Upon arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our driver and taken to Colombo, a short 45-minute drive away. Once you check into your pre-booked hotel in Colombo, your Local Tour Manager will greet you and provide a briefing on the exciting plans for the next few days.

Colombo City Tour

Start your exploration with a visit to the Fort and the bustling Pettah commercial hub, known for its vibrant offices and shopping areas. Here, you’ll also see the oldest colonial hotel, GOH, which offers a fantastic view of the Colombo harbor. Nearby, you’ll find the lighthouse with its clock tower, which is older than London’s Big Ben, as well as the President’s House and the old parliament building.

Next, stroll through the main street, passing landmarks like the old Dutch Museum, the belfry, and the Old City Hall, which features puppets of Sri Lanka’s early governors. Enjoy the shops and restaurants facing Sri Lanka’s twin tower buildings before continuing to the old racecourse, now home to colonial architecture, restaurants, and a shopping arcade.

You’ll also drive past significant sites like the Colombo City Hall, a mini replica of the White House in Washington, DC, the Town Hall, Independence Square, and the B.M.I.C.H (International Convention Centre). In the Cinnamon Gardens residential area, you’ll visit a Buddhist temple and a Hindu Kovil, experiencing the rich diversity of religions, ethnicities, and customs of the local people.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel.

Birdwatching at Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Sinharaja Rain Forest is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to many indigenous bird species. Here, you can spot the Ceylon Hanging Parrot, Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Ashy-headed Laughing Thrush, Layard’s Parakeet, Jungle Fowl, Spur Fowl, Ceylon Wood Pigeon, Brown-capped Babbler, Red-faced Malkoha, and Ceylon Blue Magpie, among others. Remarkably, 19 of Sri Lanka’s 20 endemic bird species can be found in Sinharaja. Keep an eye out for endangered species like the Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Green-Billed Coucal, Sri Lankan White-headed Starling, and Ashy-headed Babbler.

Loris Watching at Sinharaja

In the evening, embark on an enchanting loris-watching adventure. Lorises, nocturnal and arboreal creatures, are native to tropical and woodland forests in India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia. Their slow and careful climbing style and their diet of insects, fruits, gums, leaves, and slugs make them fascinating to observe.

Your guided night walk will take you to Sam Popham’s Arboretum, established over seven decades ago by a British naval officer. This sanctuary spans more than 34 acres and is home to numerous species of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and mammals, including the rare and nocturnal slender loris. Accompanied by experienced naturalists, you’ll use torches with gentle red lights to spot these elusive creatures, switching to white lights only when one is sighted. Besides lorises, you might also encounter mouse deer, civet cats, and rabbits, making this night walk a truly unforgettable experience.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before checking out.

Journey to Udawalawe

Travel to Udawalawe, where upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel and have the rest of the day to relax at your leisure. Enjoy the serene surroundings and prepare for the adventures that await.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel.

Morning Visit to Udawalawe National Park for a Jeep Safari

Head out for an exciting morning jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park. Located just south of the Central Highlands, the park offers stunning views with the Udawalawe Reservoir at its heart. This is the best place in Sri Lanka to see wild Asian elephants year-round, with around 500 elephants in the park, often seen in herds of up to 100. The park’s unique feature is the consistent number of elephants, with no seasonal variations. The best times to visit are in the mornings and evenings, with late evenings providing beautiful sunset photo opportunities.

After your morning safari, return to the hotel to relax before heading out again for another thrilling jeep safari in the evening.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before checking out and heading to your next destination.

Transfer to Ella

Ella, often described as a hidden gem, is a charming town nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Ella boasts breathtaking waterfalls, lush greenery, and rolling hills that create a picturesque landscape. It’s the perfect place to rejuvenate your mind and soak in the serene atmosphere.

One of the highlights of Ella is the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, a marvel of early 20th-century engineering. This iconic bridge, made entirely of rocks and cement without any steel, offers a scenic view that is truly captivating. Visitors can ride the train over the bridge or walk along it to capture stunning photos of the surrounding landscape. The journey through the hill country is filled with countless breathtaking sights and exciting moments, especially when the train passes through long, dark tunnels where passengers often enjoy the thrill of yelling and hearing their echoes.

Upon arriving in Ella, you’ll check into your hotel and have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel.

Visit Ravana Cave and Ravana Falls

Begin your exploration with a visit to the Ravana Cave and the magnificent Ravana Falls. Nestled in the misty mountains of tropical Sri Lanka, Ravana Falls cascades down 82 feet from an oval concave rock, forming a stunning drooping areca flower shape during the peak water flow season. Located in the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary, this waterfall is steeped in legends and mysteries, offering a picturesque and tranquil experience.

Flying Ravana

For an adrenaline rush, soar through the air on the Flying Ravana, South Asia’s fastest mega zip line. This thrilling ride stretches over half a kilometer and reaches speeds of up to 80 km/h, providing a breathtaking bird’s eye view of Ella’s lush green estates. Designed for adventure enthusiasts, Flying Ravana offers an exhilarating experience in the heart of Ella’s scenic landscape.

ATV Adventure in Ella

Continue your adventure with an ATV tour around Ella’s picturesque tea and green lands. Hop on a powerful four-wheeler and navigate through muddy and dirt tracks, hills, and slopes, passing by the spectacular views of the Ella Gap. The off-road area is specially designed to satisfy adrenaline junkies, providing a thrilling outdoor activity. You’ll also have a unique opportunity to capture stunning photos at the “Ravana Lookout,” offering a pristine 270-degree view of the Ella Gap. Safety is a priority, with a guide and top-notch safety equipment provided to ensure a secure and enjoyable ride.

Hike to Mini Adam’s Peak (Optional)

If you’re up for more adventure, consider a hike to Mini Adam’s Peak. This optional excursion offers incredible panoramic views and a rewarding experience for nature lovers.

Enjoy your evening in Ella and prepare for another day of exploration.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel.

Morning Visit to Yala National Park for a Jeep Safari

Embark on an exciting morning jeep safari at Yala National Park, located in the south-east region of Sri Lanka. As the second-largest national park on the island, Yala spans a diverse landscape of lakes, beaches, jungles, rivers, and scrubland, providing a rich habitat for a wide range of wildlife.

Originally established as a game sanctuary in the early 1890s, Yala is now a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is famous for its leopard sightings, offering the chance to see these majestic creatures up close. Whether it’s leopard cubs resting in the trees or adults drinking at a waterhole, the opportunities for observation are plentiful. Yala is home to about 32 species of mammals, 125 species of birds, and numerous reptiles and lagoon fauna.

After the morning safari, return to your hotel to relax before heading out again for an evening jeep safari to experience the park’s wildlife in a different light.

Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel in Yala, ready for another day of exploration.

Start your day with a satisfying breakfast at the hotel before checking out.

Transfer to the Airport

With an abundance of wonderful memories from your unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka, it’s time to proceed to the airport. Reflect on the diverse experiences and beautiful sights you encountered on this paradise island as you prepare for your departure. Safe travels and until next time!