Sri Lankan Adventure

Arrive at Colombo International Airport, where you’ll meet your guide who’ll be whisking you away to Kithulgala, famous for whitewater rafting. Kithulgala lush green hills overgrown by tropical rain forest also served as the setting of the world-famous movie "The Bridge on the River Kwai". Opt to hit the rapids in the afternoon, and then drive to Adam's Peak for an overnight stay.

Very early morning, make the journey of pilgrimage to Adam's Peak and enjoy incredible sunrise views across Sri Lanka's stunning hill country. Located in a beautiful area of the southern Hill Country, this lofty peak has sparked the imagination for centuries and been a focus for pilgrimage for more than 1000 years. The climb is up steps most of the way (about 5200 of them), and on a quiet day, you’ll reach the top in 2½ to four hours. After descending and a hot shower, continue onto Kandy. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Hidden away amid the hills at the heart of the island, Kandy is Sri Lanka’s second city and cultural capital. With its old Kandyan and colonial buildings, scenic highland setting and pleasantly temperate climate, Kandy retains a surprisingly small-town atmosphere. The centre of the city is situated in a valley which is elevated at 600m above sea level. Kandy Lake is an artificial creation by one of the past rulers and today, it is a scenic centrepiece of the town. Also, home to an international cricket stadium, Kandy brings in thousands of cricket fans. Visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens, probably the most popular garden in the country. It’s a glorious expanse of well-kept trees, flowers and pathways, some of which are centuries old. In the late afternoon, we visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a sacred Buddhist temple. It contains the tooth relic of the Buddha, which was brought to Sri Lanka 1600 years ago. Afterwards, we head into the city for the chance to explore its vibrant array of shops and architecture, and perhaps try a Sri Lankan delicacy – Kottu Rotti. Overnight stay in Kandy.

We’re hitting the road and heading to Dambulla, along the way, take the chance to visit a spice garden, where smells of cinnamons, pepper, cardamom, nutmeg and mace overwhelm the senses. The impressive Dambulla Cave Temple has five separate caves containing about 150 absolutely stunning Buddha statues and paintings, some of Sri Lanka's most important and evocative religious art. Buddha images were first created here over 2000 years ago, and over the centuries subsequent kings added to and embellished the cave art. From the caves, there are superb views over the surrounding countryside. Overnight stay in Sigiriya.

Visit Sigiriya (Lion) rock fortress in the morning and climb the steps to the top of this captivating site to discover UNESCO-listed ruins and take in stellar views. Built over 1500 years ago, this beautiful citadel stands 200 meters high in the middle of the verdant jungle and is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sites. Discover UNESCO-listed ruins with its Water Gardens, the Mirror Wall and ancient graffiti, just make sure you’ve got your camera is all I’ve going to say. After descending the steps back down to ground level, we visit Minneriya National Park, known for its largest wild Elephant gathering in the world. Overnight stay in Sigiriya.

Travel east to the coastal town Trincomalee, and spend two nights in the beachside tourist town. Trincomalee offers beautiful white sand and is one of the best beaches of Sri Lanka. The east coast is upcoming and way more quiet than south, which is a perfect reason to plan a visit. The city of Trincomalee itself has a fascinating history and a handful of eye-catching landmarks making it worthy of a tour. The ancient city suffered during the civil war but is starting to recover thanks to its deep-water port and developing tourism scene. Take a sightseeing tour to Koneswaram Temple, the Temple of the Thousand Pillars and Dakshina-Then Kailasam - a classical medieval Hindu temple complex.

Enjoy a relaxing day at the beach, perhaps visiting the neighbouring beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli. The coast here is golden and palm-fringed with a mellow ambience making for a perfect place to unwind.

Make the journey to Anuradhapura, perhaps stopping to drink refreshing king coconuts from the roadside. In the evening, enjoy incredible sunset views at Mihintale, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the best sunset point in the Anuradhapura region. The beautiful shrines, stupas (dagobas), rock caves enhanced by the wondrous setting, make Mihintale unforgettable. Enjoy the vibrant chanting while contemplating life in temples and forest monasteries. Two night stay in Anuradhapura.

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Anuradhapura. The sprawling complex contains a rich collection of archaeological and architectural wonders: enormous dagobas (brick stupas), ancient pools and crumbling temples. This world heritage city was the longest and the first established kingdom in ancient Sri Lanka, founded in 377 BC. Sights to see include Isurumuniya temple, Vessagiriya forest monastery and the largest stupa in Anuradhapura – Jetavanarama Stupa. Come evening; immerse yourself into the culture with an authentic dinner with Sri Lankan locals to get a taste of the local lifestyle and music. Expect hearty curries and plenty of singing and dancing.

Today it’s time to say goodbye to glorious Sri Lanka as we make the journey back to Negombo and the airport. We’ll pay a visit to a coconut plantation along the way. Learn how the coconut palm has been harvested for generations to make Toddy (a local alcoholic drink), coconut syrup and palm sugar and see how toddy tappers face danger as they work, walking tightropes between trees obtaining the sap from the coconut flower. Allow a full day to get to the airport. We will arrive at the airport no earlier than 5pm, so be sure to leave plenty of time to catch your flight. The best time is the 12am flights, which is the majority of airlines.