Is everything packed in your suitcase? Are your passport and all important documents packed? Then you're ready to go. Make yourself comfortable on board and look forward to the coming weeks.

After landing at Colombo airport, you'll be greeted with a smile by your tour guide early in the morning and begin your journey through the island nation. First, you'll travel to the small town of Dunagaha. Here, you'll visit a small weaving workshop where fabrics are handcrafted. Fancy a snack? Then why not try some homemade Sri Lankan sweets? On the way to your hotel, you'll enjoy an approximately one-hour city tour of the charming port city of Negombo. Cinnamon was once the city's top export, helping the small town rise to prominence as a trading center. After the departure of the Portuguese, Dutch, and English, this product gradually declined in importance. Today, the city's economy is primarily based on fishing, which is also practiced in the Negombo Lagoon. Be sure to admire the numerous colonial-era churches that dot the cityscape. They are the reason why Negombo is sometimes called the "Rome of Sri Lanka." After these sightseeing experiences, you'll head to your first accommodation. It's high time to try the Sinhalese delicacies. You shouldn't miss the fresh seafood and curries. Dinner is included in the price. Depending on the arrival times of all guests, the program may take place in a different order. Club Palm Bay: Club Palm Bay is beautifully situated between a lagoon and Merawila Beach near Negombo. You'll stay in comfortable rooms with a private terrace and garden views. Relax by the pool and enjoy a refreshing swim, or treat yourself to a culinary experience in one of the restaurants.

Today you leave the coast and travel to Anuradhapura, the first capital and undoubtedly most magnificent settlement of ancient Sri Lanka. On an exploration tour, you'll see, among other things, the over 2,200-year-old sacred Bodhi tree and the remains of the ancient Brazen Palace with its 1,600 stone pillars. You'll also marvel at the towering Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, dating back to the 2nd century BC. With so many significant structures, Anuradhapura is, of course, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, you'll reach Wilpattu National Park, which means "Land of Lakes." The name is quite fitting: the park boasts almost 60 lakes. You'll transfer to a 4x4 vehicle and embark on a game drive. With a bit of luck, you might spot a leopard today, as the park is famous for them. If not, don't despair – perhaps you'll have better luck later… The included meals are breakfast and dinner. Big Game Wilpattu: This nature-oriented Big Game Camp is located right on the edge of Wilpattu National Park – Sri Lanka's largest and perhaps most wildlife-rich protected area. Your comfortably furnished safari tent combines adventure and comfort: with a private bathroom and a small covered terrace. At the camp, you can enjoy regional delicacies around the campfire and the sounds of the wilderness in the evening.

You continue your journey and visit the Thanthirimale Temple. This temple is known for its numerous Buddha statues and the nearly 14-meter-long reclining Buddha. The Samadhi statue is surrounded by several paintings. However, since these were never completed, it is believed that the artist had to suddenly abandon his work. You have plenty of time to look around here before continuing your journey towards Mannar. This town is famous for its giant baobab trees. Stand next to one: you'll suddenly feel very small. The largest tree is estimated to be over 700 years old. In Sri Lanka, the baobab is also called the "elephant tree" because its bark resembles elephant skin. Afterwards, you continue on to Jaffna at the northern tip of Sri Lanka. Now it's time to relax and enjoy the amenities of your hotel. The included meals consist of breakfast and dinner. FOX Jaffna: FOX Jaffna promises stylish and modern interior design with plenty of privacy in a traditional setting. The estate's expansive gardens, filled with exotic native plants, create a peaceful atmosphere of idyllic tranquility. Immerse yourself in the spicy aromas of northern Sri Lanka on the outdoor terrace or cool off in the spacious outdoor pool.

If you have your sea legs, we recommend an optional boat trip. After a short drive to Pungudutivu, you'll cross over to Delft by boat. This tropical island is surrounded by coral reefs and shallow waters. And yes, you read that right – there are ponies here. They were simply left behind by the Dutch during the colonial occupation and have lived on the island ever since. The island is also inhabited by people. A few Tamils live in the north of the island and will give you a glimpse into their daily lives. Afterward, the boat will take you back to the mainland. Next on the agenda is an exploration of Jaffna. Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is the most important Hindu temple in northern Sri Lanka. If you wish, the priest will gladly offer you a blessing. The Jaffna Fort has a turbulent history, having been captured by various peoples over the centuries. Today, the Sinhalese army guards the fort, which is why visitor access is restricted. You'll reach Keerimalai via the old port of Dambakola Patuna. The Keerimalai hot springs are said to have healing properties for a wide variety of ailments. Do you have a twinge in your back, knee, or anywhere else? Then take a dip! Once you're feeling better, visit Point Pedro in the late afternoon. The last highlight for today: the Jaffna Library. As one of the largest in all of Asia, with over 97,000 books, it's a must-see. The fire that destroyed the library during the civil war in 1981 was a tragic highlight. Thankfully, the beautiful building now shines in its former glory. After so many impressions, you've earned a relaxing evening. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included today. You will stay in the same accommodation as the previous day.

Explore Delft Island by boat and minibus. The boat is a small, simple fishing vessel, also used by locals. So today you'll travel in true local style. This optional excursion will not take place in bad weather or high seas. The boat trip takes approximately one hour. The journey on Delft Island takes about two hours. The excursion includes a picnic lunch and costs €32 per person.

Today you're heading south. You'll travel via Chavakacheri to Kilinochchi. Here, the scars of the civil war are still clearly visible; the city is only slowly returning to a normal life. As distressing as this may be for us Europeans, it's part of Sri Lanka's recent history. Here, you'll surely realize how fortunate we are to live in a peaceful and highly developed country. It's astonishing how resilient the Sinhalese and Tamils have been in overcoming this chapter of their history. At the end of today's leg of your journey, the world looks much brighter. In Trincomalee on Sri Lanka's east coast, an endless stretch of sandy beach and the azure waters of the Indian Ocean await you. It's definitely worth unpacking today, as you'll be staying in this beautiful place for the next three nights. The included meals consist of breakfast and dinner. Nilaveli Beach Hotel: The Nilaveli Beach Hotel enjoys a prime beachfront location on the eponymous stretch of beach in Trincomalee. Nilaveli is renowned for its idyllic, fine sandy beach and the clear, tranquil Indian Ocean. The spacious rooms are comfortably furnished and offer all the amenities you need for a pleasant stay. The restaurant offers a wide selection of delicious dishes, including local and international cuisine. Enjoy a tasty breakfast, a relaxed lunch, or a romantic dinner on the beach. For a refreshing dip, simply take a dip in the pool or the waves of the Indian Ocean.

Trinco, as Trincomalee is affectionately known by the locals, was already an important port in the time of the ancient kings. Even Marco Polo visited, and seafarers from China and East Asia stopped here hundreds of years ago. But the city wasn't and isn't only important for shipping; it's also a religious center for Hindus and Buddhists alike. Here you can experience firsthand that it's entirely possible for both religions to coexist peacefully. After your morning exploration, you'll return to the hotel. Grab your swimsuit and head straight to the beach. Time to relax! Breakfast and dinner are included in the price. You will stay in the same accommodation as the previous night.

Last day ended with relaxation, and today begins the same way. You can finally sleep in and enjoy some privacy. The beach and the hotel provide the perfect setting. And if you can't decide whether you'd rather lie on the beach or take a stroll, we have a few extras for you. A short trip to the Kinniya wells, which contain water of varying temperatures and are believed to have healing properties, is on the agenda for late morning. Both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims wash here before visiting the Koneshwaram Temple. In late afternoon, your tour guide will introduce you to some fishermen in the village. They go out fishing in the evening and could really use your help setting sail – so get hands-on! Breakfast and dinner are included in the price. If you don't just want to laze around today, we have the following tips for you: Take a boat trip to Pigeon Island. As the name suggests, it's home to a large colony of pigeons and boasts one of Sri Lanka's best coral reefs. The price is approximately €80 per person. You'll stay overnight in the same accommodation as the previous night.

Now it's time to pack your bags again and leave the coast. There's so much more to discover – Polonnaruwa, for example. Sri Lanka's second capital flourished between the 10th and 12th centuries AD and has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. The ruins are quite well preserved and bear witness to the advanced irrigation technology of that era. During your exploration of the medieval city, you'll see, among other things, the impressive houses of Lankatilake, Tivanka, and Thuparama. For a change, you won't be exploring on foot, but rather by bicycle, like the locals. Then it's on to Habarana, your base for the next two days. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price. If you don't want to explore the Polonnaruwa temple complex by bicycle, the tour guide will organize a tuk-tuk for you. Habarana Village by Cinnamon: Habarana Village by Cinnamon is modeled after a traditional village. The small cottages are scattered throughout a spacious garden. Here you can look forward to a comfortably furnished room with all amenities. From the pool, you have a direct view of Habarana Lake. The restaurant under the stars also offers a beautiful view of the lake and will delight you with local and international delicacies. After a long day of travel, why not visit the hotel's spa area? You're sure to feel completely refreshed afterward.

Admittedly, the climb to the next UNESCO World Heritage Site will bring a few beads of sweat to your brow, but the view alone will make you forget the exertion in no time. You'll ascend the impressive Lion Rock of Sigiriya. The colossal monolith rises approximately 200 meters vertically from the ground and is clearly visible from afar. About halfway up, you'll visit the well-preserved frescoes of the Cloud Maidens and the so-called Mirror Wall, whose graffiti-like inscriptions are still of great importance for the study of the Sinhalese language. In Minneriya National Park, you'll switch to 4x4 vehicles and experience an adventurous safari. The park is a designated elephant sanctuary, and with a bit of luck, you'll also spot sloth bears, leopards, and water buffalo alongside these gray giants. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price. Climbing Lion Rock requires a good level of stamina and fitness. Please check with your tour guide beforehand to see if this attraction is suitable for you. Your tour guide is always well-informed about which park currently has the largest elephant population. Minneriya National Park is known for its elephants. However, if there are more elephants in Kaudulla or Eco Park during your travel dates, you will visit one of these parks. This gives you the best chance of seeing elephants. You will stay in the same accommodation as the previous day.

A visit to the Orange Elephant project in Matale is on your agenda today. This non-profit organization works with local villagers from Wasgamuwa to develop measures to mitigate land conflicts between humans and elephants and to offer farmers sustainable alternatives for earning a living. During a shared lunch with the villagers, they will tell you about their experiences and the problems they face with elephants destroying their fields and crops. But did you know that Sri Lankan elephants don't like citrus fruits? These are planted as a natural deterrent within the project to protect the farms from elephant raids. Join in and plant an orange tree to support the project. Afterward, you'll travel to Kandy. Picturesquely situated between green hills and mist-shrouded mountains, Kandy is synonymous with the splendor and glory of the capital of the last Sinhalese king. Many legends and traditions of bygone eras are lovingly preserved here, something you'll soon experience for yourself. You will explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed temple complex with the so-called sacred Temple of the Tooth, which according to tradition houses the upper left canine tooth of Buddha, and witness the daily ceremonial veneration of the relic. Meals consist of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Unfortunately, planting an orange tree seedling is not possible during the dry months from July to September. Instead, you can help with watering and fertilizing. Amaya Hills Hotel: The Amaya Hills Hotel is located outside Kandy in the picturesque Heerassagala Forest. The surroundings are peaceful and idyllic, far from the bustling city center. Take the opportunity to discover the incredible flora and fauna on a hike. The rooms are elegantly and stylishly furnished and offer beautiful views of the forest. Culinary delights await you at the "Rasawasala" Restaurant or the hotel bar. Enjoy wonderful moments with panoramic mountain views on the rooftop terrace with its pool. An Ayurveda spa is also available for wellness and massage treatments.

This morning begins with a yoga session – weather permitting, your tour guide will find a lovely spot outdoors. Go ahead and give it a try; it's not too acrobatic – we promise! The day continues in a relaxed manner. The Peradeniya Botanical Garden was originally laid out as a pleasure garden by a Sinhalese king and later expanded by the British. Spanning approximately 60 hectares, the garden is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Asia and boasts a breathtaking variety of trees, plants, and flowers. You are free to spend the afternoon as you please. After almost two weeks, thanks to your tour guide, you're practically a local now and will surely be eager to explore the city on your own. For example, you could stroll through the market and visit the Gemstone Museum or the Arts and Crafts Center. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price. You will stay in the same accommodation as the previous day.

It's Showtime! Enjoy a performance of traditional dances, acrobatics, and a firewalk in Kandy. Admission is €5 per person.

Today, you'll travel by train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya through a breathtakingly beautiful landscape of rolling green hills and tea plantations. Enjoy the views and chat with the locals. Founded in the 19th century as a resort for British colonial officials, Nuwara Eliya remains a popular holiday destination thanks to its pleasant mountain climate and stunning vistas. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka's tea production, said to be the source of a large portion of the world's finest teas. Along the way, you'll likely spot tea pickers on either side of the road. Around midday, you'll visit a tea plantation and a tea factory, learning how tea leaves are harvested and processed. You'll truly appreciate the amount of hard work that goes into a delicious cup of tea. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the price. Train tickets in Sri Lanka can only be booked 30 days before the planned departure, and demand is generally very high. Therefore, it is possible that your planned train journey may not be possible. In this case, we will endeavor to obtain train tickets for an alternative route. For the reservation, we require a scan of your passport. Please send us this file by email (info@silvertip.at) after receiving your travel confirmation. Blackpool Hotel: The Blackpool Hotel boasts a tranquil location just outside Nuwara Eliya. Surrounded by rolling tea plantations, the hotel offers guests a harmonious blend of modern amenities and the historic charm of an English country house, reflected in the room furnishings. Other hotel features include a heated swimming pool, a cozy tea lounge, and two on-site restaurants serving local and international cuisine. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and views of Mount Pedro, the region's highest peak.

After learning about tea harvesting and production, your morning cup of tea must have tasted especially good. The morning hours are ideal for hiking in Horton Plains National Park. You'll travel part of the way to the park in minibuses, as these vehicles are better suited to the very steep and winding road. Horton Plains National Park lies at an altitude of approximately 2,130 meters above sea level and consists of misty grasslands with sparse trees and icy streams. On the two- to three-hour hike, you'll cross a washed-out riverbed and might encounter slender lorises and sambar deer along the way. The highlight of this hike, however, is the viewpoint known as "World's End." As soon as you stand at this sheer drop of over 1,000 meters, you'll understand where the name comes from. From here, on a clear day, you'll have a breathtaking view of the vast landscape. In the afternoon you'll return to your hotel. There will be plenty of time for a leisurely English tea before your walk along Lake Gregory begins. This reservoir is another legacy of the English colonial era and is now a popular spot for romantic boat trips. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price. Hiking in Horton Plains National Park requires a good level of stamina, fitness, and sure-footedness. Please discuss with your tour guide beforehand whether this hike is suitable for you. You will stay in the same accommodation as the previous day.

You leave the cooler highlands and head towards the tropical south. After a brief photo stop at Ravana Waterfall, which plunges approximately 25 meters from a rocky outcrop, you continue on to Kataragama. As the temperatures rise, so does the vegetation. The final stretch of the journey leads through jungle-like sections, so you might already spot axis deer, peacocks, or wild elephants. The adventure continues with an approximately three-hour safari in a 4x4 vehicle through Yala National Park. The park is Sri Lanka's oldest wildlife reserve and offers the best chance of seeing a leopard, as it is home to one of the largest leopard populations in the world. But many other animals also call this place home, including wild elephants, water buffalo, deer, crocodiles, and countless bird species. So, good luck spotting them! Breakfast and dinner are included in the price. Kithala Resort: Nestled amidst sprawling rice paddies in Tissamaharama, the Kithala Resort is inspired by the many exotic birds native to the area and named after the purple coot. Relax by the pool with its stunning views of the surrounding greenery or on the balcony of your modern room. The restaurant offers a variety of delicious local and international cuisine.

Even before breakfast, you'll visit the famous Kataragama Temple, a pilgrimage site for Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, and the indigenous Vedda people. You'll also visit the Hindu Maha Devale Shrine and even witness a puja ceremony. Have you been missing the sea this past week? Of course, we can remedy that. Sri Lanka's south coast is a dream destination for beach lovers, romantics, and water sports enthusiasts. Palm-fringed dream beaches stretch as far as the eye can see. Hopefully, your camera still has enough memory, because there are countless postcard-perfect scenes here. Keep an eye out for the famous stilt fishermen, who happily pose for a small fee. Once you arrive at your accommodation, you can put your feet up. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price. There is currently a construction site next to the Insight Resort. Between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, you may experience visual and noise disturbances. We appreciate your understanding. Insight Resort: Located on Sri Lanka's south coast, the Insight Resort sits on a palm-fringed sandy beach near the fishing village of Ahangama. The hotel features a well-maintained garden with a sun terrace and swimming pool, as well as a small restaurant serving national and international cuisine. You'll stay in simple yet comfortable rooms, each with a balcony offering sea views.

After all those impressions, you deserve a relaxing morning. So start your day at your own pace and sleep in. In the late morning, you'll take a trip to the old Portuguese port city of Galle. Today, we'll use the public bus. Galle was once the main port of Sri Lanka and is now primarily known for its handmade lace tablecloths. You'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed fort and then stroll through the old town. It's the perfect place to relax in a cozy café or restaurant and watch the city's tranquil activity unfold. In the early afternoon, you'll return to your accommodation. And just as the day began, it will end: with relaxation. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price. If you're not a late sleeper, you can also do the following: Between November 1st and April 30th, you can join a whale watching tour in Mirissa at 7:00 AM. During the approximately three-hour boat trip, you'll have a high probability of seeing whales and dolphins. Hotel pick-up is around 6:30 AM. The price is approximately €65 per person. Please book this excursion with your tour guide no later than the day before. You will stay overnight in the same accommodation as the previous night.

Today you can sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast, as the theme of today is rest and relaxation. Refresh yourself in the sea or pool and put your feet up. To get to know your surroundings better, explore the fishing village of Ahangama and the nearby Koggala Lagoon by tuk-tuk in the late afternoon. At dinner, you can reminisce about the wonderful experiences of the past few weeks in a relaxed atmosphere. If the sky is clear, you can even enjoy a romantic sunset over the sea. Breakfast and the farewell dinner at the Insight Resort are included in the price. You will stay in the same accommodation as the previous day.

What a shame, the holiday is almost over! After breakfast, you'll slowly make your way towards Colombo. However, the trip wouldn't be complete without a city tour of Colombo. Highlights of this metropolis include the National Museum, the beautiful Gangaramaya Monastery, and the always bustling Pettah Bazaar. You'll be amazed at everything you can buy there – from electronics and colorful saris to fresh fruit, tea, and spices. Cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla from the region are particularly famous and have helped Sri Lanka achieve worldwide renown as the "Spice Island." It's a great place to pick up some lovely souvenirs for those back home. After satisfying your sense of smell, your stomach will surely be rumbling. Enjoy a delicious dinner and recharge for the flight home. On the way to the airport, you'll have to say your goodbyes to your tour guide. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price. If you have booked the "Indian Ocean" extension program, you will not be taken to Colombo; instead, you will be taken from Ahangama to your chosen accommodation.

Shortly after midnight, the plane takes off for Frankfurt. After landing, you continue your journey home with many wonderful memories. Welcome home!