12 NIGHTS – 14 DAYS ~ FROM £2,135
Sri Lanka is a traveller’s delight, with echoes of ancient cities still dominating the pulse of the country. Rich in cultural treasure and breathtaking vistas it never fails to enchant the senses. Serendipity, an ancient name, describes this country to perfection- Unexpected discoveries and pleasure – this is what you will find in Sri Lanka…… lasting memories……. The sacred Bo Tree - the supreme testament to Buddhism, outstanding ancient carvings, lush bright green Hill Country strewn with Tea Plantations - perilously terraced on steep hill sides, and the shores, caressed by the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, fringed with whispering Palms. Elsewhere Wildlife Reserves abound with Elephant, Buffalo and shy Leopard.
Colombo • Kandalama • Sigiriya/Polonnaruwa • Anuradhapura/Mihintale • Dambulla/Kandy • Pinnawela • Nuwara Eliya • Horton Plains • Yala • Galle
DAY 1 . To Colombo
Fly on SriLankan Airlines direct to Colombo.
DAY 2 . Colombo
Arrive Colombo and transfer to the Taj Samudra for overnight stay. Sightseeing tour of the capital - a flourishing seaport. A city of contrasts it boasts a traditional heritage, strong colonial overtones and vibrant modern city centre.
DAY 3 . To Kandalama
After breakfast drive to Kandalama, gradually climbing up through paddy fields and passing through villages specializing in cashew products or cane furniture. Drive to Habarana for Elephant ride into the jungle. Stay at Kandalama for three nights.
DAY 4 . Excursion to Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa
After breakfast, visit ‘The Lion Rock’ a massive block of granite rising dramatically 600 ft out of the jungle.This World Heritage site is dominated by the Fortress built by King Kasyapa in the 5th C. BC - a palace and once delightful gardens and ponds grace the summit. Also, see the famed frescoes of “Heavenly Maidens”. Leave for an afternoon sightseeing tour of Polonnaruwa the Medieval Capital of Sri Lanka. Providing water for the city are a series of vast man-made ‘tanks’.Visit the ruins of the King's Council Chamber, Royal Pavilion (11th C. Hindu Temple), Gal Vihara - with the most magnificent sculptures of Buddha and the delightful Lotus Baths.
DAY 5 . Excursion to Anuradhapura and Mihintale
After breakfast, visit Anuradhapura, the 5th C. BC Capital of Sri Lanka. Monuments of its heyday still survive including the Abhayagiri Dagoba, Jetavanaramaya built by King Mahasen,The Brazen Palace,The Samadhi Buddha, Thuparama Dagoba (the oldest in the area) and the Ratnaprasada which houses the famous moonstone. Also, see the world’s oldest authenticated tree The Sri Mahabodhi. Clustered around a hilltop, the sacred sites of Mihintale are reached by 1840 steps. Buddhism was brought here by Mahinda, son of the Indian Emperor Ashoka, when he converted the Singhalese King.
DAY 6 . To Kandy via Dambulla
After breakfast visit the spectacular Buddhist Cave Temples of Dambulla, dating back to 1st C. BC founded when a King, driven out of Anuradhapura, took refuge there. Numerous delicate statues of the Buddha and vibrant frescoes fill the caves. En route to Kandy stop off for an optional traditional Sri Lankan lunch – spicy but delicious! Visit a Batik factory and watch the intricate work that goes into creating this delightful art. Stop at a Spice Plantation and see peppercorns, curry leaves and cloves growing in their natural state.Two nights at the Mahaweli Reach.
DAY 7 . Excursion to Pinnawela
Kandy, the ancient stronghold of Sinhala Kings, is a delightful town centred upon the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple serenely situated on the shores of the lake created in 1807 by the last king. After breakfast excursion to Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. Afternoon City tour including a visit to the Temple, Art and Crafts workshop and the Bazaars. Also, visit the Royal Botanical gardens. Evening vibrant Kandyan dance and cultural performance.
DAY 8 . To Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast drive or travel by train, with an excellent view from the observation car, to Nuwara Eliya also known as ‘Little England’ with its colonial houses, golf course and Anglican Church.Visit a Tea Plantation and Factory.Two nights at St Andrews Hotel. Please confirm upon booking if requiring train or car option.
DAY 9 . Nuwara Eliya – Horton Plains
Early morning drive to Horton Plains - grasslands interspersed with forest - walk to World’s End to see the mists magically rising as the first rays of the sun light a new day. If feeling adventurous onwards to Baker’s Falls. Afternoon is free to explore Nuwara Eliya.
DAY 10 . To Yala National Park
After breakfast drive to Yala National Park. En route stop at Hakgala Botanical Gardens and Ella Falls to enjoy breathtaking views. Overnight in Yala Safari Game Lodge.
DAY 11 . To Galle
Early morning game drive. Open parkland, rocky outcrops and dense jungle offers a diverse habitat for Elephant, Deer, Buffalo and secretive Leopard.Water holes, small lakes, lagoons and streams provide life giving sustenance to the wildlife.The bird life is spectacular - about 130 species are found – including Peacocks, Spoonbills, Flycatchers and Orioles. Next travel to Galle passing salt and freshwater lagoons, Matara - with its echoes of the Dutch - and Weligama Bay famed for the Stilt Fisherman. Stop in the ancient port of Galle and explore this delightful colonial town. Three nights at the LightHouse Hotel.
DAY 12 . Galle
Full day at leisure.
DAY 13 . Galle
Full day at leisure.
DAY 14 . To London
Morning transfer to Colombo Airport for SriLankan Airlines direct flight to London arriving Heathrow
