Day 1, 2 & 3Upon arriving in Sri Lanka, transfer direct to The Mud House, a secluded eco retreat nestled at the foot of the ancient Paramakanda Rock temple in Anamaduwa in the North West district of Puttalam. The drive from the airport will take about two and a half hours. Set amidst six acres of remote wilderness, tranquil lakes and abundant fauna and flora, a stay at the Mud House is truly an experience of Sri Lanka's natural beauty within a typical rural setting. The surrounding areas offer many interesting and adventurous activities. The lake adjacent to the Mud House is ideal for swimming or bird watching. The Paramankanda Rock Temple has ancient frescoes, rock inscriptions and Buddha statues that are being studied by the Archeological Department. Explore the surrounding villages on foot or on a bike and experience rural village life. Other activities include bird watching, mangrove and lagoon boat rides, and day trips to the ancient capitals of Yapahuwa, Panduwasnuwara, and Anuradhapura.

Day 4 & 5This morning you head to Sigiriya situated within 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 over 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 the naturalist. Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 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. Add an Indiana Jones feel to your stay by clambering up the steps of Ritilgala, an ancient Buddhist retreat surrounded by trees and replete with birds and butterflies. If time permits, visit the Minneriya National Park where wild elephant can be seen on the shores of the lake, with herds at their largest in the driest season in August/September.

Day 6 & 7After breakfast, journey to Sri Lanka's hill capital - the small lakeside city of Kandy. The journey will tale approximately 2.5 hours. Visit the historic Temple of the Tooth where a sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha is enshrined since 4th Century A.D. 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. Travel on to the scenic Knuckles range of mountains where you will spend two nights at the Rangala House. The Knuckles wilderness is home to numerous species of birds, butterflies, and animals such as deer and wild boar. Explore the immediate surroundings of Rangala House and the nearby Dukwari Tea estate and tea factory. Visit the Deenstone Park, 'Mini World's End', and Corbet's Gap with nature trails and magnificent views. The Victoria Golf and Country Club located 45 minutes away, offers a wide range of recreational facilities including an 18-hole golf course, Putting green and practice range, floodlit tennis court, and Saddle club and horse safaris.

Day 8, 9 & 10Today you travel across the island to the East Coast fishing village of Arugam Bay where you will stay three nights at the Stardust Beach Hotel. En route stop at Dambana in Mahiyangana and visit Sri Lanka’s indigenous inhabitants, the Veddas or Wanniya-laeto (forest-dwellers). The Veddas preserve a direct line of descent from the islands’ original Neolithic community dating from at least 16,000 BC. The few remaining Vedda communities are determined that their way of life will continue into future generations and still retains much of their own distinctive cultural identity, indigenous language, a traditional lifestyle and occupations including hunting, honey gathering, and chena cultivation. Travel on to the East Coast and once you reach Arugam Bay, relax and unwind at the laid back Stardust Beach Hotel. Listed as one of 10 top surf spots in the world, Arugam Bay also known as AbaY, is a popular haunt for surfers especially during the peak season between July and August. There are several popular point breaks including Ullah Point, Pottuvil Point, Surf Point, Peanut Farm Point, and Crocodile Rock. Waves of up to 5–6ft offer up to a 400 metre `ride’ and the relatively isolated beaches are a major attraction to surfers. Explore the nearby Pottuvil lagoon, home to monitor lizards, monkeys, and numerous species of birds. Trek through wilderness to the ruins of the Kudumbigala jungle monastery which dates back to the 2nd century BC with rock caves, inscriptions, ruins of stone buildings and spectacular views.

Day 11Today 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. Travel onto Kirinda and check into the Yala Village hotel which boarders the Yala National Park and the beautiful beaches of the south east coast of Sri Lanka. By dusk, set off on an adventurous safari into the Yala National Park which offers the broadest cross-section of the country’s flora and fauna and. In terms of game-viewing, this is probably the best place to see all of the ‘big three’ – elephant, leopard and water buffalo.

Day 12, 13, & 14The journey southwards continues to Galle, one of our favourite corners in this magical island, for a three-night beach stay at Rockside Cabanas situated nearby Unawatuna and just a few kilometres to the east of Galle. Experience Unawatuna's characterful lifestyle. Relax by the waters of the Indian Ocean, surf and snorkel, eat out at small cafes and restaurants, and visit bars that come alive with music at night. Watersports include deep-sea fishing, catamaran and boat rides, surfing, and snorkelling. Scuba diving is immensely rewarding in Sri Lanka and around Galle there are some of the country's best dive spots. Run by PADI centers, based in Unawatuna diving is suitable for beginners to advanced. Spotting bright corals and exotic fish is easy and there is the opportunity to go both cave diving and wreck diving. High on the headland of Unawatuna Bay is Rhumassala Temple. With beautiful views stretching out over the Indian Ocean a walk around the headland near the temple is very special. Famed for the natural medicinal herbs nearby you will walk through hidden villages and verdant wooded valleys eventually finding yourself on `Jungle Beach' - a little known and secluded beach. Galle's historic 17th century Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is just 15 minutes away. Much of the old Fort, a small walled city with about 300 homes and an old-world feel, still remain with its well preserved bastions, public buildings, churches, lighthouse and a maze of narrow streets. Several hours can be spent wandering through the narrow streets and along the ramparts, browsing through art galleries and sipping lime sodas on the verandah of Galle Fort hotel.