Depart in the morning for Colombo with a short layover in Doha. Upon arrival at night, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in Negombo, a quaint fishing village on the Indian Ocean that has preserved its old-world charm.
Overnight at the hotel.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to the heart of Sri Lanka (approximately 3.5 hours by car), where ancient civilizations and untamed nature converge. In Habarana, visit Hiriwadunna, a quintessential Sri Lankan village that offers a glimpse into the island’s past. Experience local customs through a bullock cart ride, explore the ancient "chena" farming, and meet friendly village families. A walk around Wewa Lake will provide encounters with wildlife like birds, butterflies, crocodiles, as well as fishermen and washerwomen.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail and check in at your lakeside hotel in Kandalama.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, journey to Anuradhapura (1.5 hours away), the ancient capital of Ceylon. Visit its historic palaces, stupas, and temples, including the Ruwanwelisseya Dagoba, Jethawanaramaya Stupa, and Sri Maha Bodhi Temple, home to a sacred tree believed to be a descendant of Buddha’s enlightenment tree.
A tuk-tuk ride will take you to Mihintale, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, where the sunset offers breathtaking views of rice paddies and jungle.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Start early for an excursion to Sigiriya’s Lion Rock, an iconic site featuring a 200-meter-high rock fortress. Climb the 1,200 steps to admire UNESCO-listed frescoes and panoramic views of lush surroundings.
Return to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon, followed by a traditional boat cruise on the lake in the evening.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, travel south to Kandy, with a stop en route to witness elephants bathing in a river—a quintessential Sri Lankan experience. Continue to Matale to explore spice gardens and learn about Sri Lanka’s world-renowned spices like turmeric, nutmeg, and cloves. Enjoy a trek through plantations, a river crossing, and a garden tour, followed by a therapeutic head and shoulder massage.
In Kandy, visit the Royal Palace and the famed Temple of the Tooth, which houses a sacred relic of Buddha. End your day with a traditional Kandyan dance performance, including firewalking.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, spend the day exploring Sri Lanka’s tea heritage. Visit Loolecondera, the country’s first tea plantation, established in 1867. Learn about the art of fine tea plucking and its history, including its connection to the famous Thomas Lipton.
On your return to Kandy, stop at the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, one of Asia’s finest, featuring orchids, palm-lined avenues, and rare trees. Enjoy some free time at Kandy’s local markets and shops.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, board a train to Nuwara Eliya, a charming colonial-era hill station also known as "Little England." The train ride is one of the most scenic in the world, passing through misty mountains, waterfalls, and picturesque villages.
Arrive at Nuwara Eliya to explore its colonial estates, have lunch, and savor local tea.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Continue your journey through beautiful landscapes toward Colombo, stopping in Kitulgala, a village known for its dramatic cliffs and the filming location of the Oscar-winning Bridge on the River Kwai. Arrive in Colombo by evening for your flight back home.
NEGOMBO: Heritance Negombo 5*
KANDALAMA: Heritance Kandalama 5*
ANURADHAPURA: Heritage Hotel 4*
SIGIRIYA: Sigiriya Village Hotel 4*
KANDY: Mahaweli Reach Kandy 5*
NUWARA ELIYA: Heritance Tea Factory 4*
