Treasures of Sri Lanka - Independent Journey

Day 1 Wattala

Fly into Colombo. A prearranged arrival transfer will take you to your hotel. Settle into the laidback pace of Wattala, a lovely coastal town just north of Colombo. Explore your surrounds by bike or foot, or perhaps head down to the beach for a swim.

Day 2 Anuradhapura

Journey out to Mihintale, the birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism. Count the 1,840 stone steps up to age-old pagodas, monasteries and caves atop this incredible mountain peak before driving out to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, home to the sacred Bodhi tree.

Day 3-4 Polonnaruwa

Jump on a bike and pedal through quaint villages on the way out to Dambalawewa Lake. See locals washing their clothes in the traditional manner, listen to the chatter of birds and take in the scenic surrounds. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch before heading out to picturesque Giritale Lake where you'll spend the night. Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and admire its ancient rock carvings and monuments.

Day 5-6 Kandy

Take on the 750 steps up to the summit of Sigiriya – a remarkable citadel boasting 1,500-year-old frescoes, tranquil ponds and stunning vistas. Stop in at the Dambulla Rock Temple and Matale Spice Garden on the road to Kandy, where you’ll enjoy a traditional culture show. The next day, take a tour of the city's historical sites, including the most important shrine in the country and the Temple of the Tooth – home to one of Buddha’s teeth – before heading out to the city’s world-class botanical gardens and the local market.

Day 7 Kithulgala

A small town in the west of Sri Lanka, Kitulgala is the perfect place to take a dip in the refreshing Kelani River. See where the classic film, The Bridge on the River Kwai, was filmed and then keep eyes and ears peeled on a nature walk.

Day 8 Nuwara Eliya

Travel over spectacular Ramboda Pass to the old British hill station of Nuwara Eliya. See Sri Lanka’s tallest mountain loom in the distance as you sip some delicious local tea. Later, if time permits, hike out to the majestic Lover’s Leap Waterfall.

Day 9 Belihul Oya

Wake with the sun and hike through montane forests and tea plantations to World's End. Be entranced by the mesmerising views of the plains below – on a clear day you can see all the way to the Indian Ocean. Then travel through cloud forest and remote villages en route to Beragala.

Day 10 Kataragama

Enjoy another day of incredible hiking before visiting Diyaluma Falls, the second-highest waterfall in the country. Afterwards, drive out to Athuthusevena in time to witness the feeding of some adorable baby elephants.

Day 11 Galle

Keep your eyes peeled for mongoose, porcupine, eagle and storks in serene Yala National Park. Then continue on to Galle, whose historic fort is worth a visit.

Day 12-13 Induruwa

Learn about local turtle species at the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery before carrying on to the beachside town of Induruwa. Unwind on sandy shores or perhaps venture in for a dip in the Indian Ocean.

Day 14-15 Colombo

Choose to start the day with a yoga session or a swim or a stroll through lush forest to a local village. Afterwards, head back to the Sri Lankan capital. Explore the harbour, do a spot of shopping and, come evening, perhaps check out the dining scene.