Welcome to Colombo! Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and make your way to the arrival lounge, where you’ll find many transfer options to make your own way to the hotel. Taxis are readily available and must be paid locally. Alternatively, we also offer our clients hassle-free arrival transfers that can be pre-purchased at your time of booking. Check in to the hotel and relax after your international flight. As most flights arrive late in the evening, we recommend booking a night prior to your tour commencing to ensure you are well rested.

After breakfast, your guide will give you a brief introduction before we make the drive to South Coast. Before departing, we explore the capital of Colombo. Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, has a long history as a port on ancient east-west trade routes, ruled successively by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. This heritage is reflected in its architecture, mixing colonial buildings with high-rises and shopping malls. 

We will also visit the Colombo National Museum. This charming museum takes visitors on a fascinating journey through Sri Lankan history. Housed in a stunning neo-Baroque building, which was specifically constructed by William Henry Gregory, Governor of Ceylon, in 1877, the museum boasts a gleaming white façade. As you make your way through the various rooms, you'll encounter exhibits dedicated to each of Sri Lanka's historical kingdoms. Informational display boards provide intriguing insights, such as the meaning behind the mudras (gestures and poses) depicted in Sri Lanka's Buddha statues.

On arrival, we check in to our hotel before we set out on a tour of the Galle Fort and its fortifications. This is a city that exudes an essence with a perfect blend of past and present. Declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1988, the presence of Portuguese, Dutch and English is very evident in the fascinating architectural styles of the Galle Fort

Today is a full day to enjoy the coastal beauty and sandy beaches that are palm tree-lined with a cool coastal vibe.

We enjoy breakfast at the hotel before making the drive to Yala National Park. Here, spend your afternoon on a guided game drive exploring the dynamic wildlife and the most luxuriant plant life in Yala National Park. Being one of the largest parks in Sri Lanka, it is the ideal place to sight the rare leopard!

Today we leave for Bandarawela close to Ella. Enroute we witnesses the picturesque waterfall, Rawana Waterfall before checking into our hotel. This afternoon we visit Nine Arch Bridge. The Nine Arches Bridge also called the Bridge in the Sky is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country. The construction of the bridge is generally attributed to a local Ceylonese builder, in consultation with British engineers. It is located in Demodara, between Ella and Demodara railway stations. The surrounding area has seen a steady increase of tourism due to the bridge's architectural ingenuity and the profuse greenery in the nearby hillsides.

Enjoy a full day to relax in the hilly surrounds of Bandarawela.

Enjoy a leisurely departure from Bandarawela as we make our way to Nuwara Eliya. On arrival we visit a tea plantation and factory. Here you will enjoy the absolute tea experience, taking you to the moment the young tea leaves are plucked from the plantation to being processed in the factory to make a steamy cup of tea. If you are interested, the tea factory is the best place to purchase good quality tea.

Today we leave for Kandy. The train journey is truly a rare experience and is an adventure itself! Apart from the breathtaking sceneries of the tea country and picturesque waterfalls, it is a chance for you to mingle with the local people. 

Kandy, the Hill Capital (1514 – 1815 AD). Originally known as Senkadagala, the city eventually came to be known as Kandy. Kandy was declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1988. The style and character of the Sri Lankan civilization at the time is well articulated in the heart of the city itself, with its lake, the temples including the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the well-preserved ruins of the royal palaces.

On arrival, we check in to our hotel, allowing you time to explore the town. This evening, enjoy a typical Sri Lankan Cultural Performance with Kandy Market & Bazaar tour. 

After breakfast we proceed to Sigiriya, stopping on route to visit Dambulla cave temple. Built in the first century BC, it is recognized to be the largest cave sanctuaries in the world with its 2000 m2 of walls and ceilings painted more than 150 Buddha images whose largest engraved in the rock reaches 14 metres high. 

En route to Sigiriya, stop at a local spice garden. Sri Lanka has a very proud history of its spices, which have unique flavours, colours and aromas. During the 1500s, Portuguese, Dutch and British took these local spices to the world and thus, Sri Lanka became famous for such spices as cinnamon, black pepper, clove, cumin, cardamom, turmeric and ginger. These spices are continually used in homes throughout the world today.

Arrive at your Inspiring Stay - the 5-star Sigiriya Jungles hotel overlooking an iconic rock fortress. This afternoon, set out on an exclusively private jeep safari at the Minneriya National Park to witness the unique phenomenon of elephant gathering. During the dry season, from June to September, hundreds of elephants gather around the Minneriya Tank for water. Such a large number of elephants could not be sighted at one place, anywhere else in the world! 

Tonight, enjoy a group dinner and celebrate your new friendships.

Following breakfast we proceed to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and climb the Sigiriya Rock, one of the most extraordinary artistic complexes of its time (477 – 498 AD). Declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1982, this magnificent citadel allures artistic and architectural curiosity from around the globe. 

Return to the hotel to relax before taking part in an Inspiring Taste cooking demonstration of Sri Lankan rice and curry preparation (5-6 curries including a speciality crab dish) and enjoy the typical Sri Lankan lunch overlooking the paddy fields. 

This afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the medieval capital city of Polonnaruwa. This was declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1982. After the demise of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa became the middle historic capital of Sri Lanka (1017 – 1235 AD). Enjoy a 2nd night in your Inspiring Stay and its surroundings.

Today, depart the beauty of Sigiriya as we make the drive back to Negombo. On arrival, enjoy the afternoon free at leisure to explore the coast and the local activity or simply relax by the pool.

This morning, enjoy a visit to the Fish Market. Negombo is home for the Island’s second largest fish market, as locals call – “Lellama”

At an appropriate time, make your own way to the airport in time for your onward flight - you will have access to your room until 8pm this evening, should your flight be later in the evening.