Sri Lanka: Elephants, Temples & Ocean Trails - 12 Days

Welcome to Sri Lanka. We know how long the flight feels so we're going to meet you at the airport and get you on your way to Negombo for your night's stay at the Bacon Beach Hotel, about a 45 minute drive away.

Enjoy the hotel pool before your included dinner tonight and look forward to the coming days!

Today the journey really begins!

We drive to Dambulla and stop by the famous Dambulla Cave Temple to marvel at ancient carvings and statues before heading to a local restaurant to sample the best food Sri Lanka has to offer with lunch.

We'll then check in at Kashapa Lion Rock, our hotel for this evening. Have a quick dip in the pool before heading off to Pidurangala Buddhist Monastery for unparalleled 360 degree views of the local area and Sigiriya at sunset, the most spectacular view in Sri Lanka.

Start the morning by climbing Sigiriya, considered by locals to be the eighth wonder of the world. Over 1500 years of history in one place! The hike is around one hour each way.

We’ll then stop for a fantastic Sri Lankan lunch with a local family. The rest of the day is yours to relax by the pool, book a massage or opt for an elephant safari.

Our accommodation tonight is Kashapa Lion Rock.

Today we embark on a journey into the Knuckle Mountain Range. We head to a spice garden where you will learn the secrets to Sri Lankan cooking before heading into the country’s second biggest city, Kandy. And what better way to see the city than in the back of some local transport, Tuk Tuks.

Tonight we'll stay at the Queens Hotel.

Start the day by visiting the world famous Temple of the Tooth, then we’re off to the tea country! Tour a working tea estate, pick tea and sample the finest Ceylon Tea. After lunch, jump on the train from Nuwara Eiya to Ella - voted one of the world’s most scenic train rides!!

Tonight we'll stay at the Ella Flower Garden.

Today you have a day to yourself in the wonderful mountainous town of Ella! Try out many optional activities including hiking Ella Cock or Diyaluma Falls. Treat yourself to a massage or just using the downtime to chill out by the pool!

Tonight we'll stay at the Ella Flower Garden.

Hike Little Adam's Peak and visit the world famous Nine Arch bridge in the morning. Afterwards, we journey out of the mountains and grab lunch on the way to Udawalawe National Park to get up close and personal with the elephants!

Please bring an overnight bag with you for this night, we're riverside camping - an experience of a lifetime.

Tonight our accommodation is Athgira River Camping.

Leave the campsite and head down to the beach in Mirissa! You have a free afternoon to rent a surf board, or sit back and catch some rays!

Tonight we'll stay at the Randiya Beach Hotel.

Today is a free morning , you can relax at the beach or partake in an optional paid extra activity; like a surf lesson. If you are boarding the tour between October to April then you have the optional extra of participating in Blue Whale Watching, this is a seasonal activity and isn’t an available extra outside those months. Afterwards we will head to our second spectacular beach destination! Hikkaduwa & spend the afternoon relaxing by the oceanfront pool!

Tonight our accommodation is Coral Rock by Bansei.

Start the day with a 12km cycle through the lush southern Paddy Fields, stopping at a local school en-route. In the afternoon, walk around the old Dutch Fort in Galle, buy some souvenirs and taste some of the best ice cream in Sri Lanka! You will also have the opportunity to visit the Dog Care Clinic at Unawatuna. This dog clinic is one of the
only self-funding rescue centres for dogs in Sri Lanka. This is an optional extra as to enter you need to make a small donation.

Tonight our accommodation is Coral Rock by Bansei.

Spend the morning on the beach before heading to the memorial for the 2004 Tsunami. Afterwards, head over to the Turtle Sanctuary to see some super cute and freshly hatched turtles! We then drive to Colombo for our final night.

Tonight our accommodation is Pegasus Reef.

Today is where we say goodbye! "our tour guide will help arrange your onward travel (at your own expense!),