AYUBOWAN-! Welcome to Sri Lanka, one of the most fascinating destinations in the whole world. Upon arrival at Katunayake CMB Airport, you will meet your tour leader and then you will be transferred to your hotel. The capital city of Colombo has an interesting history running back to the fifth century. Even in ancient times, this was an important port city in the East-West sea trade. Nowadays it has become a bustling modern town with a unique atmosphere. The colourful streets, restaurants and modern shopping malls attract hordes of locals and tourists alike. In Colombo, you have the opportunity to visit the most highlighted places in the city. Overnight stay in Colombo.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast with a hot cup of Sri Lankan tea or a coffee, you will take a journey across the stunning Sri Lankan countryside towards Dambulla city, which is the central point of the cultural triangle in the island. En-route, you may also visit the Millenium Elephant Foundation, originally created in order to protect and look after the wild elephants found wandering in and around the forests of Sri Lanka. It is always a pleasant experience to give them a bath at the nearby river.

Upon arrival at Dambulla, you'll enjoy a wonderful cultural village tour while exploring the beautiful countryside (INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE). It will start with a Bullock Cart ride, one of the most ancient and prime transportation systems in Sri Lanka, still used in some villages. While on the tour you will also enjoy a canoeing boat ride across the lake and a TukTuk drive, finally you will reach a farmer’s house where you will experience the typical Sri Lankan countryside hospitality.

Thereafter, you will visit famous Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE), where you may capture the beautiful scenery of sun setting. King Kasyapa (477 – 495 BC) built his palace on the top of this rock and decorated its sides with colorful frescoes . Sigiriya refuses to reveal its secrets easily; in fact you have to climb a series of vertiginous staircases to reach the top. On the way you’ll pass quite remarkable frescoes and a pair of colossal lion paws carved into the bedrock. Overnight stay in a nature-friendly resort- Dambulla.

In the morning, you will visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE). In 1070 King Vijayabahu chose this place as his kingdom, one of the most ancient in the history of Sri Lanka. Cycling through Polonnaruwa ancient sites is a wonderful experience.

Afterwards, you will be heading to Minneriya/Kaudulla National Park for an afternoon 4x4 jeep safari, since it is the best time to spot wild elephants in their natural habitat. If you're up for a serious rumble in the jungle, then Minneriya/Kaudulla is your ideal destination! Spreading over 8800 hectares, this park is mainly a sanctuary for elephants. It is always a pleasure to watch baby elephants playing with water at the centerpiece Lake of the park. This place is known as the largest elephant gathering place in the world. (OPTIONAL: trekking to Pidurangala Rock Monastery). Overnight stay in a nature-friendly resort - Dambulla.

After breakfast, visit the Royal Cave Temple and the Golden Buddha Statue (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE). Dambulla has the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. It has been treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.C. The rock towers 160 meters over the surrounding plains and houses 5 cave temples with some of the most unique and significant historical drawings. Thereafter, you will visit Matale Spice Garden. Afterwards, proceed towards Kandy, the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom. It's set on a plateau surrounded by mountains, which are home to tea plantations and bio diverse rainforests. Kandy is also famous for its sacred Buddhist sites, including the Temple of the Tooth Relic. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a walk around Kandy's busy city centre, including a tour of the Central Market, before engaging with a cultural dance show which is inspired by Sri Lankan arts, traditional dance and cultural heritage. Overnight stay in mount view hotel - Kandy.

In the morning, you will visit the Peradeniya Royal Garden, which is known as one of the best botanical gardens in Asia. Thereafter, you’ll enjoy a wonderful journey through the lush green tea plantations, the scenic view of the mountains and the waterfalls towards the tea region of Nuwara Eliya. It is often referred to as “Little England” because many of the buildings in this city retain from the British colonial period, such as the Queen's Cottage, the General's House, the Grand Hotel, the Hill Club and the Town Post Office. Since this amazing town is located in the mountains, it is characterized by a cool climate all year long. Visit a tea plantation. Sri Lanka, tea and tourism are words which cannot be separated. Explore the cold and misty hills that host lush green blankets of tea plantations. You also have the opportunity to visit a tea factory processing the prestigious brand of Ceylon Tea, to observe a rich tradition kept alive up to date. Make sure to end your factory visit in style over a perfectly blended cup of tea. Overnight stay in a cozy hill side hotel - Nuwara Eliya.

In the morning, you will enjoy a spectacular train journey from Nanu-oya station to Ella village. It is known as one of the most picturesque hill country train journeys in the world. Ella is everyone’s favorite hill country village due to the fact that it’s a wonderful nature-friendly location. The Nine Arch Bridge, a major tourist attraction in Ella, is a massive bridge built entirely of solid rocks, bricks and cement without using a single piece of steel. Ella is a great place for walking and climbing and its most famous trekking route is to “Little Adam’s Peak”.

Afterwards, continue your journey towards Yala National Park, the largest and most stunning national park in Sri Lanka. Thanks to a river running through it, Yala National Park is divided into two sections. Because the river makes crossing to the other side difficult, Yala is really treated as two separate parks. But that doesn’t change the fantastic offerings! Encompassing a range of diverse ecosystems, the park has an impressive variety of wildlife, including sloth bears, leopards and lots of colorful birds. Enjoy a 4x4 jeep ride searching for leopards hanging on trees or whispering through the bushes, crocodiles patrolling the river or wild elephants drinking water and playing around. Overnight stay in a safari lodge at Yala.

After breakfast, you'll be continuing your journey along the beautiful south coast towards Galle, a city well known for its Fort (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE). It is the intersection where classic Dutch and British architecture meets a tropical setting, creating a vivid atmosphere in beauty. Walk through the streets listening to the creaks of wooden saloon doors and observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions nowadays flooding cultural enthusiasts on a global scale. Historical Galle Lighthouse stands proudly on the southeast tip of the fort. Overnight stay in a beach resort in Galle.

After breakfast, you will check-out from your hotel and you will be transferred to the airport for your short flight to Male (flight time-13.30 pm), Maldives (approx. 1.5 hours flight). After a wonderful tour around Sri Lanka now slow things down with a four-night relaxing beach stay in the Maldives. Upon arrival to Male, you will meet a hotel representative, who will transfer you to the hotel by a shared speed boat. Overnight stay in a cozy beach resort.

After breakfast, if you are up to it, you will enjoy a full-day or half-day island hopping. Your day starts with a speed boat ride that will take you to 3 different spots, perfect for going snorkelling and dolphin watching. As you snorkel in these unbelievably beautiful reefs, you will come across an abundance of marine life and a multitude of colourful fish. Manta rays, turtles and even sharks may be the highlight of the trip. Experience the thrill of a tiny desert beach, surrounded by crystal clear waters and the coral reef with the ultimate privacy. A packed lunch and bottled drinks are served to each guest on the sandbank. NOTE: This is an optional experience, thus it can be purchased separately from the resort.

After breakfast, if you are up to it, join a snorkeling trip. It is a fun and relaxing way to view the colorful and fascinating world just beneath the ocean’s surface. Snorkelers use a clear plastic mask and a short tube to breathe while floating face-down on the surface of the water. This way you can observe coral and marine life without scaring away the fish with your movements and without having to come up for air every minute. Just floating and being immersed in the underwater scenery is enough to escape the hurdles we encounter in everyday life. There are different locations where you can see a totally different environment with different fishes and sea creatures. NOTE: This is an optional experience, thus it can be purchased separately from the resort.

It's a free day: after breakfast, you could spend your time relaxing on the beach or exploring the underwater sea life. Optional: explore the historic city of Male, capital of the Maldives, and get a sense of ordinary life for the locals. Male is one of the smallest capitals in the world with several great local and cultural attractions such as the Male National Museum, Mulee-aage Palace, Male Friday Mosque and local markets, among others. NOTE: This is an optional experience, thus it can be purchased separately from the resort.

Today is your last day in beautiful Maldives. After breakfast, you will check-out from the hotel and you will be transferred to the airport by a shared speed boat.