Emerald Isle Escape

Your Sri Lankan journey begins as you arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport. A representative of Jetwing Travels greets you and escorts you to a private car for the short twenty minute drive to Negombo. You check into Jetwing Beach or a similar hotel, where the rest of the evening is free to unwind. A welcome dinner is served at the hotel, allowing you to taste local flavours after your flight. The sound of the nearby ocean lulls you into a restful first night.

After breakfast, your chauffeur driver guide takes you on a four hour drive to the Dambulla region. En route, you experience an authentic Village Tour where you ride a bullock cart and a catamaran boat across a peaceful lake. You visit a traditional mud house and observe villagers at their daily tasks. A local family serves you a home cooked rice and curry lunch, giving you a true taste of rural Sri Lanka. You then check into Jetwing Lake Dambulla for dinner and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a leisurely morning. In the afternoon, your chauffeur driver guide transfers you to Minneriya National Park for a four hour jeep safari. You explore the park’s vast grasslands and water reservoirs, where herds of up to 150 wild elephants gather. Besides elephants, you may spot wild buffaloes, spotted deer, crocodiles, and many bird species. The safari ends as the sun begins to lower, and you return to your hotel. Dinner and overnight are at Jetwing Lake Dambulla.

After breakfast, your chauffeur driver guide takes you to the 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You climb the 600 foot high Lion Rock to see the famous frescoes and the remains of a royal palace on the summit. Next, you travel toward Kandy with a stop at a Matale spice garden, where you learn about cinnamon, cardamom, and other tropical spices. In the evening, you watch a vibrant Kandyan cultural show with traditional dance and fire walking. You then check into Amaya Hills Kandy for dinner and overnight.

Your chauffeur driver guide collects you after breakfast for a local cooking demonstration led by an expert chef. You learn to prepare classic Sri Lankan rice and curry dishes including dhal, chicken, and eggplant curries. After enjoying the meal you helped create, you visit the lively Kandy Central Market to see fresh produce, spices, and handmade textiles. The market offers a perfect chance to interact with friendly vendors and taste tropical fruits. You return to Amaya Hills Kandy for dinner and another comfortable overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a transfer to Kandy Railway Station. Your chauffeur driver guide assists you onto a scenic train bound for Nuwara Eliya, passing through tea plantations and misty mountains. First class tickets are requested but subject to availability due to high demand. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to The Blackpool Hotel to check in. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy the cool climate and colonial charm of this hill station. Dinner and overnight are at the hotel.

After breakfast, your chauffeur driver guide leads a full day tour of Nuwara Eliya, often called Little England. You stroll around Lake Gregory, visit Victoria Park with its landscaped gardens, and see colonial era buildings. The tour also includes the Sita Amman Temple, wrapped in legend from the Ramayana, and the bustling Nuwara Eliya markets where you can buy warm clothing and fresh produce. The afternoon is free to explore on your own or simply relax in the cool breeze. You return to The Blackpool Hotel for dinner and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a scenic drive toward Ella, where you pause to admire the dramatic views of the Ella Gap. Your chauffeur driver guide then continues to Yala National Park for an afternoon jeep safari lasting approximately three hours. Yala is famous for its high density of leopards, as well as elephants, sloth bears, and crocodiles. You return from the safari as dusk settles and check into Jetwing Yala for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, your chauffeur driver guide takes you to the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawa, where orphaned elephants are fed and cared for. You watch the afternoon feeding session at 2:30 PM, seeing baby elephants drink milk from large bottles. Next, you enjoy a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park, known for its resident elephant population of about 250 animals. You also spot water buffalo, wild boar, and many bird species. You then check into Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort for dinner and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a drive to Galle, Sri Lanka’s most historically interesting town. Your chauffeur driver guide leads you through the Dutch built fort, where you visit the lighthouse, the old harbor, and see traditional lace makers at work. After lunch on your own in Galle, you continue to Colombo, a drive of about two and a half hours. You check into Colombo Court Hotel & Spa for your final night, with dinner included and time to explore the city’s lively streets.