Leave Negombo after breakfast today. Your private vehicle takes you to ancient Anuradhapura via the small town of Chilaw (approximately 5 hours total travel time). Those keen on history and archaeology might like to visit Mihintale, the sacred birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism, as a recommended optional activity.

Overnight stay in sacred city of Anuradhapura.

After the breakfast proceed to cover the remaining sightseeing places of this holy city. You can request for a guided bicycle tour of the city but it may be depending on the weather. Among the ruins you'll see the sacred old Bo Tree, a spiritual reminder of the beginnings of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the inspiration for Anuradhapura's great buildings. The ruins themselves are spread over quite an area, some in woodland settings and others appearing park-like with columns and ponds dotted about.

Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.

We will get you on a a local bus to Polonnaruwa (approximately 2.5 hours), the capital of the Indian Chola Dynasty after Anuradhapura was conquered in the late 10th century. These ruins are close together and generally in much better repair than those you have just seen. Walking amid the remains of 1,000-year-old Polonnaruwa will make you feel like an ancient one. Once the heat of the day has eased you'll visit more palaces, temples and stupas. A likely highlight will be the massive stone Buddhas: 14-metre-high granite carvings of the iconic reclining Buddha which represent the zenith of Sinhalese rock carving. You'll also visit the well laid-out museum, which has scale models of many of the buildings to show how they would have existed in their time. After finishing this day program, you will head to Sigiriya to stay the night.

Overnight stay in Sigiriya

After the breakfast travel to witness the Dambulla Golden Cave Temple.Explore the amazing Dambulla Cave Temples which are located high on a stone cliff face. Some 150 Buddha images adorn the five caves, with fascinating frescoes and paintings on the walls and roofs. In the afternoon, you may like to relax by the hotel pool or take an optional wildlife jeep safari to Minneriya, Kaudulla or Eco National Park where you might spot some wild elephants with a bit of luck. Which park is available to visit depends on the season, but both Minneriya and Kaudulla are within easy reach of Dambulla. Relax the evening at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Sigiriya.

Early this morning, before the heat is too intense, head to climb the most famous Sigiriya Lion Rock. This ruined fortress is one of Sri Lanka's premier attractions. Those who make it to the top are rewarded with astounding views plus the heavy breeze once royals used to feel. Make sure you are wearing sturdy footwear, as this is a very steep climb with some uneven slopes. Those unable to climb to the top can explore the gardens at the base of the rock and still get some fantastic shots of the fortress from below. Return to the hotel to freshen up before heading to Kandy (approximately 3 hours). On the way, there's the option of stopping at one of the region's wonderful spice gardens for lunch. In beautifully located Kandy, visit the Dalada Maligawa (AKA Temple of the Tooth), Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist site, and mingle with the white-clad pilgrims who come here to worship. Time permitting, you'll have the option of visiting the National Museum or the world-class Botanical Gardens. Another great option is an early-evening performance of the famed Kandyan dancers, drummers and and fire-walkers.

Overnight stay in Kandy.

Today you will spend the whole morning leisurely at the hotel.In the evening you can visit the Kandy city bazaar and do a shopping excursion. Go check out the batik clothes or fascinating wood carving arts. Spend the evening relaxing by the pool enjoying the view.

Overnight stay in Kandy.

Take a scenic train journey into the highlands and disembark at Nuwara Eliya. You will pass nice sceneries of beautiful landscapes, rural villages, tunnels, mountains of every size, tea gardens etc. We can arrange you to have a cooking demonstration at a local family house to learn some secrets of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. Enjoy the delicious meal afterwards.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

This morning we have an early start with a wake up call no later than 5:00am, as we board our vehicle with a packed breakfast in hand no later than 5:30am. We will drive to the Horton Plains where by 7:00am, we will commence our nature walk within the spectacular game reserve which covers a distance of over 9.5kms, we take in the marvelous view points and beautiful Bakers Falls, there are more waterfalls within this region of unique climate and flora and fauna. We will then explore a working Tea Factory to learn about the production of Ceylon Tea and visit a market. Thereafter proceed to Ella. Ella is a town set at 1100ms and the landscape falls dramatically to the plains 1000ms below, offering spectacular views. After this we make our way back to our vehicle and drive to our hotel to enjoy lunch and some time to relax. This evening we will explore the nearby Nine Arches Bridge.

Overnight stay in Ella

After a relaxed breakfast we venture out on a two-hour nature walk through the tea plantations to the fantastic view point of Mini Adams Peak. After this we make our way to our hotel for a simple comfort stop and to refresh before setting out the Udawalawe in time for lunch and undertaking a jeep safari in the Uda Walawe National Park. This park is approximately 30,821 hectares in extent and lies within the Ratnapura and Monaragala Districts. It acts as the catchment to the Uda Walawe Reservoir and is located in the Dry Zone. This Park comprises grasslands and thorn scrubs and many valuable species of trees are found within it. Large herds of Elephants and Deer species, Wild Boar, Water Buffalo, Jackal and Birds are some of the prominent wild animals found in this Park.

Overnight stay in Udawalawe.

12 After breakfast we visit the nearby Elephant Transit Home for baby elephants. We'll witness the many elephants who have been placed destitute being bottle fed and provided for and protected. After this we continue towards Galle, passing through the stilled fisherman of Waligama. We undertake a detailed city tour walking along the rampart walls, exploring the Dutch heritage and the 36 hectare Dutch Fortress, constructed in 1663. This evening we hope to witness a wonderful sunset.

Overnight stay in Galle.

After an relaxed breakfast we commence our journey towards Colombo. On our way we stop in Blapitiya to explore the waters of the Madhu River, as we venture out on a unique boat safari, wading through the mangroves. Here there are prawn traps, monkeys, birds, monitor lizards and more. We can engage in many thrilling water sports in Bentota River too. Continuing on we explore Colombo with a brief city tour and indulge in any last-minute shopping before settling into our hotel.

Overnight stay in Colombo

After breakfast there will be a transfer to the airport for departure, where the trip concludes.

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