Discover Sri Lanka

Down your breakfast and wave goodbye to the sea (for now) – we’re headed to Sigiriya: the ancient rock-star of Sri Lanka. FACT: this place was built by the short-lived King Kasyapa over 1600 years ago. Lace up your Nikes and prep yourself for a climb as we tackle Pidurangala Rock. A popular spot for sunrise and sunset, the top of this baby sports 360-degree views of the surrounding valleys and Sigiriya Rock – so the trek is 100% worth it. BTW you don’t have to choose between the two – we've penciled in enough time to catch the sunset and a sick sunrise tomorrow too. Thank us later.

Rise and shine – this is one early morning wake up you’ll be glad for. We’ll try beat the heat and head up the dramatic rocky outcrop of Sigiriya for sunrise. It’s a decent climb but 110% worth it. Trust us. Tuck into breakfast at the top and take some time to explore the magnificent rock fortress and views of the surrounding plains. Later, we’ll head to Dambulla Cave Temple – a World Heritage listed monastery that’s been a pilgrimage site for over 2000 years. Later, there’s an optional Jeep safari through Minneriya National Park on the cards – aka a wildlife-lovers wet dream.

We’re headed to the second largest city in Sri Lanka this morning. In the arvo, we’ll head to Dalada Maligawa – that’s Temple of the Tooth to you and me. Tooth Temple got you WTF-ing? Well you read right, this temple houses a relic of Buddha’s tooth so it’s kinda important. Then: jump on board a tuk tuk for a (nail-biting) ride around the city and picturesque lake.

Today’s letter is T. We’ll stop in at Nuwara Eliya en route to Ella to check out a working tea plantation so you can immerse yourself in the sweet aromas of Sri Lankan tea culture. Sip on a tasting experience and try a cup or two of the world-famous Ceylon. Then, it’s all aboard a scenic train ride to Ella. Forgot your camera? You’re going to regret that.

Get your feed of pani pol (Sri Lankan pancakes) at breakfast because we’ve got a day of hiking mapped out for you. Walk along Little Adam’s Peak through tea plantations and rocky mountain paths, you’ll be rewarded for all your hard work with some pretty spesh views. Grab a quick snap of the famous Nine Arch Bridge before heading back to the hotel. Then: lunchtime! We’ll head to a local home for a lesson in cooking traditional Sri Lankan curries and desserts from the pros. Spend the afternoon nursing your food baby back at the hotel or head out and explore – it’s up to you.

Been practising your best David Attenborough impersonation? We hope so. Today, we’re headed to Udawalawe National Park for more wildlife then you can point a camera lens at. On our Jeep safari you’ll have plenty of time to search for lounging leopards, creepy-looking crocs, sloth bears and wild elephants grazing across the savanna. If birds are more your thing, there’s a heap of them too. Tonight, we’re spending under the stars at an awesome-AF big game camp (Google it, trust us). Tuck into dinner with the crew and share holy sh*t moments of the day around a crackling campfire.

Enjoy a sleep in this morning before we make our way to the coastal town of Mirissa (see, told you we’d be back). This is your chance to sit back and lap up all the palm-fringed, white-sand vibes so crack open a fresh coconut, find yourself a hammock and let the island life soak in. You could build up an appetite with an optional surfing lesson along Mirissa Beach or lap up the sunset views from the coconut farm up the road. Either way, you’ve got plenty of free time to do whatever you want so make the most of it.

Oh what’s that? A whole day to do whatever the hell I want? Awesome. If you’re here between November and April though, we recommend jumping on an optional whale watching tour to spot the migrating blue whales off the shore. Largest animal in the world, you know. You can throw some shakas at Weligama. Top up the tan along Marissa beach. Visit Coconut Island (watch your head). Or pull up a pew at a beach bar and take it all in. This is what you came for.

Get up early for a sunrise stroll on the beach before we move on to the historic city of Galle. We’ll swap six wheels for two as we cycle around the surrounding local villages – taking in the green fields, peaceful lakes and meeting some of the locals getting on with their day-to-day. With over 400 years of rich history, exploring the perfectly preserved colonial township of Galle is a must. Later, it’s off to the Galle Dutch Fort for an evening walk around this UNESCO Heritage-listed site before we say farewell over one last supper with the gang. You've got Whatsapp, right?

If you’re heading off after breakfast, we’ve got your airport transfer sorted. Sticking around? There’s plenty more to see and do here. Who knows, one of your trip mates might be staying too. No one said the adventure needs to end here.