Let’s get this adventure started. After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll make our way to Dambulla (about a 3-hour drive).

Once we arrive, we’ll visit the incredible Dambulla Cave Temple—a sacred site that’s been a place of worship since the 1st century B.C. Inside, you’ll find five beautifully preserved cave temples filled with intricate wall paintings and over 150 statues of Buddha. It’s quiet, powerful, and absolutely worth the climb.

Don’t miss the massive golden Buddha statue that sits above the temple—it’s one of the most iconic sights in Sri Lanka.

After our visit, we’ll continue on to our hotel for the night.

Note: Please note that to reach Dambulla Caves, there is a short, but fairly steep incline with steps. 

Meals: B, D
Hotel: Jetwing Lake Danbulla

Fuel up at breakfast—today’s a big one! First, we'll head to Sigiriya Rock (about 30 minutes away), one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic can't-miss landmarks. This towering 5th-century fortress has a wild backstory: a prince-turned-king built it after seizing the throne, turning his pleasure palace into a stronghold to keep enemies at bay.

You’ll climb past ancient frescoes and sweeping views to the top of the rock, where the ruins of his palace still sit. Surrounded by moats, water gardens, and jungle, it’s as dramatic as it sounds—and absolutely worth the hike.

Later, we’ll trade stone paths for safari tracks as we visit Minneriya National Park. Known for its large herds of wild elephants, this is one of the best spots in Sri Lanka to see them in their element—gathering, bathing, and grazing by the water. Keep your eyes open for deer, monkeys, and maybe even a leopard if we’re lucky.

To close out the day, we’ll pause for a sundowner cocktail in the wild. You'll never forget it!

Meals: B, D
Hotel: Jetwing Kandy Gallery

After breakfast, we’ll head out for a hands-on pottery experience in the inland village of Habarana (about 3 hours total, with some fun along the way). First, we’ll hop into a tuk-tuk or safari jeep, then glide across the water by boat to reach a quiet village tucked away from the main roads.

Here, you’ll meet local artisans who’ve been practicing the craft of pottery for generations. Try your hand at shaping clay, watch the pros work their magic, and learn more about how this beautiful, earthy tradition has been passed down over time. It’s intimate, interactive, and directly supports the community.

Once we’ve worked up an appetite, we’ll sit down to a home-cooked Sri Lankan lunch in the village—simple, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

From there, we’ll visit a nearby spice garden, where you’ll get up close with the roots (literally) of Sri Lanka’s rich culinary traditions. Smell, touch, and taste your way through freshly grown spices, then take part in a fun, hands-on cooking demo using ingredients straight from the garden.

Afterward, we’ll continue on to Kandy, check into our hotel, and settle in for the evening. Overnight in Kandy.

Meals: B, L
Hotel: Jetwing Kandy

After breakfast, we’ll head out on a food walk through the heart of the hill country, exploring the diverse flavors that make this city so special. Kandy, once the last royal capital of Sri Lanka, is a beautiful blend of colonial charm and vibrant street life—and its food scene reflects that rich history.

We’ll kick things off at a local spot serving up fresh vegan dishes, a staple in many Sinhalese homes. Then we’ll dive into Tamil cuisine at a lively restaurant packed with clattering plates, sizzling dosas, and spicy vadei. It’s the kind of place where every bite tells a story.

As we make our way through town, you’ll get to sample street food favorites—crispy, savory, sweet, and everything in between. Think handheld snacks bursting with bold island flavors.

We'll also drop by a hidden gem of a food stall focused on fresh, plant-based eats—from soya milk to vegan ice cream. Whether you're vegan or just curious, this is the spot to treat your taste buds.

To wrap up, you can choose your vibe: sip a cold beer at a colonial hotel or unwind with a wholesome salad at a modern café.

Later, after downtime at the hotel, we’ll visit one of the most sacred sites in the country: the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Explore the temple grounds as the sun begins to set, then witness the powerful evening pooja—a ritual filled with music, chants, and centuries of tradition. It’s a beautiful and meaningful way to end the day.

Meals: B , L
Hotel: Jetwing Kandy Gallery

After breakfast, we’re heading south to the coast. Our journey to Galle takes about 4.5 hours, so sit back, enjoy the scenery, and get ready for a complete shift in vibe as we move from the hills to the sea.

Once we arrive, we’ll explore the historic Galle Fort—a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best places to feel the layered cultural history of Sri Lanka. We’ll be guided by a local who’s not just a resident, but a fifth-generation storyteller who grew up inside these walls.

As we wander through the fort’s narrow streets and Dutch-colonial architecture, you’ll hear stories passed down through generations—about the Portuguese, Dutch, and British who each left their mark here, and about the people who continue to call it home today. The blend of European influence and Sri Lankan tradition is everywhere—in the buildings, the atmosphere, and even the little cafes tucked into centuries-old corners.

Meals: B
Hotel: Jetwing Lighthouse Galle

This morning, we're out early to go whale watching! Along the way our chef serves a freshly prepared breakfast including fresh fruit, when whales are sighted guests are invited to the bow and upper decks for the best viewing of these incredible creatures.

Snake and Taprobane islands

After enjoying the whales, we head towards Weligama Bay, where the yacht anchors near the Snake and the Taprobane Isalands – a lovely setting to enjoy swimming and lunch.

After a fun day, we'll head back to the hotel for overnight.

Meals: B, L
Hotel: Jetwing Lighthouse

Time to trade lush landscapes for island vibes! This morning, we’ll head to the airport for our flight to Malé, the capital of the Maldives. The journey to Colombo takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

✈️ Flight GF-145 | Departs 17:25, Arrives 18:25 (subject to change)

Once we land in Malé, we’ll hop on a speedboat transfer straight to our hotel - because yes, that’s how we do arrivals in the Maldives.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Let the island magic begin.

Meals: B, D
Hotel: NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi

While we're in the Maldives, your time is all yours.

Wake up to the sound of waves and the soft glow of the sun over the lagoon. With no scheduled activities, you’re free to enjoy the day exactly how you want at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi.

Start with a slow morning, maybe a barefoot walk on the beach or coffee with a view that doesn’t feel real. Then, choose your own adventure:

🌴 Lounge by the pool with a cocktail in hand
🌊 Snorkel straight from the shore in crystal-clear waters
💆‍♀️ Treat yourself to a spa treatment inspired by island wellness
🚤 Or sign up for a little thrill, like jet skiing or a sunset dolphin cruise

This is what you came for: freedom, beauty, and total island peace!

Meals: B, L, D
Hotel: NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi

It's departure day, and we're bummed to leave paradise! But, we know you had an adventurous and relaxing vacay that we'll remember for a lifetime. Bon voyage!