Day 1Upon arriving in Sri Lanka transfer to Horathapola Estate, a tranquil colonial-style estate bungalow set amidst a fruit and spice plantation located just 45 minutes north of the international airport. Relax and unwind here after your long flight.

Day 2 & 3Your destination this morning is Yapahuwa, described by the Insight Guide to Sri Lanka as "one of the great architectural wonders of the island.” Climb an impressive staircase, decorated by murals and guarded by lions, to what remains of the palace. If time permits visit Sasseruwa, an ancient cave monastery possessing a striking Buddha statue. Then onward to Aukana, where the Buddha stands 42 feet high.  It is the best preserved statue in Sri Lanka. As night falls, proceed to Anuradhapura and check in at Palm Garden Village. Early next morning, if you wish, you can climb 1,840 steps, high above the palm trees, with the pilgrims to the summit of Mihantale rock. Minihtale is the cradle of Buddhism. The pagodas and monastic cave dwellings are more easily experienced. Thereafter, visit the fabulous 'Mahakanadarawa' stone bridge, which dates back to the 7th century and is situated in the midst of the forest.

After lunch drive to Anuradhapura: the royal capital of 113 ancient kings and once the greatest monastic city of the world. It served as Sri Lanka's capital for around 1,400 years until Polonnaruwa took over in 1073. Archaeologists in the 18th century felt they were discovering a lost city, and you will understand why as you gaze upon the remains of the palaces, statues and pleasure gardens. Back to Palm Garden Village for the night.

Day 4, 5 & 6

Head to Polonnaruwa the famous medieval capital. Here, the tourists rightly flock.  After visiting Polannaruwa museum, the afternoon is given over to an exploration of Polannaruwa itself. Polonnuruwa became Sri Lanka’s royal medieval capital in 1073 and remained Sri Lanka’s capital until the late 13th century.  Today, the ancient city’s ruins remain in remarkably good nick, and are a fascinating site to visit. The most impressive are the ancient sculptures of Lord Buddha at the Gal Viahara cut into Granite stone dating back to the middle of the 12th century.  The entire sculpture consists of four colossal statues of Buddha - a samadhi image in meditation posture, a seated Buddha image inside a cave, a standing Buddha image which is 23 ft in height, and recumbent Buddha image measuring 46 ft, depicting the passing away.   Travel on to Sigiriya for a three nights stay at Sigiriva Village situated just minutes from the Sigiriya rock fortress.

Rise early and climb the magnificent Sigiriya Rock is another of Sri Lanka's UNESCO world heritage sites and no matter how often you climb to the summit of this one-time fortress of the murderous, maverick, yet brilliant Sinhalese king, Kassapa, the pleasure barely diminishes.  Many scholars believe that Kassapa sought to rule as a God-king. About two hours can happily be spent walking through its water gardens, and then up the steep steps - either hewn out of the rock or on circular iron staircases - past the frescoes. You will be in no rush to abandon the spectacular views at the summit.

Dambulla Cave Temple is also a must-see with its rock ceiling covered in one large sweep of colorful frescoes, some of which dates back to over 2,000 years. This cave temple has the largest number of Buddha statues all housed in one place including a 14 meter long, colossal figure of the recumbent Buddha carved out of the rock.

Day 7 & 8After breakfast drive through the Knuckles mountain range to Kandy, capital of the hill country. Check into Amaya Hills where you will be spending two nights. Kandy, officially a city, but more a lakeside hill town has so much appeal. The sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha is enshrined here since 4th century A.D. within the Dalanda Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Tooth. The temple has decorative walls, a golden roof and fine woodwork. Religious services (pooja) with traditional music and drumming are held daily at dawn, mid-day and in the evening where guests can participate.

Visit a gem museum and see how precious gems are cut, polished and set into intricate pieces of jewellery and learn of Kandy's rich ancient arts and crafts including drum making, Dumbara mat waving, and traditional Kandyan dance and drumming. Kandy's age-old Botanical gardens, with its orchid collection and formally laid-out trees, is also a delight. Visit the British cemetery, where the tombs include that of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, and look in at the Archaeological Museum.

Day 9 & 10This morning you hop on aboard a train and head to Haputale in the tea-growing Southern Highlands – a land of lush tea plantations, majestic peaks and rushing waterfalls. Haputale is one of the favourite haunts of the tea millionaire Sir Thomas Lipton. Check into Kelburne Mountain View Cottages and spend your time here savouring the magnificent views. Stroll through the Kelburne Tea plantation and visit the tea factory where you will gain insight into the manufacturing process as well as an opportunity to taste and purchase the different grades of hill country tea. Adisham - a Benedictine Monastery with a century old stone buildings, several waterfalls including Dunhinda, Diyaluma, and Ravana Ella are all located nearby in the towns of Haputale and Ella.

Day 11 & 12Today you travel to the southeast of Sri Lanka, an undeveloped and wonderfully rustic corner of the island famous for its huge game reserves, vast sugar cane and paddy fields, as well as a rich cultural heritage. En route, visit Buduruvagala to see Sri Lanka's tallest rock-cut Buddha statue, 51 ft. in height, and other Mahayana Buddhist statues dating back to the 8th-century AD. Stay two nights at Mandara Rosen in Kataragama. Visit the sacred jungle shrine of Kataragama located nearby. This holy shrine was built by the warrior King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century B.C. to pay homage to God Kataragama. This shrine is worshipped by people of many faiths. Each day at specific times, the shrines come alive when poojas (devotions) are presented to the Gods. The baskets filled with fruit and flowers, the aromas from burning incense and oil lamps, the sounds of dashing coconuts, clanging bells and continuous chanting all combine to provide a mesmerizing experience. Visit the serene and tranquil town of Tissamaharama (or “Tissa” as it is most frequently referred to), which was the capital of the ancient Ruhunu Kingdom in the 2nd century B.C. Tissa is dominated by lakes and gigantic semi-circle shaped Buddhist Dagobas (temples), lush green paddy fields and lotus-filled lakes.

Day 13 & 14Travel along the scenic south coast to the historic city of Galle where you will spend two nights in the Galle Fort Hotel which began life as a 17th Century Dutch villa, now a fully restored boutique hotel offering magnificent accommodation in the heart of the Galle Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is an ideal base from which to explore its heritage and see life unfolds each morning within the Fort. This small walled city with about 300 homes and an old-world feel, still remain with its well preserved bastions, public buildings, churches, and lighthouse. Hours can be spent exploring the maze of narrow streets lined with quaint houses, Dutch and British period buildings still in use, the growing collection of art galleries, antique shops and restaurants. There are some fine beaches just outside of the Fort including Wijeya, Unawatuna, Mirissa and Hikkaduwa.

Day 15Travel on to the capital, Colombo, after breakfast. En route enjoy the breathtaking views of the West Coast beaches. Next stop is Brief Garden in Kalawila, an enchanting garden and undulating landscape of paddies and scattered villages on a hillside designed by Bevis Bawa, the brother of Geoffrey, Sri Lanka’s most revered architect. Travel on to Colombo and check into the Galle Face Hotel. This is an ideal base from which to explore Colombo’s colonial history during the Portuguese, Dutch and the British periods in Sri Lanka. Interesting sites include the Fort and Pettah, the capital’s largest bazaar, several old Dutch churches, the National Museum and the Dutch Museum. The capital is also famous for its shopping, especially Paradise Road, Barefoot and ODEL.