Our airport representative will meet you at the arrival terminal to welcome you to the tour. (We provide you with a knowledgeable, friendly, multilingual guide and transportation in excellent condition, luxurious, and comfortable air-conditioned vehicles.) Your knowledgeable agent will pick you up from the airport and drive you to your hotel in Colombo. For the rest of the day, explore Sri Lanka's largest metropolis and commercial center. Arab sailors used to frequent these ports to trade with the Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonists who once occupied the city. It is a bustling city with an interesting past. Colombo has something for everyone these days. Explore the city's commercial heart, where imposing colonial-era buildings coexist with contemporary hotels and business buildings, or visit the National Museum and Zoological Gardens. Explore the bustling Pettah markets and bazaars before finishing the evening with a taste of Sri Lankan cuisine at a neighbourhood eatery.

Spend this morning in Colombo's Dehiwala National Zoo for an engaging, family-friendly look at Sri Lanka's natural environment. Dehiwala, one of the oldest zoos in Asia, is dedicated to animal welfare and conservation, and in addition to its collection of exotic and native wildlife, it runs breeding initiatives for rare and endangered species. The lush, verdant 30-acre property is home to 72 species of mammals, 65 species of birds, and 31 species of reptiles. Interactive and instructive exhibits make this an ideal family outing. Kids can then nap in the comfortable car or take in the scenery while your driver takes you to Sigiriya in the northeast, part of Sri Lanka's famous Cultural Triangle.

Today, take a guided bike tour through country roads and rice terraces to explore the countryside. You can meet local farmers and discover rural Sri Lankan life before sailing to a peaceful lake, where you can take a scenic boat ride on the water. Afterwards, cycle around the lake while keeping an eye out for unusual birds. Small children can participate in the activity by using a tractor or a traditional tuk-tuk instead of riding a bicycle. You will next embark on a safari excursion to Minneriya National Park, a sizable refuge of grasslands, ponds, and forests. Elephants, leopards, sambar deer, and langur monkeys may be seen in the park, which is situated between Habarana and Polonnaruwa. At its centre is the magnificent Minneriya Tank Reservoir, which was built more than 1,800 years ago as a marvel of ancient engineering. Elephant herds and untamed storks can be observed on its serene beaches. You will undoubtedly get up close and personal with these gentle giants since this is the largest Asian elephant gathering spot in the world.

The remnants of an old fortification constructed in the late fifth century CE can be found at Sigiriya, a UNESCO-listed site that stands high out of the surrounding jungle. The name, which means "Lion Rock," alludes to the way that guests have historically started their last trek to the summit of the monument by going through a lion's throat and open jaws. Discover stunning water fountains, rock gardens, frescoes, mirror walls, and castle relics by ascending a winding set of dramatic stairs. The excursion is appropriate for most ages because it has railings and steps, but younger kids can also make a shorter trek to a halfway point. After that, relax your weary legs as your smart driver takes you south to Kandy, the cultural centre of Sri Lanka. The city is ideally located between three mountain ranges and offers a warm welcome to Sri Lanka's hill country. Take an afternoon visit to the ancient Royal Palace, situated near the shores of Lake Kandy. Explore gardens, temples, and shrines before seeing Sri Dalada Maligawa, the temple housing the Sacred Tooth Relic. It dates to the sixteenth century and contains the most significant Buddhist relic in Sri Lanka: a Buddha tooth. Consider signing up for a traditional drum lesson in the afternoon if you're searching for something more practical. Children can learn about the culture and history of Sri Lankan traditional drumming while having fun on the drums. Under the guidance of a tutor whose family has been drumming for centuries, you will discover various drumming styles and their application in Sri Lankan ceremonies, such as temples and peraharas (processions). It's the ideal warm-up for going to an evening cultural event, where the vibrant display of drumming, music, dancing, and acrobatics will please audiences of all ages.

This morning's scenic transfer whisks you deep into the heart of Sri Lanka's tea country, where you'll get settled in the charming mountain village of Ella. For an even more memorable experience, make the journey by train, considered one of the most spectacular rail journeys on earth. You'll pass breathtaking views of lush green tea plantations, mountains, viaducts, valleys, and dense jungle. It's also the perfect way to experience Sri Lankan life. Meet smiling locals on the train, wave to the running children along the tracks, and sample the spicy snacks sold by vendors who board at each stop. After arriving, you are free to explore Ella at your own pace. Your own language fluency driver is on hand to assist with any transfers. With several wonderful treks that wind past tea farms to temples and waterfalls, this charming mountain village is the ideal starting point for leisurely exploration. If you're feeling daring, walk across railway tracks and tea plantations to reach Ella's Rock for stunning views over the surrounding area, or take a picturesque trek to Ravana Ella Falls for a brief plunge in the cool waters. Don't forget to stop by Lipton's Seat in the afternoon. From this high location, the Scottish tea magnate Sir Thomas Lipton used to survey his expanding empire; today, you can take in comparable vistas across tea estates and emerald hills. Visit the nearby tea estate to learn more about the nation's most well-known export; children can assist in picking tea leaves in the undulating fields and take a tour of the busy facility.

This morning, bid adieu to the Hill Country as your driver takes you to the coast and the well-known beach town of Unawatuna. You have the remainder of the day to spend lounging on the south coast's white-sand beaches after your arrival. The blue seas here are warm and serene, suitable for swimming and water sports, and they are protected by an offshore coral reef. This makes the area ideal for families. For those seeking additional excitement, consider scheduling a whale-watching excursion, stopping by a local turtle hatchery, or enrolling in an afternoon creative kids' art class. For an exciting family experience, visit the adjacent UNESCO-listed city of Galle, where children can explore the 300-year-old Dutch fortifications encircled by the Indian Ocean on three sides and learn about its pirate past.

It's time to say goodbye to Sri Lanka after one last morning at the beach. Your honest driver will take you to the airport in time for your flight out. Safe travels and ayubowan, the customary long-life blessing from Sri Lanka.