HIGHLIGHTS OF SRI LANKA
HIGHLIGHTS OF SRI LANKA
Authentic culinary experiences, jeep safaris and city tours are just some of the draws of this bespoke tour of Sri Lanka. With nine days visiting some of Sri Lanka's most iconic destinations this itinerary promises full immersion in Sri Lanka?s rich culture, both past and present.
Beginning in capital city Colombo, your tour will take you onto the Cultural Triangle, famous for its abundance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
A night in Kandy will see you walking the halls that house Lord Buddha's tooth and streets lined with fragrant street foods waiting to be tasted.
Two nights in Ella will place you amidst the misted tea fields of the hill country, renowned for its photogenic landscapes and tea production. From here, an overnight stay in Yala National Park will act as your window to the world's largest gathering of wild leopards.
End your time on the island in Negombo, a coastal city to the west of Sri Lanka where seafood is a must-try.
Ideal for connoisseurs, animal-lovers and those with an interest in the ancient world, this comprehensive Sri Lanka tour offers it all.
A night in Kandy will see you walking the halls that house Lord Buddha's tooth and streets lined with fragrant street foods waiting to be tasted.
Two nights in Ella will place you amidst the misted tea fields of the hill country, renowned for its photogenic landscapes and tea production. From here, an overnight stay in Yala National Park will act as your window to the world's largest gathering of wild leopards.
End your time on the island in Negombo, a coastal city to the west of Sri Lanka where seafood is a must-try.
Ideal for connoisseurs, animal-lovers and those with an interest in the ancient world, this comprehensive Sri Lanka tour offers it all.
Day 1 Colombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka, the `Teardrop Island' of Southern Asia and a melting pot of cultures and experiences waiting to be discovered.
On arrival at the international airport, you'll be met by your private driver - allow them to handle your luggage before escorting you to your Colombo hotel for check in. Once there, make the most of your hotel's amenities, freshening up and enjoying a post-flight nap before heading out for an afternoon tour of the city.
Now the country's capital city, Colombo is a historical seaport which has been in use for as long as 2,000 years, its activity tracing back to Roman, Greek, Persian, Chinese and Indian traders. The Portuguese arrived in 1505, and the city has since been a centre of East-West cultural influences. Upon the arrival of the British in 1815, Colombo was crowned as Sri Lanka's capital.
Your tour of the city will be followed by a mouthwatering array of authentic street foods - a delicious introduction to the country's distinct flavours.
Return to your hotel for a well-deserved night of rest.
On arrival at the international airport, you'll be met by your private driver - allow them to handle your luggage before escorting you to your Colombo hotel for check in. Once there, make the most of your hotel's amenities, freshening up and enjoying a post-flight nap before heading out for an afternoon tour of the city.
Now the country's capital city, Colombo is a historical seaport which has been in use for as long as 2,000 years, its activity tracing back to Roman, Greek, Persian, Chinese and Indian traders. The Portuguese arrived in 1505, and the city has since been a centre of East-West cultural influences. Upon the arrival of the British in 1815, Colombo was crowned as Sri Lanka's capital.
Your tour of the city will be followed by a mouthwatering array of authentic street foods - a delicious introduction to the country's distinct flavours.
Return to your hotel for a well-deserved night of rest.
Day 2 Sigiriya
After breakfast in your Colombo hotel, meet your chauffeur and proceed to Sigiriya, the heart of Sri Lanka's famed Cultural Triangle.
As before, check into your accommodation and get settled - you'll stay here for the next two evenings, so feel free to unpack what you need to make yourselves feel right at home.
This afternoon, you'll head to Minneriya National Park for an introduction to the island's breathtaking wildlife scene. Located in the Habarana region, the park is home to a gorgeous herd of Asian elephants, as well as sloth bears, crocodiles, leopards and more. Spot the gentle giants as they roam the park's forest and sip water at the lakeside.
After a magical afternoon at Minneriya, head back to your hotel for an evening of rest and rejuvenation.
As before, check into your accommodation and get settled - you'll stay here for the next two evenings, so feel free to unpack what you need to make yourselves feel right at home.
This afternoon, you'll head to Minneriya National Park for an introduction to the island's breathtaking wildlife scene. Located in the Habarana region, the park is home to a gorgeous herd of Asian elephants, as well as sloth bears, crocodiles, leopards and more. Spot the gentle giants as they roam the park's forest and sip water at the lakeside.
After a magical afternoon at Minneriya, head back to your hotel for an evening of rest and rejuvenation.
Day 3 Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa
Today, take a step into the ancient world of Sri Lankan kings... Savour a hearty breakfast before your climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Arguably the island's most incredible UNESCO site, the fortress dates to the reign of King Kaspya (477-495 AD), and soars above the city at nearly 200 metres. A magnificent carved lion marks the gateway to the king's palace, which remains at the top of the 1,200 stair hike. As you climb, keep a look out for the remarkable frescoes that decorate the walls, as well as an old monastery. Once you reach the top, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of pristine gardens and an ingenious, well-preserved ancient irrigation system.
En route to your next tour location, you'll be treated to an authentic lunch at a local restaurant - the perfect reward after a morning of exploration.
Your afternoon is dedicated to Polonnaruwa, another centuries-old World Heritage Site and the capital city of yesteryear.
This mediaeval city was fortified with inner and outer walls and moats designed to keep it well protected. Beyond these measures lie a number of incredible ancient artefacts and structures, including an abundance of statues housed by three Image Houses: Lankatilake, Thuparama, and Tivanka. The latter is said to boast the best example of frescoes of Polonnaruwa period in the history of Sri Lanka from 1017.
Marvel at the sheer size of the well-preserved Rankoth Vehera and Kirivehera stupas and the fabulous Gal Vihare rock shrine with its four huge Buddha statues. These statues, along with the Parakarma Bahu, are examples of Sinhalese stone carving.
Keep an eye out for the Royal Palace, Audience Hall, and Parakarma Samudra, a vast lake to the west of the city.
Step back to the modern age as you meet your driver for an airconditioned transfer back to your hotel in Sigiriya. Spend the evening at your leisure, making the most of the amenities available.
Arguably the island's most incredible UNESCO site, the fortress dates to the reign of King Kaspya (477-495 AD), and soars above the city at nearly 200 metres. A magnificent carved lion marks the gateway to the king's palace, which remains at the top of the 1,200 stair hike. As you climb, keep a look out for the remarkable frescoes that decorate the walls, as well as an old monastery. Once you reach the top, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of pristine gardens and an ingenious, well-preserved ancient irrigation system.
En route to your next tour location, you'll be treated to an authentic lunch at a local restaurant - the perfect reward after a morning of exploration.
Your afternoon is dedicated to Polonnaruwa, another centuries-old World Heritage Site and the capital city of yesteryear.
This mediaeval city was fortified with inner and outer walls and moats designed to keep it well protected. Beyond these measures lie a number of incredible ancient artefacts and structures, including an abundance of statues housed by three Image Houses: Lankatilake, Thuparama, and Tivanka. The latter is said to boast the best example of frescoes of Polonnaruwa period in the history of Sri Lanka from 1017.
Marvel at the sheer size of the well-preserved Rankoth Vehera and Kirivehera stupas and the fabulous Gal Vihare rock shrine with its four huge Buddha statues. These statues, along with the Parakarma Bahu, are examples of Sinhalese stone carving.
Keep an eye out for the Royal Palace, Audience Hall, and Parakarma Samudra, a vast lake to the west of the city.
Step back to the modern age as you meet your driver for an airconditioned transfer back to your hotel in Sigiriya. Spend the evening at your leisure, making the most of the amenities available.
Day 4 Kandy
Today you'll proceed to Kandy, the last capital of the ancient world and a tranquil city wrapped around a rippling lake.
En route, stop off at the Dambulla Cave Temples, a centuries-old monastery housing 157 life-size Buddha statues in a variety of postures. The caves themselves sheltered King Walagamba during his exile from Anuradhapura. Upon regaining the throne, the king built the temples into the rocks, decorating their walls and ceilings with magnificent paintings.
Your driver will also make a stop at a nearby spice garden - with curries and the like lying at the heart of Sri Lankan cuisine, these aromatic fruits of the earth are a crucial part of many traditional recipes. Take a leisurely stroll amongst the plants, stopping here and there to appreciate their scent. Pick up the calming aromas of cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg, amongst many others.
Once arriving in Kandy, you'll be delivered at your hotel to check-in, refresh, and enjoy the facilities on offer until the evening, when you?ll head for a bewitching tour of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth.
Besides holding a number of transcripts and boasting a unique, octagonal architecture and golden roof, the temple is famous for the casket that is said to hold a tooth belonging to Lord Buddha himself.
Once you have feasted your eyes on Kandy's most famed attraction, it will be time to satisfy your other senses? A nighttime food walk through the city's streets will entice you to try a range of gastronomical delights. Start at the Royal Bar, a local icon, where you can sip on fantastic arrack before moving on to curb your cravings with mouthwatering egg rotis, fresh hoppers and tasty `kotthu'. As you walk, your charismatic host will chat and share lively stories about Kandy.
Return to your hotel with your tummies full, ready to snuggle into bed for a restful night.
En route, stop off at the Dambulla Cave Temples, a centuries-old monastery housing 157 life-size Buddha statues in a variety of postures. The caves themselves sheltered King Walagamba during his exile from Anuradhapura. Upon regaining the throne, the king built the temples into the rocks, decorating their walls and ceilings with magnificent paintings.
Your driver will also make a stop at a nearby spice garden - with curries and the like lying at the heart of Sri Lankan cuisine, these aromatic fruits of the earth are a crucial part of many traditional recipes. Take a leisurely stroll amongst the plants, stopping here and there to appreciate their scent. Pick up the calming aromas of cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg, amongst many others.
Once arriving in Kandy, you'll be delivered at your hotel to check-in, refresh, and enjoy the facilities on offer until the evening, when you?ll head for a bewitching tour of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth.
Besides holding a number of transcripts and boasting a unique, octagonal architecture and golden roof, the temple is famous for the casket that is said to hold a tooth belonging to Lord Buddha himself.
Once you have feasted your eyes on Kandy's most famed attraction, it will be time to satisfy your other senses? A nighttime food walk through the city's streets will entice you to try a range of gastronomical delights. Start at the Royal Bar, a local icon, where you can sip on fantastic arrack before moving on to curb your cravings with mouthwatering egg rotis, fresh hoppers and tasty `kotthu'. As you walk, your charismatic host will chat and share lively stories about Kandy.
Return to your hotel with your tummies full, ready to snuggle into bed for a restful night.
Day 5 Nanu Oya - Ella
After an early breakfast, your chauffeur will arrive to escort you to Kandy Railway Station. From here, begin a scenic journey quite unlike any other as you ride the railway through Sri Lanka's breathtaking hill country to Nanu Oya, a village named after the Nanu Oya river near Nuwara Eliya - a trip famous for its photogenic qualities.
The hill country is the birthplace of the island's famous tea culture, and its sweeping valleys remain carpeted in flourishing, verdant tea paddies that can be seen from the window of your carriage. This misted landscape is undoubtedly one of the most captivating in the country - take this time to simply sit back, relax, and allow your breath to be taken away?
Back at the village of Nanu Oya, you'll reunite with your driver and continue on towards Ella, making a stop at a working tea factory on your way. Here, savour an indulgent afternoon tea fit for royalty - you couldn't leave without sampling all that the tea country has to offer!
Filled with perfectly brewed tea and tantalising sweet treats, your driver will drop you at your next hotel deep in the mists of Ella.
The hill country is the birthplace of the island's famous tea culture, and its sweeping valleys remain carpeted in flourishing, verdant tea paddies that can be seen from the window of your carriage. This misted landscape is undoubtedly one of the most captivating in the country - take this time to simply sit back, relax, and allow your breath to be taken away?
Back at the village of Nanu Oya, you'll reunite with your driver and continue on towards Ella, making a stop at a working tea factory on your way. Here, savour an indulgent afternoon tea fit for royalty - you couldn't leave without sampling all that the tea country has to offer!
Filled with perfectly brewed tea and tantalising sweet treats, your driver will drop you at your next hotel deep in the mists of Ella.
Day 6 Ella
Today, discover the wonders of Ella and its surroundings. Enjoy breakfast with a cup of tea before heading out to see the Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam's Peak.
Commissioned by the British in 1921, the Nine Arch Bridge at Demodara remains part of the functioning colonial-era railroad. Its arches soar 80 feet above the ground in the middle of the jungles of the hill country which are a wonderful backdrop for photographs, with occasional locomotives adding an extra splash of colour.
Meanwhile, Little Adam's Peak is one of the prettiest and most popular hikes in the region. Not to be confused with its tougher namesake, Adam's Peak, this trek begins on relatively flat ground, where you'll find yourself encircled by lush tea fields. The trail will become steeper the higher you go, but the breathtaking views at the top will be more than worth the effort.
After a busy morning, reward yourself with a refreshing gin and tonic at Ravana Falls. Named after the Sri Lankan king in the Indian epic, Ramayana. Local legends tell of a princess concealed behind the fall's cascading waters. Today, visitors enjoy refreshing swims in the pool at the foot of the falls which is described by locals as resembling the withering petals of the Areca flower during wet season, when water flow is generous.
After a specially prepared tipple (or two), enjoy a seamless transfer back to your Ella accommodation where you are at leisure to luxuriate in the hills for the rest of the evening.
Meanwhile, Little Adam's Peak is one of the prettiest and most popular hikes in the region. Not to be confused with its tougher namesake, Adam's Peak, this trek begins on relatively flat ground, where you'll find yourself encircled by lush tea fields. The trail will become steeper the higher you go, but the breathtaking views at the top will be more than worth the effort.
After a busy morning, reward yourself with a refreshing gin and tonic at Ravana Falls. Named after the Sri Lankan king in the Indian epic, Ramayana. Local legends tell of a princess concealed behind the fall's cascading waters. Today, visitors enjoy refreshing swims in the pool at the foot of the falls which is described by locals as resembling the withering petals of the Areca flower during wet season, when water flow is generous.
After a specially prepared tipple (or two), enjoy a seamless transfer back to your Ella accommodation where you are at leisure to luxuriate in the hills for the rest of the evening.
Day 7 Yala
Enjoy a final cuppa in the hill country before joining your driver for the journey onto Yala National Park. Renowned for being home to the largest gathering of wild leopards on the planet, Yala is Sri Lanka's biggest and most famous national park.
On arrival at your Yala hotel, drop your belongings off and freshen up in the comfort of your room, changing into your safari gear and grabbing some binoculars before heading out for a remarkable game drive in the park.
Accompanied by an expert guide, this wonderful jeep safari will be another experience to check off your bucket list. Ensuring a polite distance is kept between you and the creatures that call Yala home, you'll find yourself gazing at some of the rarest animals in the land. The national park has five separate blocks of ecosystems - light forest, scrub, grassland, tanks and lagoons - of which two can be explored by visitors. These varying environments entice a wealth of endemic species beyond the leopards to make Yala their habitat, including elephants, sloth bears, peacocks, deer, and crocodiles.
Spend the evening discussing this afternoon's incredible experience and making the most of the facilities on offer in your Yala hotel.
On arrival at your Yala hotel, drop your belongings off and freshen up in the comfort of your room, changing into your safari gear and grabbing some binoculars before heading out for a remarkable game drive in the park.
Accompanied by an expert guide, this wonderful jeep safari will be another experience to check off your bucket list. Ensuring a polite distance is kept between you and the creatures that call Yala home, you'll find yourself gazing at some of the rarest animals in the land. The national park has five separate blocks of ecosystems - light forest, scrub, grassland, tanks and lagoons - of which two can be explored by visitors. These varying environments entice a wealth of endemic species beyond the leopards to make Yala their habitat, including elephants, sloth bears, peacocks, deer, and crocodiles.
Spend the evening discussing this afternoon's incredible experience and making the most of the facilities on offer in your Yala hotel.
Day 8 Yala - Negombo
Wake up bright and early for a final morning game drive in Yala before beginning the journey up to Negombo.
Besides housing such an amalgam of creatures, the Yala holds the rich history of a lost civilisation. The rock temple of Sithulpawwa is a chief pilgrim site and is said to have once provided solace to a staggering 12,000 civilians. Fast forward to 1900, Yala was designated a wildlife sanctuary. The area was given national park status 38 years later, and today the reflects over a century-long legacy of conservation efforts.
Freshen up post-safari and meet your driver for your transfer to coastal Negombo. Given its location, it is of little wonder that the city is known for its seafood, a must for tonight's dinner!
Your Negombo hotel will place you in perfect proximity to catch your flight home tomorrow.
Besides housing such an amalgam of creatures, the Yala holds the rich history of a lost civilisation. The rock temple of Sithulpawwa is a chief pilgrim site and is said to have once provided solace to a staggering 12,000 civilians. Fast forward to 1900, Yala was designated a wildlife sanctuary. The area was given national park status 38 years later, and today the reflects over a century-long legacy of conservation efforts.
Freshen up post-safari and meet your driver for your transfer to coastal Negombo. Given its location, it is of little wonder that the city is known for its seafood, a must for tonight's dinner!
Your Negombo hotel will place you in perfect proximity to catch your flight home tomorrow.
Day 9 Negombo - Departure
After a final hearty breakfast, your driver will arrive to escort you one last time. They will have you back at the airport in perfect time for your flight home, or to your next destination.
What's Included?
Add to your experience?
Want to extend your holiday? Add to your Sri Lanka experience with more time on the beach either in destination or elsewhere - perhaps on the islands of the Maldives.
Want to extend your holiday? Add to your Sri Lanka experience with more time on the beach either in destination or elsewhere - perhaps on the islands of the Maldives.
