Heritage, Wildlife & Coastal Retreats

After breakfast, travel inland to Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle and check in at Heritance Kandalama, beautifully positioned beside Kandalama Lake.
In the late afternoon, visit the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Climb to the summit via symmetrical water gardens, ancient frescoes, and the famous Mirror Wall before reaching the summit for sweeping 360-degree views across the surrounding countryside. Return to your hotel for overnight.

After breakfast, set out on an authentic village experience in the Sigiriya countryside. Travel by bullock cart and canoe, visit a local home, and learn about traditional farming and cooking practices. The experience is both intimate and enriching, reflecting the warmth and hospitality of rural Sri Lanka.

• Delve into history at the magnificent Polonnaruwa Ancient City, where beautifully preserved ruins, ancient stupas, royal palaces, and the celebrated Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddha statues stand as enduring testaments to Sri Lanka’s medieval grandeur.
• Alternatively, venture into Minneriya National Park for an exhilarating safari experience. The park is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and, during the dry season, the extraordinary sight of herds of Asian elephants gathering near the reservoir, a truly unforgettable wildlife spectacle.

In the evening, join a guided nocturnal walk in search of the elusive Slow Loris and other nighttime wildlife. The slow loris is known for their large eyes and gentle demeanor, these nocturnal creatures are a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts. Embark on a guided evening trek through lush forests, led by knowledgeable local guides specialising in wildlife observation. Listen for the sounds of the jungle and watch for slow lorises, as well as other nocturnal wildlife, including various species of birds, frogs, and insects. This Boots and red-light goggles are provided.

After breakfast, travel toward Kandy. En route, visit the renowned Ena De Silva Batik Factory to see traditional wax-resist dyeing techniques and intricate textile artistry. Check in at Cinnamon Citadel Kandy, set beside the Mahaweli River. In the evening, visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, famed for its orchid collection, towering palms, and extensive tropical flora.

After breakfast, explore the hill capital of Kandy. Visit the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist sites. Continue with a city tour featuring colonial-era buildings, local markets, lakeside viewpoints, and cultural landmarks.

After breakfast, travel through tea-covered hills toward Ambewela, then board the scenic train to Ella. Widely regarded as one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys, the route passes tea plantations, waterfalls, mountain vistas, and hillside villages. Open doors and wide windows invite cool mountain air and unforgettable photo opportunities, while the slow pace of the journey allows travellers to truly soak in the scenery. Vendors pass through the carriages offering local snacks, adding a touch of everyday Sri Lankan life to the experience. On arrival in Ella, transfer to your accommodation for two nights.

Start the day with a refreshing hike to Little Adam's Peak, following a gentle trail through tea plantations to panoramic viewpoints across the Ella Gap and surrounding mountains.
In the afternoon, visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, famously known as the “Bridge in the Sky”, a remarkable colonial-era railway viaduct completed in 1923, stands gracefully amidst dense jungle and tea estates, showcasing remarkable early railway engineering.
The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax at your hotel or to explore Ella’s charming cafes and boutiques, soaking in the tranquil mountain atmosphere.

After breakfast, descend from the highlands to the wild landscapes surrounding Yala National Park, journey southward toward the wild coastal plains of Yala National Park, where untamed landscapes and extraordinary wildlife await. In the afternoon, embark on a safari through Sri Lanka's most celebrated national park in search of leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. The golden afternoon light casts a dramatic glow across the wilderness, enhancing every unforgettable sighting.

After the safari, check in at DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort, overlooking Weerawila Lake. Spend the remainder of the evening at leisure, relax by the infinity pool, savour curated local and international cuisine, or unwind as the peaceful sounds of the lake and distant wilderness create a tranquil end to your adventurous day.

After breakfast, travel along the southern coast to the historic city of Galle. Explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort with its colonial architecture, cobbled streets, ramparts, and ocean views.
Continue to Ahungalle and check in at Heritance Ahungalle, a landmark beachfront resort designed by legendary architect Geoffrey Bawa. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, relaxing by the sea, soak up the tranquil ambiance of the hotel, or take a quiet stroll along the beach.

After breakfast, take a scenic Madampe backwater boat tour, gliding through mangrove-lined canals and rural waterways while observing local life, fishermen at work and soaking in the serene rural landscapes that define this peaceful region.

Following the boat tour, visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, a vital conservation initiative dedicated to protecting endangered sea turtles. Learn about the fascinating life cycle of these marine creatures, see baby turtles being carefully nurtured, and, if conditions allow, witness the magical release of hatchlings into the ocean, a heartwarming and unforgettable experience.
On completion of your tour return to your hotel where the remainder of your day is at leisure. Time to relax by the ocean and take in the tranquil surroundings or take a stroll along the beach as you soak in the calm coastal ambience.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Colombo International Airport for your onward flight, concluding your Sri Lankan journey through ancient heritage sites, hill-country landscapes, wildlife reserves, and tropical coastlines.

• 24/7 back up throughout Sri Lanka
• 10 nights accommodation
• Breakfasts daily
• Transported by air-conditioned vehicle
• English speaking driver/guide
• Entrance fees Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sigiriya Village Tour, Slow Loris Watching, Local Batik Experience (Ena De Silva Batik Factory), Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Kandy Temple, Yala National Park x 1, Madampe Boat Tour, Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery
• Jeep ride at Yala National Park
• Train ticket from Ambewela to Ella
• Sri Lanka Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

• International airfares
• Transfers
• Optional tours and excursions
• Drinks during meals
• Porterage
• Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Personal Expenses
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Visas (unless specified)
• Travel Insurance (compulsory)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above