Habarana and Cultural Triangle 4 nights, Kandy 2 nights, Nuwara Eliya (tea estates) 1 night, Yala National Park 2 nights and Galle 2 nights.
A luxury 13 day escorted group tour at a leisurely pace covering the best of Sri Lanka's highlights. Sri Lanka is an exotic and beautiful island with ancient cities, incredible flora, thick jungle and long palm-fringed beaches as well as a unique culture and warmth. For those who want a relaxing holiday with lots of variety, this trip visits many of the high...
Habarana and Cultural Triangle 4 nights, Kandy 2 nights, Nuwara Eliya (tea estates) 1 night, Yala National Park 2 nights and Galle 2 nights.
A luxury 13 day escorted group tour at a leisurely pace covering the best of Sri Lanka's highlights. Sri Lanka is an exotic and beautiful island with ancient cities, incredible flora, thick jungle and long palm-fringed beaches as well as a unique culture and warmth. For those who want a relaxing holiday with lots of variety, this trip visits many of the highlights whilst staying in hotels with a little extra comfort and style. The best time to visit is January - March. Maximum group size 14.
Prices from £2,645 pp (business class and room upgrades on request).
Culture combines with natural wonders as you explore historic cities, spectacular rock fortresses and Buddhist temples hidden in the depths of caves, visit fragrant spice plantations and botanical gardens, and take a game drive to see some of the wildlife this tropical island has to offer such as elephants, leopards and monkeys.
If you would like to extend this trip why not add on a few more nights in one of the wonderful beach hotels around Galle, Wadduwa or nearer the airport at Negombo? Or fly on to The Maldives for some diving or simply relaxing in a water chalet ...
Summary itinerary:
Day 1 Depart London (overnight flight 10 hrs 45 mins)
Day 2 Arrive Colombo. Meet tour manager and drive approx 4 hours to the heart of the cultural triangle at Habarana. Cinnamon Lodge x 4 nights
Day 3 Morning visit to Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka. Afternoon drive to Minneriya Sanctuary home to 160 species of birds and many mammals. Elephants move freely between the parks so you may visit Kaudulla National Park instead if the game viewing is better.
Day 4 Morning nature trek or depart on optional excursion to Anuradhapura and Mihintale (full day).
Day 5 Visit the imposing site of Sigiriya the 5th century rock fortress which sits on top of 'Lion Rock'. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 6 Early morning visit to cave temples of Dambulla, containing sculptures of Buddha dating back to the 2nd century BC, then tour the Matele Spice Gardens and have a short cookery deomonstration. Travel into hill country at Kandy, an important cultural and spiritual centre (about 2.5 hrs drive). Cinnamon Citadel Hotel x 2 nights
Day 7 Morning tour of Kandy including Market Square, Botanical Gardens and Temple of the Tooth. Afternoon at leisure. Evening optional Kandyan dance performance. (July departure will include a seat at the annual Perahera procession and elephant parade).
Day 8 Transfer to the station for morning train to Nanu-Oya (approx journey time 5 hours). Seats will be in the observation car and you travel through tea plantations then continue by road on arrival to Nuwara Eliya for a brief town tour before continuing to your hotel. The Grand Hotel 1 night.
Day 9 Travel to Yala today with a scenic stop at Ella from where you get gorgeous views over hill country with a picnic lunch. Visit Buduruwagala (the rock with the statue of Buddha) then continue to Yala National Park, one of the best places in the world to observe leopards. Chaya Wild Yala Lodge x 2 nights
Day 10 The park borders the beach in the deep south of Sri Lanka and the hotel is in safari camp style. Morning and afternoon game drives in the park. You could also see as well as leopard, Asian Elephants, Sloth Bears, Wild Boar, Grey Langurs and Crocodiles. The park is also a haven for wetland birds.
Day 11 Morning drive to Galle along a coastal route, visiting the daily pooja ceremony on the way. Visit the Dikwella Lace Centre on the south coast to witness this traditional skill. Lighthouse Hotel, Galle x 2 nights.
Day 12 Optional half day whale watching can be arranged locally (whale watching season runs mid November to mid April in southern Sri Lanka with both blue and sperm whales being seen). Alternatively morning tour of Galle, Sri Lanka's oldest living city. Explore the back streets and alleys of Old Galle surrounded by the ramparts of its Dutch Fort. Afternoon at leisure, relax on the beach, maybe get a spa treatment. Farewell dinner in the evening.
Day 13 Transfer back to Colombo for flight home. Arrive London late same day.
If you would like a different group tour of Sri Lanka or would prefer to do this itinerary on a tailor made basis, please get in touch for a personal quote for your holiday to Sri Lanka.
