Day 1: 19/09/25, Arrival
Arriving from Abu Dhabi on flight UL208, at 0500 on 19/9/25
Arrive in Sri Lanka, at Colombo’s international airport. You’ll be met by our representative and transfer to your hotel in Colombo.
Colombo, the island’s buzzing capital has a distinctive, multi-cultural feel. There are a number of old colonial buildings and churches, along with temples, kovils and mosques. As befitting a modern capital city, it has some good museums, contemporary art galleries, a good restaurant scene and a vibrant nightlife.
Enjoy a Colombo Tuk Tuk tour with visits to Gangaramaya temple and Seema malakaya. The colourful and busy streets of capital Colombo will be an exciting treat for all, and riding the tuk tuk driven by your friendly local guide adds to the charm. You get to visit some of our guide’s favourite and secret locations, meet some of his friends and learn about the history of the area. The tour includes visits to a serene temple, a famous red-mosque and a visit to the main vegetable market, all places where you’ll love experiencing different cultures and religions. Enjoy a potent espresso at a coffee export merchant and a cold beer on a rooftop overlooking the port and a lot more.
Enjoy a relaxed evening.
Hotel: Colombo Jetwing Seven
Day 2: Colombo – Anuradhapura
An early breakfast and long drive to Wilpattu (4.5 hrs)
Explore Wilpattu National Park on a half day safari.
Hotel: Thimberi Weva
Day 3: Wilpattu
A full day safari is the best way to explore Wilpattu National Park for wildlife watching.
Unspoilt and beautiful Wilpattu (‘natural lakes’ in Sinhala) is the largest and oldest National Parks in Sri Lanka. Less visited than Yala, it is ideal for those who prefer a tranquil wildlife quest. Wilpattu’s most famous residents are leopards and sloth bears. Chances of sightings are good. It is also possible to see elephants, spotted deer, barking deer, wild pig, Asiatic buffalo and crocodiles. There are several species of butterflies, endemic birds, reptiles, snakes and amphibians to complement the big game.
Hotel: Thimberi Weva
Day 4: Wilpattu – Anuradhapura -Trincomalee
A drive to Trincomalee (4.5 hrs), stopping enroute at Anuradhapura
Visit Anuradhapura’s ancient sacred ruins. Anuradhapura is considered the most extensive and the most important of the ancient cities in the northern region. It served as a capital city of this region for over 1000 years and hence was residence to many ancient kings from 377 BC. The city prospered and became a centre for Buddhist devotion.
Enjoy a relaxed evening.
Hotel – Trinco Blu by Cinnamon
Day 5: Anuradhapura – Trincomalee
Enjoy time at the beach.
Hotel – Trinco Blu by Cinnamon
Day 6: Trincomalee
Enjoy time at the beach.
Hotel – Trinco Blu by Cinnamon
Day 7: Trincomalee – Dambulla
Enjoy a relaxed morning with a leisurely breakfast.
Drive to Dambulla (2hrs)
Visit Hiriwadunna Village to discover tranquil rural life comes alive amidst lush greenery and serene waterways. Immerse yourself in authentic traditions, scenic walks, and the warm hospitality of its people.
Visit the Loris Conservation Project at Jetwing Vil Uyana – one of Sri Lanka’s most acclaimed wildlife research and conservation programs. It is one of the best places to see the endangered and shy creature on a late evening walk with the wardens.
Hotel – Amaya Lake
Day 8: Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa
Visit and climb up the World Heritage site of the Sigiriya rock fortress which dominates the landscape and was both a military refuge as well as an aesthetic refuge for king who was a patron of the arts. Sigiriya became world famous for the frescos found on the western surface of the rock about 100 mts above the ground level. Ancient gardens from the 5th century survive at the foot of the rock.
Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a World Heritage site. From the tenth century AD the capital of the most powerful kingdom in the island shifted to Polonnaruwa from Anuradhapura. The greatest king of Polonnaruwa was Parakramabahu I (1153 –1186 AD). In his ‘golden reign’ the whole area flourished and several new building projects were started. The buildings were grand and impressive such as the Royal Palace and the Lankathilaka image house. The Gal Vihara with its great sculptures of the Buddha was created.
Hotel – Amaya Lake
Day 9: Dambulla – Kandy
Enjoy one of the most beautiful boat rides in Sri Lanka on the beautiful Kandalama Lake. Glide on the still waters as the beauty of nature and the calling of birds surround you. Experience splendid sunsets and hear the stories of the local boatmen.
Visit Dambulla Cave Temples, a World Heritage site famous for rock paintings and sculptures. Dambulla is considered as the oldest art gallery of the country. The paintings found on the rock ceiling shows the influence of Kandyan School of paintings became prominent in the 18th – 19th century in Sri Lanka.
Drive to Kandy (2hrs)
Hotel – Amaya Hills
Day 10: Kandy
Visit the Temple of the Tooth where the Sacred Tooth Relic is an object of veneration to Buddhists. The temple is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites. From ancient times kings have kept the Sacred Tooth Relic in their kingdoms as a symbol of power. It is a traditional belief that whoever takes possession of the Tooth Relic has the power to rule the people.
Enjoy a cooking lesson/demonstration. Then visit the busy colourful markets of Kandy
The Kandy Cultural Show is a must-see evening performance of various traditional forms of dance, music, and acrobatics.
The show typically includes Kandyan dances characterized by elaborate costumes and dynamic movements, Drum orchestra playing heart-thumping beats, fire walking and fire breathing demosntrations. Each act is accompanied by a narrative explaining its historical and cultural significance, offering a slice of Sri Lankan history and tradition. It’s an unforgettable cultural feast that both entertains and educates visitors.
Hotel – Amaya Hills
Day 11: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
Experience the most scenic train journey in Sri Lanka. Your guide will drop you at Kandy railway station and pick you again from Nanu Oya railway station. Depending on the availability, we will provide you A/C first class/observation class train tickets.
Visit a tea plantation and the tea factory to learn all about tea estates and cultivation of one of Sri Lanka’s finest exports. Taste fine Ceylon teas with a tea master.
Hotel – Jetwings St.Andrews
Day 12: Nuwara Eliya – Ella
Enjoy a relaxed morning. Explore the town of Nuwara Eliya and some of its colonial buildings.
Drive to Ella (2.5hrs)
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Ella, where lush tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, and iconic landmarks like Ella Rock and Nine Arches Bridge await. This picturesque hill town offers a perfect blend of adventure, serenity, and stunning views.
Hotel – 98 Acres Resort
Day 13: Ella
Enjoy a relaxed morning with a leisurely breakfast.
Enjoy a gentle climb to Little Adam’s Peak, which takes 1.5 to 2 hours. An easy, mostly flat walk winds through tea plantations to the peak which offers great views of the surrounding countryside.
Enjoy a relaxed evening.
Hotel – 98 Acres Resort
Day 14: Ella – Wellaweya
Drive to Wellawaya (1 hr)
Explore the Wellawaya village, where you’ll meet the friendly and welcoming locals going about their daily lives. An excellent opportunity to engage in local cultures and soak in the unique ambiance of local life. Another highlight of your visit will be a home cooked meal full of customary Sri Lankan flavours, followed by hot tea and sweets.
Enjoy a relaxed evening.
Hotel: Jetwing Kaduruketha
Day 15: Wellawaya – UdaWalave
Visit the ancient Buddhist temple of Buduruwagala. The complex consists of seven statues dating back to the 10th century. The gigantic Buddha statue still bears traces of its original stuccoed robe and a long streak of orange suggests it was once brightly painted. The central of the three figures to the Buddha’s right is thought to be the Buddhist mythological figure-the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. To the left of this white painted figure is a female figure in the thrice-bent posture, which is thought to be his consort-Tara.
Drive to Uda Walawe (1.5 hr)
Uda Walawe National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s best-known National Parks due to its proximity to Colombo and the predictability of elephant sightings, often in large herds and family groups.
Explore Uda Walawe National Park on a half day safari.
Hotel – Centauria Wild
Day 16: Uda Walave – Galle – Bentota
Visit the Elephant Transit Home. Located within Udawalawe National Park, it was established by Sri Lanka’s Department of Wildlife Conservation together with the Born Free Foundation with the primary purpose of rehabilitation and release of isolated baby elephants to the wild. There are normally between 40 to 60 orphaned elephants and visitors can watch them being fed, from the safety of a viewing platform about 8m away, at one of the four daily feeding sessions, held every three hours from 9am until 6pm.
The elephants are never chained, and are allowed to roam and play as they wish. Human contact is limited in order to maximize their chance of rewiliding. For visitors, there is no touching, washing or posing alongside elephants.
Drive to Bentota (2hrs), stopping enroute in Galle
Visit the historic city of Galle, where you will enjoy a guided tour of the World Heritage city of Galle, with its colonial fort, churches and lighthouse. The city has a quaint laid back charm, inviting leisurely exploration.
Enjoy a relaxed evening.
Hotel – Thaala Bentota
Day 17: Bentota
Lunuganga Garden in Bentota is a fine example of an iconic country house and garden created by Sri Lanka’s finest architect, Geoffrey Bawa over a period of 40 years. The gardens are a revelation of his architectural evolution where many of his trademark innovations sit alongside experimental flourishes.
Bevis Bawa, a landscape architect (elder brother to Geoffre Bawa, Sri Lanka’s finest architect) started to work at the family rubber farm in 1929 and transformed it into the magnificent Brief Garden we see today. His former country estate, Brief Garden is an intimate property, with its structured gardens and low slung, simplistic house brimming with detailed murals, ghoulish statues, personal photos and colonial-era antiques.
Visit the Victor Hasselblad Turtle Hatchery, which is among the oldest and most reputed hatcheries on the island. Here, you can see 4-5 species of turtles at very close quarters, and even get to touch and hold little hatchlings. Learn about the threats to turtles, and how hatcheries are helping conserve turtles.
Hotel – Thaala Bentota
Day 18: Colombo – Cochin
Enjoy a relaxed morning with a leisurely breakfast.
Drive to the airport (2hrs) to catch flight UL 167 to Cochin (on 06/10/25 at 1400).
Arrive in Cochin 1515. You’ll be met by our representative and transfer to your hotel
Hotel – Park Inn & Suites by Radisson, Thrissur
Day 19: Thrissur
Kerala Kalamandalam is a prestigious Indian institution dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Kerala’s classical art forms. Enjoy an immersive guided tour around the vast campus, witnessing the traditional architecture, theatre, museum, art gallery and the arts teaching in action.
Visit Thrissur District Heritage Museum, housed in a small palace. The highlight is its collection of Keralan murals. Though many are reproductions of murals found all over the state, these reproductions have fresh, vibrant colours. They offer a rare chance to observe details at very close quarters and photograph them.
Visit the Vadakkumnathan Temple – a Shiva Hindu temple, a classical example of the Keralan architectural style with a monumental tower on each side. Murals depicting scenes from the Mahabharata can be seen inside. Explore the grounds and the grand fortress like building, which transforms at night with the warm glow of soft earthenware lamps, as sounds of hymns carry in the evening air.
Hotel – Park Inn & Suites by Radisson, Thrissur
Day 20: Thrissur – Kothamangalam
Drive to Kothamangalam (2hrs) via Athirapally Waterfalls
Athirapally Waterfalls, often called the “Niagara of India,” is Kerala’s largest waterfall, located in the Thrissur district. It cascades down from a height of 80 feet and is part of the Chalakudy River ecosystem, originating from the Western Ghats. The falls are renowned for their scenic beauty, ecological significance, and biodiversity, including endemic species of flora and fauna.
Rest of the day at leisure or spent time in the spice gardens around Jose and Daisy Home stay
Hotel – Jose & Daisy Home Stay (Mundackal Home Stay), Kothamangalam
Day 21: Kothamangalam
After a relaxed breakfast enjoy the day visiting tea gardens, rubber plantations and spice gardens with Mr. Jose.
Enjoy cooking session with Daisy, an expert chef in Keralan cuisines.
Hotel – Jose & Daisy Home Stay (Mundackal Home Stay), Kothamangalam
Day 22: Houseboat
Drive to the shores of Lake Vembenad to board your houseboat (2hrs)
Embark on your overnight backwater cruise, onboard an AC Deluxe houseboat. Explore the waterways of Lake Vembanad gently sailing through the day, with fresh meals being served on board by your crew. The boat is moored for the night at dusk, and your crew remain with you, serving dinner
Hotel – Houseboat
Day 23: Cochin
Continue the backwater cruise from Kumarakom to Alleppey, with breakfast on your houseboat. Disembark from the houseboat and drive to Fort Cochin (1.5 hrs). Check into your heritage hotel.
Late afternoon, explore Fort Cochin independently. Walk around the old town, admire the old colonial heritage and the busy restaurants and bars. Fishermen sell fresh fish by the Chinese fishing nets, and this can be prepared for you on the spot, to enjoy a delicious evening snack or even dinner.
Hotel – The Old Court House, Cochin
Day 24: Cochin
Enjoy a full day guided tour of Fort Cochin after breakfast
Visit the Old Jew town, with the Jewish Synagogue at its heart. Explore old churches, colonial remnants of fortifications, and the Dutch Palace with its beautiful mural paintings from the 17th century.
In the evening, watch the famous classical Indian dance-drama Kathakali in the dance centre.
Hotel – The Old Court House, Cochin
Day 25: Cochin – Marari
After a leisurely morning, drive to Marari Beach (1.5hrs)
Arrive Marari Beach and check in at your resort. Enjoy rest of the day at leisure.
Hotel – Turtle Beach, Marari
Day 26: Marari
At leisure at Marari Beach
Hotel – Turtle Beach, Marari
Day 27: Vagamon (15/10/25)
(Rosie +1) Drive to the airport to catch flight EK 533 to Dubai (on 15/10/25 at 0425). Remainder of the itinerary is for (Liz +1)
After breakfast drive to Vagamon (3hrs), arrive Vagamon and check in at your beautiful Heritage Tea Estate Bungalow. Relax and enjoy walking in the tea Estate. In the late afternoon, enjoy a walk to the plantation with birds and Butterfly sightings.
Hotel – Vanilla County, Vagamon
Day 28: Vagamon
A relaxed morning in Vagamon, enjoying some of the activities at the resort. You can choose to join the early morning 1hr long nature walk (0700hrs) and/or join the 1hr long yoga session (0800hrs)
After lunch, visit the local tea plantation and a nearby monastery located on the hill top in a 4WD jeep.
Hotel – Vanilla County, Vagamon
Day 29: Vagamon – Periyar
Enjoy a relaxed morning with a leisurely breakfast.
Drive to Periyar National Park (60 kms / 02 hours)
Evening Boat safari in Periyar in shared boat
After dinner, go for a night walk in the jungle with a local naturalist to observe nature in a unique way.
Hotel – The Elephant Court, Periyar
Day 30: Periyar
Enjoy a full day jeep safari to Gavi Forest (an early start with packed breakfast and lunch), which is part of the Periyar National Park.
Enjoy a Kalaripauttu (Kerala martial arts) performance in the evening
Hotel – The Elephant Court, Periyar
Day 31: Periyar
This morning, go on a half-day expedition in the Periyar National Park with a naturalist, which includes walking in the park and bamboo rafting.
Drive to Cochin (4.5hrs)
Hotel – Flora Airport Hotel, Cochin Airport
Day 32: Departure
Drive to the airport to catch flight EK 531 to Dubai (on 20/10/25 at 1035)
