DAY 01
Morning arrival at Colombo International Airport. Welcome reception at the Airport and transfer to Galle Face Hotel, Colombo. Free to relax at this colonial hotel that overlooks the Colombo waterfront. Late afternoon leave for a city tour of Colombo visiting a famous Buddhist temple at Kelaniya known for its absolute serinity, the 17th century Wolfendhal Church, a Hindu shrine and many other places of interest to study the multi religious, multi cultural society of this 400 year old city. Also drive along the old city built 100 years ago by the British, the busy Pettah market. Dinner and overnight at Galle Face Hotel.



DAY 02
After breakfast leave for Hambantota via Uda Walawe. At Uda Walawe leave for a jeep safari at the National Park in the afternoon. As you will be passing Ratnapura; the city of gems you can do a brief stop at a gem pit to study the primitive art of gem mining in Sri Lanka; a lucrative industry. The National park at Uda Walawe that surrounds a massive lake is considered to be the best place in Asia to view and study the Asian elephant. At times you’ll find these creatures in their hundreds feeding on the lush mana grass of the vast plains of the park. In addition you could come across all other mammals that live in Sri Lanka but the sightings of leopard and bear are rare here. The park is famous for sightings of rare birds as well including many types of birds of prey.
One cannot forget the scenic beauty as one could watch the mountains over the plains and the lake and occasional elephants in silhouette which is breath-taking. Afterwards proceed to Oasis Beach hotel, Hambantota built in isolation, for the dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 03
Early morning at crack of the dawn, leave for a safari at the Bundala bird sanctuary with packed breakfast and check in to Yala Safari Hotel in the noon. Bundala is considered to be the best wetland in the Island for bird watching. The cluster of large brackish water lakes and the arid forest cover attracts thousands of migratory birds from Europe and Northern Asia to Budala, during the winter. In addition a large number of resident aquatic birds, roost and nest in colonies in this bird watchers paradise. The park boarders the remote Indian Ocean on one side and endless sand dunes attract rogue elephants that are so fond of salt. It has a large population of crocodiles living in the lakes as well. At 3 pm leave for Yala National Park for a safari by jeep. Yala; the largest National park in Sri Lanka is situated in most South Eastern corner of the Island and covers more than 400 Sq Miles.
This park is famous as the best in this part of the world for sightings of the Asian Leopard and the Sloth Bear. The landscape varies from massive rock formations in arid desert settings to lush green virgin forests on the river banks and vast parkland in which roam elephant, deer, elk, wild buffalo, wild boar, mongoose, jackal, civet cat and the large black napped hare. Many birds aquatic and other types can be viewed at numerous water holes and lakes. Very rare species of birds have been recorded by bird watchers. Late evening return to the Yala safari jungle lodge once again built on the beach in perfect remoteness for dinner and overnight stay. Don’t miss the grilled fish the hotel serves straight from the morning catch from a nearby fishing village!
  
DAY 04
After bird watching around the Tissa and Weeravilla tanks famous for aquatic bird life, proceed to Nuwara-Eliya. En route stop for a cup of tea at the beautiful Ella rest house built by the British at 4,500 feet, now renovated, overlooking the famous Ella gap through which you’ll sea the Southern coast in the horizon. Evening leave for Hakgala Nature Reserve situated at 6000 feet above sea level to observe the mountain birds of most are endemic to the Island. Dinner and overnight at Galway forest lodge in Nuwara-Eliya.


DAY 05
Very early morning leave for Horton Plains National Park at 7000 feet with packed breakfast for a hike. Follow the jungle trails set in the deep rain forests (not infested with wild elephants) on bird watching. Everything you see in this part of the Island is so lush and green and moistures. The vistas from heights can be so panoramic and endless tea plantations blend so perfectly with virgin forests, occasional gushing waterfalls and fascinating mountain brooks. Most of the plants and wild flowers that bloom in the National Park are endemic to Sri Lanka. After the hike proceed to Kandy. en route visit a tea factory and a plantation. Dinner and overnight at the Tree of Life Hotel, Kandy,

DAY 06
Early morning leave for bird watching in the vast forest garden of the hotel following the nature trails. Afterwards proceed to Kandalama Resort area. Evening free for bird watching around the ancient Kandalama Lake and following the nature trails in the forest reserve or for an elephant back safari. Beauty of this North Central Province land is just not comparable with any other in Sri Lanka. Dinner and overnight at Culture Club Hotel or Habarana Village Hotel.

DAY 07
Early morning proceed to the 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress and commence the climb. Sigirya the 8th wonder of the world and a world heritage site is a remarkable archeological masterpiece. Halfway on the climb you can watch the frescoes of the Sigiriya maidens drawn so miraculously on the rock wall of a cavity. Peragrine falcons roost and nest in another cavity not so far. Rest of the climb to the top is really adventurous against the strong winds and on the summit you could watch the remains of the King’s court, palace, bathing ponds and enjoy the magnificent view of the landscape of dry zone wilderness of Sri Lanka. The rare Indian Blue Rock Thrush is a treat on the summit among the ancient rocks from Dec to April. Afterwards proceed to Dambulla to visit the famous cave temple yet another world heritage site. The cluster of five caves are renowned for paintings and sculpture work from the 1st century. In the late afternoon proceed to Minneriya-Giritale Nature reserve by jeep for a safari to watch large herds of elephants coming to drink during the drought. Overnight at the same resort as above.

Day 08
More bird watching in the forests around the Kandalama resort and proceed to Negombo; the famous fishing harbour close to the Airport. Relax a little using day rooms and leave for the Airport for the departure