Elephant Paradise - Young Photographers

Driving the short distance from Dambulla this morning, you’ll have the opportunity to climb to the summit of Sigiriya’s famous Lion Rock using a series of steps and walkways which zig-zag their way up the seemingly impenetrable rock cliffs. The site was occupied long before the citadel was built at the end of the 5th century, and it later became a monastery before falling into disrepair. From the base, where a moat surrounds impressive water gardens, you’ll ascend 200m, passing an overhanging rock under which superb portraits of native maidens holding flowers and temple offerings still adorn the rock wall. Crowning the flat-topped summit of the rock are the extensive remains of King Kasyapa’s summer palace from where there are breathtaking views.

This afternoon, you mount an elephant for an exciting elephant-back ride! Sitting in a howdah – an open basket fitted with safety rails and padded cushions - you roll gently from side to side as your elephants ramble for about an hour lazily through the bush. In the late afternoon you will return to your accommodation. (B)

This morning you explore Dambulla properly, to learn its fascinating history. The Sinhalese King, Valagam Bahu, took refuge here when he was ousted from his capital. He transformed the five caves of this granite outcrop into a rock temple, decorated by statues of Buddha and frescoes, some of which are over 2000 years old. The steep 150m ascent to the top of the rock rewards you with more magnificent views. You then travel southward along the main trunk road to Sri Lanka’s second city, Kandy, a journey of around two hours. You'll pass through a fertile spice-growing area and plantations where coffee, cacao and rubber are cultivated.

This evening you’ll visit the Dalada Maligawa, the famous Temple of the Tooth. This is the major shrine where pilgrims have revered Buddha’s tooth since the 16th century; its gilded roof seems to act as a beacon to visitors throughout the day and into the evening. Your accommodation for the next two nights will be in Kandy. Hotel - 2 nights (B)

You set off through the hills once again, this time bound for Bandarawela. Along the way you’ll see tea pickers deftly plucking the tips of the plants and throwing them into the baskets carried on their backs. Today's journey will end at Bandarawela, another hill town once popular with British plantation managers. Today the twisting roads of the hill country make for one of the trip’s longest road journeys (5 – 5½ hours drive). There’s plenty of interest along the way however, including a stop at some waterfalls, and the added benefit of a shorter journey tomorrow. You can relax in the evening with an overnight’s stay in Bandarawela. Hotel - 1 night (B)

This afternoon you'll continue south where you'll visit the Dyaluma Falls, one of Sri Lanka's most spectacular waterfalls, before venturing into Uda Walawe National Park, for a jeep safari. The 308km sq park has an amazing array of animal and birdlife; herds of wild elephant are more numerous here than anywhere else in Sri Lanka. If you are really lucky you may also catch glimpses of macaque and larger monkeys, leopard, spotted deer and crocodile. This is a real safari experience; kids will love the thrill of coming across a herd of wild elephants; it’s nothing like a zoo or safari park!

You will visit the nearby Elephant Transit Home. Run by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation and set up in 1995, it provides shelter for 30 orphaned or abandoned baby elephants, releasing them to the wild when they are strong enough to survive in their natural habitat. You will visit the Elephant Transit Home at feeding time and see the elephants from a viewing deck approximately 10m away; a great chance to learn more about Sri Lanka’s national animal.

This afternoon you continue your journey south to reach the coast at Nonagama. Here you’ll take a short drive along the coast road west and soon arrive at the small fishing village of Tangalle. You can relax with the sunset overnight in Tangalle. Hotel - 3 nights (B)

After your time on the beach it's time to head north back to Minuwangoda. As you head out along the coast you reach the town of Galle. Here you can walk the walls of the famous Dutch fort or explore the maze of backstreets and market stalls. En route you can pay a visit to the turtle hatchery at Kosgoda. Turtles are kept here for the first few days of their lives before being released into the sea and the project does much to help safeguard the welfare of these endangered animals. Heading north, your last night will be spent at a hotel not far from the airport. Before you return home your Group Leader will probably arrange a final ‘last supper’ where you can reflect on the kaleidoscope of wonderful things you have seen. Hotel– 1 night (B)