Sri Lanka

Sri LankaSri Lanka at a glance Just south of India, and surrounded by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean lies the tropical paradise of Sri Lanka. With miles of unspoilt, palm-fringed beaches, there is a wealth of attractions to be explored. Sri Lanka’s heritage dates back thousands of years and visitors can delight in its Read more

We are sorry, there are no reviews yet for this tour.

Package Highlights

  • Colombo
  • Dambulla
  • Sigiriya
  • Polonnaruwa
  • Horton Plains & Tea Country
  • Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
  • Nuwara Eliya - Udawalawe National Park
  • Udawalawe National Park - Yala
  • Galle

From soaring hillsides of lush green vegetation to a coastline of golden sands and azure waters, Sri Lanka is a heady mix of contrasts. To make the most of your time we can arrange a number of excursions that will help you to unlock the secrets of majestic country at your own pace.

Itinerary

Day 1: Colombo - Sigiriya/Dambulla

On arrival, your tour will commence with a drive to the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, stopping en route to taste the sweet pineapple of this region. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Standard: Kassapa Lion Rock Hotel; Superior: Green Paradise; Deluxe: Cinnamon Lodge; Boutique

Day 2: Anuradhapura & Dambulla

In the morning, enjoy a visit to a Sri Lankan village and then perhaps take an optional excursion to Anuradhapura, the first capital of Sri Lanka, or visit Hiriwadunna Village which includes a catamaran boat ride and bullock cart ride. In the afternoon, visit the Dambulla Rock Temple; a World Heritage Site hosting the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples with the largest area of wall paintings in the world, or perhaps take an optional jeep safari at Minneriya National Park, home to the largest gathering of wild elephants in the world. The best time to enjoy this safari is from August to December. (Optional touring cannot be combined) (B)

Day 3: Polonnaruwa & Sigiriya

Drive to Polonnaruwa, the second capital of Sri Lanka, before a late afternoon climb to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Also known as Lion Rock, towering high over the surrounding plain and home to an ancient fortress that dates back over 1,500 years, enjoy exceptional views as you look out over the old moat, ramparts and water garden that surround the base of the rock. (B)

Day 4: Sigiriya - Kandy

Set off for your two night stay in Kandy, visiting a spice garden en route. In the evening, see the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic, and enjoy a colourful cultural show with traditional dancing. (B) Standard: Hilltop Hotel; Superior: Topaz Hotel; Deluxe: Grand Kandyan ; Boutique: The Kandy House (2 nights)

Day 5: Kandy

Relax and wander around the lake and the streets of Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings. In the afternoon, take a peaceful stroll around the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Day 6: Kandy - Nuwara Eliya

Enjoy a scenic drive through Sri Lanka’s tea country, a great way to see the local hill villages. In Nuwara Eliya, visit a tea factory and continue to explore the scenery of Sri Lanka’s most popular hill resort. (B) Standard: Galway Forest; Superior: St Andrews Hotel; Deluxe: Grand Hotel; Boutique: Goatfell

Day 7: Nuwara Eliya - Yala or Udawalawe

Enjoy a scenic drive through the hill country to either Udawalawe or Yala to start your chosen wildlife safari. Yala boasts one of the highest-density leopard populations in the world and sightings are commonplace. In Udawalawe you’ll visit the Elephant Transit Home for orphaned elephants before taking a jeep safari to see the animals in their natural wild surroundings. (B)

Day 8: Yala or Udawalawe - Galle - Colombo

Drive from either Yala or Udawalawe National Parks to the city of Galle where you can wander the streets and discover one of the best examples of a living fortified city built by Europeans in South Asia. Continue your journey back to Colombo or transfer to the beach hotel of your choice. (B) Note: Due to the movements of the wildlife it may be necessary to change the itinerary whilst in Sri Lanka. Yala National Park is closed for approx. six weeks in Sep/Oct, therefore jeep safaris will operate to Udawalawe during this time.

Package Inclusions & Exclusions

PRICES INCLUDE

• Seven nights’ accommodation in named hotels or similar

• Meals as specified: seven breakfasts (two lunches, two dinners Boutique option only)

• Touring by private air-conditioned vehicle

• Services of an English-speaking chauffeur guide

• Airport transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary

Notes

Due to the movements of the wildlife it may be necessary to change the itinerary whilst in Sri Lanka. Yala National Park is closed for approx. six weeks in Sep/Oct, therefore jeep safaris will operate to Udawalawe during this time.