Apr 1  - Ballooning, Boats, Villages

Experience Hot Air Ballooning in Sri Lanka:  Sri Lanka is an epic country for hot air ballooning. Its variety of terrain offers visual treats of lakes, lush hills, and wildlife. Rise early for the best views at sunrise. Assist the crew in setting up your launch for a stunning bird's eye view determined only by the wind. There is an optional $285 reservation available during the booking process.

Around 9:30 AM, return to resort for full breakfast. We journey onto quaint Hiriwadunna Village, nestled in colorful Habarana town. The tour starts with a traditional Bullock Cart Ride around the scenic pond. After a walk around the paddy fields, gardens and village farms, we board a boat for a ride to a village house. Engage in a cooking demonstration with introduction to Sri Lankan spices, followed by a light lunch.

Back to the resort to explore the scenic surroundings and for poolside cocktails at sunset.

Overnight at Aliya Resort, Sigriya.      B,L

Apr 2 - Ziplines, Tea Plantation, National Park

Rise and shine early to embark on a 245 km drive to Yala. (Around seven hours total, but we break it up with activities and scenic stops along the way. Overland is the only way to see the best parts of this country.)

Zip-lining adventure – At 98 Acres Resort get ready to soar like an eagle over beautiful mountains. It's adrenaline pumping fun to soar a half kilometer up to 60 mph for stunning views of mountains!

The next stop is an award-winning Tea Factory, one of the world's largest Ceylon tea producers. Guided tour of the estate to learn about tea making magic. Plenty of tea tastings and a tea shop for your purchases. Lunch at Ceylon restaurant, the first tea themed café with fusion food and finest selection of tea infused cocktails, mocktails, single malts and wines.

Time permitting, visit Suphulpawwa ancient monastery and the Magul Viharaya Buddhist caves, both pilgrimage sites.   Continue journey to Yala National Park, a sprawling expensive forests, lagoons and grasslands hugging the Indian Ocean. Rich in wildlife like leopards, elephants, crocs and hundreds of birds species, Yala is an explorer is paradise. At dusk, check into fabulous Cinnamon Wild Resort for dinner and so much more here. (Sri Lanka produces 92% of the world's cinnamon)

Overnight at Cinnamon Wild/Yala       B,L,D.   https://www.cinnamonhotels.com/cinnamonwildyala

Apr 3 -  Yala Jeep Safaris

Yala is home to an amazing variety of wildlife, including the worlds highest concentration of leopards. Board jeeps for our game drives, both morning and evening,  when animals are most active! You may witness elephants, buffalo, deer, sloth bears, leopards, perhaps the elusive tiger and more. The lagoons of Yala hold 20 different types of fish with an abundance of crabs and crocs.

Overnight  Cinnamon Wild/Yala.       B, D

Apr 4 -  Whale Safari,  Tangalle Anantara

Early wake up for an exciting day ahead as we board our boats for dolphin and whale watching! In March, you may see Fin Whales, Brydes Whales, Sperm Whales and Blue Whales, the biggest creatures on earth. Also, look for orcas, whale sharks and leaping dolphins off Sri Lanka's north coast. Our sea voyage may last 4 hours. There's no guarantees with nature, but our chances for sightings are excellent for some incredible photos.

Return to resort to check out and drive two hours to our five-star luxury beach resort – Anantara Peace Haven! There aren't enough superlatives for this 5-star resort set on a golden beach lined by coconut palms. This luxury tropical sanctuary overlooking the Indian ocean will pamper you beyond your dreams.  There is a huge pool, yoga, tennis, nature trails and award-winning Ayurveda spa.

Overnight Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort/Tangalle    B  https://www.anantara.com/en/peace-haven-tangalle

Apr 5 -  Free at Last

It's your day to hang on the beach to chill and relax or be as active as you like.  Anantara has all you need with jet skis, paddle boards, snorkel gear, bikes and more. Download their leisure experience brochure for all the excursions. Bells signal when local fisherman bring in their catch each day, there's a white tea plantation, agro park, organic garden market, turtle watching tour, Hummanay Blowhole and more.

Overnight at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort/Tangalle      B

Apr 6 - Fort town Tangalle - Colombo

After breakfast, we head out 3.5 hours to Galle to visit UNESCO site Galle Fortress, built by the Portuguese in 1588. Arrive afternoon to the capital city of Colombo for a City Tour of iconic landmarks. There is so much diverse religious heritage here – see the intricate Gangarama temples, the lively Sea Street Hindu temple, Davatagaha mosque, then to Independence Hall and the Dutch Church of 1749.

Later we dive into the bustling Pettah Bazaar, a vibrant market filled with aromatic spices. Sri Lanka has exquisite handicrafts and shops like Lanka Hands and Laksala for some retail therapy. It is also called the "gem capital of the world," most famous for its natural blue sapphires. Discover a dazzling array of local stones at Gem Gallery. Our past groups had custom pieces crafted here for a most memorable souvenir.

Farewell Dinner tonight to toast each other goodbye after an epic adventure together.

Overnight Movenpick Colombo   B,D. 

 https://movenpick.accor.com/en/asia/sri-lanka/colombo/movenpick-hotel-colombo.html

Apr 7 - Depart Colombo

Transfer to airport for a flight home. Those extending onto the Maldives, transfer to airport for a flight into Male! Dates April 7-10.

April 7-10  MALDIVES OPTIONAL EXTENSION PACKAGE    

7 April  Colombo – Maldives Extension by Flight

Early morning transfer to Colombo International to catch your flight for Maldives.  Depart Colombo at 0720 Hrs by Srilanka Airline UL 115. Arrive Male at 8:15 AM  Flight Price $TBA

If you have the time, we offer an optional extension to The Maldives because we are that close. The Maldives is a pristine haven for an exceptional holiday. Days are spent basking in the golden sun, swimming in clear lagoons, and frolicking on powdery sandy beaches.

Adaaran Club, aka ARC, is a delightful luxury resort, reached by a brisk 45-minute speed boat ride over the turquoise sea. It's all-inclusive – enjoy impeccable dishes of fresh fish and fruits and excellent service. There's complimentary use of snorkel gear, canoes, paddleboards, as well as beach volleyball, daily live bands, sundowner DJ music, and the Chavana Spa. There are opportunities for a sunset photo cruise, island hopping, local village visits, dolphin cruises, and fishing at night and early morning. The water sports center caters to divers, with night dives being particularly fascinating. Our little island provides easy access to Male if you'd like to explore the museums, markets, and scenic sites. Maybe you'll just prefer to rest and chill in this beautiful place!

(Please note- 97% of resorts with overwater villas do not have twin beds. As with all our past groups to the Maldives, an extra small bed will be provided in your villa. Take turns. Also note that some resorts can exceed over 2K per night. Our resort is voted by Maldives tourism as one of 'the top 10 best value' options on their list. Same waters, same amenities, but far better value for wise travelers!)

April  8-10

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Adaaran Club https://www.adaaran.com/clubrannalhi/

April 10 - Morning free to relax. Late afternoon transfer to Male International airport