You will be cordially greeted by your tour chauffeur up on arrival at the International Airport (Bandaranayake International Airport). You will be whisked away to a tropical coastal town Negombo as your first stop. Negombo city is an ideal first stop to rest after a long flight. Negombo city has its own flare of Portuguese and Dutch colonial monuments such as churches - St. Mary's Church, built between 1874 and 1922. With a large Catholic community, the city is known as "Little Rome". A canal runs along with refreshing sights of small fishing boats and other commuters that links to the ocean. One may take a walk along this Dutch canal absorbing in all the natural ambience, chirping birds, bustling small town lifestyle. Later at your hotel you can settle in for a scrumptious dinner served with variety of cuisines followed by a well-earned rest for the night.

Next day morning with the bright sunrise and melody of chirping birds you can travel about to discover the city of Negombo and the fish market. It is located north of the Fort on the waterfront. This market is considered to be one of the biggest in Sri Lanka. Very popular and authentic, it operates every morning on the sandy lagoon of Negombo. It is spectacular to watch at dawn, the boats come to the ashore with their day’s catch. Don't miss the return of the prawn fishermen pulling their nets onto the beach before carrying their catch to the fish market. The activity is in full swing between 6am and 10.30am. Next you will be whisked away along the scenic roads to monumental cultural triangle, while passing on the way lands and lands of coconut trees, rice fields and semi dense jungle. Your first stop will be at the ancient Kingdom of Yapahuwa. A little off the beaten track roads into a semi ruin of, Yapahuwa. This is a magnificent Fortress made of pure granites that was once home for the tooth of Buddha, now it rests in Kandy Dalada Temple. After climbing the many steps of the fortress, you will be rewarded with a superb 360° view of the surroundings! Yes a magnificent photo shoot time and to absorb in all the ancient civilization.

Next, before the sunsets you will reach Mihintale which is considered as an entry point into yester-year Buddhism. This village holds the historic reference to Mahinda, the disciple of Buddha, who came to Sri Lanka (former Ceylon) to spread the word of his master perching, Buddhism. Situated on a hill where you will climb 1800 steps to get there to the top to a breathtaking view. The journey will continue thereafter towards the ancient capital city of Anurahapura where you will be treated for a scrumptious local meal and thereafter to spend the night of much needed rest.

Anuradhapura is one of the capital cities (between the 4th and 10th centuries) of ancient Sri Lanka (Ceylon) with Buddhism laced cultural center that has been declared as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On the other end of town is the New Town of Anuradhapura. Here the long stretch of pasture of green fields are an ideal location to cycle, trek, stroll or hop onto a tuk tuk for a quick ride. The city is the home to most impressive stupas, the most sacred temples and the most adored ruins. A real journey through time tunnel that leads into past with a touch of past splendor.

In the morning,visit Polonnaruwa, yet another ancient city of yester Sri Lanka with another phase of the past ancient history. It was the functioning royal capital of Sri Lanka during the 11th and 12th centuries, and covers an area of about 10 km2. You can visit the ruins of palaces, temples, but especially Kalu Gal Vihara, a set of 4 Buddha statues carved in granite. The visit can also be done by bicycle. The archaeological museum is also worth a visit. Next, discover the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This monastery with five shrines is a major pilgrimage site. It is one of the largest and most t preserved cave temple complexes in Sri Lanka. It houses over 150 statues and paintings from the Kandy school. Enjoy the beautiful view of the surrounding area. Thereafter you will get to enjoy a jeep drive to the Minneeriya National Park that is well known for herds of elephant free roam the area. It is a beautiful sight to watch and photograph. Followed by visit to see other wildlife such as crocodiles, buffaloes, deer, monitor lizards, cormorants, pelicans and a multitude of birds. The park is also interesting for its landscapes, with swamps, lakes and mountains on the horizon.

Next you take the road to Sigiriya, on the way you could make a small detour to see the statue of the Aukana Buddha located west of the large lake of Kalawewa, which at 12 You could also visit the Ritigala Nature Reserve, which houses an ancient Buddhist monastery. These ruins, dating from the 2nd century BC, are in the middle of the jungle, which makes the walk very pleasant. Your driver will accompany you for this visit. Checkin at your hotel in Sigiriya. With that we wound up the day of pre-historical ancient monument visits and soak up of untainted natural beauty of rural Sri Lanka.

At the end of the day, you return to your night’s stay at the hotel for a quick refreshment followed by an array of mouth-watering dinner then for a well-deserved night of rest.

Day 4 begins with a visit to Polonnaruwa, an ancient city of yesteryear Sri Lanka ( Ceylon) which was then the royal capital during the 11th and 12th centuries, covering an area of about 10 km. You can visit the monumental ruins of these palaces and temples. Especially Kalu Gal Vihara, a set of 4 Buddha statues carved in granite, ideally set in a backdrop of beautiful natural ambience. To take a tour of the entire vast land you can option to bicycle around while absorbing the freshness around you. The archaeological museum is also worth a visit.

Next, discover the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a UNESCO World Heritage listed Site in Sri Lanka. This monastery with five shrines is a major pilgrimage site. It is one of the largest and best-preserved cave temple complexes in Sri Lanka. It houses over 150 statues and ancient paintings from the Kandy dynasty. Up on completion of this visual feast, you can next hop onto a jeep to enjoy safari in Minneriya National Park, famous for its elephant population of around 400, and other wildlife such as crocodiles, wild buffaloes, deers, monitor lizards, cormorants, pelicans and a multitude of birds. The park has an interesting choice of landscapes, with swamps, lakes and mountains on the horizon. It is an ideal destination to learn and mingle into the natural habitat of the wild animals. Thereafter we get back to our resort for a much needed refreshment, a delicious delicacy of cuisines and a night rest.

We leave early in the morning to avoid the crowds to visit the fortress of the notorious King in history, King Kashyapa (5th century) perched 200 m high on a block of red granite is the Lion Rock of Sigiriya. We recommend an early morning visit to avoid the crowds and the sweltering heat of mid-day. The hydraulic layout of the site is highly sophisticated and the Demoiselles (royal concubines or apsaras, celestial nymphs) painted on the stone walls are exceptional: for their beauty and because they are the only known female images of the period in Sri Lanka. Listed by UNESCO, it is the most visited site in Sri Lanka.

Later, you will visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka. This monastery with five shrines is a major pilgrimage site. It is one of the largest and best preserved cave temple complexes in Sri Lanka. It houses over 150 statues and paintings from the Kandy school. Enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding area. If you have the stamina then you could climb Pidurangala Hill, right next to the archaeologically significant Lion Rock. Or opt for a easy stroll surrounded by nature. If you choose to clime then you will be able to see the sunrise, soak up in the mesmerizing serenity of wilderness, patches of jungle along with magnificent view of the surrounding lands. Once at the top you will see the ruins of a monastery, Buddha statues, caves etc. Finally at the hotel you can freshen up and walk in for a delicious local dinner and thereafter a much needed restful overnight stay at the hotel.

On day six, you continue to the town of Mahiyanganaya, which is not yet visited by mass tourism. Noon you will enjoy a jeep safari in the Maduru Oya National Park, that had not seen many tourists visiting. It is known for mangroves and wild elephant population making the Park their home . one can get lost in this beauty of wilderness of the National Park. The Park is also home to crocodiles, wild buffalo, deers, monitor lizards, cormorants, pelicans and a host of other birds. A bird watchers heaven.

The day ends with a scrumptious dinner and night’s stay at the hotel.

On day seven, whilst you enjoy the morning sun of a tropical land, you can stroll across the village. Next you will be taken to on a trot by a local guide to see the majestic at Rathna Ella waterfall. It is gigantic waterfall standing up with all might and pride. Thereafter follow the local guide to a traditional meal. Your will be staying in a little town of Hasalaka, about 30 minutes’ drive from Mapakada Village Hotel, you could go for a beautiful 1.5-hour hike. Surrounded by greener rice fields and gentle breeze to sooth off any stress and heat of the day.

As the last leg of the day’s journey, you will visit the village that homes the tribal people, of Sri Lanka, known as Veddhas. These people have preserved a primitive way of life, their main occupations being hunting, fishing and gathering wild honey. You could also take a boat ride from the hotel or meet the locals and farmers in a village as per your choice. The day will end with a mouth-watering dinner and a well-earned rest at the hotel for the night.

Kandy is a town situated in the central hill country of Sri Lanka and termed to be the sacred city due to the Tooth relic of Lord Buddha is preserved in a Buddhist temple called Dalada Maligawa Raja Maha Viharaya. Discover this main temple of the city, Raja Maha Viharaya, which is part Buddhist pilgrimage in the country. Each year around the month of July the Temple holds a Perahara a temple festival which draws tourists from various parts of the world to this serene city. It holds the importance in history as one of the holy places where Lord Buddha himself visits. Afterwards, you drive into Kandy city, the last royal capital of the island, which retains an aristocratic atmosphere. On the way, you can stop to discover the Victoria Dam and Reservoir and the beautiful surrounding of it.

Kandy holds a vivid place in the local history as the former capital of the Sinhalese Buddhist Kings, besides this it is also favoured by the locals and the tourists for its climatic condition that is cooler in comparison to coastal areas of the island, surrounded by green hills and dominated by blue water lake, fenced by huge, old trees that acts as homes to numerous birds. You can explore the city center on foot, starting with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, and walk around the lake (about 4km).

At 5:00pm in the evening a vibrant colourful Sri Lankan cultural performance will be performed. By attending as an on looker, you will be able to watch and understand the various traditional Kandyan dances! Dating back to the Kandyan Kings, these ritual and religious dances, with their splendid colourful costumes, are still an integral part of the island's cultural wealth and are well worth a visit. Very popular in Kandy, this type of performance covers many traditions in an original and entertaining style. The day will end with a mouth-watering dinner and a well-earned rest at the hotel for the night.

On day 9, you wake up in the morning to visit the pachyderms, Sri Lanka's animal pa excellence! . It is none other than the Elephant Freedom Project center. You will be spending a splendid half a day being with the magnificent, gigantic mammal on earth, the elephant.

Here is your detailed program for the day:

- Around 9.00 am - Welcome and explanation of the day and safety rules

- 9.10am - Cleaning the elephant bed

- 9.45am - Walk with the elephant

- 11.15am - Choice of lunch preparation or visit to the elephant dung paper factory

- 12.30pm - Elephant bath

- 13.00 - Treat yourself to a scrumptious local Sri Lankan meal

Afterwards we suggest a visit to the Peradeniya Botanical Garden which covers 60 hectares of rarest flora and fauna in the world, situated on the banks of the Mahaweli River. It is a must see. Iconic royal palm trees, the cannonball trees, the orchid collection, the multicoloured flower beds. This garden offers a beautiful walk, a must, it is said to be one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world

The day will end with a mouth-watering dinner and a well-earned rest at the hotel for the night.

In the morning you can explore the Udawathakele Royal Forest Reserve in Kandy. Take a walk in this protected natural area to observe the tropical jungle. You may see deer, and hear many birds! Continue towards Maussawa. The road becomes more winding and climbs little by little. We are in the mountainous agricultural region of central Sri Lanka at an altitude of 980 m; we arrive at the Maussawa Estate Ecological Reserve, a former tea estate of 20 ha that has been restored, rebuilt and preserved as a diverse organic analogue forest, just as it was when the place was first established; the vegetation is lush and varied. You will stay in a traditional bungalow or in ecological cottages built only with stone and wood materials from the garden, whose terraces overlook the whole surrounding valley, rice fields and tropical forest. For dinner, discover the products served in the restaurant are from organic vegetable gardens or small producers' organisations in the area. The day will end with a mouth-watering dinner and a well-earned rest at the hotel for the night

On day 11 you will be on a day trip to Eco Lanka, the perfect place for nature lovers, curious about new horizons, seeking peace and quiet and discovering the authenticity of the country. This hidden paradise, with its dense flora and fauna, will reveal the charm and mystery of Sri Lanka in total harmony with nature. During the presence of the French owners, you will be able to share the stories of ancient Ceylon and its restoration to Sri Lanka. The guide will also show you all the varieties of the richness of this exuberant nature and their traditional use. An Ecotourism (member of ATES) has been established respecting the agricultural activities of the villagers working here. Several guided trekking tours can be organised depending on the weather and level to discover ancient varieties of diverse endemic and traditional organic plant species, and observe 80 recorded birds, butterflies and other endemic species. Visit the workshops of traditional transformation of plants, vegetables and fruits to make Kitul. Visit the jungle village of Halpola, the rice fields, the traditional temple, swimming in the river or in the waterfalls of the nearby wild forest. The day will end with a mouth-watering dinner and a well-earned rest at the hotel for the night.

In the morning, enjoy your ecolodge and the activities on offer. In the afternoon you drive to Dalhousie. (called Maskeliya by the locals), which lies at the foot of Adam's Peak. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way of lakes, rolling hills and tea plantations. Relax at your hotel to rest before departing for Adam's Peak. The day will end with a mouth-watering dinner and a well-earned rest at the hotel for the night.

Enjoy a day of rest in preparation for the ascent of Adam's Peak. At around 10pm you start your trek to the summit of Adam's Peak at sunrise. It is said that at the top of the mountain, there is a cavity almost two meters deep in the rock, which is believed to be a footprint. Hindus see it as the footprint of Vishnu, or Shiva. Muslims claim that it is the footprint made by Adam when he left the Garden of Eden, of which Ceylon is very close, and fell to Earth, which explains the name given to the mountain. It is also said to be the footprint of Buddha, or St Thomas. Board a train from Hatton to Ella (seating subject to availability). The most beautiful scenery in Asia, made up of endless tea plantations, passes before your eyes. Your driver will pick you up at the railway station and you will continue the drive to your hotel in Ella. The day will end with a mouth-watering dinner and a well-earned rest at the hotel for the night.

In the morning, your trekking guide will welcome you and explain the course of your trekking day. Several routes are possible depending on your level and your desire. You could climb Ella Rock, or rather get lost in the countryside of Bandarawela, to cross villages, vegetable gardens and rice fields. Haputale also offers beautiful treks through the tea fields. Depending on the itinerary, you can take a dip in a waterfall, walk through eucalyptus forests and visit a tea factory, where you can learn more about the process of making this national beverage. Meet the pluckers and see how it is done!

The day will end with a mouth-watering dinner and a well-earned rest at the hotel for the night.

In the morning, we recommend climbing Little Adams Peak. It's an easy 2-hour hike along the tea fields. Then head to the famous Nine Arch Bridge where you may see a train passing by.

Leave the lush green landscape and head towards the Udawalawe wilderness area. On the way, see the beautiful Ravana Falls. Arrive in Udawalawe and check into your hotel. Around 15:00, you will leave for a jeep safari through this tall grass park, which is worth a visit for its elephant population and abundance of birds. Crocodiles, bears, sambar, monitor lizards and even leopards can be seen if you are lucky. A naturalist guide will accompany you, giving you all the explanations, you need, as well as his sharp eyes to spot an animal in the thicket. The park was created in 1972.

The day will end with a mouth-watering dinner and a well-earned rest at the hotel for the night.

In the morning, you could visit Elephant Transit Home. The Elephant Transit Home in UdaWalawe is owned by the Department of Wildlife Conservatory (DWC). You can go there to watch the feeding which takes place every three hours from 9am to 6pm. The baby elephants that are raised here are released when they reach a certain age. The center is home to around 40 baby elephants. Then you leave for the coast, considered one of the most beautiful of the island. You will discover hidden beauties along the way. Take a break to explore Matara and discover the Dondra Lighthouse, one of the highest in Asia. The lighthouse is still in active use. It helps guide ships along the Indian Ocean. You can also see the fishermen on the Ahangama pole.

You could visit the Blow Hole on the south coast, towards Tangalle. The Blow Hole is a natural phenomenon caused when sea water rushes through a submerged cavern and is pushed upwards. Indeed, at high but irregular frequencies, one can see a huge jet of sea water coming out of the rocks!

The day will end with a mouth-watering dinner and a well-earned rest at the hotel for the night.

Day 17 we hit the coastal beach area of south Sri Lanka, that is popular to surfing, deep water fishing and swim. A variety of excursions are possible in the area, such as a whale watching cruise or a trip to the beaches of Rekawa: Turtle nesting on the beach of Rekawa is a magical moment to experience when travelling to Sri Lanka. In this town in the south of the island, the population has joined forces with the Turtle Conservation Project, an NGO that protects the egg-laying areas along the entire coastline. Isolated by dunes and vegetation, the beach becomes the scene of the comings and goings of giant turtles. During the egg-laying season, five species of sea turtles, some of them endangered, come to lay several hundred eggs on this beach at night. While you may have to walk for several hours with the guide to see them, the rare and moving sight of the turtles laying their eggs at dusk is well worth the effort.

You could simply laze on the beach. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy fresh fish in the evening, served on the beach. The day will end with a mouth-watering dinner and a well-earned rest at the hotel for the night.

Today, after enjoying the pool one last time, you drive along the coast to Galle Fort, an architectural gem with various colonial influences.

The fort, built in the 17th century by the Dutch, is a peaceful and welcoming village. It is totally disconnected from the rest of the city. You will enjoy the ramparts, but also the lighthouse and the many churches and small shops.

Stroll through the streets of the fort and buy your souvenirs!

The day will end with a mouth-watering dinner and a well-earned rest at the hotel for the night.

In the morning, take a bike ride (preferably in the morning), to discover the countryside near Galle, made of rice fields and typical villages. Stop for refreshments and a King Coconut before returning to Galle Fort (1.5 hours).

This Idle Bikes ride will make you discover another Sri Lanka, authentic and preserved! You could also visit a turtle farm: these farms aim to save the turtles that come to breed on the beaches of Sri Lanka. You could discover their action, how they save the eggs destined to be sold on the local markets, to place them in an enclosure until they hatch. After a short stay in a tank, the babies are released in the dark. Depending on the time of day, you may be able to watch the babies being released on the beach.

The day will end with a mouth-watering dinner and a well-earned rest at the hotel for the night.

This morning (depending on your flight time to France), you drive up the coast towards Colombo, the economic capital and bustling seaside city.

More than a guided tour, this is a real immersion in the city, in Sinhalese culture and in everyday life. Your guide will share his knowledge of the city, the country and the different cultures. He will also introduce you to some of his good addresses (coffee, spices, tools, bars, restaurants). You could go to the Dutch fort area and the Dutch period museum. Discover the Pettah district, with its bazaar, its mosque. the City Hall district with its colonial buildings. Walk around Beira Lake to discover the Buddhist temple and the Hindu temple Gangaramaya.

All good things must come to an end. Today your chauffeur will take you back to the International Airport according to your flight schedule to board a plane back home. The journey will give you ample time to mesmerize on the joyous, new memories you have made on this holiday in Sri Lanka.

We hope that you will leave with many beautiful memories and moments captured in your hearts, thoughts, photos and videos. We will see back on a yet another exciting, fun filled joyous holiday here in Sri Lanka, soon.