Depart London and fly overnight to Sri Lanka.

On arrival in Colombo you will be met at the airport and a transfer will be provided to the hotel. The rest of the day will be free to rest after a long journey or to explore the capital. Overnight in Colombo. (Hotel) Meals: no meals provided on day 1.

After breakfast you will leave for Kandy, stopping en-route to visit the elephant orphanage at Pinnawela. This orphanage was established to feed, nurse and house young elephants found abandoned by their mothers. Before arriving in Kandy you will also visit the royal botanical gardens of Peradeniya, the gardens contain over 4000 species of plant and are most famous for their collection of orchids which is the largest in Asia 

In the afternoon there will be a short city tour of Kandy to view the beautiful lake in the centre of the city, the bazaar and the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Buddha. In the evening there is also the chance to see the colourful Kandyan cultural performance. Overnight in Kandy. (Hotel) Meals: breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel you will set off to our camp site at Knuckles. Knuckles is a mountain range that looms 1836 metres above the Dumbara Valley. It is a designated Wilderness Area and has stunning scenery as well as an abundance of rare flora and fauna. Whilst enjoying a refreshing welcome drink at camp the camp crew will brief you on camp rules and safety. Our camp site is located in the northern part of the Knuckles range at an altitude of 1400m, it is a magical place, especially for early risers who can witness the sun rising behind the Manigala Peak.

Early in the morning you will be driven to the entrance of Horton Plains National Park, vehicles are not allowed inside the park so an early start will ensure you will get to all the landmarks such as Baker’s Falls, Chimmini Pool and World’s End – an incredible 2200m escarpment from the top of which you can look out over the rolling tea plantations. Horton Plains is located on the highest plateau of Sri Lanka at an altitude of over 2000 metres, it is home to 24 species of mammal including deer, wild boar, giant squirrel and leopard and around 87 species of bird, 14 of which are endemic to the island. The best way to appreciate this wilderness experience is to camp overnight within the park. Guests are required to help set up camp and cook by the light of the lanterns. Overnight in Horton Plains. (Camp) Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

After Breakfast at the campsite you will trek out of the park where the bus will be waiting at the park entrance, a short drive will take you to the start of today’s trek known as ‘Satan’s Steps.’ The walk is rugged with steep, sharp bends and has some of the most breathtaking scenery of the hill region. As usual the trek will be guided by an experienced mountain guide, a packed lunch will also be provided by the camp crew. Passing through Bambarakanda you may not be able to resist a dip to cool off in the pool beneath Sri Lanka’s highest waterfall. You will descend over 1000m gradually to the end of the trail in Kalupahana where the bus will be waiting to take you onto Belihuloya. Dinner will be served on arrival at the campsite. Overnight in Belihuloya. (Camp) Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning you will travel the short distance to the amazing Sinharaja Biosphere Reserve. This area contains the last remaining virgin rainforest in Sri Lanka and is truly a biodiversity hot-spot with an amazing array of species. On arrival at the Singharaja Gate there is a short trek to the campsite where lunch will be served. Kudawa Camp is located in the forest, surrounded by two rivers (deep enough for swimming) and just beyond a tea plantation (where you will see the traditional tea pluckers in action.) Even without leaving the camp itself, so much can be seen so let the nature come to you! The peaceful camp is an ideal location for bird watching.

For those up early enough there will be an early morning bird watching trail before breakfast. The rest of the day will be spent exploring the surrounding jungle on the many exciting trails. The crew will prepare a packed lunch so that time out on the trails can be maximised. Overnight in Sinharaja. (Camp) Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning you will leave the steamy forests of Sinharaja and travel to Udawalawe National Park. For the last time you will receive a briefing about park rules and take lunch at the camp before setting off on safari.

Udawalawe is a vast game park, it is world famous for its enormous herds of elephants (up to 100 can be seen at one time!) other species recorded in the park include langur, jackal, macaque, sambar and water buffalo.
Our camp is situated about 16 km inside the park next to the Walawe Ganga River. This is camping in style! everything will be prepared ready for your arrival, comfortable tents, hammocks, fully equipped kitchen, showers, flush toilets, you can even buy a cold beer!

Today you will head out of the forest to the beautiful white sand coast at Unawatuna, en-route there will be chance to visit the old Portuguese fort at Galle. Once you have settled into your hotel in Unawatuna it is time for total relaxation, we have booked the superior rooms at this beach hotel so that you can holiday in comfort after a tough tour.
Overnight in Unawatuna. (Hotel) Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Your last day will be completely free at the beach. Overnight in Unawatuna. (Hotel) Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Today a transfer will be provided to take you to the airport for your onward journey. Meals: breakfast