Flight to Colombo with major airline

Once our Sri Lanka Representative meets you personally at Colombo International Airport, you will be introduced to your chauffeur guide and then begin your journey to uncover the wonders of this island. Explore Sri Lanka’s golden beaches, the glorious history, the rich wilderness and the bustling cosmopolitans and be amazed! Today you arrive on our paradise isle and proceed to Galle. Situated on the island’s southern coast, Galle dates from the 13th century as the chief port during the period of Portuguese rule (1507–c. 1640). Under Dutch rule it was the island capital until 1656. Spend rest of the day at rest/leisure. Later Welcome Dinner arrangement will be made at your Hotel. (D)

Overnight stay in a hotel

Today after breakfast we will begin your heritage tour of Galle, includes visit to the infamous Galle Dutch Fort, Street Markets and other Colonial Sites. We will proceed to the Dutch Fort- “A World Heritage Site” and visit the Old Dutch Church c. 1752 constructed as a thanksgiving by the wife of the Commandeur Casparous de Jong, for the gift of a child. See several grave-stones inside the Church. In the garden some of the grave stones with inscriptions, brought from the “Kerkof” (1786) of the town (earliest one dates to 1710) could be seen. We will visit the Bastions including the Sun, Moon, Star, Zwart (with the old water-gate and hidden entrance identified as the Santa Cruz Bastion of the Portuguese), Akesloot (where the first Breadfruit tree was planted by the Dutch), Old Gunpowder Magazine, Aeloes, Triton, Neptune and other Bastions. Next, we will walk (or take a tuk-tuk instead) exploring the narrow maze-like streets and markets, including the Lighthouse Street (Zeeburg Street), Leyn-Baan Street (Lijnberg meaning rope walk), and Modarabaay Street (Modder-baai meaning Mud bay) see the Old Dutch Houses, private Museum where Dutch period antiques could be seen and part of the Old Sewer system that emptied to the sea with the high/low tide. Later Dinner arrangement will be made at your Hotel. (B,D)

Today after breakfast, we will proceed to Yala Leopard Sanctuary. Enroute our scenic journey to Yala, we will also get a chance to photo-stop the traditional Stilt Fishermen of Sri Lanka at Ahangama village, located 20 min away in the southern province. Stilt fishermen of Ahangama, are known for following Sri Lanka’s most ancient fishing techniques. Season permitting, we will observe the fishermen and their families out in the sea, precariously perched on a wooden stilt sunk deep into the seabed. On arrival in check in at your hotel. Afternoon open-jeeps will be ready to welcome you and begin your 1 x Afternoon Safari for sunset into the Yala National park. Incl. Open Jeep will be ready with naturalist driver . Yala safaris traditionally take place at dawn and dusk when the big cats are on the move, hunting. In the morning, after tea or coffee and biscuits, you depart on your first safari of the day to catch the best time of the evening to view leopards, amongst several other animals, and photograph the park. Your naturalist will speculate where you can likely see leopard emerge from the forest. Enjoy rich diversity of fauna and flora, incl migratory birds. The Sri Lankan leopard is the key attraction to Yala National Park. Other animals that you may encounter: Elephant, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Spotted Deer, Mongoose, Land Monitor, Wild buffalo, Samba Deer, Jackal, Jungle Fowls, Eagles, Kites, Falcons Pelicans, King-fishers, Snakes, Beetles, amongst several others. You will be transferred back to campsite in the evening Later Dinner arrangement will be made at your Hotel. (B,D)

Overnight stay in a hotel

After breakfast/check-out, we will proceed scenic hill-station - Nuwara Eliya aka Little England. Enroute visit the Ella Gap and Ella’s Ravana Waterfalls. Ella, which translates into ‘waterfall’ is a name fit for this little town located in a hilly nook, owing to its stunning vistas richly adorned with cascades that trickle down its rugged terrains offers some of the most scenic sights in Sri Lanka. Its Ravana falls, located against a strikingly beautiful backdrop of mountains and valleys, the beauty lies in the manner in which the water gushes down the layers of the rock. 4500 ft. above sea-level and about 7 miles away from the town of Bandarawela. Later we will Check-in to your Hotel. Enjoy rest day at leisure at your scenic retreat. Later Dinner arrangement will be made at your Hotel.

Overnight stay in a hotel

Today after breakfast we will Explore Nuwara Eliya - The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence, houses like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions. Later, we will proceed to the culture rich UNESCO city of Kandy enroute we explore Tea Factory and Tea Plantations. This is the region responsible for gifting Ceylon Tea to the world. We will watch the tea pickers two leaves and a bud with deft hands. Then to the factory where the all-important conversion to “made” black tea happens. The machinery used is of very traditional British design, some as old as 100 years. The process is a very artisanal one, unchanged for a century. Observe the process of manufacturing tea, tea grading and taste a cup of pure Ceylon tea. Afternoon visit to the must visit Kandy Temple of Tooth Relic. Temple of the tooth relic of Lord Buddha, is the pride of Buddhists in Sri Lanka and world-over. The palace temple stands surrounded by a moat, its golden roof gleaming in the sunlight as white-clad pilgrims bearing lotus blossoms throng to worship. Later Dinner arrangement will be made at your Hotel. (B,D)

Overnight stay in a hotel