Day 1Upon arriving in Sri Lanka transfer to Ranweli Lodge north of Negombo and less than 30 minutes from the Airport. A short ferry ride across a scenic river glides you to the hotel situated in a peninsula surrounded by two rivers, a lagoon and the Indian Ocean. Relax and unwind amidst this natural setting.

Day 2 & 3Travel to The Cultural Triangle where you will spend two nights at Palm Garden Village in Anuradhapura – Sri Lanka’s first capital, which was the greatest monastic city of the ancient world and was ruled from the 4thcentury B.C. to 11th century A.D. by more than 100 Sri Lankan kings. En route you will visit Yapahuwa, an ancient temple and palace built on a rock and dating back to the 13th century B.C and described by the Insight Guide to Sri Lanka as "one of the great architectural wonders of the island”. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Anuradhapura consists of a large number of sacred Buddhist sites including dagobas (gigantic dome-like structures), monasteries, palaces and the ancient Bo Tree, grown from the original tree in Budda Gaya under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Just 13 kms away is Mihintale, one of Sri Lanka’s most significant religious sites, where Buddhism originated on the island in 247 BC.

Day 4 & 5Head 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 repair. 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, another of Sri Lanka's UNESCO world heritage sites. 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. Two to three hours can easily 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 colourful 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 metre long, colossal figure of the recumbent Buddha carved out of the rock.

Day 6 & 7The journey from the cultural triangle to Sri Lanka's hill capital - the small lakeside city of Kandy - will occupy most of the morning. On the way, visit the ancient Aluvihara rock temple, located in Matale. Aluvihara is of great significance in the history of Buddhism. It was here that the oral teachings of the Buddha were committed to writing – the Tripitika - for the first time in 3rd century AD. Once in Kandy, relax at The Tree of Life hotel which sprawls across 64 acres of woody, hilly terrain - a haven of solitude.

Visit the 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) 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 8 & 9Today you head to Haputale in the highlands, a stirring land of lush tea plantations, majestic peaks and rushing waterfalls. Haputale was one of the favourite haunts of the tea millionaire Sir Thomas Lipton. Check into Kelbourne Mountain View Cottages for a two-night stay. The views from Kelbourne extend over five provinces including the eastern, southern, Sabaragamuva and Uva province which are the central highlands. On a clear day you can see Uda Walawe, Handapangala and Tissamaharama reservoirs and several mountain peaks including the highest, Pidurutalagala, which stands 7,400 feet above sea level. Stroll through the Kelbourne Tea plantation with the tea-leaf weighing station just at the entrance to the Cottages. 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 Ceylon Tea. Adisham, a Benedictine Monastery, and several waterfalls including Dunhinda, Diyaluma, and Ravana Ella are all located nearby in the towns of Haputale and Ella.

Day 10 & 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. Stay over night 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 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. A scenic backdrop to Tissa town is provided by the sprawling Tissa Wewa (ancient reservoir known locally as “tanks”) built by King Kavantissa 2,300 years ago as well as the Debara Wewa located near by.  These reservoirs provide life to the surrounding villages as well as attracting many species of water birds.  Several ancient Buddhist temples including the Maha Stupa, Sandagiri dagoba and monastery complex, Yatala and the Menik dagobas are all located nearby as well as an archeological Museum that provides a glimpse into the ancient Ruhunu kingdom.

If you wish, you can visit the Yala National Park located nearby.  With a total protected area of 126,768 hectares, Yala consists of scrub plains, lagoons and rocky sections and offers the broadest cross-section of the country’s flora and fauna.    Look for herds of elephants, sloth bear, crocodiles, wild boar, wild buffalo, peacocks, jackals, monkeys, porcupines, leopards and varieties of deer, as well as numerous bird species.

Day 12, 13, 14 & 15Those wishing to explore how Buddhism has influenced the ancient principles of Ayurveda may wish to travel along the coast until you Beruwala and spend four nights at the Muthumuni Ayurveda Beach Resort immersing themselves in holistic wellness and balance of body and mind through the ancient healing wisdom of Ayurveda, Yoga, meditation and Buddhist discussions. Should you wish to opt for a more traditional beach hotel or villa, we are entirely flexible and you can choose from our extensive and appealing range.

En route, we recommend that you visit Galle’s 17th Century Dutch Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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 where you can stop by for lunch.