Greeted by our representative at Colombo Airport and depart for Dambulla via Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, with an optional elephant ride. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: gates open 8.30am on a 25-acre property, home to about 90 elephants since 1975; daily bottle feeding at 9.15/13.15/17.00 and river bathing at 10.00 & 14.00. Overnight stay at Dambulla.
Breakfast then depart for Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Sigiriya: a 200m rock fortress with a royal palace at its summit, 1,200 steps, fifth-century frescoes and the mirror wall graffiti. Dambulla Golden Cave Temples: a moderate 2-hour climb to a 30m Buddha statue in the Dhamma Chakka posture across five 1st-century-BC cave shrines. Overnight stay at Dambulla.
After breakfast proceed to Polonnaruwa, then return to Dambulla. Polonnaruwa: a World Heritage Site of Buddha statues, palace complexes and Hindu sculptures shaped by Indian influence, fed by the Parakrama Samudra; flat terrain, about 2.5 hours. Overnight stay at Dambulla.
After breakfast depart for Kandy, the last royal capital. Kandy Tooth Temple: home to the sacred left canine relic of the Buddha, an easy 2-hour visit. Folk Show: an hour of 12 traditional dances and a fire-walking ceremony. Overnight stay at Kandy.
Breakfast then depart for Nuwara Eliya, passing scenic landscapes, waterfalls and a working tea factory and estate. City tour: Golf Course, Race Course, Gregory Lake and Victoria Park. Seetha Amman Temple: the world's only Seetha temple, at the spot legend holds Seetha was held captive by Ravana. Hakgala Botanical Gardens: established 1861, known today for orchids and roses. Overnight stay at Nuwara Eliya.
Early morning visit to Horton Plains National Park. A 5am jeep transfer precedes a 3-hour, 9.5km trek past World's End (Small and Big), Baker's Falls and Chimney Pool. Overnight stay at Nuwara Eliya.
After breakfast depart for Yala via Ella, viewing Little Adam's Peak and Ravana Falls en route. Ella Town: a cool hillside town surrounded by tea, paddy and vegetable cultivation above 2,000m, known for misty valley views. Little Adam's Peak: an easier alternative to the sacred Adam's Peak, rewarding a modest hike with views of Ella Rock, Ella Gap and Ravana Falls. Overnight stay at Yala.
Breakfast then depart for Unawatuna. Early morning Full Day Game Safari at Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka's foremost parks, known for leopards, elephants, sloth bear, wild water buffalo and crocodiles; roam the park for 10-12 hours with lunch inside. Overnight stay at Unawatuna.
A day at leisure on one of the world's best beaches, sheltered by a naturally formed golden-sand bay. Overnight stay at Unawatuna.
After breakfast depart for the airport, with time permitting for a final stop. Galle Fort: built in the 17th century, one of the best-preserved forts in South Asia, with colonial villas, the Dutch Reformed Church, a museum and the Clock Tower. Moonstone Mines: near Ambalangoda in Meetiyagoda, the country's only concentrated moonstone deposit. Island Hopping on the Madu River: a lagoon of hundreds of islets, with an old Buddhist monastery and local cinnamon cultivation and prawn fishing. Turtle Hatchery: begun in 1988, incubating purchased turtle eggs before releasing hatchlings to the sea at night. Depart to Colombo Airport with delightful memories.
Yes, the pacing, hotel category and number of beach nights at Unawatuna can all be adjusted to suit your plans.
Many of the hotels on this route can arrange private dinners, spa treatments or a candlelit setup on request; these are booked directly with the property and are not included by default.
The route runs on comfort-grade hotels by default and can be upgraded to boutique or 5-star properties, particularly at Ella and Unawatuna.
Yes, it is fully private with your own vehicle and chauffeur guide, not a shared group tour.