Sri Lanka

Upon your arrival at the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Rahhalah Representative, and transferred to your hotel in Negombo (approx. a 20-min drive).

Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the city at your own pace.

Optional: If time permits, you may go on a city tour in Negombo including the fishing village.

Accommodation: Jetwing Sea Hotel (4-star) or similar, Negombo.

After breakfast, you will head towards Kithulgala (approx. a 3-hour drive). Kitulgala, in west Sri Lanka, is one of the wettest places in the country. Situated in the Wet Zone rainforest, it is considered an important spot in terms of biodiversity. In 1956, the location was used for the filming of the Academy Award-winning movie: 'The Bridge on the River Kwai'. Now, nothing remains but the concrete foundations of the bridge which can still be seen. In more recent times, Kitulgala has become famous as an adventurers’ paradise and a hub for water-based adventure activities such as white water rafting and canyoning. Its surrounding forest patches have also made it an excellent destination for all nature enthusiasts.

Once in Kitulgala, you will embark on an exciting white-water rafting adventure in the Kelani River (duration: around 2 hours). The activity is suitable for everyone (above 10 years old) and does not require prior experience. After the necessary safety briefly, you will enjoy the adrenaline-pumping thrill of Grade 3-4 rapids and the euphoria of rising to the challenge.

Afterwards, you will head to the hotel to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Palmstone retreat (5-star) hotel or similar, Kitulgala.

After breakfast, you will head towards Nuwara Eliya (approx. a 3-hour drive). Enroute, you will stop at the awe-inspiring Devon Waterfall and the majestic St. Clair Waterfall, set against a backdrop of dense forests and emerald-green hillsides.

Next, you will visit a Tea Factory, where you will embark on an informative and aromatic journey, learning the art of tea cultivation and processing, from the plucking of tender tea leaves to the intricate blending and packaging. Your visit will end with a cup of steaming freshly brewed Ceylon tea, as you relax surrounded by breathtaking views of the surrounding tea plantations.

Once in Nuwara Eliya, you will go on a city tour, strolling through streets lined with colonial-era architecture, and visiting the serene Gregory Lake: a perfect spot for relaxation and reflection.

Accommodation: Araliya Green Hills (4-star) hotel or similar, Nuwara Eliya.

You will start your day with a morning walk at Moonplains: a place known for its beautiful views. It is best to go in the morning to enjoy the scenery before the mist appears.

After breakfast, you will check-out from the hotel and will head towards Udawalawe (approx. a 4-hour drive). Along the way, you will stop at Ravana Waterfall to enjoy the stunning view, and the Buduruwagala rock carvings: an ancient site with impressive rock sculptures.

When in Udawalawe, and after a short relaxation at the camp, you will embark on a 4WD safari through the Udawalawe National Park. The Udawalawe National Park is located on the borders of the Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces of Sri Lanka. Initially, it was created to provide sanctuary to the wild animals that lost their habitat due to the construction of the Udawalawe reservoir (which is now considered as the main attraction for the elephants at the Udawalawe National Park). Udawalawe is an important habitat for Sri Lankan elephants, which are, otherwise, relatively hard to see in the wild.

By evening you enjoy Gala dinner at hotel and new-year celebration at your accommodation.

Accommodation: Athgira River Camp or similar, Udawalawe.

You will begin your day with a thrilling morning game drive in the Udawalawe National Park, where you will have the chance to see the incredible biodiversity of Sri Lanka. Keep your camera ready to capture majestic elephants, leopards, and various other wildlife species in their natural habitat.

Afterwards, you will visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home (ETH), also called Udawalawe elephant orphanage. The primary purpose of ETH is to take care of orphaned elephant calves until they are independent and capable enough to be released back into the wild.

You will then head to Unawatuna (a 2.5-hour drive): a coastal paradise known for its pristine beaches and vibrant atmosphere. Along the way, you will stop at the Mulkirigala Rock Temple, a remarkable cultural site carved into a massive rock, to explore the ancient caves, admire the intricate sculptures, and take in the spiritual aura of this unique temple.

Finally, when you arrive in Unawatuna, you can relax after checking in, soaking up the evening sun by the sea.

Accommodation: Agnus hotel (4-star) or similar, Unawatuna.

After breakfast, you can enjoy a peaceful morning by the sea. In the afternoon, you will head to Galle (around 15mins drive). There, you will go on a guided Galle Fort walk to explore this historic landmark, passing through cobbled streets, learning tales of the past, and gaining a unique perspective on the rich heritage of the site.

Accommodation: Agnus hotel (4-star) or similar, Unawatuna.

Enjoy the day at leisure, relaxing at the beach or joining some optional activities.

Optional: Village tour in Galle, including bike ride, boat ride, market visit, cooking demonstration with lunch at a village mud hut with a local family (extra cost applies).

Accommodation: Agnus hotel (4-star) or similar, Unawatuna.

After breakfast, you will head to Colombo International airport to catch your flight back home (approx. a 2.5-hour drive).

Note: Only one group airport transfer is included in the price. Additional arrangements can be made at an extra cost.