Pearl of the Indian OceanSri Lanka

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and be warmly welcomed by your Royal Holidays representative. En route to Kandy, visit the world-famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage — watch caretakers feed and bathe orphaned elephants and walk with the gentle herd to the river. Arrive in Kandy, the last capital of ancient Sri Lankan kings and a UNESCO World Heritage city nestled amid misty mountains. Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa) — one of the most revered Buddhist shrines on earth.

After a leisurely breakfast, explore the Gem Museum and discover Sri Lanka's extraordinary gemstone heritage — sapphires in rare shades of blue, red, green and white, prized across the globe. In the evening, be captivated by a vibrant Traditional Cultural Dance Show — a dazzling performance of Kandyan drumming, fire-dancing and classical Sri Lankan arts.

Begin with the enchanting Peradeniya Botanical Gardens — 147 acres of paradise with 300+ orchid varieties, spices, medicinal plants and majestic Royal Palm avenues (attracting 1.2 million visitors annually). Continue to Nuwara Eliya — the "City of Light" and "Little England" — a charming hill station at 1,868m with perennial spring weather, an 18-hole golf course, trout streams, Victoria Park and Lake Gregory. Visit a working tea factory producing world-renowned Ceylon Orange Pekoe, and the Seetha Eliya temple from the Ramayana epic.

Descend from the cool misty highlands through lush tea country to Sri Lanka's stunning west coast. Arrive at Bentota — the city of golden beaches. Spend your afternoon feeling the warmth of soft sand and the gentle rhythm of the Indian Ocean. Thrill-seekers can enjoy jet skiing, banana boat rides and windsurfing along this beautiful coastline.

A scenic boat journey along the Madhu River — glide past mangrove-forested islets, spot rare birds and feel the natural rhythms of this serene waterway. Then visit the Turtle Hatchery, a prime nesting site open since 1981. See tanks filled with tiny hatchlings and watch baby turtles released into the sea. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the beach or indulge in water sports.

Transfer to Colombo — Sri Lanka's vibrant commercial capital, a fascinating blend of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial architecture alongside modern highrises. Visit Galle Face Green, Viharamahadevi Park, the National Museum, the iconic Twin World Trade Center towers and the historic Fort district. Explore Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic and Christian landmarks. End the day at popular shopping destinations — Odel, House of Fashion and Majestic City for brand clothing at highly discounted prices.

Enjoy your final Sri Lankan breakfast at the hotel. Check out and transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight back to India. Carry home not just souvenirs, but the warmth of the island, the fragrance of Ceylon tea, memories of gentle giants, and the beauty of golden beaches that will last a lifetime.