From the wilds of the Sri Lankan Nature Reserves to the ancient cities, this tour encompasses the best of Sri Lankan eco-culture and history:- Elephants in the Yala, Tea in Nuwara Eliya, Flamingos in Bundala and Holy Relics in Kandy. This journey gives an insight into the real heart of the country, looking at the past history and culture, and, forward, to the regeneration of the Nature reserves and plantations. Finally a few days relaxing under swaying palms, listening to the gentle lull of the ocean to regenerate your body and soul.

Day 1 - To Negombo
Relax after flight in Colombo - time permitting city tour of Negombo.
Overnight stay at Royal / Blue Oceanic Negombo(3*)

Day 2 - To Sigiriya
Easygoing drive to Sigiriya with afternoon at leisure three nights Hotel Sigiriya or similar(2*D) for 3nights.
Evening Elephant ride through the jungle.

Day 3 - Sigiriya To Polonnaruwa.
Early morning start to climb the impressive Rock Fortress of Sigiriya inspired by the mad genius of King Kassapa.
Afternoon visit to Polonnaruwa to glimpse the past glories of the city, including the vast man made 'tanks'; the Gil Vihara - massive stone carvings of the Buddha -which unquestionably are the gems of Sri Lankan sculpture, and the lovely 'Lotus Bath'.

Day 4 - Anuradhapura To Mihintale
Excursion to see the first Sri Lankan capital and home to the revered Bo Tree.
Also visit Mihintale the birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism.

Day 5 - To Kandy
Morning drive to Kandy. En route visit a Spice Garden to see the wealth of spices grown on the island. Also stop at a Batik factory to watch the painstaking creation of the intricate patterns.
Two nights Hotel Topaz / The Tourmaline(3*D)

Day 6 - Kandy To Pinnawela via Peradeniya
Morning excursion to Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, where you may be lucky and bottle-feed one of the demanding 'babies'.
A visit to the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens will be followed by a tour of Kandy including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, cumulating in a fascinating Cultural evening show - a cacophony of sound and colour!

Day 7 - To Nuwara Eliya.
Morning drive or optional train journey to Nuwara Eliya. Visit a Tea factory.
Afternoon at leisure to explore the town, a mix of Tudor and Victorian architecture giving a delightful 'English' air. The cool evenings are a welcome relief from the heat of the plains so bring a sweater.
Two nights at Alpine Hotel or similar(STD).

Day 8 - Nuwara Eliya - Horton Plains.
Early morning jeep drive and then walk to "Worlds End" on Horton plains to see the mists swirling up from the vast depths of the precipice, and then, clear, giving one of the best panoramas in Sri Lanka.
A relaxing afternoon tour of the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, originally an experimental plantation for cinchona (quinine production).
It now boasts, at 5,600 feet above sea level, an impressive collection of roses and ferns.

Day 9 - To Yala.
This morning drive to Ruhuna (Yala) National Park, stopping off at Ella for lunch and view the spectacular Ella Gap.
Two nights at the Yala Safari Game Lodge (STD).

Day 10 - Yala
Morning safari to the Park led by an experienced guide. You may see massive tuskers, Sambhur, flamboyant strutting Peacocks and if luck holds the elusive Leopard.
Afternoon at leisure. Late afternoon safari.

Day 11 - To Galle.
Early morning leave for Bundala Reserve famous for elegant Flamingo.
In season, vast flocks of migratory birds, dazzling the eye as they sweep and soar in the crystal-clear blue sky.
Next drive to Galle and stay for one night at the Closenberg Hotel or similar (2*D), stopping en route to watch the 'Stilt Fishermen', Mask making, and visit a Turtle farm

Day 12 - 14 Kalutara
A delightful morning sightseeing around the old Seaport of Galle, meandering through the old Dutch quarter and wandering the ramparts of the Galle Fort, then drive to the Mermaid Hotel 3 nights at leisure.
Or see our wedding package at Golden Sun

Day 15 - To Air Port for Departure
Morning transfer to Colombo airport for connecting flight.

Option 1

Negombo	- Blue Oceanic(1 night)
Sigiriya	- Hotel Sigiriya (3 nights)
Kandy	- Hotel Suisse (2 nights)
Nuwara Eliya	- Hotel Glendower (2 nights)
Yala	- Yala Village (2 nights)
Galle	- Closenberg Hotel(1 night)
Kalutara	- Hotel Mermaid (3 nights)