Transfer to a boutique hotel in Colombo. A calm first evening.

Scenic drive with waterfall stops as the lowlands give way to the hill country. Afternoon walk around the lake; optional spice garden.

Morning cycling through countryside and paddy fields. Afternoon forest nature walk with birdwatching. Evening by the lake.

Transfer to an eco-lodge in the Knuckles UNESCO cloud forest. Guided jungle trek and river walk, optional stream swimming.

Full day in the Knuckles – ridge paths, waterfall abseiling, stream trekking. Sri Lanka’s wildest highland terrain.

Transfer to the station and onto the iconic highland train to Ella. Stone viaducts, tea estates, valley views. Relaxed cafe evening in Ella.

Morning hike to Little Adam’s Peak, then Nine Arches Bridge timed for the train crossing. Afternoon zipline or rope swing.

Morning at Ravana Falls with optional short hike. Evening highland cooking experience with a local family.

Scenic drive to Yala for an afternoon safari with a specialist naturalist. Leopards, elephant herds, extraordinary birdlife. Safari lodge overnight.

Best wildlife photography light of the trip. Optional guided bush walk outside the park in the quieter midday hours.

Drive west along the south coast to Galle Fort. Walk the ramparts at afternoon light. Farewell dinner inside the fort.

Scenic drive to Colombo with optional stops. Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport.