The Ultimate Island Journey

Welcome to Sri Lanka!

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your private chauffeur-guide and transferred towards Hikkaduwa. After a long international flight, the first day is deliberately kept comfortable so you can recover from jet lag while beginning to discover Sri Lanka.

Depending on your arrival time and energy level, we can make an optional sightseeing tour of Colombo.

Colombo City Highlights Independence Square — A peaceful and historically important landmark commemorating Sri Lanka's independence in 1948. The elegant architecture, open gardens and surrounding area provide a pleasant introduction to the country's modern history.

Galle Face Green — Colombo's famous oceanfront promenade overlooking the Indian Ocean. It is a popular place for locals and visitors to enjoy the sea breeze, watch the sunset and experience everyday Colombo life.

Gangaramaya Temple — One of Colombo's best-known Buddhist temples, combining traditional Sri Lankan Buddhist architecture with influences from China, Thailand, India and other Asian countries. The temple museum contains an unusual collection of religious objects, antiques and cultural items.

National Museum of Colombo — Sri Lanka's largest museum, offering an excellent introduction to the island's long history, ancient kingdoms, art, royal heritage and archaeological treasures.

Lotus Tower area — See Colombo's modern skyline and the distinctive Lotus Tower, one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.

After sightseeing, continue south towards Hikkaduwa and check into your hotel.

Overnight: Hikkaduwa

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Mirissa or Hikkaduwa before continuing your exploration of Sri Lanka's southern coast.

Madu River Safari Take a boat safari through the beautiful waterways and mangrove forests of the Madu River. The river system contains numerous small islands, narrow waterways and dense mangrove vegetation.

The Madu River forms part of an internationally recognized Ramsar wetland environment, making it an important ecosystem for biodiversity. During the boat trip, you may see water birds, monitor lizards, fish, monkeys and other wildlife while travelling through the peaceful mangroves.

Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Project Visit a turtle conservation centre and learn about Sri Lanka's endangered marine turtles. The project provides information about different species of sea turtles, their nesting habits and the threats they face from pollution, fishing and habitat loss.

Galle Dutch Fort Continue to historic Galle and explore the magnificent Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built originally by the Portuguese and later extensively developed by the Dutch, the fort remains a living historic city.

Walk along the old ramparts and narrow streets, see colonial buildings, churches and old merchant houses, and enjoy the cafés, galleries and small shops inside the fort.

Continue to Mirissa for the evening.

Overnight: Mirissa

Start the morning with one of Sri Lanka's most exciting marine experiences: a whale and dolphin-watching excursion from Mirissa.

The waters off the southern coast are famous for sightings of blue whales, sperm whales, dolphins and other marine life. The excursion is dependent on sea and weather conditions, and wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, but the experience of being out on the Indian Ocean is memorable in itself.

After returning to shore, visit Coconut Tree Hill, one of Mirissa's most photographed coastal viewpoints. Tall coconut palms rise above the headland with spectacular views over the turquoise Indian Ocean.

The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Relax on Mirissa's beautiful sandy beach, swim in the sea, enjoy a beachfront café or simply take time to unwind.

Overnight: Mirissa