Experience South and Hills (9 Days)

Explore the colonial city once headquartered by the Portuguese and Dutch, including one of Asia's best-preserved fortifications, its museums and lighthouse, and a walk through the cobblestoned streets with their Dutch-era names.

Take a two-hour boat ride through the mangrove channels of the Madu River, spotting basking crocodiles and water monitors, visiting a cinnamon-harvesting island, trying the fish massage and watching waterbirds.

Visit the hatchery on the southwestern coast to learn about the five endangered sea turtle species that nest in Sri Lanka and the conservation programme that protects their eggs, with a chance to see baby and injured turtles in care.

Go on a three-hour jeep safari through the marshes, forests and grasslands of the park, created as a wildlife sanctuary in the 1970s, known for its water birds and Sri Lankan elephants as well as other mammals, reptiles and butterflies.

Pass through tea fields and rocky terrain for views of Little Adam's Peak, walk over the Nine Arches Bridge, and finish at Demodara Railway Station with its loop-over track design.

Hike through the montane grasslands and cloud forest of Horton Plains in Ohiya, taking in the views from World's End, the cooling spray of Baker's Falls, endemic fauna and the area's archaeological finds.

Walk through the former British hill-station town with its cottages, villas and mansions, visit the old red-bricked post office, and relax at Queen Victoria Park or Lake Gregory.

Visit the village of Seetha Eliya and its temple, linked by legend to the Ramayana story of Seetha's imprisonment, and see the ancient idols and ruins associated with the tale.

Stop at Ramboda en route to Kandy to see Ramboda Falls, the 11th tallest waterfall in the country.

Walk through the gardens, established in the early 19th century, home to over 4000 plant species including orchids, spices and medicinal plants, along with the cannonball tree and a suspension bridge.

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the 16th century to house Lord Buddha's sacred tooth, with its painted halls, carved pillars and golden statues.

Visit workshops demonstrating gem crafting, woodcarving and batik techniques.

Watch an hour-long show of traditional Kandyan dance and music, including fire dancers and sword dancers performing to drumming.

See the capital's historic monuments including the Old Lighthouse, Old Parliament, Galle Face Hotel, Galle Face Green and Gangarama Temple, plus visits to shops, malls and the National Museum area.