After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure to unwind and soak in the coastal charm of Negombo.

In the afternoon, join a guided city tour that brings to life the rich colonial history and cultural heritage of this fascinating port town. Your guide will lead you through Negombo’s intriguing sites, including its historic Dutch-built canal system — an extensive 100-kilometre network once used to transport cinnamon and spices from inland plantations to the coast during the 17th century. Discover how this vibrant town played a key role in Sri Lanka’s colonial past.

Later, return to your hotel where the evening is free for you to explore or relax as you wish.

Overnight: Heritance Negombo or similar, Negombo
Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, meet your tour guide and set off on a scenic drive to Sigiriya (approximately 140 km).

Optional Tour: Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Step back in time with a visit to the awe-inspiring Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. Built during the reign of King Kashyapa (477–495 AD), this ancient citadel rises dramatically 200 metres from the surrounding jungle, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into a long-lost civilization. Wander through the remains of the fortified city, including the impressive moats, ramparts, and beautifully preserved water gardens. Ascend the spiral stairway to view the famous frescoes of the ‘Heavenly Maidens’, painted in natural pigments on rock-face plaster in a sheltered alcove.

Following your exploration, continue your journey to Kandalama, where you’ll check in to your hotel for the evening.

Overnight: Heritance Kandalama or similar, Kandalama
Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, travel to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Polonnaruwa , once the thriving capital of ancient Sri Lanka during the 11th and 12th centuries AD. Explore the remarkably preserved ruins that offer a fascinating glimpse into the island’s royal past. Highlights include the impressive Royal Palace , the intricately carved Audience Hall , the ornate Lotus Bath , and the towering statue of King Parakramabahu . Stroll through the serene grounds of the Parakrama Samudraya , a vast man-made lake commissioned by King Parakramabahu I, and visit the Gal Viharaya , where four stunning rock-carved statues of the Buddha in various postures stand as masterpieces of ancient craftsmanship.

Also discover sacred landmarks such as the Shiva Temple , the Lankathilaka image house, the Vatadage (circular relic shrine), the Galpotha (stone book), the gleaming Kiri Vehera , and the remnants of an earlier Temple of the Tooth Relic .

In the afternoon, enjoy some downtime at leisure — or choose from one of two exciting optional experiences:

Optional Tour: Half-Day Jeep Safari in Minneriya National Park

Venture into the wild with a thrilling safari through Minneriya National Park , a 8,800-hectare sanctuary teeming with wildlife. This is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to witness wild elephants in their natural habitat — especially during the dry season when herds of up to 300 gather by the reservoir to graze, making it one of the largest elephant gatherings on Earth. Keep your camera ready for sightings of sambar deer, exotic birds, and perhaps even a shy leopard lurking in the undergrowth.

Optional Tour: Sri Lankan Culinary Demonstration & Lunch
Dive into the vibrant world of Sri Lankan cuisine with a hands-on cooking demonstration. Discover how traditional dishes are crafted using fresh spices, tropical vegetables, and time-honoured techniques. Learn about the cultural influences that shape Sri Lankan food, from aromatic curries and fiery sambals to sweet coconut confections. After the demo, savour the delicious results of your efforts over lunch.

Please note: These optional tours run concurrently — guests may choose only one.

Overnight: Heritance Kandalama or similar, Kandalama
Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, set off for Peradeniya , home to the renowned Royal Botanical Gardens — a lush 147-acre paradise just 80 km away. Wander through meticulously maintained lawns, colonial-era pavilions, and the striking octagon conservatory, leading to a breathtaking display of landscaped gardens. Discover highlights such as the vibrant orchid house and the massive Javan fig tree , whose sprawling canopy is a marvel in itself.

Continue your journey to Nuwara Eliya , nestled high in Sri Lanka’s cool and misty hill country beneath the towering Pidurutalagala mountain. Check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure, soaking in the charm of this picturesque town surrounded by rolling tea plantations and sweeping green vistas.

Overnight: Jetwing St Andrews or similar, Nuwara Eliya
Meals included: Breakfast

Today, enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure after breakfast. For those with a passion for golf, there’s an optional opportunity to play a round at the historic Royal Golf Club — one of the oldest in Asia. Be sure to check with your tour guide the day before to confirm availability.

In the afternoon, your guide will meet you at the hotel for a guided sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya , taking in highlights such as the bustling Bale Bazaar , the elegant President’s House , and the stately Prime Minister’s Residence . The tour concludes with a delightful High Tea at the iconic Grand Hotel , a colonial-era gem offering charm and panoramic views. Afterward, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight: Jetwing St Andrews or similar, Nuwara Eliya
Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, meet your guide and begin the journey to Yala , a scenic drive of approximately 192 km. Along the way, stop in the charming town of Ella to explore two of its most iconic attractions — the breathtaking Ravana Falls and the picturesque Nine Arch Bridge . The falls, cascading 25 metres from a unique concave rock formation, are especially striking during the wet season when the water flows in dramatic, petal-like streams.

Continue on to Yala National Park , one of Sri Lanka’s most renowned wildlife destinations spanning 1,259 square kilometres of diverse terrain including grasslands, scrub jungle, freshwater tanks, and coastal dunes. After checking into your safari lodge, set off on an afternoon Jeep safari through the park, home to herds of wild elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, jackals, and over 200 species of birds. Yala also boasts the world’s highest density of leopards — making every game drive a thrilling adventure.

As your Jeep rumbles across rugged trails and weaves through narrow bends, you’ll feel like a true explorer immersed in the raw beauty of the wild. Return to your accommodation in the evening for some well-deserved relaxation under the tropical sky.

Overnight: Cinnamon Wild Yala or similar, Yala
Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure to relax or explore at your own pace. For those eager for more adventure, an optional morning safari in Yala National Park is available (not included, payable on tour) — offering another chance to spot leopards, elephants, and a variety of birdlife in this world-famous wilderness.

Overnight: Cinnamon Wild Yala or similar, Yala
Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, set off on a scenic 155-kilometre journey to Koggala , a coastal town renowned for its picturesque landscapes and cultural traditions. One of the highlights of the day is witnessing Sri Lanka’s iconic stilt fishermen — a unique and time-honoured fishing practice that dates back to just after World War II. These skilled fishermen balance on wooden poles protruding from the sea, casting their nets with remarkable precision during early morning, midday, and evening hours. The sight is especially striking in towns like Koggala, Kathaluwa, and Ahangama , where this tradition continues along the southern coastline.

After capturing this unforgettable moment, continue your journey and check in to your hotel in Galle , where you’ll spend the evening relaxing in comfort.

Overnight: Radisson Blu Resort Galle or similar, Galle

After breakfast, meet your tour guide for a guided city tour of Galle , a charming coastal city rich in history and culture. As you make your way to the fort, enjoy scenic views of fishing villages and palm-lined bays that dot the southern coastline. The highlight of the tour is Galle Fort , a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988 and the largest fully intact Dutch fort in Asia. Perched dramatically on a rocky promontory overlooking the Indian Ocean, this 17th-century marvel showcases beautifully preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and centuries-old churches, ramparts, and warehouses.

Enjoy lunch at one of the fort’s quaint cafes or restaurants (not included), before heading back to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure — wander the stone-paved lanes , browse boutique shops and art galleries, or simply relax and soak up the vibrant local atmosphere.

Overnight: Radisson Blu Resort Galle or similar, Galle
Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in the Koggala/Galle area , with time to relax, explore or indulge in the natural beauty and laid-back charm of Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Unwind by the pool, take a stroll along the beach, or venture out to discover nearby attractions such as Koggala Lake, local craft shops, or the serene Ambalangoda mask makers. The choice is yours.

Overnight: Radisson Blu Resort Galle or similar, Galle
Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, set off on a cultural and conservation-focused journey to Ambalangoda , a coastal town renowned for its centuries-old tradition of mask-making . Visit a local mask factory and museum , where you’ll witness artisans carving and painting intricate masks used in traditional Sri Lankan folk dances and healing rituals. Learn about the symbolic meanings behind each design and gain insight into this unique art form that has been passed down through generations.

Continue to the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery , a vital conservation project dedicated to protecting Sri Lanka’s endangered sea turtle populations. Observe hatchlings preparing for release into the ocean and learn about the efforts being made to safeguard these magnificent creatures. There may also be the chance to meet local volunteers and hear about their experiences helping with the program.

After your visit, travel to Colombo , Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital, where you’ll check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore or relax at your leisure.

Overnight: The Kingsbury Hotel or similar, Colombo
Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure to unwind or explore Colombo at your own pace. In the afternoon, embark on a guided city tour of Colombo, taking in some of the city’s key landmarks and vibrant highlights. Discover the blend of colonial architecture, modern skyline, and cultural sites that reflect Sri Lanka’s dynamic capital.

Later, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Australia or New Zealand , which departs late evening on Day 14 or early morning on Day 15.

Tour Only Package: Please note that your tour concludes today. Kindly arrange your own onward travel from Colombo.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Tour Only Package: Please note that Day 15 of this itinerary is not included in the tour. Your adventure concludes at the end of Day 14, with your transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Any accommodation or meals beyond this point are at your own expense and must be arranged separately.