Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport. Private transfer to Colombo. Settle in and enjoy a soft city introduction with Galle Face Green, the Dutch Hospital precinct, Gangaramaya Temple or a relaxed local dinner depending on arrival time.

Drive toward the Cultural Triangle with a guided stop at Dambulla Cave Temple. Explore the ancient cave shrines, painted ceilings and reclining Buddha statues before continuing to Sigiriya. Evening at leisure in a jungle-view or lakeside resort.

Sunrise climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, with views across the ancient water gardens and surrounding plains. Afternoon village experience with a catamaran ride, paddy-field walk and traditional cooking demonstration. Optional Minneriya or Kaudulla elephant safari depending on season and interest.

Morning cycling or tuk tuk exploration of Polonnaruwa Ancient City, including Gal Vihara, royal palace ruins, ancient reservoirs and stone temples. The Polonnaruwa programme runs as a morning visit, departing by noon, to keep the rest of the day comfortable. Continue to Kandy through rural landscapes. Evening walk around Kandy Lake, timing permitting.

Morning guided visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Continue to Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens for orchids, palms and tropical scenery. Afternoon craft, gem or batik workshop depending on traveller interest. Evening Kandyan cultural dance performance.

Scenic drive into the tea country with waterfall stops and mountain viewpoints. Visit a working tea estate for leaf plucking, a factory tour and Ceylon tea tasting. Explore Gregory Lake and Nuwara Eliya’s colonial hill-station atmosphere.

Board the iconic train through tea valleys, cloud forests, tunnels and waterfalls. Arrive in Ella and settle into a hill-view lodge. Evening at leisure with café culture or a sunset viewpoint stop.

Morning hike to Little Adam’s Peak. Visit Nine Arch Bridge and the surrounding tea paths. Optional zipline, Ella Rock hike, Ravana Falls or a cooking class depending on energy level. Evening relaxed dinner in Ella town.

Descend from the cool highlands into the dry-zone wilderness of the south. Stop at Ravana Falls for views. Afternoon private jeep safari in Yala National Park, focusing on leopards, elephants, crocodiles, peacocks and coastal birdlife. From May to September, Udawalawe substitutes where Yala conditions are unsuitable.

Optional dawn safari for serious wildlife lovers, or a relaxed lodge morning. Continue to Mirissa for a beach stay on the southern coast. Afternoon beach leisure, an optional Weligama surf lesson or a Coconut Tree Hill sunset stop.

Optional seasonal whale watching, November to April only. Continue to Galle Fort for a guided heritage walk through the lighthouse, ramparts, Dutch Reformed Church, boutique lanes and cafés. Evening at leisure inside the fort.

Final morning in Galle Fort with optional shopping, a café stop or coastal time. Transfer to Colombo or Bandaranaike International Airport via the Southern Expressway. Optional Colombo city stop depending on flight time. Departure.