Have a leisurely morning at the hotel, giving yourself time to adjust to the warm tropical weather and the time difference. If you’re up early, you can enjoy the morning birdlife around the gardens and lagoon.

Your chauffeur and vehicle will be available during the day if you would like to explore Negombo town, with its Dutch-era canals, colonial churches, and Hindu and Buddhist temples.

In the afternoon, visit the Muthurajawela Wetland Visitor Centre for a boat tour through the wetlands — an area known for its mix of marshes, mangroves, and waterways. It’s considered one of the most important coastal ecosystems on Sri Lanka’s west coast and supports a wide range of wildlife, especially birds. You may also see monkeys, estuarine crocodiles, and monitor lizards. The wetlands have a calm, natural atmosphere and are best explored by boat, allowing you to move quietly through the waterways and observe the animals in their natural environment.

Take a morning trip to the renowned Negombo fish market near the fishing harbour, known as “Walla” to the locals. The early hours, around 6:00 to 8:30 am, are the most active time to visit, when fishermen return with their overnight catch. You’ll see fishermen working together to pull their nets ashore, sorting and separating the fish, and you can also observe the traditional methods of drying fish along the beachfront.

After breakfast, make your way to Sigiriya. On the journey from Negombo, notice the transition from bustling roads to flat terrain stretching for miles as the climate gradually warms up. Take in the captivating drive through the green paddy fields and observe how the weather becomes warmer as you enter the dry zone.

Once you arrive, check in to Aliya Resort & Spa, where you’ll be staying in a spacious suite with its own private plunge pool. The property has a quiet, relaxed atmosphere with views over the surrounding countryside — a comfortable place to unwind before visiting the rock fortress.

In the evening, begin your exploration of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

” A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. Marvel at the ancient rock paintings and the massive lion paw entrance as you ascend the 200-meter-high rock fortress. Explore the ruins of the 1,500-year-old castle built by King Kasyapa and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and beautiful sunset of the surrounding landscape. “

After an early breakfast at the hotel, visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa — the second capital of Sri Lanka, known for its impressive archaeological treasures. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes the remains of the Royal Palace, the beautifully carved statues at Gal Vihara, and the sacred quadrangle with the Vatadage and Lankatilaka Temple. To make the most of your visit, it’s best to leave early and explore these sites in the soft morning light.

Enjoy a home-cooked lunch in a local village house.

Return to your hotel for a restful evening.

Alternative Plan (if you prefer a day without driving)

If you’d like to keep today more relaxed and avoid long drives, the following experiences can be done entirely within Sigiriya:

• Sunrise: Climb Pidurangala Rock

• Lunch: Village Cooking Class

• Evening: Village Cycle Ride & Boat Ride

These activities allow you to enjoy nature, local culture, and village life while staying close to your hotel and reducing time on the road.

After breakfast, stop at the Dambulla Cave Temples on your route to Kandy.

” This UNESCO World Heritage Site features a series of stunning cave temples adorned with intricate murals and statues of Buddha, dating back to the 1st century BC. Explore these ancient caves and marvel at the impressive frescoes and sculptures that capture the rich history and religious significance of the area. “

Leaving the flat terrain of Sigiriya behind, your journey towards Kandy takes you gradually into the hills. As you drive through the Matale region, you’ll notice the landscape shift from the dry zone to the wetter hill country, with thicker vegetation and terraced paddy fields replacing the open plains. The air becomes cooler and the scenery more lush as the road winds upward.

As you approach Kandy, the streets become livelier — a reminder that this is the cultural heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country. It’s a city filled with old colonial and heritage buildings, surrounded by higher mountains that rise above the town.

Check in to The Tree Kandy, a luxury hotel with splendid views over Kandy town. The property offers a calm setting on the hillside and is within easy walking distance of the old town.

In the evening, take a walk or a short drive into Kandy to explore the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa) and wander through the old town.

” A UNESCO World Heritage Site located within the royal palace complex in Kandy. This revered temple houses the sacred relic of Lord Buddha’s tooth, a symbol of Sri Lanka’s deep spiritual heritage. Explore its richly decorated interiors, witness the daily rituals performed by monks, and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of one of Buddhism’s most important pilgrimage sites. “

If you visit during pooja time — usually held at 6:30 – 8.00 pm — you can experience the traditional drumming and daily rituals inside the temple, offering a meaningful glimpse into Kandy’s religious traditions.

This morning after breakfast, you have two options:

Option 1: Udawatta Kele Sanctuary (guided walk)
Explore Udawatta Kele, a protected forest reserve located just behind the Temple of the Tooth. Once used as a royal forest by the Kandyan kings, it is now a quiet sanctuary with tall trees, shaded walking paths, birdlife, and small forest hermitages. The walk is gentle and peaceful, offering a cool escape from the busy streets of Kandy.
Udawatta Kele can be reached easily and usually with less traffic.

Option 2: Royal Botanical Gardens
Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, located just outside Kandy. This is Sri Lanka’s largest and most impressive botanical garden, originally established in 1821. Spread across 147 acres, it features over 4,000 species of plants, including palm avenues, orchids, and giant bamboo. The calm pathways and spacious lawns make it an ideal place for a relaxed morning stroll, and you can stay on for lunch.

If you prefer, both locations can be explored with a bit more time.

Return to the hotel for a relaxing evening.

After breakfast, leave Kandy and begin your scenic journey to Nuwara Eliya, ascending into Sri Lanka’s misty central highlands. As you climb higher, the landscape transforms—lush forests, cascading waterfalls, tea plantations, and terraced fields begin to appear, offering a complete contrast to the tropical lowlands you’re leaving behind. The air turns cooler, and the surroundings feel quieter and more serene.

Consider pausing at Ramboda Falls for a short walk (about 30 minutes round trip)—a nice chance to stretch your legs, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and take in the views.

By early afternoon, arrive in Nuwara Eliya and check in to the Heritance Tea Factory. Once an old tea factory, the building has been converted into a unique hotel while keeping much of its original character. Inside, you’ll find warm interiors, large windows overlooking the plantations, and displays of the old machinery that was once used to process tea. The rooms are comfortable and the setting is peaceful, surrounded by rolling tea fields—an ideal place to relax and get a feel for the area’s colonial and tea heritage.

Wake up for a relaxing day in the mountains.

After a leisurely breakfast, visit a tea estate and factory to see how Ceylon tea is made. Watch women pluck tea leaves by hand on the mountain slopes, then follow the process of sorting, drying, and rolling the leaves before tasting the final product.
This visit gives you a glimpse into daily life on a tea estate—where tradition, skill, and hard work come together to produce one of the world’s most famous teas. The scenery is beautiful, yet the work is demanding, and tea workers face many challenges. Still, many women greet visitors with warm smiles, a quiet reflection of their strength and resilience.

In the afternoon, head to the Grand Hotel for a classic high tea experience. Afterwards, take a gentle walk around Nuwara Eliya to admire its Tudor-style buildings and old colonial charm.

After breakfast, depart for Nanu Oya railway station to catch the train to Ella. This is the most scenic section of Sri Lanka’s hill country railway, winding through rolling tea plantations, misty forests, waterfalls, and peaceful mountain villages.

You can choose between 1st or 2nd class tickets, depending on your preference.

• 1st Class: Air-conditioned, reserved seating, and quieter.

• 2nd Class: Open windows and doors, offering better views and a more local experience.

Since the weather in the mountains is much cooler, air-conditioning is not really needed, and many travellers prefer 2nd class for the fresh air and scenery.

Along the way, the train passes Pattipola, Sri Lanka’s highest railway station at 1,898 metres (6,227 feet) above sea level. From this high point, the journey gradually descends through spectacular hill country scenery. Originally built during the British colonial era to transport tea to Colombo, this historic railway remains one of the finest ways to experience the charm and natural beauty of the highlands.

Your chauffeur will drop you at the station and then drive to Ella with your luggage, so you can simply relax and enjoy the ride with a small day bag.

Tonight, you will stay at 98 Acres Resort & Spa, a beautiful eco-friendly hotel set on a working tea estate. Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, the resort offers stunning views of Ella Gap and Little Adam’s Peak. The spacious chalets are built with natural materials and blend perfectly into the landscape, creating a peaceful, rustic charm.

Wake up to the cool mountain air and get ready for a morning of scenic walks around Ella. After breakfast, you can explore some of the area’s most popular trails, guided by your chauffeur who will help you find the best routes and viewpoints.

Suggested walks:

• Nine Arch Bridge: 1.3 km | 40 min – 1.5 hr

• Little Adam’s Peak: 1.4 km | 40 min – 1.5 hr

These gentle walks offer lovely views of the hills, tea plantations, and the iconic Nine Arch Bridge—perfect for photos and soaking up the peaceful surroundings.

Later in the day, begin your journey to Yala. On the way, stop at Buduruwagala, an ancient Buddhist site known for its remarkable rock carvings, believed to date back to the 9th or 10th century. The central figure is a tall standing Buddha, surrounded by smaller statues of Bodhisattvas and other deities, all carved into a cliff face. The site is quiet and surrounded by nature—offering a peaceful glimpse into Sri Lanka’s spiritual past

Arrive in Yala by the afternoon and check in to your safari lodge, Cinnamon Wild Yala, located right on the edge of the national park. The lodge is surrounded by forest and open plains, creating a natural, safari-style atmosphere. The chalets are spread across the property, offering privacy and quiet, with some facing the lake where wildlife often comes to drink. The main pool and restaurant area look out over the landscape, making it a great place to relax before your safari.

In the late afternoon, head out on an evening safari in Yala National Park. This is one of the best times of day to spot wildlife, as the temperature cools and animals become more active. The soft golden light also makes the landscape especially beautiful, creating great conditions for photography. Keep an eye out for elephants, sloth bears, deer, birdlife, and—if you’re lucky—the Sri Lankan leopard.

Return to your lodge for a relaxed evening under the stars.

Today, wake up early for a morning safari, another excellent time for wildlife spotting. You’ll often see animals walking along the roads in the morning because the ground is warmer and drier there, and the open paths make it easier for them to move around before the sun becomes strong. Predators like leopards also tend to be more active around dawn, making the morning one of the best times to explore Yala.

” Yala, spreading across 1268 sq. km of scrub forests, grassy plains and brackish lagoons, is undoubtedly one of the hottest regions of bio-diversity in the island boasting of an abundance of Sri Lankan Leopard, Elephants and Sloth Bear, often known as Sri Lanka’s Big Three! Flanked by herds of wild boar, spotted deer, jackals, peacock and crocodiles the park has a whole bundle of wilderness on offer. So, be prepared to witness the big-footed, the clawed and the spotted amidst the thick scrub forest as your safari jeep bumps away into the depths of wilderness.”

Return to the lodge for breakfast and take some time to cool off in the pool before heading to your beach stay in Dalawella.

Check in to Sielen Diva, a stylish boutique beachfront hotel in Dalawella. The property sits right by the ocean, offering uninterrupted sea views and direct beach access. The rooms are modern and bright, with large windows and balconies that look out over the water. The hotel has a relaxed, contemporary feel, an infinity-style pool facing the beach, and plenty of quiet spaces to unwind. It’s a great place to rest after your time in Yala and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.

Today is a restful beach day. In the morning, grab some snorkelling gear and head to Dalawella Beach, a reef-protected stretch of coastline known for its calm, shallow waters. The natural reef keeps the waves gentle, making it a safe spot for easy snorkelling. You’ll often see sea turtles swimming close to the shore, and with a bit of luck you can watch them gliding through the clear water as you explore the small coral and fish life around the reef.

Spend a restful evening at the hotel, or take your car and chauffeur to explore the nearby area at your own pace.

Wake up to the sound of the ocean and enjoy a relaxed morning by the beach. Then check out and make your way to Fort Printers inside the historic Galle Fort.

Fort Printers is a small boutique hotel set in a beautifully restored 18th-century mansion. With only a handful of rooms, it has an intimate and homely feel. The interiors keep much of the building’s original charm, with high ceilings, wooden floors, and elegant, minimal décor. A quiet central courtyard and a small pool offer peaceful spaces to unwind after exploring the fort. Its location in the heart of Galle Fort makes it easy to step out and enjoy the narrow streets, cafés, and heritage buildings surrounding the hotel.

Spend a restful afternoon settling into the hotel or wandering through the fort at your own pace.

In the evening, join a Sri Lankan cooking class with Ms. Sanju, held inside the fort. This hands-on experience introduces you to traditional Sri Lankan ingredients, spices, and cooking methods. Under her guidance, you will help prepare local dishes in a warm, relaxed setting. The session is interactive and gives you a meaningful insight into Sri Lanka’s culinary traditions.

After the class, return to the hotel and enjoy a quiet evening—perhaps relaxing by the pool or taking a gentle walk through the beautifully lit streets of the fort.

After breakfast, enjoy a morning walk around Galle Fort with a local historian, who will guide you through the fort’s key landmarks and share stories about its Dutch, Portuguese, and British heritage. It’s an easy, relaxed walk that gives you a deeper understanding of the fort’s history, architecture, and everyday life inside the walls.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure — explore the cafés and boutiques, relax by the pool, or simply take in the calm atmosphere of the fort.

You will have an extended checkout until 6:00 pm, so you can make the most of your final day before heading to the airport for your departure.

Your chauffeur, who has been by your side throughout this journey—sharing stories, navigating the roads, and revealing the beauty and hidden corners of Sri Lanka—will accompany you to the airport for your onward flight.

Safe travels—and until we meet again.