Day 1Upon arriving in Sri Lanka, transfer to the Ayobowan Guesthouse, a characterful and much-praised guesthouse in the relaxed seaside town of Negombo, just a few minutes drive from the airport. Ride on a catamaran as it sets sail in to the sunset, take a boat ride along the centuries-old Dutch canals that wind through the town and experience Negombo’s colonial heritage.

Day 2 & 3Head to Sigiriya in the Cultural Triangle. Stay two nights at Back of Beyond Pidurangala, an eco-retreat situated at the base of the gigantic Pidurangala and a few minutes away from the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Back of Beyond is a birders’ paradise with more than 100 species of birds including several endemics. Spotted deer, sambur, and even the occasional wild elephant can be spotted in these jungles, if you’re lucky. Take an early morning jungle trek up Pidurangala rock accompanied by a naturalist. Sigiriya rock fortress is just a ten minute walk down the road. Built in the 5C AD by King Kasyapa as a fortress-palace, Sigiriya is one of the most dramatic, inspiring and beautiful historical locations in the world. Worthy of being called the eighth wonder of the world, Sigiriya astounds many with its staggering ancient engineering on and around the cliff face and sweeping views from the summit. Visit the recently opened Sigiriya archeological museum situated nearby. We also recommend a visit to the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa, which was Sri Lanka’s royal medieval capital between the late 11th and 13th century. After visiting Polannaruwa museum, which will provide an overview of this ancient city and its heritage, move onto exploring the ruins themselves. Put on your Indiana Jones hat and clamber through forest and undergrowth to discover the ruins of Ritigala, or head off to one of the tourist-free nature reserves towards the east coast.

Day 4The journey from the Cultural Triangle to Sri Lanka's hill capital - the small lakeside city of Kandy - will occupy most of the morning. Stay overnight at the Kandy Cottage situated just 10 minutes away from Kandy town. Explore the city of Kandy, steeped in history and culture. Walk around the tranquil Kandy Lake and visit the Temple of the Tooth which has a sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha enshrined here since 4th Century A.D. Religious services (pooja) are held daily at dawn, mid-day, and in the evening where guests can participate. The services are accompanied with traditional music and drumming.

Day 5 & 6Journey to the southern highlands, a stirring land of lush tea plantations, majestic peaks and rushing waterfalls. We recommend you jump aboard the train – one of the great rail journeys in the world. Your driver will transport your luggage by car. Your destination is Ella, a small village in the southern highlands perched on a ridge with magnificent sweeping views. Check-in to Ambiente for a two-night stay; the views from your terrace are astonishing. Trek to the magnificent Ravana Ella situated at the edge of a forest reserve with several ancient caves. Nature lovers will enjoy a visit to the Tangamale Bird Sanctuary home to numerous species of birds and butterflies. Adisham, a Benedictine Monastery, and several other waterfalls including Dunhinda and Diyaluma are all located nearby in Ella, Bandarawela, and Haputale.

Day 11 & 12Travel inland and then to the south east of Sri Lanka. En route, visit Buduruvagala to see Sri Lanka's tallest rock-cut Buddha statue. Travel onto the coastal town of Tangalle with secluded cove-like beaches and turquoise waters. Relax and enjoy two nights at Mangrove Garden set on a beautiful secluded beach. Visit Rekuwa, a small fishing village just a few minutes walk away where a fascinating marine turtle conservation project is helping to save this endangered species. We recommend visiting the project at night with a conservation guide. If you are lucky you will see one of the giant turtles swim ashore to lay its eggs.

Day 13Head to the capital city of Colombo for your final night’s stay at the Lake Lodge, a stylish guest house with a central location. Colombo is a compact and manageable city that is easily explored. Shops, restaurants, Buddhist temples and Hindu Kovils, art galleries, and the National Museum are all just a few minutes away. Experience Colombo’s colonial architecture with a visit to the Fort - Colombo's three-mile long rampart cordoning off the area covered by today’s Fort and Pettah. Fort was originally built in the sixteenth century by the Portuguese and then further developed by the Dutch and the British. Today, it is the commercial hub of the country, consisting of government offices, banks, five-star hotels and the country’s largest wholesale bazaar, which sells a huge range of items. In the Fort many of the old colonial buildings still stand alongside a slowly modernizing skyline.