Upon arriving at Colombo Airport, complete immigration, duty-free shopping, and baggage claim before clearing Sri Lanka Customs via the Green Channel. Our friendly staff will warmly welcome you and take you to a beachfront hotel in Negombo. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, stunning beaches, diverse dining, and lively entertainment, Negombo offers a perfect start to your journey. After checking in, unwind with beautiful beachfront views. In the evening, explore Negombo’s streets, taste local cuisine, and enjoy a peaceful walk along the beach. End the day with dinner and a restful overnight stay at the hotel.”

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before departing at 8:00 AM for Avukana. Visit the 5th-century Avukana Buddha statue, 12 meters tall and carved from granite. Continue to Kalawewa, an ancient reservoir built by King Dhatusena, known for its advanced hydraulic engineering, before heading to Anuradhapura for a traditional Sri Lankan Rice & Curry lunch. Explore Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site established in 377 BCE. Begin with Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest human-planted tree, and visit Ruwanweliseya, Thuparamaya, and Isurumuniya, known for carvings like the Isurumuniya Lovers. Continue to Jethawanaramaya, Abhayagiri, the Twin Ponds, and the peaceful Samadhi Buddha Statue. End the day with a drive to Habarana, your base for six nights. Check in, enjoy dinner, and relax overnight.

Start with breakfast before heading to Mihintale, a sacred mountain from the 3rd century BCE. Explore ancient stupas, the grand staircase, and the advanced water management system. Mihintale shows how ancient civilizations harmonized spirituality and agriculture with nature, reflecting permaculture principles. Next, visit Nachchaduwa Wewa Nature Park, followed by King Dhatusena’s Kalawewa – Jaya Ganga irrigation system, showcasing innovative water management. Proceed to Tirappane to explore the Cascaded Village Tank System (CTVS), a Globally Important Heritage System (GIHAS). Afterward, enjoy a home-cooked village meal and learn about the area’s history and folklore. End the day with a return to the Habarana hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, we leave at 8:00 AM to visit Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Established in the 11th century by King Vijayabahu I, the city thrived under King Parakramabahu I (1153-1186), known for his irrigation projects, including the Parakrama Samudraya reservoir. His commitment to sustainable water use is captured in his quote: “Let no drop of water make it to the sea without serving man.” This reservoir supported agriculture and trade, making Sri Lanka a significant international hub. During the tour, we’ll visit key landmarks like the Pothgul Vehera Complex, King Parakramabahu’s Palace, Polonnaruwa Vatadage, and the Gal Vihara statues. The city’s advanced water systems remain relevant today. After enjoying a traditional Sri Lankan lunch, we visit Diya Beduma, a water-sharing system reflecting permaculture principles. In the evening, we explore Pidurangala Rock, where the surface may have been adapted to collect water for Sigiriya’s population. From the summit, enjoy stunning views of Sigiriya Rock and the sunset. We’ll return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Habarana.

To explore Sigiriya, we begin our day at 5:45 AM. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, often hailed as the 8th Wonder of the World, awaits our discovery. The guided tour lasts 3 to 3.5 hours, leading us through the ancient rock fortress known as Lion Rock. As we ascend, we marvel at the remnants of the royal palace, the vibrant frescoes, the mirror wall, and the imposing lion’s paw entrance that leads to the summit. After this captivating exploration, we have a choice: return to the hotel for breakfast and relax or continue our journey at the Sigiriya Museum. We will serve a packed breakfast for those who would like to visit the museum and return to pick them up for lunch at the hotel. At 2:30 PM, the adventure continues as we depart in 4X4 vehicles for an exhilarating Wildlife Safari in Minneriya National Park. The historic Minneriya Tank stands as a sanctuary within this area, recognized as one of Sri Lanka’s Important Bird Areas. This park is home to the world’s largest gathering of wild Asian elephants, with herds of up to 350 elephants seen within a few square kilometers of the tank. Keep your eyes peeled for iconic species like the Sri Lankan Leopard and the Purple-Faced Langur. After this immersive wildlife experience, we’ll return to the hotel, where the day culminates with dinner and an overnight stay in Habarana

To take the hectic pace out for a relaxed day, we’ve intentionally slowed down today. Our focus is the Hiriwadunna Village Experience, where we delve into Sri Lanka’s rural past. Meet us at the lobby at 10:00 AM for a catamaran ride across Hiriwadunna Village Tank and a leisurely village stroll. You’ll get to enjoy a home-cooked lunch with fresh veggies and lake fish, participate in traditional activities, and conclude the day with a charming bullock cart ride to make it  a unique rural perspective. After returning from the Hiriwadunna village experience, there are optional activities available. Just let us know, and we’ll simplify self-exploration with transfers and entry tickets. Alternatively, you can opt for an afternoon visit to the Sigiriya Museum if you have not visited it before. Rest assured, we’ll pick up participants post-activity, ensuring a seamless return. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at Habarana.

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and leave for Dambulla at 8:30 AM. Our first stop is the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its 150+ Buddha statues and exquisite murals from the 1st century BC, offering insights into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. Next, we visit Sam Popham’s Arboretum, celebrated for its biodiversity and conservation legacy. Established in 1963 by Sam Popham, a former Royal Navy officer, the arboretum spans a thriving ecosystem created by restoring indigenous trees and eliminating invasive species. It features over 350 plant varieties, including 100 timber trees and 70 medicinal plants, and serves as a refuge for endemic wildlife like the endangered grey slender loris. For lunch, we enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan meal in Dambulla, experiencing authentic local flavors. After lunch, we proceed to Kandy, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, we check in to our Kandy hotel and prepare for an evening filled with cultural exploration. The evening begins with the Kandy Lake Club Cultural Dance Show, highlighting Sri Lanka’s vibrant traditional dances, rituals, masks, and fire performances. We then visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, an important pilgrimage site and a symbol of Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious identity. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel in Kandy.

Our journey begins with a 7:30 AM departure, venturing through the lush Victoria, Randenigala, and Rantambe forest reserves.  We’ll witness the impressive Victoria Dam, a key part of the Mahaweli Development Project.  Next, we’ll visit Randenigala Dam, vital for Sri Lanka’s energy needs, followed by the Minipe Ancient Anicut, a marvel of ancient water-diversion technology. We’ll then explore the serene Loggal Oya reservoir and Maduru Oya National Park, home to an ancient sluice discovered in 1978. This 23-meter dam highlights the ingenuity of ancient Sri Lankan engineers. Lunch awaits at Maha Oya Junction, where we’ll savor local flavours. Afterward, we’ll immerse ourselves in the culture of the Vedda people at the Dambana Indigenous Peoples Village & Museum. Our exploration continues with the Sorabora Wewa Ancient Rock Sluice, a remarkable 2nd-century BCE feat of engineering.  Passing through Mahiyanganaya, we’ll visit the Mahiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya, linked to Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka. Our day concludes with a scenic drive through the Knuckles Mountain Range, pausing at the 18 Bend Viewpoint for breath-taking views.  Finally, we’ll return to Kandy for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, we leave at 8:30 AM to explore cultural and natural highlights. Our first stop is Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, founded in 1975 as the world’s first elephant conservation facility. Home to the largest herd of captive elephants, Pinnawala lets you observe 71 elephants across three generations. Watch bottle-feeding and see them bathe in the Ma Oya River, an unforgettable experience. Enjoy lunch at Pinnawala Restaurant, offering views of elephants bathing. By 12:30 PM, we continue. Next, we visit the Kandyan Forest Home Gardens, Asia’s oldest agroforestry system, known for biodiversity and sustainable living. During our 45-minute stop, enjoy Sri Lankan sweetmeats and learn about home gardening practices. The tour continues to Embekke Devalaya, famous for intricate wood carvings, and Lankathilaka Vihara, a Kandyan-era temple with stunning architecture. We proceed to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, established in 1821, with roots dating to 1371. Spanning 150 acres along the Mahaweli Ganga, the gardens feature over 4000 plant species, including rare orchids, and house the National Herbarium. The site is tied to key events like the 1638 Battle of Gannoruwa. As the day winds down, we visit Arthur’s Seat, the Kandy City Viewpoint, perched at 1,790 feet. Enjoy sweeping views of Kandy, the lake, and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, with the sunset as a stunning backdrop. We return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

After an early breakfast, check out at 7:30 AM for the enchanting Ella Odyssey Tourist Train ride, a globally renowned scenic rail journey. This special train operates on select days, so your arrival is planned for Tuesday or Thursday to match the schedule. The leisurely ride winds through misty mountains with photo stops at scenic points. Pass charming villages, Victorian-era stations, and lush tea plantations, revealing Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes. By midday, arrive at Nanu Oya, the closest station to Nuwara Eliya, often called “Little England.” Transfer to Nuwara Eliya for check-in and a delightful lunch at the hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring Nuwara Eliya’s attractions, including Hakgala Botanical Gardens, Sita Amman Temple, and serene Lake Gregory. A city tour includes photo stops at landmarks such as the Nuwara Eliya Racecourse, the Grand Hotel, and St. Xavier’s Church. End the day with a colonial-style dining experience at The Hill Club Nuwara Eliya before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Today begins with a pre-dawn adventure into the rainforest, where we seek the elusive white monkeys—a rare mutation of the Purple-faced Langur, unique to Sinharaja and yet to be scientifically classified. After an eventful morning in the wilderness, we return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast featuring traditional Sri Lankan dishes. Later in the morning, we check out from the Sinharaja Eco Lodge and make our way to Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, we check into a beachfront hotel in Unawatuna, enjoy a delightful lunch, and unwind. The afternoon is reserved for cultural exploration, starting at the Galle National Museum, housed in the oldest Dutch building within Galle Fort, where exhibits from the colonial period are displayed. The journey continues at the National Maritime Museum, where we dive into Sri Lanka’s rich maritime history. Next, we visit Rumassala Hill, known for its connection to the Ramayana and its unique herbs, followed by a stop at Jungle Beach. As the evening draws near, we head to the Japanese Peace Pagoda to admire captivating sunset views before returning to the hotel for a delicious dinner and an overnight stay.

We start our day with an early morning 05:15 AM departure on the  Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari off Mirissa, where we’ll be awestruck by the majestic Blue and Sperm whales, as well as playful dolphins in the Indian Ocean. After this exhilarating experience at sea, we head back to the hotel for a leisurely lunch and some relaxation. In the afternoon, our exploration takes us to Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During our drive-pass sightseeing tour, we’ll encounter iconic landmarks such as the historic Ramparts, the Dutch Hospital, Galle Lighthouse, Meeran Mosque, All Saints Church, Groote Kerk, Galle Clock Tower, and the International Cricket Stadium. As the day winds down, we immerse ourselves in Sri Lanka’s rich culture and tradition at Laksala Galle, where meticulously crafted handicrafts and exquisite traditional gems await. Perhaps you’ll discover a special souvenir to bring back home. As the sun sets, we return to the hotel for a delightful dinner and an overnight stay.

After enjoying a delightful breakfast at the hotel, you have the option to relax and make full use of the villa’s facilities or venture out to explore activities available in the nearby area. Spend your morning at the stunning Unawatuna Beach, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, basking in the warmth of the golden sands, or indulging in a refreshing and rejuvenating spa treatment. Later, return to the villa to enjoy a delicious and carefully prepared lunch. In the afternoon, you can visit the famous Handunugoda Tea Estate, celebrated for its distinctive white tea. Take an engaging guided tour to learn about the fascinating tea production process and sample a selection of exquisite teas that are truly unique to this region. For those seeking more excitement as the day progresses, immerse yourself in Unawatuna’s vibrant nightlife. Explore lively local bars, revel in energetic live music performances, and indulge in freshly prepared seafood dishes bursting with flavour. Finally, return to the hotel to savour a relaxing dinner and enjoy an overnight stay, unwinding completely after a day filled with exploration, indulgence, and relaxation.

After breakfast, we check-out from the hotel for an 08:30 AM departure to Colombo. Along the way, we will visit the Ariyapala Mask Museum, explore the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project, and by midday, we should reach the suburbs of Colombo. There, we will visit the National Sandalwood Garden, which offers a pleasant view of the parliamentary complex and is considered another masterpiece by renowned architect Jeffery Bawa. A visit to Ape Gama immerses us in a simulated traditional Sri Lankan village, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, we will explore Independence Square and the National Museum. The day concludes with a visit to the captivating Gangaramaya Temple. We will check-in to a hotel centrally located in the Colombo Fort area for dinner and an overnight stay. You can also explore the Dutch Hospital precinct and Echelon Square independently.

After breakfast, we check out from the hotel for an 8:30 AM departure into the heart of Colombo. Our first stop is Viharamahadevi Park, featuring a Buddha statue, water fountains, a mini zoo, and a children’s play area. Next, we visit the neoclassical Colombo Town Hall, built in 1927 and serving as the headquarters of the Colombo Municipal Council. We then explore the iconic Red Mosque in Pettah, famous for its candy-striped façade and unique architectural blend. Following these cultural visits, we proceed to Negombo and check into our hotel, where lunch will be served. The afternoon is free for self-guided exploration or relaxation. The day ends with a special farewell dinner, celebrating our final evening in Negombo before an overnight stay at the hotel.

As your memorable tour draws to a close, we’ve tailored your departure to match your flight schedule. After enjoying breakfast and checking out from the hotel, take some time to explore Negombo City at your own pace. Renowned for its shopping opportunities, including garments, gold jewellery, and fresh seafood markets, Negombo offers a final taste of its charm. Once your exploration is complete, we’ll transfer you seamlessly to the airport, concluding your enriching journey. Our flexible plan ensures a smooth transition based on your departure, letting you cherish the last moments of your permaculture experience before saying farewell to this beautiful emerald island.