Sri Lankan Splendours in a week

Itinerary in brief:

• 2 nights Sigirya
• 2 nights Kandy
• 2 nights Ella 
• 2 nights Weligama

Day 1: Arrive Sri Lanka

On arrival in Sri Lanka, you'll be met at the airport by your private driver and driven to your hotel in Sigirya, about 3 hours away. Enjoy watching local life as you drive north before arriving and checking in for two nights. 

Day 2: Sigirya & Minneriya National Park

This morning, you’ll travel to the rock fortress of Sigiriya, a 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky”. The ‘Lion rock’ of Sigirya is a citadel of immense beauty rising out of the jungle. At the base of the rock you’ll find a moat and extensive water gardens before climbing the steep stairs to the top, for unparalleled views over the surrounding forests. The majestic lion’s paw guards the stairway to the palace on the summit next to the frescoes of maidens that have survived in a sheltered area of the rock.

In the afternoon, you will head to Minneriya National Park where you will get to take a jeep safari looking for wildlife including deer, sambar, leopards, sloth bear and the famous elephants that gather in large herds. 

Day 3: Travel to Kandy

After breakfast, head off to your first port of call, Dambulla, only half an hour away. Explore the famous Golden Rock Cave Temple - a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery is the largest and best preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. Make sure you check out the 47 foot long statue of the recumbent Buddha.

Next stop is Kandy, one of the most important cultural cities in Sri Lanka and home to the ‘Temple of the Tooth’ which houses the most sacred religious relic, the tooth of the Buddha.

On arrival you'll have time to check into your hotel and take a rest before visiting the Temple of the Tooth this evening. Afterwards, you'll get to watch the Kandyan Cultural Show, featuring dancers, drummers and fire walkers.

Day 4: Kandy

Enjoy a relaxing morning before heading out in the late morning to meet your host for a hands on cooking class. Discover the flavours and spices of Sri Lankan cuisine as you cook your own island style meal. You'll learn to crack a coconut in half, how to temper spices and fry papadams before feasting on the fruits of your labour from a banana leaf plate. 

In afternoon, you'll visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden which is renowned for its rare collection of tropical and exotic plant species. Bordered by the Mahaweli River on three sides of the gardens, you can spend the day strolling along the avenues amongst the towering palms and marvel at centuries-old ficus trees. Admire the Orchid House, gaze up at the ebony and mahogany trees before heading back to your hotel to relax as the sun sets. 

Day 5: Train to Ella 

This morning, you'll hop on the train from Kandy to Ella, experiencing the iconic journey across the heart of the tea plantation region. Ella is a pretty town surrounded by rolling hills and temples. Gentle hikes are available (try Little Adam’s Peak if you have time) and there are plenty of Ayurvedic treatments on offer to warrant a relaxing massage after a day of exploring.

Day 6: Ella

Spend the day exploring Ella at your leisure. Visit the Nine Arches Bridge, feel the spray from Ravana Falls and explore the green tea plantations. Hike the gentle trail to the summit of Little Adam’s peak for endless views of lush countryside, wander through the local tea fields or simply enjoy your peaceful hotel, high in the tea hills of Ella, with spectacular views over the valley. 

Day 7: Travel to Weligama

Today after breakfast check out from the hotel and leave for Weligama, literally means "sandy village" which refers to the area's sandy sweep bay is a popular tourist destination and hosts several boutique hotels including an off shore islet known as Taprobane. Weligama is known for its distinct stilt fishermen, and also recognised for its beeralu lace-making. Check into your hotel for two nights - why not head straight to the beautiful beach to sink your toes into the sand?

Day 8: Weligama & Galle

This morning you’ll enjoy a walking tour of the for in the nearby city of Galle. Explore the striking bastions and grass-covered ramparts while wander along small cobbled streets. This remarkable fort sits right next to the Indian Ocean – with 150 acres to explore, this tour will give you the chance to learn all about Sri Lanka’s religious and architectural history.

The afternoon is yours to relax at the beach back in Weligama, sip drinks on the beach and soak up the sunset on your final night in Sri Lanka. 

Day 9: Depart Sri Lanka

After breakfast, you'll head back to the airport in Colombo, ready for your onwards flight.