Upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, you will be met and greeted by a SerenDestiny Tours representative and transferred to Negombo (Approximately 30min)

Rise early and drive to Dambulla, where you will spend the next two nights. Settle into your hotel and in the late afternoon, head out for one of the highlights of any visit to Sri Lanka, the ruins of the magnificent palace of Sigiriya (Lion Rock). This dramatic rocky outcrop, rising from the surrounding plains is topped by a ruined palace. It's a good workout to get to the top – your guide will share stories of the ancient civilization that once lived atop the rock as you mount up, and the sight at the top makes it well worth the climb. In the evening, return to Dambulla.

Special Information

Today's total driving time is approximately 5 hours.

From the Lion's Paw there is a steep, 30-minute climb over often narrow walkways and steps to reach all the points of interest at the site. Those who do not want to climb can wait at the Lion's Paw until the rest of the group return. You must climb to access sites like the water garden, boulder garden, frescoes and the mirror wall.

In the morning, you proceed to Polonnaruwa (approximately 1.5 hours), the capital of the Indian Chola Dynasty after Anuradhapura was conquered in the late 10th century. These ruins are generally better repaired than most. Cycling amid the remains of the 1000-year-old Polonnaruwa is the best way to get around. Once the heat of the day has eased, you will visit more palaces, temples, and stupas. A likely highlight will be the massive stone Buddhas: 14-metre-high granite carvings of the iconic reclining Buddha which represent the zenith of Sinhalese rock carving. You will also visit the well-laid-out museum, which has scale models of many of the buildings to show how they would have existed in their time.

Return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Optional Activities

Minneriya /Kaudulla National Park Jeep Safari

This morning you will take a short drive to the incredible Dambulla Cave Temple. Here you will discover five caves filled with around 150 beautiful statues and paintings of Buddha – some as many as 2000 years old. Explore the wonderful cave complex as your guide explains why this World Heritage-listed site has been a place of worship for thousands of years. In the afternoon, start your journey to Kandy. Along the way, stop off in the city of Matale where you will visit a local spice garden and learn about the spices that have played such a significant role in Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.

Continue to Kandy where you will have a free evening to explore. Though it is the second-largest city in the country, Kandy maintains a laidback atmosphere. Perhaps take a peaceful stroll around the city’s centerpiece lake.

Visit Dalada Maligawa (the Temple of the Tooth), which houses the country's most sacred relic: a tooth said to have belonged to the Buddha. Pilgrims have been coming to pay homage to this site since the 16th century. Evening witnesses the cultural show.

Special Information

Today’s total driving time is approximately 3.5 hours.

Please note that there are many steps to the caves and a dress code which requires you to remove your shoes and cover up your shoulders and legs at religious sites.

Unwind at your wellness Centre while enjoying the breathtaking view of Knuckles Mountain and have a relaxing Ayurvedic session in the morning.

Daily activities and Ayurveda wellness experience continues.

Daily activities and Ayurveda wellness experience continues.

Depart Kandy and board a morning train bound for Nuwara Eliya. Nestled even deeper into tea plantation country, Nuwara Eliya sits at an elevation of 1800 meters, making it one of the coolest regions in Sri Lanka. Favored by the Scots and English during the colonial-era, remnants of the past can be seen in sculpted gardens and manor homes decorating the city today.

In the evening head to the sky-scraping Single Tree temple and embark on a 40-minute hike, taking in spectacular views of the surrounding hills and tea fields.

Special Information

Today’s train journey is approximately 3.5 hours. Train tickets from Kandy to Nanu Oya are in very high demand, especially during the high season (December - April, and August). While we always try our best to secure tickets, on the rare occasion that we cannot you will be provided with a private vehicle.

Make a morning visit to the Pedro Tea Estate. Built in 1885, this fascinating factory still features some original pieces of machinery. You will have a new appreciation for your humble morning brew after learning about the production process and discovering how the finest tea leaves are transformed into Ceylon black tea. If touring the factory inspires a thirst, you will have the chance to sample some of the final product yourself.

Thereafter, make your way to the sacred town of Yala. On the way there, make a stop at a beautiful small town in the highlands, Ella. Here, you can visit Ella Gap which offers beautiful vistas out across the plains.

Special Information

Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.

Special Information

In the morning, head to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka's premier wildlife reserve. Here you will board a 4x4 and embark on a safari through open grasslands, lush forest, and tranquil lagoons. Your guide will carefully listen out for the rustling of concealed animals that would go unnoticed by those unaware. There is a good chance of spotting crocodiles, elephants, monkeys, and buffaloes and if you are lucky, you may even spot a leopard – the park is considered one of the best places in the world to see these ever-elusive beauties.

Thereafter, proceed to your hotel in Talalla

Today’s total driving time is approximately 3.3 hours.

Daily activities and Yoga wellness experience continues.

Daily activities and Yoga wellness experience continues.

After breakfast, proceed to Colombo via Galle.

In the evening, you take a panoramic city tour in Colombo. As the capital city of Sri Lanka, Colombo holds the lifeblood of our island amidst a bustling array of cultural, shopping, and dining experiences. At the heart of the city is the picturesque Beira Lake, which hosts the Seema Malaka and adjacent Gangaramaya Temples against the backdrop of Colombo’s rising futuristic skyline. A step back in time however, is best taken at the National Museum – a refurbished mansion of a colonial governor, which sits close to the lush Viharamahadevi Park as well as the historic Independence Square.

Special Information

Today’s total driving time is approximately 5 hours.

After breakfast proceed to the airport. (Approximate Duration 1hrs)