The Grand Sri Lanka Experience

Sri Lanka is an island of extraordinary contradictions and breathtaking diversity — where ancient sacred cities rise from the jungle, wild elephants roam free across open plains, misty mountains roll endlessly into the clouds, and golden beaches stretch to the warm horizon of the Indian Ocean. This magnificent eleven day journey has been crafted to show you every remarkable face of this incredible island — in an itinerary that flows naturally from one extraordinary experience to the next with the perfect balance of ancient history, thrilling wildlife, stunning natural scenery, vibrant culture, and pure tropical relaxation.

Your adventure begins in the heart of Sri Lanka’s legendary Cultural Triangle — the ancient and sacred region that contains the greatest concentration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, archaeological wonders, and historical treasures on the entire island. Over three unforgettable days based in Habarana you will climb the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress — one of the most awe inspiring ancient monuments in all of Asia — explore the breathtaking Dambulla Cave Temple with its 22 centuries of sacred Buddhist art, and wander the magnificent ruins of Polonnaruwa — Sri Lanka’s extraordinary second ancient capital where a medieval civilisation of remarkable sophistication left behind some of the greatest works of art and architecture in the ancient world. The legendary elephant gathering at nearby Minneriya National Park — one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth — awaits as an unforgettable optional evening adventure.

From the ancient north the journey carries you south to Kandy — the proud and magnificent cultural capital of Sri Lanka and the last great kingdom of the Sinhalese. Two rich and rewarding days in this extraordinary city allow you to visit the most sacred Buddhist shrine in Sri Lanka, stroll through the world famous Royal Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya, discover the island’s legendary gemstone heritage, and experience the most spectacular traditional dance performance in Asia — a breathtaking evening of Kandyan drumming, elaborate costumed dancers, and breathtaking fire walking that is unlike anything else you will see on your journey.

The road then climbs into the misty central highlands — through cascading waterfalls, fragrant spice gardens, and endless rolling tea plantations — to the charming colonial hill town of Nuwara Eliya, affectionately known as Little England. Perched at nearly 2,000 metres above sea level and draped in the perpetual romance of cool mountain mist, Nuwara Eliya is a place of timeless beauty and unexpected colonial charm that provides the perfect gateway to the most celebrated rail journey in the world — the legendary hill country train ride from Nanu Oya to the beloved hilltop town of Ella. The iconic Nine Arch Bridge, the breathtaking mountain vistas, and the wonderfully cool and unhurried atmosphere of Ella make it one of the most magical and memorable stops on the entire itinerary.

The adventure then takes you south to the legendary wilderness of Yala National Park — home to the highest density of wild leopards of any national park on earth — for a thrilling jeep safari through one of Asia’s greatest and most spectacular natural wildernesses. Wild elephants, sloth bears, enormous saltwater crocodiles, and hundreds of extraordinary bird species all share this magnificent landscape making every moment in the park a potential encounter of breathtaking natural wonder.

The final chapter of your extraordinary journey unfolds along Sri Lanka’s stunning and sun drenched southern coastline — two glorious days of pure tropical bliss on some of the most beautiful beaches in the Indian Ocean, with the optional and deeply moving experience of watching endangered sea turtles in their natural coastal environment. The journey concludes with a fascinating city tour of Colombo — Sri Lanka’s vibrant, diverse, and endlessly fascinating commercial capital — before your departure from the island that will have captured your heart completely and irrevocably.

Eleven days. One extraordinary island. A lifetime of memories.