15 Days Premium Tour of Sri Lanka

After breakfast, explore Negombo with your private vehicle and English-speaking guide. Visit the historic Dutch Fort — a remnant of colonial rule. Explore St. Mary's Church, one of Sri Lanka's most impressive Catholic churches. Walk through the vibrant Fish Market famous for its fresh catch. Enjoy a scenic drive along the Negombo Lagoon through mangrove forests and fishing villages, and see the Dutch-era Hamilton Canal.

After breakfast transfer to the Cultural Triangle. Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's great archaeological wonders. This 5th-century royal palace built atop a volcanic plug rises 200 metres above the jungle. Walk through the royal water gardens, admire the ancient Sigiriya Frescoes (painted maidens) and enjoy panoramic views from the summit.

A full day around the Cultural Triangle. Visit the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with five cave sanctuaries housing 153 Buddha statues and 2,100 sq metres of vivid ancient murals painted over 2,000 years. Then experience a traditional Sri Lankan Village Tour — ride a bullock cart through rural lanes, glide across a village lake by catamaran, and enjoy an authentic village lunch cooked by local families.

After breakfast transfer to Trincomalee — Sri Lanka's magnificent east coast harbour city with pristine white-sand beaches. Check in to your hotel near Nilaveli or Uppuveli Beach and spend the afternoon at leisure on the crystal-clear shores of the Indian Ocean.

After breakfast explore Trincomalee. Visit the majestic Koneswaram Temple perched dramatically atop Swami Rock cliff — one of Sri Lanka's most sacred Hindu temples, with spectacular Indian Ocean views. Continue to Lover's Leap viewpoint. Spend the afternoon at the pristine white sands of Nilaveli Beach with optional Pigeon Island Marine National Park snorkelling.

After breakfast transfer from Trincomalee to Kandy — Sri Lanka's sacred cultural capital nestled in highland hills around a beautiful lake. En route stop at the Matale Spice Garden to learn about cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) — the most important Buddhist site in the country housing the revered tooth relic of the Buddha. Stroll around Kandy Lake.

After breakfast transfer to Nuwara Eliya — Sri Lanka's tea capital at 1,868 metres, known as 'Little England' for its colonial bungalows, manicured gardens and crisp mountain air. Visit the Damro Labookellie Tea Centre for a factory tour and tasting. See the spectacular Ramboda Falls. Climb the Ambuluwawa Tower for panoramic 360° highland views.

After breakfast spend a full day exploring Nuwara Eliya. Visit a working tea plantation and factory to see leaves being plucked, withered, rolled and dried — followed by a Ceylon tea tasting. Enjoy a Nuwara Eliya city tour past colonial-era buildings, the Hill Club and Victoria Park. Relax by the beautiful shores of Gregory Lake with its mountain backdrop.

After breakfast transfer from Nuwara Eliya to the Yala National Park region in Sri Lanka's south-east. Descend through spectacular highland landscapes and lush lowland jungle to one of Asia's great wildlife destinations. Check in to your lodge near Yala and spend the afternoon at leisure, listening to the jungle sounds and preparing for the safari adventure ahead.

Rise early for a spectacular jeep safari in Yala — the world's most leopard-dense national park. Your private jeep with expert naturalist guide traverses grasslands, scrub jungle, lagoons and rocky outcrops. Keep watch for leopards (best spotted at dawn), herds of elephants, sloth bears, mugger crocodiles, spotted deer and over 200 bird species including painted storks and sea eagles. Afternoon at leisure at the lodge.

After breakfast transfer west along the southern coast from Yala to the beach paradise of Mirissa. En route pass the salt flats of Hambantota and the stilt fishermen of Weligama. Arrive in Mirissa, check in and spend the afternoon relaxing on golden sands as the Indian Ocean laps the shore.

After breakfast explore Mirissa. Visit Coconut Tree Hill — the most photographed spot on the south coast, where a cluster of palms frames a sweeping arc of the Indian Ocean. Swim and relax at Mirissa Beach. Walk out to Parrot Rock for great coastal views. Spend the afternoon at local cafés and hidden beach spots at your leisure.

After breakfast check out from Mirissa and transfer to Colombo via the southern coastal highway. Stop at Galle Fort for a guided walk. Arrive in Colombo and visit Gangaramaya Temple, drive through the Pettah Markets and explore the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct. Check in and enjoy the evening at leisure.

After a final breakfast, check out and transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure. Your memorable journey through Sri Lanka comes to an end. We hope to welcome you back on another Asia Travels adventure soon.