Christmas in Sri Lanka

On arrival to Colombo airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel, where you have the rest of the day at leisure to settle in, relax and enjoy your surroundings.

After breakfast you will travel to Dambulla, visiting Sigiriya rock fortress late this afternoon. This impressive landmark is regarded as the world's eighth wonder amongst the locals. Enjoy magnificent views, colourful frescos and beautiful gardens when you reach the top.

Today you visit Hiriwaduna for a local village experience, enjoying a boat trip on the lake, a tuk-tuk trip to a local home and learning to prepare an authentic dish. Next is Polonnaruwa, an ancient capital and UNESCO World Heritage site, full of well-preserved stupas, statues and frescoes.

Set off for Anuradhapura, exploring this magnificent ancient city on foot. Visit the massive Buddhist shrines, splendid palaces, parks and pavilions of this sacred city, dating back to the 5th century BC.

This morning after breakfast you will be taken to visit Dambulla Cave temple. En-route to Kandy stop at the spice garden in Matale, boasting incredible views of the Aluvihare Mountains. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic followed by an amazing cultural dance show in the evening.

After breakfast take a boat ride on Kandy Lake, giving you breathtaking views of the picturesque city. Later, trek through a long-protected tract of rainforest teeming with a variety of species, including beautiful birds like Layard's parakeet and the oriental dwarf kingfisher.

Travel through Sri Lanka's scenic hill country to Nuwara Eliya. En route, visit a working tea plantation where, dressed in a traditional sari, you'll join local tea pluckers to learn the art of hand-picking tea leaves. On arrival in Nuwara Eliya, indulge in an elegant afternoon high tea before celebrating Christmas Eve with a festive dinner.

Merry Christmas! This morning, board one of Sri Lanka's most scenic rail journeys, travelling from Nanu Oya to Ella through misty mountains, emerald tea plantations and cascading waterfalls. On arrival, take a tuk tuk to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, a striking colonial-era viaduct set amidst the lush hill country. Admire this remarkable feat of engineering before enjoying a festive Christmas lunch, then return to Nuwara Eliya by road.

After breakfast proceed to Yala, with a stop at Udawalawe Elephant Sanctuary before participate in the process of curd making. Though buffalo curd is a quintessential favourite in the Sri Lankan pantry, its arduous journey, from teat to table, is often unheeded. Enjoy a fresh sip of milk after trying your hand milking a buffalo and end this experience by relishing a fresh pot of curd sweetened with treacle.

Early morning, and later this afternoon, you will be taken for a jeep safari at Yala National park, where you will embark on an adventure safari.

Today you will travel the 3 hours to Hikkaduwa with the rest of your day free to go explore your surroundings.

After breakfast you will be visiting Galle Fort, and the journey will take about 1 hour. During the tour of Galle, you will have the opportunity to visit Galle Fort, Old Dutch Church and walk along the Rampart.

A visit to the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery is a must. Travel to the Hatchery, visiting a cinnamon plantation on the way, Learn all there is to know about the uses and benefits of cinnamon and try your hand with the tools of the trade in an Ambalama. Go on to witness the exceptional sight at the Turtle Hatchery and see the eggs hatching or the turtles being returned to the sea, moving towards the water as they flap their tiny flippers.

After breakfast return to Colombo for a tour around this amazing city. Enjoy the celebrations of New Year's Eve with a dinner at the hotel.

Spend New Year's Day at leisure, discovering the many gems of Colombo.

Fly back to Australia, arriving the same day.