On arrival, transfer to the hotel in Galle. In the afternoon, in the company of a local expert-guide, explore the magnificent Dutch Fort of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the site of the present Fort, back in 1588 the Portuguese colonizers built a modest fort using palm trees and mud. Later the Dutch invaders fortified it extensively when they took over in 1640.

Among the historic landmarks are the Dutch Reformed Church with its 300-year old belfry, the National Maritime Museum which was initially a warehouse where spices and ship equipment were stored over 400-years back, the 200-year old Clock Tower, the 1939 Lighthouse as well as the reputedly oldest breadfruit tree in the island.

The Galle Fort offers a variety of dining options. We leave the meal plan for tonight open, so you could explore indoor and outdoor cafes and restaurants within the Fort and try out various food choices and cuisines (payable direct!).

This morning, visit the rock monastery of Mulgirigala. There are a number of fascinating caves at different heights on this 210m high boulder, containing vividly colorful murals that depict the previous births of the Lord Buddha. Don’t miss out on the now-empty den at one such level, where a cobra once lived without harming pilgrims.

However, Mulgirigala is largely renowned for a more unique discovery. In 1826 an English colonial administrator by the name of George Turner, who had taken lessons on the dead language ‘Pali’ from a Buddhist monk, came across a few old palm-leaf manuscripts here at the temple which he took to translating. This translation later turned out to be the key to translating ‘Mahawamsa’, one of the three ancient local chronicles that recorded the eventful history of the island from 543 BC. The book shelf that contained the palm-leaves can still be seen at the rock monastery in Mulgirigala.

Later on, check-in to the hotel in Yala. In the afternoon you will be taken on an exciting jeep safari in the Yala National Park. Yala is known for the highest density of leopards in the world, although seeing one is pure luck. Spotted deer, wild boar, wild buffalo, crocodiles, macaques and elephants are common here, but sightings of sloth bears and leopards are rare.

After breakfast check out of the hotel. Proceed to the picturesque Ella town. Visit the beautiful Ravana Falls. And try out the thrilling, half-a-mile long ‘Flying Ravana’, the longest mega zipline in the island.

Later on visit the famous nine-arch railway bridge in Demodara. The iconic bridge was built almost a century ago during the British Era. Today it is still in use and offers great photo-shoot opportunities. Check in to the hotel in Ella. Spend the afternoon leisurely.

This morning, take a delightful hike up to Little Adam’s Peak in Ella. This is a light hike that does not require much efforts. At the top, admire the breathtaking views of the paradisiacal mountains. Later on sit back and enjoy spectacular views of endless lush tea fields as we continue on to Nuwara Eliya, a mountainous town located at 1800 m above sea level. Visit a tea factory in Nuwara Eliya. Factory-fresh tea can be purchased at the factory store. In the afternoon explore the town. Spend the rest of the evening leisurely.

Rise up early this morning for a thrilling hike in the Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO world natural heritage site. The journey up to the entrance of the park takes an hour. Lying on the second and the third highest mountains of Sri Lanka, Horton plains consists of a diverse landscape of grasslands, streams, waterfalls and is often shrouded in a thick fog. Pygmy elephants that once freely roamed these highlands are no longer seemed to be in existence. The plateau comes to a sudden end at the point called ‘World’s End’, an 870 m jaw-dropping sheer drop that affords panoramic views of the low lying terrain, making your efforts up to this point absolutely worth it!

Spend the rest of the afternoon leisurely relaxing at the hotel or exploring the town on your own.

After breakfast check out of the hotel. Proceed to Kitulgala town via picturesque mountainous Thalawakele and Hatton towns. On the way, view the beautiful Devon and St Claire Falls.

If there is one place which combines rapids and greenery with adventure, excitement and unlimited fun, it is none other than Kitulgala, Sri Lanka’s number one choice of inland water sports enthusiasts. Slip into your wetsuits or a convenient leisure outfit, grab your paddle and enjoy an adventurous and exciting 05 km league whitewater rafting ride on the Kelani River in Kitulgala. Once at the end, hop off board and have a cheerful swim before making way back to the shore.

Continue on to Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the island’s second largest city as well as the last stronghold of the Sri Lankan monarchs before it fell to the British in 1815.

On the way, climb the Ambuluwawa Tower in Gampola, a unique man-made biodiversity site known for its large variety of herbs and flowers. At the summit enjoy the sweeping views of the town below and literally a 360° view of the entire hill country of Sri Lanka.

Once you’ve reached Kandy, a couple of hours are at your disposal this afternoon to browse through fabulous gift stores, wooden handicrafts and the gem museum before we proceed to a cultural dance show at 17:00.

Start the day off by visiting the Temple of the Tooth Relic. The golden-roofed Temple houses Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Lord Buddha. Later on set out on a city tour of Kandy – visit the famous vista point up at the upper-lake drive from where you will catch a panoramic view of the city below and drive around the man-made Kandy Lake.

Proceed to the ‘Millennium Elephant Foundation’ in Rambukkana, a certified, non-profit organization working with captive elephants in Sri Lanka. En route, visit a spice garden in Mawanella. Gain an insight into how spices that you have used to flavour your food at home and many other tropical herbs that you have known or heard of, are grown.

Transfer to your beachfront accommodation in Negombo, a small beach town near the international airport. Spend the afternoon leisurely relaxing by the ocean.

Transfer to the airport for departure. Reach 3 hours before the flight.