Escapade to the East (10 Days)

An important regional Hindu temple complex near Chilaw dating back at least to 1000 CE, with myths linking it to the Ramayana and its hero-king Rama. It is one of five ancient temples dedicated to Shiva in the region.

One of sixteen of the holiest Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka, believed to be where the Buddha stopped on his second visit to the island, with its own distinct architecture and surrounding legends.

A Hindu temple with a documented history of at least two millennia, recorded by Ptolemy, linked to legends of the god Indra. Its Dravidian architecture includes four gopurams, several mandapams and temple chariots, and it is one of only 64 Shakthi Peedams in the world.

An ancient temple praised by Indian poet-saints, with murals recounting its history. Its cave shrine dates to around 1580 BC and the main temple to around 400 BC, and it features a giant statue of King Ravana, who according to legend worshipped here.

Built by the Portuguese in 1624 using stones taken from the original Koneswaram temple, later dismantled and rebuilt by the Dutch.

A national park made up of a smaller and larger pigeon island surrounded by coral reef, home to breeding rock pigeons and a range of coral types and marine life.

A village once home to Tamil Buddhism, including the Girihadu Seya Stupa, said to mark the spot where the Buddha gave hair relics to two traders, and the remains of a fortress of one of the last Vanniyar chiefs.

A five-hour boat trip with a packed breakfast to look for blue whales, sperm whales and fin whales in the waters south of Sri Lanka, guided by a qualified naturalist, before an evening at leisure back at the hotel.

The second major capital of Sri Lanka, flourishing between the 10th and 13th centuries AD. Its ruins include the Gal Vihara, the Vatadage, the lotus bath, the Lankathilaka Temple and a statue of King Parakramabahu, whose reign is seen as the city's golden age.

A three-hour evening safari through the park, known for the Great Elephant Gathering of over 150 elephants in the dry season between May and October, alongside other mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

A 5th-century AD rock fortress built by King Kasyapa, entered through an opening framed by giant lion's paws. The climb passes the famous murals, terraced gardens, working cisterns and tunnels leading to the former palace.

A village experience including an ox-cart ride, a catamaran trip across a calm lake, a walk through paddy fields, a traditional cooking demonstration and a home-cooked lunch served on lotus leaves.

The Golden Temple of Dambulla, dating to the 1st century BC, with murals depicting the life of the Buddha and hundreds of Buddha and deity figures across its five main caves, including the Cave of the Divine King and the Cave of the Great King, plus a large golden Buddha statue outside the complex.

A look at landmarks including the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, Galle Face Hotel, Galle Face Green, Gangarama Temple and the National Museum, along with Independence Square, the Race Course area and shopping districts.