and head up the Kelani river tributary for the canyoning. The trip is finished on the Lower Kelani, with its small rapids suitable for all ages. Thereafter proceed to Nuwara Eliya. Upon reaching check-in to the hotel and at leisure. NUWARA ELIYA - is the heart of Sri Lankan hill country. It is the home of the famous Ceylon Tea and the rolling mountains are a carpet of velvety green tea plantations, interspersed with gushing streams and tumbling waterfalls. The salubrious climate, misty glens and the decidedly British character make Nuwara Eliya a must on any Sri Lankan travel itinerary.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Standard Hotels: Lourdes Hotel
• Deluxe Hotels: The Grand Hotel

A.M. excursion to Horton Plains Nature & Wildlife Reserve with picnic breakfast. HORTON PLAINS - Short trek to Worlds End & Bakers Falls with picnic breakfast. The Horton Plains National Park is the only National Park situated in the Hill Country and falls within Nuwara Eliya district and is 200 km. away from Colombo. Panoramic scenic beauty of the Hill Country could be witnessed within the Park. The famous`Worlds End' is a major attraction within the Park. Endemic slender loris and endemic purple monkey are among the important animal species that could be seen in addition to sambhur, a member of the cat family etc. There are some endemic avifauna also found within this Park. Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Standard Hotels: Lourdes Hotel
• Deluxe Hotels: The Grand Hotel

Morning safari to Udawalawe National Park with a packed breakfast. Udawalawe National Park - an area of 31,800 hectares, which was declared a protected sanctuary with full National Park status in 1972. Surrounded by mountain ranges, the terrain of the park is a mixture of grassland, shrub jungle, wild teak plantations and two important factors which make this park special - the large Udawalawe Reservoir and the Walewe River, which ensure a supply of water for the fauna within. Internationally renowned for its large herd of elephants, the park is also known for several species of Deer, Wild Boar, the dangerous Wild Buffalo, Jackal and rare sightings of Leopard. Afterwards leave to upon preferred beach stay in down south. Upon reaching at leisure to relax and unwind.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Standard Hotels: Thaproban Beach House
• Deluxe Hotels: Cinnamon Bey Beruwala

After breakfast engage in a cycling tour. (soft-medium) Classic ride suitable for all. It is a gentle loop starting and finishing at our base near Wijaya Beach. It passes through Eluvila Bird Sanctuary and out into the paddy fields sticking to local paths and quiet lanes. There is a half way stop for king coconuts served under an ambalama in a private and exclusive jungle garden. Thereafter visit the Old Dutch Fort Galle – said to be the famous Tarshish of the Bible where King Solomon obtained gems and spices, this “Living” UNESCO World Heritage Site is the port where the Portuguese first landed in Sri Lanka in 1505. Captured and fortified by the Dutch who ruled maritime Sri Lanka in the 17th and 18th centuries, the city still retains the air of old Holland. Within the well preserved 90 acre fort and ramparts built in 1663 are old Dutch churches and monuments with armorial bearings, an imposing crested and monogrammed gateway dated 1669, many well preserved old Dutch houses and narrow alleys still bearing Dutch names. The New Oriental Hotel, built for a Dutch governor in 1684, a colonial gem now converted to the internationally renowned Amangalle Hotel and several other excellent boutique hotels are testimony to the importance of this location. Experience a casual tuk tuk ride around Galle. Return back to Unawatuna and at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Standard Hotels: Thaproban Beach House
• Deluxe Hotels: Cinnamon Bey Beruwala

At leisure to relax and unwind.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Standard Hotels: Thaproban Beach House
• Deluxe Hotels: Cinnamon Bey Beruwala

Proceed to Colombo after breakfast from the hotel. 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. A 100-year-old clock tower and several British built, colonial buildings are still to be seen in the city. The Pettah bazaar – where one can shop for bargains, a Hindu and a Buddhist temple, residential areas where you find the stately homes of the affluent, the Colombo museum, the Bandaranaike memorial international conference hall – an outright gift to Sri Lanka from the people’s republic of china, the new parliament in Sri Jayewardenepura and the folk art center are some of the places of interest that one can visit to. Evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Standard Hotels: Taru Villas - Lake Lodge
• Deluxe Hotels: Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo