Welcome to Sri Lanka! On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be welcomed by a representativeand transferred to your accommodation.After checking in, the rest of the day is at your leisure. Special Information Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed. If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-night accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

After breakfast, your leader will provide a brief introduction. Before we depart to the South West Coast, we will take some time to explore the capital of Colombo. Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, has a long history as a port on ancient east-west trade routes, ruled successively by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. This heritage is reflected in its architecture, mixing colonial buildings with high-rises and shopping malls. We will also visit the Colombo National Museum. This charming museum takes visitors on a fascinating journey through Sri Lankan history. Housed in a stunning neo-Baroque building, which was specifically constructed by William Henry Gregory, Governor of Ceylon, in 1877, the museum boasts a gleaming white façade. As you make your way through the various rooms, you'll encounter exhibits dedicated to each of Sri Lanka's historical kingdoms. Informational display boards provide intriguing insights, such as the meaning behind the mudras (gestures and poses) depicted in Sri Lanka's Buddha statues. You will arrive at your hotel in the afternoon. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your tour leader and fellow travellers. Inspiring Highlights Colombo National Museum Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will head to the charming town of Balapitiya, where you'll embark on a scenic boat ride along the Madu River. The river is home to 64 islands, and one notable stop is Cinnamon Island, known locally as “Kurundu Doowa.” During your visit, you'll gain a fascinating insight into the process of cinnamon production, as Sri Lanka is the world's largest producer of pure cinnamon! Next, head to the historic Galle Fort, renowned for its impressive fortifications. This city beautifully blends the past with the present. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988, Galle Fort showcases the architectural influences of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, making it a captivating place to explore. Afterwards, return to your hotel.Inspiring Highlights Madu River Galle Fort Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

We enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to Yala National Park. Check in and relax at your hotel. Spend your afternoon on a guided game drive exploring the dynamic wildlife and the most luxuriant plant life in Yala National Park. Being one of the largest parks in Sri Lanka, it is the ideal place to sight the rare leopard! The game drive will take place in the late afternoon, returning around sunset, as this is an optimal time for animal viewing. Inspiring Highlights Yala National Park Special Information Yala National Park is closed for routine maintenance in September/October under the direction of the local government. The exact dates will not be advised until 1-2 months prior to departure. During this time, Udawalawe National Park or Yala National Park (Block 5) will be visited and offers equal animal sighting opportunities. Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours, not including Game Drives.

After a leisurely breakfast, we leave for Haputale. En route, we witness the picturesque waterfall, Rawana Waterfall. Check into your hotel and enjoy your evening at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Rawana Waterfall Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Enjoy a full day to relax in the hilly surrounds of Haputale. In the afternoon, if time permits, the coach will depart for an afternoon at leisure in Ella, returning in time for dinner in Haputale. Inspiring Highlights Ella Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

After an early breakfast, we leave our hotel in Haputale and head to the train station in Bandarawela. From there, we journey by train through the scenic region of Nuwara Eliya, arriving at Nanuoya Station. On arrival, we visit a tea plantation and factory. Here you will enjoy the absolute tea experience, taking you to the moment the young tea leaves are plucked from the plantation to being processed in the factory to make a steamy cup of tea. If you are interested, the tea factory is the best place to purchase good quality tea. Enjoy an evening at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Nuwara Eliya Train Journey Tea Plantation Special InformationAs a result of Cyclone Ditwah, certain rail routes are temporarily out of service. If a scheduled train journey cannot operate, we will provide private road transport to ensure your tour continues smoothly. Whenever feasible, and where services are running, we'll still incorporate rail segments into your itinerary. It is not possible to confirm the train ticket reservation due to the fact that Sri Lanka Railway has a manual system for reservations. Tickets can only be booked 30 days prior to departure. The 1st and 2nd classes are basic but have air-conditioning. The non-air-conditioned 3rd class is sometimes the only option based on availability. On the rare occasion the train is fully booked, we'll conduct the route by road. Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

Today, after breakfast, we leave for Kandy. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the tea country and picturesque waterfalls. Kandy, the Hill Capital (1514 – 1815 AD). Originally known as Senkadagala, the city eventually came to be known as Kandy. Kandy was declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1988. The style and character of the Sri Lankan civilisation at the time are well articulated in the heart of the city itself, with its lake, the temples, including the Temple of the Tooth Relic (visit at own expense) and the well-preserved ruins of the royal palaces. On arrival, we check into our hotel, allowing you time to explore the town. This evening, enjoy a typical Sri Lankan Cultural Performance with a Kandy Market & Bazaar tour. Inspiring Highlights Kandy Market & Bazaar Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

After breakfast, we proceed to Sigiriya, stopping en route to visit the Dambulla cave temple. Built in the first century BC, it is recognised to be the largest cave sanctuary in the world with its 2000 m2 of walls and ceilings painted with more than 150 Buddha images, the largest engraved in the rock and reaches 14 metres high. We'll proceed with a visit to the Spice Garden in Matale before heading to your resort where you'll enjoy stunning views of the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This afternoon, set out on an exclusively private jeep safari at the Minneriya National Park to witness the unique phenomenon of elephant gathering. During the dry season, from June to September, hundreds of elephants gather around the Minneriya Tank for water. Such a large number of elephants could not be sighted in one place, anywhere else in the world! Tonight, enjoy a group dinner and celebrate your new friendships. Inspiring Highlights Dambulla Cave Spice Garden Minneriya National Park Special Information Since elephants are migratory animals, we may visit Kaudualla or Eco Park on this day instead, pending elephant locations. Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours, not including the Jeep Safari.

After breakfast, we proceed to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and climb the Sigiriya Rock, one of the most extraordinary artistic complexes of its time (477 – 498 AD). Declared as a UNESCO heritage site in 1982, this magnificent citadel allures artistic and architectural curiosity from around the globe. Return to the hotel to relax before taking part in an Inspiring Taste cooking demonstration of Sri Lankan rice and curry preparation (5-6 curries including a speciality crab dish) and enjoy the typical Sri Lankan lunch overlooking the paddy fields. This afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the medieval capital city of Polonnaruwa. This was declared as a UNESCO heritage site in 1982. After the demise of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa became the middle historic capital of Sri Lanka (1017 – 1235 AD). Enjoy your evening at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Sigiriya Rock Cooking Class Polonnaruwa City Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

Today, after breakfast, we depart for the beauty of Sigiriya as we make the drive back to Negombo. On arrival, enjoy the afternoon free at leisure to explore the coast and the local activities or simply relax by the pool. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

This morning, enjoy a visit to the Fish Market. Negombo is home to the Island's second largest fish market, as locals call – “Lellama” At an appropriate time, you will have access to your room until 8 pm this evening, should your flight be later in the evening. Special Information Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.If you choose to extend your stay (e.g., departing after the final tour date) and have booked your additional accommodation independently, this included service will be forfeited and no refund will be issued. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.

Arrive home today. We hope you have enjoyed your inspiring journey and have memories to last a lifetime.