• Upon arrival in Colombo, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
• Tonight meet your tour leader (or a local guide) and the rest of the group in the reception area of your hotel for welcome drinks and a tour briefing.
• Please note, it is common for international flights to arrive in Colombo late at night, so your tour briefing may take place over breakfast tomorrow.

ACCOMMODATION

2 nights RAMADA COLOMBO – Standard room

(30 Sir Mohamed Macan Markar Mawatha Colombo 03)

• Today we explore Sri Lanka’s bustling capital.

• Explore Fort, home to many of Colombo’s iconic buildings like the Grand Oriental Hotel and the old Dutch Hospital.

• Take a guided walk through Pettah, the city’s remarkably colourful and crowded market district where everything from televisions to chillies is sold wholesale and retail.
• We also visit one of the city’s kovils, the Hindu temples of the Tamil trading community, and see the Grand Mosque and a Buddhist temple.
• In the afternoon enjoy some free time to relax or explore, and perhaps walk the city’s famous Galle Face Green and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. (Breakfast included)

ACCOMMODATION

RAMADA COLOMBO – Standard room

• This morning depart early by road from Colombo on our journey north.

• Stop at the fishing and beach town of Negombo to see the town’s famous fish market, the Llelama, where traditional boats haul in their catches for sale – a little on the nose but a fascinating sight.

• We may also be able to see the process of toddy tapping, producing a popular local alcoholic beverage.
• Continue on to Anuradhapura, our first base in the country’s rich Cultural Triangle.
• A capital for over a thousand years, and with a history dating back some 2,500 years, Anuradhapura is a superb introduction to Sri Lanka’s great cultural heritage.
• These days a collection of ruined and active temples and palaces spread across the beautiful park-like countryside, it retains a serene and picturesque quality.
• Arriving mid-afternoon, we settle into our hotel. (Breakfast included)

ACCOMMODATION

2 nights PALM GARDEN VILLAGE HOTEL

Chalet Puttalam Rd Pandulagama, Anuradhapura Tel: + 94 25 22 23961 / 62

• We start this morning with a visit to the ancient complex of Mihintale, the birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism.

• Note – there are some steep steps here but those not wishing to climb can explore the base of the site and take in the views.

• In the afternoon, take an exploration of some of Anuradhapura’s main sites.
• This will include the revered Sri Maha Bodhi, the world’s oldest authenticated tree which has been worshipped and guarded here for over 2,000 years since its original cutting was brought from India where the Buddha attained nirvana under its sheltering branches.
• Also see the ruined columns of the Brazen Palace and the Thuparama Dagoba (pagoda), perhaps the oldest Buddhist structure in the world, as well as the huge dome of the Jetavanarama Dagoba.
• One of these sites will be visited in the evening when local people are busy with devout religious activity. (Breakfast included)

ACCOMMODATION  

PALM GARDEN VILLAGE HOTEL – Chalet

• Departing Anuradhapura we continue on to Habarana, where we stop for a village walk which may include an oxcart ride and a short boat ride and learn more about the day to day rural life typical of the Sri Lankan countryside.

• See many of the traditional village activities and understand how these are part of the way of life for most Sri Lankans.

• A simple but delicious meal is prepared here in one of the village gardens, using fresh garden ingredients and showcasing some typical Sri Lankan foods.
• In the afternoon take a tour of the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa.
• Here we focus on the remains of the Royal Palace complex and the impressive neighbouring Quadrangle, which retains some grand palace structures, and the superb standing and reclining Buddha images at the Gal Vihara, still revered by local people.
• Afterwards, we continue on to our hotel at nearby Sigiriya. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

ACCOMMODATION

2 nights SIGIRIYA VILLAGE HOTEL – Standard room Sigiriya Tel: + 94 25 4716

• This morning we explore the incredible rock of Sigiriya.

• Ancient monastery or palace, its possibly two millennia of history hidden in myth and legend, the view of the rock alone is breathtaking.

• Climbing the steps of the rock even more so – this is a steep climb involving several thousand steps.
• Those not wanting or able to climb may enjoy the fine park-like water and boulder gardens at the base, which offer more views of the rock. For climbers, the first treat is the superb apsara frescoes about halfway to the summit.
• A final ascent through two enormous rock lion’s paws brings you to the summit, with its rock foundations and sweeping views of the jungles and countryside around.
• Note: the climb is only suitable for those with good fitness; plenty of water and sun protection should be carried.
• In the afternoon either relax by the pool or join your tour leader and local guide for a visit to the deserted forest monastery of Ritigala, with its famously ornate ‘urinal stones’. (Breakfast and dinner included)

ACCOMMODATION

SIGIRIYA VILLAGE HOTEL – Standard room

• Departing Sigiriya we continue the short distance to Dambulla.
• Home to one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated collections of Buddhist art, the cave temples here are a gallery of beautiful religious sculpture and painting.
• The 5 hilltop caves hold dozens of Buddha images and vast colourful frescoes.
• Note: the climb to the caves is on wide stone steps which are relatively even but the climb is hot and takes around 15 minutes or so.
• Those not wishing to climb may stay at the base of the hill. Later visit a tropical spice garden, learning of the many culinary and medicinal plants which are grown in the island’s rich hill country.
• Afterwards, we continue on to the central hills and Sri Lanka’s second city Kandy, set amidst forested peaks and with a character all its own.
• Relax in the fine grounds of your hotel in the late afternoon. (Breakfast included) 

ACCOMMODATION

2 nights HOTEL SUISSE – Deluxe room 30 Sangarajah Mawatha Kandy Tel: + 94 81 2233024-5

• We start early today with a visit to the ornate Temple of the Tooth.
• The temple houses Sri Lanka’s most revered relic, a tooth of the Buddha, and we visit for one of the daily pujas (prayer ceremonies) which Sinhalese Buddhists regard as the ultimate worship.
• Later we take a city tour of Kandy, including the lovely lakeside drive and colourful central market area, as well as one of the local crafts centres.
• Finish outside the town with a wander through the verdant Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, with their fantastic collection of exotic tropical plants. (Breakfast included)

ACCOMMODATION

HOTEL SUISSE – Deluxe room

• Depart Kandy this morning and continue into the hills.
• Today’s landscapes are magnificent, with rolling tea estates and upland forests.
• En route we stop to visit one of the area’s renowned tea factories and learn more about this famous Sri Lankan export.
• In the afternoon arrive in Nuwara Eliya, a quaint tea-growing centre whose British influences are still very much in evidence.
• See the town’s market area with its old post office, general stores and bakeries, pass the racecourse and park, and enjoy the bracing highland air. (Breakfast included)

ACCOMMODATION

1 night GRAND HOTEL – Deluxe room Grand Hotel Rd, Nuwara Eliya Tel: + 94 52 2222881

• Today we descend back to the lowlands, via the town of Ella.
• This is one of the journey’s most scenic drives, traversing spectacular hills and valleys as we leave the highlands.
• We also take a scenic walk on Little Adam’ Peak, taking in the lovely views and fresh hill air of the areas.
• Departing Ella and passing Ravana Falls, we descend into the lowland and later in the afternoon arrive at the town of Tissamaharama.
• Tissa, as its known, is a quiet lakeside town with lovely countryside surrounds, many lakes and shady rain trees, and I our base for Yala National Park. (Breakfast included)

ACCOMMODATION

2 nights PRIYANKARA HOTEL – Air-conditioned room Kataragama Rd, Tissamaharama Tel: + 94 47 2237206

• Rise early in the drive to the coastal scrub jungles of Yala, one of Sri Lanka’s great parks and at over 1200 square kilometres also its largest.
• The park is most famous for its Leopards, which flourish here in good numbers and have made Yala a prime site for Leopard watchers.
• The park’s healthy Elephant population also provides visitors with wonderful experiences of these fantastic animals.
• Other wildlife seen here includes various deer, hyaena, sloth bear, crocodile, wild boar, and numerous varieties of birds.
• Return to the hotel late morning and relax until an afternoon safari.  (Breakfast included)

ACCOMMODATION

PRIYANKARA HOTEL – Air-conditioned room

• Depart Tissa after breakfast and journey along the southern Sri Lankan coastline to the beautiful beach of Tangalle.
• En route we stop at the unusual monastery at Mulkirigala, with its murals, statues and fine coastal views.
• This afternoon enjoys some time on the beach or by the pool, before an evening excursion to nearby Rekawa, where several species of endangered sea turtle come ashore to lay their eggs at night.  (Breakfast included)

ACCOMMODATION

1 night RANNA 212 – Deluxe room Kahandamodara Tangalla Tel: + 94 47 4934999

• A short coastal drive brings us to the town of Galle and its majestic coastal fort.
• Stopping en route we may see the famous stilt fisherman who frequents this stretch of coastline.
• On arrival in Galle, we make our way to the fort for a heritage walking tour of this fantastic site.
• Built some 400 years ago, at times under the rule of  Dutch, Portuguese and British, the Fort is not only a historical treasure but also remarkably low-key and a wonderful place to just wander and explore the quaint street scenes, sweeping ocean views and the little cafes and shops.
• After walking through some of the Fort’s most interesting streets we continue on to our beachside in a beautiful location overlooking the Indian Ocean. (Breakfast included)

ACCOMMODATION

2 nights CHAAYA TRANZ HIKKADUWA – Superior room Galle Road Hikkaduwa Tel: +94 91 2278000

• This morning enjoy some leisure time before a late morning fun and fascinating cooking demonstration.
• After learning some of the secrets of Sri Lankan cuisine, we indulge in a lunch feast of Sri Lankan specialities.
• The afternoon is free for final shopping and exploration of the nearby Fort, or just relaxing along this lovely stretch of an island beach.  (Breakfast and lunch included)

ACCOMMODATION

CHAAYA TRANZ HIKKADUWA – Superior room

• After breakfast, our journey ends with a transfer back to Colombo for your onward flight.
• Note: if you are departing on one of the many late night flights from Colombo, you may wish to book late checkout to hold your room until early evening (at additional cost and subject to availability).  (Breakfast included)