Keeping things local, we’re heading into the heart of Sri Lanka to explore the local culture, history and heritage. We’ll take you to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a sacred temple carved deep into the rock face, then up to the Golden Buddha, a giant (aptly named), majestic, golden statue on a picturesque hilltop. After a fair bit of walking (- you’re doing great btw), we’ll head to our next accommodation stop in the evening, check-in and scope the spectacular views of Sigiriya Rock. Best get eyeing up your route as we’ll be climbing the face of it in the morning. Yep! Night!

Who fancies a spy of our royalty? Today we’re getting another taste of the rich history of Sri Lanka as we travel to Kandy to visit the Temple of the Tooth, located in the Royal Palace complex. Note the significance of the royal temple, which bears great ancient political power and the famous relic which is believed to hold the governance of the country. Finally, we’ll catch the peachy sunset of Kandy Lake, with a few beers (FINALLY) from our hotel on the mountainside.

First things first, let’s just double-check that you have your phone charged, cameras packed and tissues at the ready as today’s journey is sure to bring a tear to your eye. We’re talking, Lion King sobs, like when Mufasa dies. Today’s journey is a real looker. 10/10 would ‘Gram. So we’re driving through the beautiful town of Nuwara Elia to spend the early bird morning at a local tea plantation, where we’ll learn all about the tea brewing process, from leaf to cup. It’s an early start, so get that caffeine in. We’ll then spend some time at a local family-run cooking school, where we’ll be taught how to cook some of Sri Lanka’s best dishes. Belly full, heart full. Perfect, it’s time to have your breath taken away. It’s time to board ‘the most scenic train journey’ - and they weren’t lying when they named her that. She is a LOOKER. We’ll board the famous train from Nuwara Eliya to the chilled town of Ella. Keep an eye out for cascading waterfalls, roaming wildlife and another glimpse at the locals.

Don’t stress - you won’t need to rush out the door at the crack of dawn today, BUT we are going to work for it on a hike to one of the best views in Ella. Enjoy a lush climb up Little Adams Peak, for a stunning view of Ella Gap - a gorge full of beautiful waterfalls and stunning backdrops. We’ll have a hearty lunch in Ella town, before stopping off at Nine Arch Bridge, where we’ll walk the tracks (not the plank) and watch the train pass through.

Another scorcher of a day, as per. So we’re starting things off with a visit to the neighbouring waterfalls ahead of a day at Udawalawe National Park - if you're feeling brave you can even take a dip weather permitting. Now that’s how to start a day. Don’t forget your undies. You’re an adult now and you’ve only got yourself to blame if you end up wandering the park commando. Here we’ll check into our glamping tents for the evening, with some more wholesome activities and some questionable behaviour will commence. Don’t forget to look up as the stars are pretty spectacular at this time of the year.

Get in there guys! We’re going on a Safari. What? You thought you’d make it to Sri Lanka and the TruCrew wouldn’t take you on a life-changing, awe-inspiring safari trip? Raise those expectations. This isn’t the trip of a lifetime for nothing. Scope out Elephants, Monkeys, Buffalos, Flamingos, to mention just a few. We’ll have breakfast by the mouth of the river, before making our way to our final stop, the beachside town of Unawatuna.

You’ve done so good, so wake when you like today. Graze, laze, take it as you like. Then once the team is awake and refreshed, we’re walking through the jungle to the stunning golden sands of the beach on the other side. Soak up some Vitamin D, have a swim in the sea and enjoy the simple pleasures and beauty of the shore. What a life! Once you’re all sun-kissed, we’ll head back to the hotel for our farewell dinner. We hope you’ve still got those tissues. It’s been magic.

So you’ve extended your family, it’s Tru. We’ll be over to kiss your Nan on Christmas Day, but for now, it’s time to say goodbye. What a ride. We’re here to help plan the next steps of your adventure, whether it’s onwards, homebound or back to bed for a week of catching up on those early starts. We’ve loved having you and can’t wait to hear what’s next. Big love!