Explore Sri Lanka - Sigiriya, Dambulla & Udawalawe Safari

Begin your adventure by departing home on an overnight flight to Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. Colombo has a long history as a port on ancient east-west trade routes and was previously ruled successively by the Portuguese, Dutch and British.

Upon your arrival in Colombo you will be met by your local expert guide before being transferred to your hotel in Colombo by coach. Once you have settled in, it will be time to get to know your group during a welcome meal at your hotel.

3 star hotel in Colombo (1 night)

This morning you will visit the impressive Dambulla Cave Temple. A sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery, with its five sanctuaries, is the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. Explore the ancient drawings, rock towers and murals that are contained within this World Heritage Site.

Experience a local village visit to observe Sri Lankan rural lifestyle as you immerse yourself in traditional culture at Hiriwaduwana. Take a ride on a bullock cart through a banana plantation and pass through village homes, small shops, lush green paddy fields and mud-thatched houses before ending the day with a canoe ride across Lake Habarana.

After breakfast at your hotel visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya. The spectacular ‘Lion’s Rock’ fortress, is a large ancient rock palace surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens. The summit is reached by a narrow staircase that winds through the huge paws of a stone lion. Standing at 300 metres high, you will embark on an adventurous climb up the 1,200 steps to admire one of Sri Lanka's iconic highlights from its highest point.

This afternoon, embark on a cycling tour of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. This UNESCO World Heritage site includes the Royal Palace complex and Gal Vihara rock temple of the Buddha. Explore this wonderful site and discover the many stone monuments that lie within as you cover approximately 10km by bicycle.

After breakfast, depart for Kandy, visiting a spice garden in Matale en route. You will have the chance to witness a cooking demonstration of local Sri Lankan cuisine. Due to its strategic position in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lankan food is a melting pot of flavours. 'Rice and curry' is the national dish; an array of small, spiced dishes made from vegetables, meat or fish and served with pappadoms, chutneys and sambol.

Upon arrival in Kandy you will have the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the last royal capital of Sri Lanka, famed for its setting beside a lake and cradled by hills. It is home to the gold-roofed Temple of the Tooth, with its guardian elephants, a deeply significant Buddhist site that contains a tooth of Buddha collected from his funeral pyre and draws thousands of pilgrims from across the world. Chat to your guide about optional activities to keep you occupied for the remainder of the day.

After breakfast depart Kandy for Kitulagala. Experience white water rafting as you travel down the Kelani River, covering 5 major rapids and 4 minor rapids over a distance of 5km. White water rafting is ideal for the adventurous at heart and this experience on Kelani river is sure to leave you enthralled!

Afterwards, continue from Kitulagala to your hotel in Nuwara Eliya, a city in the tea country hills of central Sri Lanka. Enjoy some sightseeing of the area with your guide before having the remainder of the day at leisure to explore further independently.

All aboard and let’s board a train to take us from Nuwara Eliya to Ella. Known as one of the most scenic train journey in Sri Lanka, let’s enjoy the beauty of slow travel as we pass by tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque valleys and cliff faces before arriving into Ella. (Train duration: Approximately 3hrs) From here let’s travel onwards to Udawalawe National Park. With its herds of elephants, wild buffalo, sambar deer and leopards, this is the Sri Lankan National Park that best rivals the savanna reserves of Africa.

Partake in an afternoon jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park. The park covers an area of 230,821 hectares and is lightly vegetated, which makes game-watching easy. This is sure to be one of the highlights of your adventure as you attempt to get up close with Sri Lanka's wildlife. In the evening, enjoy a group dinner at your camp accommodation.

After breakfast, depart Udawalawe for Beruwala, a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Relax and enjoy a full day at leisure in delightful Moragalla Beach surroundings. Stroll along the palm tree dotted beach front, relax by the sea or enjoy one of the many restaurants and bars.

Enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel in Beruwala, before spending the remainder of the evening as you wish.

4 star hotel in Beruwala (5 nights)

This morning visit a nearby market to purchase fresh ingredients with the help of a local cuisine expert. Back at your hotel, you will use these ingredients during a cooking lesson designed to teach you some authentic Sri Lankan culinary styles.

In the afternoon enjoy a tour of the Galle Fort. Galle Fort, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. The city of Galle has a very colourful history and this famous fort has remained a hive of activity until this day. You will experience some of the scenic sights of Galle city, with free time to explore at your leisure.

You will have three full days at leisure in the delightful surroundings of Beruwala Beach. Enjoy the warm sunshine and clear blue seas, sit and watch the surfers or snorkel the impressive coral reef just off the shore. This is the perfect time to relax and unwind or else your local expert guide will be happy to suggest optional activities to suit your interests.

Take the plunge and explore the waters of Beruwala in a fun way during this half day excursion. Starting from the shore with an expert snorkelling guide taking the lead, this is the ideal activity for those who want to do something a little more adventurous during their beach break. Transfers, guide and snorkelling equipment included (Please note: This excursion is subject to minimum numbers)

Enjoy one final morning soaking up the seaside atmosphere in Beruwala. This is also the ideal time to do any last minute shopping.

In the afternoon, transfer from Beruwala to Colombo for your overnight flight home. En route to the airport, you will enjoy a brief panoramic sightseeing excursion of Colombo city's main highlights as well as having free time for dinner at your leisure.