Fly from the UK to Colombo on an international flight. On arrival, meet our expert local team for a warm welcome and transfer to your hotel in the capital. After a long journey, take time to relax and unwind at your hotel. If time allows, explore Colombo’s lively streets, colonial architecture, and oceanfront promenades, giving you a first taste of Sri Lanka’s unique charm.

After breakfast, travel to Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka. Nestled among misty hills, Kandy is home to the revered Temple of the Tooth, which houses one of Buddhism’s most sacred relics. In the evening, experience a cultural performance showcasing traditional Kandyan dance and drumming.

En route to Nuwara Eliya, take a scenic drive through rolling tea plantations and visit a tea factory to witness the production of the world-famous Ceylon tea. Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as ‘Little England,’ offers a cool climate, colonial-era charm, and picturesque gardens, making it the perfect retreat in the hills.

Rise early for a trek through Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity. Walk through grasslands and cloud forests to reach World’s End, a dramatic 3,700-foot escarpment with panoramic views. Keep an eye out for sambar deer and a variety of endemic bird species along the way.

Descend from the highlands and journey to Udawalawe, one of Sri Lanka’s top wildlife reserves. Renowned for its large elephant population, this park offers an incredible opportunity to observe these gentle giants roaming freely in their natural habitat. Enjoy an afternoon safari with an expert guide, where you may also spot buffalo, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

Visit the Elephant Transit Home, a rehabilitation center for orphaned elephants, where young calves are nurtured before being released back into the wild. Continue to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserve, home to one of the highest densities of leopards in the world. Embark on an exhilarating afternoon safari in search of these elusive big cats, along with sloth bears, spotted deer, and vibrant birdlife.

Head out at dawn for another safari in Yala, when wildlife is most active. The park’s diverse landscapes, from dense jungle to open grasslands and coastal lagoons, provide an incredible backdrop for spotting Sri Lanka’s diverse fauna. After the safari, return to your hotel to relax or explore the surrounding area at your leisure.

Travel along the southern coastline to the historic city of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the charming streets of the Dutch-built Galle Fort, lined with boutique shops, cafés, and colonial-era architecture. Continue to Bentota, a stunning beach destination known for its golden sands and tranquil lagoons, where you can unwind after days of adventure.

Enjoy a full day at leisure on the beaches of Bentota or Ahungalla. Whether you prefer to bask in the sun, take a boat safari through the mangrove forests of the Madu River, or indulge in a traditional Ayurvedic spa treatment, this is the perfect place to rejuvenate before your journey home.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international flight back to the UK. Reflect on an incredible journey filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences as you head home.

Low season from £2,980 per person.

Including international flights.