Explore Sri Lanka

On arrival into Colombo, you’ll transfer to Negombo, a beachside town where you can live the tropical life. With its pretty palm-backed beach and well-preserved dive sites, there’s plenty to do. The town is famous for its huge fish market, and early risers can observe (or even participate in) the fish auctions and chat to local fishermen - just remember to hold your nose! For an interesting trip, hire a boat or take a walk along the Dutch Canal, observing everyday life as you go.

Climb to the top of Sigiriya’s rock fortress, built on a rocky outcrop 200m high, for far-reaching views across the forest canopy. This World Heritage site, built in the 5th century, is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous and impressive sights, and a moat, rampart and gardens still surround its base.

Call in at the Dambulla Cave Temple, filled with statues, shrines and ceiling paintings, on your way to Kandy. Before reaching the city itself, you’ll stop off at the delightful Matale Spice Gardens, filled with the scent of Sri Lanka’s aromatic spices such as cardamom, cinnamon and pepper. On arrival in Kandy, you’ll tour the city, including a visit to the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic for the evening pooja ceremony, where followers gather to offer flowers and prayers.

Ride the train through rolling green hills to Nuwara Eliya, where you’ll learn all about its tea industry, and can even try a cup or two. At 1,889m, Nuwara Eliya offers a cool break from the heat of the lower altitudes, and a great place to relax. For a fun optional activity, dine on fine food at the Heritance Tea Factory, a narrow-gauge railway dining car now converted to a nostalgic restaurant, with an excellent wine list too.

Return to Colombo and taste your way around its eclectic restaurants on an Eat, Eat and Repeat food tour. Feast your eyes and your stomach on the deliciously fragrant Sinhala, Muslin, Tamil and Malay cuisines on offer at Colombo’s street stalls, visit local haunts and try the fresh produce at the markets. There’s plenty of time to see the sights, such as Fort Station, the Red Mosque and the Khan Clock Tower, along the way.