Journey to a Nature Retreat - 12 Days

On arrival at the Bandaranayke International Airport, you will get your first taste of warm Sri Lankan hospitality; a representative will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to Negombo.

Overnight stay at Suriya Arana - Standard Room or Similar

In the early morning, you will visit the Fish Market (Lellama) where there are fish auctions daily. The Fishing Village is also known as the Lellama by the locals is located across the lagoon bridge, near the Old Dutch Gate in Negombo. This is the second largest open-air fish market in Sri Lanka. This will give you a better insight to a local fisher community. You will be able to witness the fishermen in hundreds of boats bringing in their days catch. See how the wholesalers and restaurateurs trade and watch the packing & loading of fish for distribution across the country as well as for export worldwide. A wooden or galvanized box was strapped to the cycles and eventually, the cycle vendors paddled down the streets, making their way through makeshift fish stalls and little teashops. Afterwards, transfer to Sigiriya where you will climb the Sigiriya rock fortress in the afternoon. The 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress was built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The 'Lion Rock' is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 metres from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the 'Heavenly Maidens' of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway. These frescoes are painted in earth pigments on.

Overnight stay at Kassapa Lions Rock - Chalet Room or Similar

After breakfast proceed to visit Polonnaruwa. Polonnaruwa is the main town of Polonnaruwa District in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is the second largest city in this province and famous for its clean and beautiful environment, amazing ancient constructions and most importantly the huge lake ‘Parakrama Samudra’ built in 1200 The city has many untouched ancient archeological relic sites and remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country. UNESCO has declared the ancient city as one of the World Heritage sites.

In the afternoon visit to Minneriya National Park. (Herds of elephants can be spotted where the water is abundant inside the parks. Depending on that, you will visit either Minneriya or Kaudulla or Eco park). Minneriya Park is a national park in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The park is a dry season feeding ground for the elephant population. Sri Lankan Leopard and Sloth bear which are rare and endangered species also inhabit this area. The park was declared as a wild life sanctuary in order to protect the watershed of Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the surrounding area. The tank is historically important for the country as it was built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD.

Overnight stay at Kassapa Lions Rock - Chalet Room or Similar

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is a free day.

Overnight stay at Kassapa Lions Rock - Chalet Room or Similar

After breakfast transfer to Kandy. En route, you will visit a spice garden in Matale, where the scent of cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, nutmeg and mace will overwhelm your senses. Continue to Kandy, the last capital of Sri Lankan kings. The name "Kandy" conjures visions of splendor and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive here. Drive around Kandy Lake, built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Visit Kandy town and the bazaar, the arts & crafts center, a gem museum and a lapidary. Spend the afternoon exploring the city of Kandy. There is much to see in this historic city.

Overnight stay at Hotel Thilanka Kandy - Deluxe Room or Similar

After breakfast, transfer to your tented accommodation in the Knuckles Mountain range, located within a tea estate. Spend the day hiking and exploring the Knuckles Mountains and the surrounding tea estates. The Knuckles are some of the most pristine well-preserved wilderness areas in the island and they offer some excellent hiking trails.

Dinner & Overnight stay at Wild Glamping Knuckles - Luxury Tent

After breakfast, proceed to Mandaramnuwara. The evening is at leisure to enjoy the beauty of the village.

Dinner & Overnight stay at Tea & Experience factory - mixed dorms

After breakfast, take a stroll in the surroundings of Mandaramnuwara and enjoy a picnic lunch near a waterfall. Visit a tea factory and tea plantation. Here you can observe the process of manufacturing tea and can also see how tea is graded. You can also experience a session of tea plucking and taste a cup of pure Ceylon tea in the factory. Afterwards, proceed to Bandarawela.

Your accommodation for the night will be at a local Buddhist temple. The accommodation is basic with shared washrooms and common toilets, but comfortable and during your stay here you will be served vegetarian meals. You will have the chance to interact with the monks and learn about the principles of Buddhism.

Dinner & Overnight stay at a Temple in Bandarawela.

After breakfast, a hike in Bandarawela region. You will pass by small tea and vegetable plantations as you explore this scenic region. After the trek you will be able to refresh yourself and then transfer to Mirissa. Mirissa is situated on the south coast of Sri Lanka in the Matara District. It is a fishing port and one of the island's main whale and dolphin watching locations. On a clear day stunning sunset could be witnessed on this small tropical sandy beach. It is a popular tourist destination due to its beach and night life activities.

Dinner and Overnight stay at Paradise Beach Club - Deluxe Room or Similar

Breakfast at the hotel. The next few days are at your own leisure.

Optional: Whale Watching (November to April - Local payment approx. USD 60 per person)
The largest living animal on earth, blue whales can grow up to 100 feet (30 meters) long and weigh almost 200 tons. They are among the Earth's longest-living animals with an average lifespan of around 80 to 90 years. When breathing, Blue whales emit a spectacular single column spout up to 12 meters into the air. They also typically raise their shoulders and blowholes much higher out of the water than other big whales when surfacing to breathe. These two characteristics make Blue whale watching an incredible experience.

Dinner and Overnight stay at Paradise Beach Club - Deluxe Room or Similar

After breakfast, transfer to the airport. This is the end of the tour.

Accommodation at specified hotels or similar standard hotels on BB basis, except at Mirissa, which is HB basis.
Services of an English-speaking driver
Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
One bottle of mineral water per person per day
Entrance fees to
- Minneriya National Park + Jeep
- Sigiriya rock Fortress
- Tea factory visit
- Polonnaruwa
- Knuckles Hike - Waterfall
- Walk and lunch at Mandaramnuwara
- Bandarawela hike