Discover the Sri Lanka Beyond Talalla

Destination: Talalla – Mulkirigala

At 11:00 AM, our guide will meet and greet you at Talalla Retreat and thereafter assist you with your transfer to Udawalawe, a vast protected landscape centered around the Udawalawe Reservoir and the Walawe River.

Established to safeguard the reservoir’s catchment area, the national park is characterized by open grasslands, scrub jungle, and dry forest, creating scenic surroundings and excellent opportunities for viewing in Sri Lanka’s southern dry zone.

Experience: Mulkirigala Rock Temple Drive: Approximately 1 Hrs. (37KM)

En route visit the Mulgirigala Rock Temple is cradled on a rocky crag. Shrouded within a green forest, the Buddist rock temple requires you to ascend 500 steps before you can admire the beauty from its summit and experience a tranquil, soothing atmosphere surrounded by wilderness.

With 5 terraced levels housing caves, the rock temple complex evokes a sense of peace as you discover its varying statues of Buddha. The caves are adorned with colourful murals and various figurines.

Once you reach the summit, passing the terraces, be amazed at the picturesque views of your surroundings! Within the premises, admire a vast collection of vibrant murals and sculptures depicting the scenes from the Buddha’s life. The temple is one of the most significant and sacred places on the southern coast.

Destination: Mulkirigala -Udawalawe Drive: Approximately 1 ½ Hrs. (48KM)

Experience: Visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home

Afterwards continue your drive to Udawalawe.

On reaching visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, a respected conservation facility dedicated to rehabilitating orphaned and injured elephant calves and preparing them for release back into the wild.

Unlike many captive elephant attractions, the Transit Home offers visitors the chance to observe elephants up close in a responsible and non-exploitative setting. The young elephants are not kept for display or entertainment but are cared for until they can be reintegrated into Sri Lanka’s national parks.

Public viewing of the feedings takes place daily at 10:30 AM, 2:30 PM, and 6:00 PM, offering a memorable opportunity to witness these gentle giants enjoying their meals and to learn more about Sri Lanka’s vital wildlife conservation efforts.

(Comfortable footwear is recommended and be prepared for outdoor conditions whilevisiting the facility.)

Once completed check in at the hotel.

Please note that the standard check-in time at all hotels is 2:00 PM.

Dinner and Overnight stay in Udawalawe

Experience: Morning Safari at Udawalawe National Park

Early in the morning, journey through the open landscapes of Udawalawe National Park by private jeep, where grasslands, scrub jungle, and the Udawalawe Reservoir create excellent conditions for wildlife viewing.

Udawalawe is especially well known for its wild Asian elephants, which are frequently seen moving across the plains, feeding among the grasslands, or gathering near the reservoir.

Other possible sightings include water buffalo, spotted deer, sambar deer, wild boar, jackals, crocodiles, monkeys, mongooses, and a wide variety of birdlife.

With its open terrain and reservoir-side scenery, Udawalawe offers a safari experience that feels spacious, scenic, and rewarding, particularly for guests hoping to observe elephants in a natural setting.

Please Note

• Your safari will be conducted in a private jeep with an experienced local driver who speaks basic English and is highly familiar with the park and wildlife routes.

• Official Park wildlife trackers may be assigned where available; however, trackers are limited and cannot be guaranteed. When a tracker is unavailable, the safari will proceed with your local jeep driver.

• Safari jeeps in Sri Lanka are simple, locally modified vehicles operated by local communities. Though basic in design, they’re well-suited for wildlife viewing.

• Park conditions can be rough, dusty, and busy at times, especially during weekends, public holidays, and peak travel seasons. Entrance procedures and ticket collection may also take additional time during busy periods.

Return to your hotel in mid-morning and enjoy breakfast before departure.

Destination: Udawalawe – Ella Drive: Approximately 2 ½ Hrs. (105KM)

After breakfast check out of the hotel and head to discover Ella, a scenic hill-country town known for its cool mountain air and stunning vistas.

Nestled among Sri Lanka’s central highlands, Ella is a charming town surrounded by dramatic mountains and breathtaking landscapes. It’s famous for the Ella Gap—a striking mountain pass that offers panoramic views stretching all the way to the southern plains on clear days.

The region is also dotted with lush tea plantations and cascading waterfalls, such as thescenic Ravana Falls, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

Experience: Ravana Falls

Stop at Ravana Falls, one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, plunging from a height of approximately 25 meters (82 feet) over a striking oval-shaped rock formation. This natural wonder is not only breathtaking but also deeply intertwined with local legend.

Named after the mythical King Ravana, the falls are linked to the epic Indian tale, the Ramayana. According to legend, Ravana, the king of Sri Lanka, kidnapped Princess Sita and hid her in the caves behind the waterfall, now known as Ravana Ella Cave. This blend of natural beauty and mythological significance makes Ravana Falls a captivating site for both nature lovers and those interested in Sri Lankan folklore.

Once completed, check in at the hotel.

Dinner and Overnight stay in Ella.

Destination: Ella - Demodara Drive: Approximately ½ Hrs. (9 KM)

Experience: The Demodara Loop Viewpoint

After an early breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed to Demodara, home to the famous Demodara Railway Loop. Renowned as one of the world’s most remarkable railway engineering achievements, it is among the very few railway loops where the station is located directly above a tunnel within the spiral. Constructed in 1923, the Demodara Railway Station is the 76th station on Sri Lanka’s Main Line and stands at an elevation of 912.5 metres (2,994 feet) above sea level.

To reach the station, trains travel in a wide loop, passing through a tunnel beneath the station before circling back and ascending in a spiral to arrive at the platform. Stretching approximately 900 metres, the loop forms part of one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys, offering breathtaking views of misty mountains, lush greenery, and abundant local wildlife.

Destination: Demodara – Nanu Oya

Experience: Demodara – Nanu Oya by Train

Board the train at Demodara Railway Station, where your guide will assist you in finding your seats.

This scenic train ride from is considered one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world.

As the train winds through the central highlands, you’ll pass through dark tunnels and along narrow tracks with breathtaking views of rolling mountains draped in lush, green tea plantations. The landscape is dotted with gushing streams and cascading waterfalls, making this an unforgettable experience!

Please Note: The train journey is subject to availability. Train tickets can only be confirmed 48 hours before your travel date. If tickets are unavailable, the journey willbe made by road. Please also be aware that train departures and travel times may besubject to delays.

Destination: Nanu Oya – Kandy Drive: Approximately 3½ Hrs. (92KM)

Up on arrival at Ambewela head up to Kandy which is Sri Lanka’s second largest city and was the capital of the last Sinhalese Kingdom and enjoys a scenic setting around a lakesurrounded by green hills.

Experience: Tea Factory and Plantation Visit

En route immerse yourself in an authentic tea plucking experience, followed by a guided visit to a tea factory where some of the finest tea in the world is produced.

Sri Lanka is renowned as one of the largest tea exporters globally, with a thriving tea industry that dominates the island’s central highlands. Sri Lanka is also one of the few countries where tea is still hand-plucked, ensuring the highest quality. Skilled workers, primarily women, carefully pluck two leaves and a bud from each tea bush, planted meticulously along the contours of the hillsides. These women often cover more than 10 kilometers a day, swiftly gathering leaves to be sent to the nearby factories. Once there, the leaves are promptly dried, processed, and packed for export.

During your visit to the factory, a knowledgeable staff member will guide you through the fascinating process of tea production, including fermentation, rolling, drying, cutting, sieving, and grading. The tour concludes with the opportunity to savor a cup of freshly brewed, high-grown Ceylon tea—a true highlight of your visit.

On reaching, check in to your hotel for the evening.

Experience: Cultural Show in Kandy

In the evening, attend a traditional Kandyan cultural show where you can experience the vibrant and unique dance forms of the region. Kandyan dancing, which originated during the reign of the Nayakkar kings, is deeply rooted in Sri Lankan culture. Known for its dramatic acrobatic movements, it is accompanied by rhythmic drumming that creates an intense, heart-thumping atmosphere. The dances are a key feature of the famous Kandy Esala Perahera andhave become a symbol of Sri Lanka’s cultural identity.

Experience: Dinner at Helga's Folly

The guests will be transferred to Helga's Folly for dinner and will be transferred back to the hotel afterwards. Please note that dinner reservations will be at the guests’ own arrangement and expense.

Overnight stay in Kandy

Destination: Kandy

Experience: Temple of the tooth Relic

After breakfast check out of the hotel and visit the renowned Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic(Sri Dalada Maligawa), located within the former royal palace complex of Kandy.

This temple houses the revered relic of the tooth of the Buddha, a symbol of great religious and political significance in Sri Lankan history. It is believed that whoever possesses the relic has the right to govern the country, making it a powerful symbol for the ancient Sinhalese kings. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its architectural splendour and historical importance.

Experience: City Tour of Kandy

Afterwards commence a city tour in Kandy, Sri Lanka’s last royal capital. Enjoy panoramic views from a hilltop vantage point, where the city and its lush surroundings unfold below. Take a scenic drive around Kandy Lake, (Known as the Milky Ocean), built in 1807 by the last king of Kandy as part of his royal complex. The peaceful lake and its surrounding promenade offer a tranquil setting in the heart of the city. Return to the city center, a stroll along the famous shopping streets and to points of interest such as the central market, garrison cemetery, clock tower and the historic railway station.

Destination: Kandy – Sigiriya

Once completed head to Cultural Triangle, where you will stay in Sigiriya. The Cultural Triangle refers to a region in central Sri Lanka that encompasses some of the country’s most significant historical and archaeological sites.

Experience: Visit a Spice Garden in Matale Drive: Approximately 1½ Hrs. (42KM)

En route stop at The Spice Gardens of Matale offer visitors a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s renowned spice heritage.

Located in the central region of the island, these gardens showcase a variety of spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, cloves, and nutmeg. Sri Lanka, historically known as a global hub for the spice trade, continues to cultivate these spices today. Guided tours provide an opportunity to explore the gardens while learning about the cultivation methods, traditional uses in cooking and medicine, and the processing of these aromatic spices. You may also discover the holistic health benefits and ancient Ayurvedic applications of the spices.

After the tour, continue your drive to Sigiriya. (Drive: Approximately 1½ Hrs. (52KM))

On reaching, check in at the hotel in Sigiriya and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Dinner and Overnight stay in Sigiriya

Destination: Sigiriya

Experience: Climb Sigiriya Rock

Early morning proceeds to Sigiriya. (If you wish to witness the sunrise while avoiding the intense heat, you may visit the rock early in the morning, as the site opens at 5:00 a.m.)

Explore the iconic Sigiriya Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka's most famous landmarks. This towering rock, a hardened magma plug of an extinct volcano, is visible for miles around. Historically, Sigiriya served both as a royal fortress built by King Kashyapa (477 - 495 AD) and as a Buddhist monastery before and after Kashyapa's reign. Its dual role as a fortress and a monastic retreat makes it a site of significant cultural and historical importance.

The climb to the top takes approximately 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your fitness, age,and crowd levels. There are about 1,200 steps, and the effort is rewarded with stunning panoramic views and a sense of accomplishment.

Along the way, you will pass vibrant frescoes and the mirror wall before reaching the lion's paws, remnants of a grand staircase that once passed through a giant lion's mouth, which gave the rock its nickname, Lion Rock. At the summit, you’ll find the ruins of a royal citadel that once covered the 1.6-hectare plateau.

Once completed, head back to the hotel and refresh and enjoy breakfast.

Experience: Explore Dambulla Cave Temple Drive: Approximately ½ Hrs. (20KM)

Afterwrds check out fo the hotel and venture to the renowned Dambulla Royal Cave and Golden Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hike to the caves is relatively short but steep, and once at the summit, you can explore the cave complex while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

A sacred pilgrimage site for over 22 centuries, Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, with a towering rock that rises 160 meters above the plains. The caves originally served as a refuge for an exiled king, who later commissioned stunning images of the Buddha once he regained his throne. Over time, successive kings embellished the temple.

Of the more than 80 documented caves in the area, the main attractions are concentrated in five caves, featuring a remarkable collection of statues and murals.The caves house 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings, and four statues of Hindu gods including Vishnu and Ganesha. The murals cover an impressive 2,100 square meters (about 23,000 square feet), illustrating key events from the life of Gautama Buddha, such as his first sermon and the temptation by the demon Mara. These beautifully preserved artworks offer profound insight into the island’s artistic and religious heritage.

In addition to its Buddhist importance, the Dambulla Caves hold archaeological significance.

Excavations near the site, particularly at Ibbankatuwa, have revealed prehistoric burial sites with human skeletons dating back over 2,700 years, showing that the caves were inhabited long before the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Destination: Dambulla - Colombo Drive: Approximately 3 ½ Hrs. (160KM)

Once completed, continue your drive to Colombo, a city renowned for its blend of vibrant culture, rich history, and modern attractions.

Today, Colombo offers a vibrant blend of old-world charm and modernity, with colonial-era buildings standing beside contemporary skyscrapers. The city boasts a variety of attractions, from the lively Pettah Market to the scenic Galle Face Green, where you can watch stunning sunsets over the Indian Ocean.

Experience: City Tour of Colombo

On reaching explore the fascinating city of Colombo. Begin with a visit to Wolvendaal Church, a 260-year-old Dutch colonial structure (built in 1749), featuring historic tombstones of Dutch governors. Continue to the striking Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, renowned for its eye- catching red and white candy-striped exterior, a key landmark in the heart of Pettah. Nearby, you'll find the Cargills Building, an impressive red-brick colonial structure that was once the premier department store during British rule and now stands as a historic landmark in Colombo Fort.

Next, stop for an external view of the Lotus Tower, Colombo’s tallest structure at 350 meters, serving as a broadcast hub and symbol of the city’s growth. Afterward, pass by the grand Colombo Town Hall, an iconic, white-domed building inspired by Washington D.C.'s Capitol, which serves as the seat of the city's government.

Continue to Independence Square, where Sri Lanka declared its independence from British rule in 1948. On the way, drive through Cinnamon Gardens, a leafy, upscale neighborhood, and pass by Galle Face Green, a popular oceanfront promenade.

Take in the Neoclassical exterior of the Old Parliament Building before visiting Gangaramaya Temple, one of Colombo’s most significant Buddhist temples, known for its eclectic mix of architecture and cultural importance.

You may enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice. Please note that dinner will be at your own arrangement and expense.

Overnight stay in Colombo 

Destination: Colombo - Bandaranayake Int. Airport Drive: Approx. 1 Hr. (35KM)

As your journey with us comes to an end, after breakfast your guide comfortably drives you to Bandaranaike International Airport in time for your departure flight.

Safe Travels!