Pollonnaruwa: The islands medieval capitol during the 11 th century AD, a unique irrigation complex (the sea of Parakrama ) watered the city as well as the surrounding plans. The largest of the man made reservoirs, the huge Parakrama Samudra, is larger in size than the Colombo harbor. Of all the brilliant structures found in Pollonnaruwa, the Gal Vihara is the best known, where colossal Buddha images are carved on the face of a granite boulder.

Sigiriya: Meaning Lion Rock is more than just a fortress; it was one of the most unique cities in the history of Sri Lanka . A massive monolith of red stone that rises 600ft, this famous rock fortress, stark and forbidding, haunted by an epic story of murder and betrayal was built in the 5 th century AD by king Kasyapa. The climb to the summit is reached between the paws of a lion. A niche in the rock is decorated with frescoes of spellbindingly lovely maidens; it has a moat abutted by a wall and is surrounded by rock and water gardens.

Overnight at Habarana Lodge

Dambulla: The cave temple is by far the most impressive of the entire many cave temple in Sri Lanka .

Among the cave's numerous statues – there are 48 of the Buddha alone – are images of Upulvan (Vishnu) and Saman dating from the 12 th century (they may be the earliest Devala statues to appear in a Buddhist image house). The caves history dates to the 2 nd or 1 st century BC, when King Valagam Bahu took refuge here after being driven out of Anuradhapura by invading armies.

Kandy : This year city, sheltered by the hills and looped by the Mahaweli – Sri Lanka 's longest river, still holds religious and cultural significance. A stroll around the sleepy but serene Kandy Lake, where balmy winds waft across a walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens located at Peradeniya and a visit to the University of Peradeniya – the spacious green campus laid out near the bank of Mahaweli is a must for any visitor to Kandy.

Late evening visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and view a traditional dance performance.

Overnight at Mahaweli Reach Hotel.

Nuwara Eliya: Nested in a wooded basin at the foot of Mount Piduruthalagala, Sri Lanka's highest peak, this region at 6,183ft above sea-level has a cool, crisp climate unknown elsewhere in Sri Lanka. A serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of Colombo . The town seems like a piece of the English Lake District. Unusual plants, birds and animals thrive here besides natural features like waterfalls and caves. Tea the glistening green leaves of this lovely shrub, along neat rows of green, cloak rigid and valleys providing a lasting impression of Sri Lanka 's hill country. The golf course: one of the finest and most pictures in Asia – the serene Anglican church of the Holy Trinity, beautiful parks and well kept lawns and hedges give the place an air of nostalgia.

Dinner and overnight at Grand Hotel.

Leave Ella and proceed to Colombo