Highlights of Sri Lanka

Upon your midday arrival, settle in for a relaxing overnight stay at the four-star Arie Lagoon Hotel, a tranquil retreat perfectly positioned between the serene Negombo Lagoon and the Indian Ocean.

Your Sri Lankan adventure truly begins today as the island’s vibrant landscapes and rich cultural heritage gradually reveal themselves. As we journey through the countryside, expect to see lush paddy fields dotted with water buffalo, farmers in traditional sarongs tending their crops, and towering coconut palms swaying in the breeze. Along the way, you might spot majestic elephants, guided by their devoted mahouts, or pass vast pineapple plantations and shimmering lakes nestled within the dense jungle.

A highlight of the day is a visit to the remarkable Dambulla Cave Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most treasured religious landmarks. Carved into a massive granite outcrop, this sacred complex dates back to the 1st century and consists of five extraordinary caves adorned with vividly preserved frescoes and over 150 serene Buddha statues. As you step into the cool, shadowy interior, surrounded by ancient artwork and the watchful gazes of countless golden Buddhas, you can’t help but feel a deep sense of reverence—just as worshippers have for centuries. 

For the next two nights, we’ll unwind in the serene surroundings of Habarana Village by Cinnamon, a four-star retreat set amidst lush gardens and tranquil lakes. This evening, savour a magical Sri Lankan sunset while enjoying a refreshing poolside drink before dinner—an idyllic end to an unforgettable day. 

This morning, we visit what is often considered Sri Lanka’s most breathtaking and iconic monument—Sigiriya, also known as ‘Lion Rock’. Rising 600 feet above the surrounding plains, this colossal granite fortress, with its sheer cliffs and dramatic silhouette, is crowned by the ruins of an ancient royal palace dating back over 1,500 years.

Encircled by a network of moats, ramparts, and beautifully landscaped water gardens, the site is an extraordinary testament to Sri Lanka’s rich history and architectural ingenuity. As we make our way toward the rock, we encounter one of its most captivating features—the ‘Cloud Maidens’, a stunning series of frescoes painted beneath an overhanging rock. These exquisite depictions of elegantly adorned women, bearing offerings of lotus flowers and lilies, are among the country’s most celebrated ancient artworks.

Further ahead, we come face to face with the imposing remnants of Sigiriya’s original entrance—a grand stone gateway once shaped like a lion’s head, through which visitors would ascend to the palace above. Though time has eroded much of this majestic structure, the two massive lion’s paws, with their sharp, extended claws, still stand guard over the path leading to the summit.

For those with a sense of adventure, the climb to the top is an unforgettable experience, offering panoramic views over the lush jungle stretching to the horizon. While the ascent involves a series of steps, it is manageable for those with normal mobility.

After our morning of exploration, the rest of the afternoon is yours to unwind—perhaps with a refreshing dip in the hotel’s pool or simply soaking in the tranquillity of our surroundings. 

As the morning sun rises over Sigiriya, we set off on our journey to Kandy, the former royal capital of Sri Lanka. Along the way, we stop at a captivating spice garden, where the air is rich with the scents of pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon—just a few of the island’s prized botanicals. It’s a sensory delight, offering a glimpse into the deep-rooted traditions of Sri Lankan spice cultivation.

By afternoon, we arrive in Kandy, a city steeped in history and charm. For the next two nights, we settle into the elegant Cinnamon Citadel Hotel, a four-star retreat perched on the banks of the tranquil Mahaweli River. Enveloped by lush, forested hills, the hotel features an inviting riverside pool, a stylish colonnaded lobby, and a cosy bar and restaurant—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. 

Kandy pulses with energy, its lively streets a whirlwind of daily life. Schoolchildren in crisp white uniforms weave through the crowds, while bustling market stalls and shopfronts overflow with everything from fragrant spices to handcrafted souvenirs.

At the heart of the city lies a serene lake, its still waters reflecting the grandeur of the revered Temple of the Tooth. This sacred site, believed to enshrine a relic of Buddha’s tooth, is the holiest Buddhist shrine in Sri Lanka. If timing allows, you may witness one of the mesmerizing ceremonies that take place throughout the day, offering a glimpse into the deep spiritual traditions of the island. 

For a change of pace, set sail on a tranquil journey along the majestic Mahaweli River. Led by an expert naturalist, this private boat ride unveils the rich biodiversity that thrives along its banks. Keep an eye out for flashes of electric blue as kingfishers dart over the water, while water monitor lizards glide stealthily along the shore. If luck is on your side, you might spot porcupines, tortoises, or even wild boar foraging at the water’s edge, alongside herds of grazing water buffalo. 

No visit to Kandy is complete without exploring the outstanding Royal Botanical Gardens. Spanning 150 acres, this lush sanctuary has flourished for over a century and a half, boasting thousands of exotic plant species and towering tropical trees. As we stroll through immaculately kept gardens, shaded avenues, and vibrant flower beds, we may glimpse rare birds and pass historic trees planted by British royalty, including Edward VII, George VI, Princess Anne, and Queen Elizabeth II. The Avenue of Royal Palms and the aptly named ‘Bat Drive’ — where giant fruit bats known as Flying Foxes dangle from the treetops — are particular highlights. The gardens even house the former World War II headquarters of Lord Mountbatten, adding a touch of history to this botanical paradise.

As night falls, we immerse ourselves in Kandy’s rich cultural heritage with a dazzling performance of traditional Sri Lankan dance. The rhythmic drumbeats, elaborate costumes, and acrobatic movements make for an unforgettable evening, celebrating an art form that has been passed down through generations. 

This morning, we bid farewell to Kandy and set off on a journey to Nuwara Eliya, winding through increasingly dramatic mountain landscapes. Along the way, the scenery transforms before our eyes—lush tropical jungle fades into towering pine forests, which then give way to an endless sea of tea plantations. At first, the neatly pruned tea bushes appear in scattered clusters, but soon they dominate every hillside, carpeting the terrain in a velvety green expanse that stretches as far as the eye can see.

By early afternoon, we arrive in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s charming hill station, perched at nearly 7,000 feet above sea level. Fondly known as ‘Little England,’ this highland retreat boasts a cool, spring-like climate, picturesque parks, and even a well-manicured golf course—echoes of its colonial past. For our overnight stay, we check into either the elegant Golden Ridge Hotel or the stately Grand Hotel, both offering a perfect blend of comfort and old-world charm. 

By early afternoon, we arrive in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s charming hill station, perched at nearly 7,000 feet above sea level. Fondly known as ‘Little England,’ this highland retreat boasts a cool, spring-like climate, picturesque parks, and even a well-manicured golf course—echoes of its colonial past. For our overnight stay, we check into either the elegant Golden Ridge Hotel or the stately Grand Hotel, both offering a perfect blend of comfort and old-world charm. 

Leaving behind the rolling hills of Sri Lanka’s tea country, we journey south toward the lowlands, where a heart-warming experience awaits. Our destination is the Elephant Transit Home, nestled within Udawalawe National Park and supported by the UK’s Born Free Foundation. Here, we have the rare opportunity to watch young orphaned elephants being bottle-fed during one of their daily feeding sessions—a touching sight that highlights the country’s dedication to wildlife conservation.

For the next two nights, we settle into the three-star superior Chaarya Resort & Spa, a tranquil retreat conveniently located near the towns of Tissamaharama and Kataragama. Surrounded by lush greenery, this inviting hotel offers the perfect blend of relaxation and comfort as we prepare for more adventures ahead. 

The day begins with an early start, accompanied by the enchanting symphony of a tropical dawn chorus. As the first light filters through the trees and the morning mist fades beneath the rising sun, we set off on an exhilarating safari through Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife reserve.

Aboard rugged 4x4 vehicles, we venture deep into the jungle, where an astonishing variety of wildlife awaits. Yala is renowned for its high concentration of leopards—the island’s apex predator—making it one of the best places in the world to spot these elusive big cats. Unlike in other parts of the world, leopards here are less shy, often seen lounging in trees or stalking through the undergrowth. The park is also home to majestic elephants, saltwater crocodiles, wild boar, sloth bears, monitor lizards, and an incredible array of birdlife.

After an exciting morning in the wild, we return for a well-earned late breakfast. The rest of the day is yours to unwind—perhaps by lounging at the hotel’s pool—before the option to embark on a second safari in the early evening (available to book locally).