Best of Sri Lanka & Beach - 12 days

Upon arrival at Colombo airport you will be met and transferred to your Colombo hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Relax at the hotel and enjoy a swim in the pool or independently explore Sri Lanka's charming capital city.

Colombo - Dambulla - Polonnaruwa - Dambulla. Drive inland from Colombo to Dambulla this morning, stopping en route at a fruit and vegetable market in Naramwela Town. Explore the incredible complex of caves at Dambulla Rock Temple. Dating back to the 1st Century BC, the five caves contain over 150 images of Buddha.

Next stop today is Polonnaruwa, an ancient 11th century city which was once the capital of Sri Lanka. Roam around the incredible ruins, including the famous Royal Palace and the Gal Vihara. After exploring this ancient site, return to Dambulla for an evening at leisure.

Dambulla - Sigiriya - Kandy. This morning visit Sigiriya, where you can climb to the top of the famous Lion Rock fortress. Built over 1500 years ago, this iconic citadel can be viewed from miles around, standing 200 meters high in the middle of verdant jungle. As you climb the spiral staircase to take in the incredible views from the top of the fortress, stop to see the famous paintings of the Heavenly Maidens, in a sheltered pocket of the rock.

Next stop today is a spice garden in Matale where you will learn about the different herbs and spices Sri Lanka is famous for. Then travel on to Kandy, where you will spend the next two nights.

This morning embark on a sightseeing tour of Kandy - the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings. First stop is the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic. Legend has it that one of Buddha's teeth was taken from him as he lay on his funeral pyre. It was then smuggled into Sri Lanka in 313AD. It now attracts daily pilgrims who come bearing lotus flowers and frangipani. After exploring the temple, enjoy a scenic drive around Kandy Lake before visiting a local bazaar and a gem museum. Then take Tuk Tuk ride up into the surrounding hills to take in views of the city. In the afternoon visit the Geragama Tea Factory, which manufactures 'Low Grown' and 'Long Leaf' tea. End the day watching a cultural performance of traditional Sri Lankan music and dance this evening.

Kandy - Nuwara Eliya. Spend the morning at leisure in Kandy before transferring to the railway station for a scenic train ride. Passing mile upon mile of verdant tea plantations that hug the winding mountain passes, see tea pickers, waterfalls and suspension bridges on your journey up to Nuwara Eliya - Sri Lankas most popular hill resort. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lankas tea country producing a significant share of the worlds best tea. Upon arrival enjoy a sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya - locally as 'Little England'.

Nuwara Eliya - Udawalawe National Park. Today head south to Embilipitiya, your base for exploring Udawalawe National Park. Udawalawe is probably one of the best places to spot the famous Sri Lankan elephant, the biggest of all the Asian elephants in the wild. It is thought that there are around 400 elephants here. The park is also home to the elusive leopard, the Sri Lankan sloth bear, the cheeky langur monkey and varies types of deer. Go in search of wildlife on an afternoon game drive.

Udawalawe National Park - Colombo. Return to Colombo this morning with a visit to the Gem Mine and Museum at Ratnapura en route. Sri Lanka is famous for its gem industry and is home to 40 out of the 85 types of gems that exist in the world.

Arriving into Colombo, enjoy a guided tour of the capital. Take in the Fort area in the north of the city which is famous for its government buildings and interesting shops. See the unique Gangarama Temple and take a stroll along Galle Face Green, a popular spot for kite flying and games of cricket.

Colombo - Beruwala/Bentota. After breakfast, it's a short drive south along Sri Lanka's idyllic West Coast to the popular holiday resorts of Beruwala and neighbouring Bentota.

Spend the final days of your holiday relaxing by the beach.

Sri Lanka's beautiful palm fringed beaches are without a doubt its biggest draw card, and once you set eyes on them youll understand why. Nestled on the Indian Ocean coast with warm crystal clear waters and golden sands, Beruwela and Bentota offer travellers a whole host of water sports from snorkelling and scuba diving, to water skiing and surfing the choice if yours. Indulge in a glass of Toddy a local coconut flavoured tipple, head to the spa and opt for an Ayurveda treatment which the area is famous for, or simply while away the days on the beach with a cocktail in hand.

Beruwala/Bentota - Colombo. Today your tropical island adventure comes to an end. Departure transfer to Colombo Airport for your onward international flight.