Sri Lanka Compact: the highlights in one week

Lion Rock in the morning, cave temple in the afternoon.

An early climb up the Lion Rock of Sigiriya, before the heat and the crowds: water gardens, frescoes, lion paws and the palace ruins on the summit. After a rest at the hotel, you visit the Dambulla cave temple in the afternoon, with its five caves filled with Buddha statues and paintings.

Spice garden, Temple of the Tooth in the evening.

Leaving the dry zone behind, the road climbs gently into the hills. On the way we stop at a spice garden to see how cinnamon, cardamom, pepper and nutmeg grow and how they are used in Ayurvedic medicine. In the afternoon we reach Kandy, the last royal capital, set around a lake. In the early evening we visit the Temple of the Tooth for the puja ceremony, when drummers play and pilgrims bring offerings of lotus flowers to the sacred relic.

Tea factory and tasting.

Today the road winds up into the heart of the tea country, past waterfalls and endless green terraces. We stop at a tea factory to follow the leaf from plucking to withering, rolling and drying – and, of course, to taste the result. In the afternoon we arrive in Nuwara Eliya, at almost 1,900 metres, with its colonial-era houses, rose gardens and cool mountain air. Evenings here can be chilly: a fire in the hotel lounge is part of the experience.

The most beautiful railway, Nine Arches Bridge.

Today is one of the highlights: the train journey through the hill country. From Nanu Oya the line winds through tea estates, pine forests and small stations, climbing past Pattipola, the highest point of the railway, before descending towards Ella. We have reserved seats for the whole group, and your luggage travels separately by car. In the late afternoon, after arriving in Ella, those who wish can walk up Little Adam’s Peak for sunset over the valley.

Via Udawalawe (optional safari) to Galle.

Today we drive down from the hill country to the south coast. A stop at Udawalawe National Park is worthwhile on the way, where wild elephants are seen almost every time – the jeep safari is optional and takes about three hours. Alternatively, we visit the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned calves are raised and later released into the wild. In the afternoon we reach Galle and check in to your hotel. In the evening, take a first walk along the ramparts as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, followed by dinner in one of the small restaurants inside the fort.

Galle Fort in the morning, transfer to the airport.

A final morning in Galle Fort – the lighthouse, the lanes, a coffee in a colonial courtyard – before the transfer to Colombo airport, about two hours on the expressway. Or stay on: we can add a few nights on the beach.