Island Sampler

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day 1
   BIA → Habarana / Sigiriya → Evening Wildlife Safari

   Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport

   • Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), meet your Trailmark Tours representative and begin your Sri Lankan adventure.
   • After a warm welcome, your private vehicle will be ready for the journey towards the Cultural Triangle.
   • Travel through the Sri Lankan countryside, passing villages, paddy fields, tropical vegetation and local communities as you make your way towards Habarana or Sigiriya.

   Arrival & Hotel Check-in

   • Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax and refresh.
   • Depending on your arrival time, there may be an opportunity to enjoy some leisure time before the afternoon wildlife experience.

   Evening Wildlife Safari

   • In the afternoon, depart for an exciting wildlife safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park. The park will be selected according to seasonal wildlife conditions and local recommendations.
   • Travel through the park by safari jeep, exploring forests, grasslands and areas surrounding the reservoir.
   • Possible sightings include wild Asian elephants, spotted deer, wild buffalo, crocodiles, monkeys, peacocks, water birds and other wildlife and bird species.
   • The reservoirs and surrounding grasslands can attract significant numbers of elephants, particularly during suitable seasonal conditions.
   • Enjoy the natural surroundings and sunset atmosphere before leaving the park.

   Evening

   • Return to your hotel in Habarana or Sigiriya and relax after the safari.

   Overnight: Habarana / Sigiriya Meals: Dinner

2. Day 2
   Sigiriya Rock Fortress → Dambulla Cave Temple → Kandy

   Early Morning — Sigiriya Rock Fortress

   • Start your day early with breakfast or an arranged early breakfast at the hotel.
   • Travel to Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the morning, when temperatures are generally more comfortable for climbing.
   • Begin the climb through the ancient fortress complex.
   • As you make your way upwards, explore the beautifully designed ancient gardens, water gardens and historic remains of the former royal complex.
   • Continue towards the upper section of the fortress and enjoy panoramic views across the surrounding forests and countryside.
   • The Sigiriya experience includes the ancient royal gardens, water gardens, historic archaeological remains, the Sigiriya frescoes, the Lion's Paw area, ancient fortress structures and panoramic views from the summit.
   • After exploring the fortress, descend and continue towards Dambulla.

   Dambulla Cave Temple

   • Visit the famous Dambulla Cave Temple, one of Sri Lanka's most important religious and cultural landmarks.
   • Explore the cave complex containing numerous Buddha statues, ancient religious artwork and colourful murals.
   • Your guide will explain the historical and cultural significance of the temple and its importance within Sri Lanka's Buddhist heritage.
   • Take time to appreciate the peaceful surroundings before continuing your journey.

   Dambulla → Kandy

   • Continue towards Kandy, travelling through scenic countryside, villages and lush vegetation.
   • Upon arrival in Kandy, proceed directly to your hotel for check-in.
   • The remainder of the evening is kept free for you to relax after a full day of sightseeing and travel.

   Overnight: Kandy Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

3. Day 3
   Kandy Temple → Tea Factory → Ella

   Morning — Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

   • After breakfast, visit the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa.
   • The temple is one of Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist and cultural landmarks.
   • Explore the temple complex and learn about its history, traditions and significance to the former Kandyan Kingdom.
   • Take time to experience the traditional atmosphere of Kandy before continuing towards the central highlands.

   Kandy → Nuwara Eliya / Tea Country

   • After the temple visit, begin your scenic journey towards Sri Lanka's famous tea-growing region.
   • As you travel into the mountains, the scenery changes dramatically — mountain ranges, deep valleys, waterfalls, tea plantations, forested hills and small mountain villages.
   • The cooler climate and beautiful landscapes make the journey towards the tea country one of the highlights of the tour.

   Ceylon Tea Factory Visit

   • Stop at a traditional Ceylon Tea Factory and discover how Sri Lanka's world-famous tea is produced.
   • Learn about the complete tea-making process, including tea cultivation, leaf picking, withering, rolling, fermentation / oxidation, drying, grading and packing.
   • You will also have the opportunity to taste freshly prepared Ceylon Tea.

   Continue to Ella

   • After the tea factory visit, continue your scenic journey towards Ella.
   • Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, tea plantations and valleys along the way.
   • Upon arrival in Ella, check in to your hotel.
   • Spend the evening relaxing and enjoying Ella's peaceful mountain atmosphere.

   Overnight: Ella Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

4. Day 4
   Ella → Nine Arch Bridge → Galle

   Morning — Ella & Nine Arch Bridge

   • After breakfast, begin your exploration of Ella.
   • Travel to the famous Nine Arch Bridge, one of Sri Lanka's most iconic railway landmarks.
   • Walk through the surrounding greenery and tea plantations to reach the bridge.
   • The bridge is surrounded by lush vegetation and dramatic mountain scenery, providing excellent opportunities for photography.
   • Take time to enjoy the landscape and, depending on the railway timetable, you may have the opportunity to see a train travelling across the bridge.

   Ella → Galle

   • After visiting the Nine Arch Bridge, return to the vehicle and begin your journey towards Galle on Sri Lanka's southern coast.
   • The scenery gradually changes from cool mountain landscapes and tea plantations to tropical lowlands.
   • Enjoy the changing scenery as you travel south.

   Arrival in Galle

   • Upon arrival in Galle, check in to your hotel.
   • The evening can be spent relaxing at the hotel or enjoying some leisure time in the surrounding area.
   • If time permits, a short visit around the Galle area can be arranged according to the day's schedule.

   Overnight: Galle Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

5. Day 5
   Galle → BIA

   Morning — Departure from Galle

   • After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin the journey towards Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).
   • The journey takes you through Sri Lanka's southern and western regions, offering views of tropical landscapes, villages and coastal areas.
   • Depending on your flight schedule, there may be an opportunity for a short stop along the way.

   Optional Galle Fort Visit

   • If your flight timing allows, a short visit to Galle Fort can be included before beginning the airport transfer.
   • Explore the historic fortifications, colonial-era architecture, old streets and Indian Ocean views.
   • The visit can be adjusted according to the available time and international flight departure requirements.

   Galle → BIA

   • Continue towards Bandaranaike International Airport.
   • Arrive at the airport with sufficient time for check-in and departure formalities.
   • Your Trailmark Tours chauffeur will assist you with the airport drop-off.

   Meals: Breakfast