DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: UK to Colombo
Fly overnight from the UK to Colombo.

Day 2: Colombo to Kitulgala
On arrival you will be met by your driver/guide and transferred in your private vehicle to the countryside of Kitulgala to spend 2 nights at Borderlands Eco Lodge, a comfortable camp located just above the Kelani River where you’ll enjoy views of lush countryside and surrounding mountains. Enjoy the rest of the day settling in and enjoying the view! Welcome to Sri Lanka! 

Day 3: Kitulgala
This morning you will head out to go white water rafting! Enjoy the action of the rapids – the Kelani River is the perfect place for an introduction to white water rafting, or an exciting choice for experienced rafters! You’ll also have the chance to hike down a river side canyon and jump into plunge pools to cool off. There are also other exciting activities available to enjoy at Borderlands if you want to skip the rafting, such as canyoning and kayaking. Want some time to explore Colombo? Call us to discuss adding in a night or two! 

Day 4: Kitulgala to the Tea Hills 
This morning you will be collected and privately transferred approx. 4 hrs to the beautiful Tea Hills where you will spend 2 nights at Amba Estate Guesthouse. Amba Estate is an organic farm and guesthouse, where you will be surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, forests and tea fields. Settle in this afternoon or, if you want to stretch your legs, there are a variety of hiking trails in and around the valley. Your guesthouse also has bicycles available that are free to use, or for some family down time, they have a selection of board games for you to borrow!
  
Day 5: The Tea Hills 
Spend the morning enjoying this stunning area at your leisure! You could enjoy a stroll around the farm, or take a tour of the tea and coffee production (the tour is free, with optional tea tasting at an additional charge). Cool off with a swim in the natural swimming pool, before you are met by your driver and taken to the train station to board the train through the tea hills to Ella. You’re in for a treat – this is one of the most stunning train journeys in the world! For the thrill seekers in the family, you could give the two-wire zip line Flying Ravana Mega Zip Line a go (please note that the minimum age requirement is 5 years old). Head back to the guesthouse later this afternoon to enjoy the rest of the evening relaxing. Want to know about what else you could do in the Tea Hills? Give us a call for some ideas. 

Day 6: The Tea Hills to Yala National Park
Today you will be collected and driven approx. 2 hrs to spend the next 2 nights at Flameback Eco Lodge. Each of the seven luxury tented lodges have large wooden decks facing the lake, making this an idyllic spot to relax and soak up the sounds of birdlife! Settle into camp this afternoon with a dip in the pool, or there are excursions on offer to explore the surrounding jungle. 

Day 7: Yala National Park 
An exciting safari adventure awaits you today! Enjoy a full day private safari in Yala National Park with lunch included – you’ll head to a quieter area, making for a more exclusive wildlife experience! Keep an eye out for an amazing range of wildlife including elephants, monkeys, leopard and more! Then you’ll head back to the lodge after this exciting day of wildlife spotting.

Day 8: Yala National Park to Arugam Bay
This morning you will be met and transferred approx. 3hrs to the coast of Sri Lanka, where you will spend your next 4 nights at The Spice Trail. Perfect for families, all of the rooms are designed with a cosy nest in mind. Settle in and unwind this afternoon.

Day 9-11: Arugam Bay 
Three full days to relax, explore and enjoy this vibrant coastal town, home to tropical beaches and lush jungle. Lounge by the pool, watch the wildlife, or head out to the beach – Arugam Bay is a fantastic destination for surfing! Always wanted to give surfing a try? Talk to us about adding surfing lessons into your trip.

Day 12: Arugam Bay to Gal Oya
Today you’ll be collected and privately transferred approx. 2 hrs to Gal Oya to spend your next 2 nights in Gal Oya Lodge – a true hidden gem and a nature lovers paradise! You could head out in the evening on a guided walk to see what wildlife you can spot! 

Day 13: Gal Oya
Enjoy a day at your leisure in this exceptional part of Sri Lanka! There are a wide range of unique activities on offer that you could take part in, all perfect for the whole family. You have one boat safari included in your stay, or for the active members of the family, head out on guided hikes and bicycle tours. You could go on a tour of the Vedda village to meet the Vedda Tribe, the last indigenous tribe still in existence in Sri Lanka, or take a hike up ‘Monkey Mountain’ for spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. There’s plenty to keep you all entertained! 

Day 14: Gal Oya to the Cultural Triangle
Today you will say goodbye to Gal Oya as you are transferred approx. 3 1/2 hours to the Cultural Triangle where you will spend your last 3 nights at Jim’s Farm Villa, an independently owned eco-retreat on a large coconut and spice plantation that offers beautiful surroundings, friendly service and a great selection of activities – we particularly love the cooking classes with the farm chef and cycling to the nearby local temples!

Day 15: Cultural Triangle
This morning you will head to the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa to enjoy a guided cycling tour. This UNESCO World Heritage site was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 and contains some incredible well-preserved stupas, temples and Buddha statues. This afternoon you will return to Jim’s Farm Villa for a swim and a relaxing afternoon. For a bit of fun you may want to the take the farm’s tuk-tuk for a spin around the farm! Want some more time in the Cultural Triangle? Call us on 01273 923100 to design a holiday tailored to you and your family. 

Day 16: Cultural Triangle
This morning you will be collected by your guide and driven to the iconic Rock Fortress of Sigiriya to enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating UNESCO complex and a hike to the top to enjoy the stunning scenery. You will then return to Jim’s Farm Villa to relax and reflect on your incredible Sri Lanka adventure!  

Day 17: Cultural Triangle to UK
Today you will be transferred approx. 3hrs to Colombo airport for your flight back to the UK. Welcome Home!