Day 1Upon arriving in Sri Lanka, transfer to the Ice Bear, a characterful guesthouse located in Negombo, just a few minutes drive from the airport. This is an ideal location from which to explore Negombo’s vibrant cultural heritage: 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; experience Negombo’s Colonial heritage including Catholic churches and the ruins of the Dutch Fort.

Day 2 & 3Today you head to Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle and check into Kassapa Lions Rock, the only hotel in the Cultural Triangle with magnificent views of both the gigantic Sigirya Rock and the Pidurangala rock, situated side by side. Explore the ancient ruins of the Sigiriya Fortress built in the 5th century by King Kassapa. The ruins of the fortress upon the huge rock, the wall frescoes, and the symmetrical royal gardens surrounding the rock are amazing feats of this period. 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 colossal figure of the recumbent Buddha carved out of the rock. The adventurous might want to attempt the climb to Pidurangala accompanied by the hotel’s naturalist.

Day 4 & 5The 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. It was here that the oral teachings of the Buddha were committed to writing – the Tripitika - for the first time. For your next two nights, we recommend you stay at the Kandy Cottage, a small guesthouse situated at the edge of the Udawattekelle forest. Go on a nature trek through the jungles of Udawattekelle which is home to numerous species of birds and butterflies. 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. During the month of August, Kandy dazzles for ten days with the sounds and lights of the Kandy Perehara – a magnificent procession where the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha from the Temple of the Tooth is majestically paraded on elephant back along the streets of Kandy.

Day 6 & 7Today you journey 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 Haputale, a small village in the southern highlands perched on a ridge with magnificent sweeping views. Travel via Ella where you can visit the Rawana Ella Falls and the Rawana Ella Cave, in which according to legend, the demon king of Sri Lanka, Ravana, imprisoned Rama’s wife Sita. Check-in to Kelbourne Mountain View Cottages in the late afternoon for a two-night stay. The views from Kelbourne extend over five provinces including the eastern, southern, Sabaragamuwa and Uva province which are the central highlands. Stroll through the Kelburne Tea plantation and perhaps 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 8 & 9Journey onto the south east of Sri Lanka. Visit Buduruvagala to see Sri Lanka's tallest rock-cut Buddha statue before reaching the southern town of Tissamaharama where you will stay two nights at Priyankara Hotel. Tissamaharama, dominated by lakes and ancient Buddhist dagobas, lush green paddy fields and lotus-filled lakes has much to see. We also recommend a visit the sacred jungle shrine of 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. Go on an adventurous wildlife safari to the Yala National Park. Yala’s scrub plains, lagoons and rocky areas offer the best chance to see Sri Lanka’s ‘big three’: elephant, leopard and water buffalo. It is estimated that Yala is home to about 35 leopards, making it one of the world's densest leopard populations. Spottings are quite regular. Countless other animals including sloth bear, deer, wild boar, crocodiles, monkeys and numerous species of birds can also be seen.

Day 10, 11 & 12Today you head to the southern fishing village of Tangalle with secluded cove-like beaches and turquoise waters. Relax and enjoy three 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 13 & 14Your next destination is the historic city of Galle where you will spend two nights at Mama’s situated within Galle’s 17th century Dutch Fort - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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. Hours can be spent exploring the maze of narrow streets lined with Dutch and British period buildings still in use, the sturdy ramparts looking out to sea, the growing collection of art galleries, antique shops, cafes and restaurants. There are some fine beaches just outside of the Fort including Wijaya, Unawatuna, Mirissa and Hikkaduwa where safe swimming is possible and several watersports are on offer including surfing, snorkelling, and 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 jungle valleys eventually finding yourself on `Jungle Beach’ - a little known and secluded beach.