Day 1: Colombo - Sigiriya/Dambulla

On arrival at Colombo International Airport you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel in Sigiriya or Dambulla. During the four hour journey relax and take in the beautiful scenery passing you by. For your stay tonight we particularly recommend the Heritance Kandalama Hotel with its unique setting and beautiful views of the surrounding lake.

Standard: Sigiriya Hotel, Sigiriya
Superior: Heritance Kandalama, Dambulla

Day 2: Sigiriya & Polonnaruwa

Begin the morning with a climb up Sigiriya Rock Fortress, also know as ‘The Lion Rock’, a 5th Century World Heritage Site which takes the form of a citadel rising 200 meters from the jungle floor. Once the stronghold of a fortified town, you can view the old moat, ramparts and water gardens that surround the base of the rock and enjoy the exceptional views of the surrounding countryside from the summit. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the ‘Heavenly Maidens’ of Sigiriya before travelling on to Polonnaruwa, the second capital of Sri Lanka. Sightseeing highlights include the Royal Palace, Gal Viharaya and the Shiva Temple. Late afternoon return to your hotel and relax over dinner.

Day 3: Dambulla & Kandy

After breakfast, visit the Dambulla Rock Temple, the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples with the largest area of wall paintings in the world displaying over 150 images of Buddha. This afternoon journey to Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and a listed World Heritage Site. Enjoy sightseeing in Kandy city with visits to Kandy Lake and the bazaar before continuing on to your chosen hotel. This evening travel to the Temple of the Tooth Relic for a cultural show with traditional Sri Lankan Dancing.

Standard: Hotel Hilltop, Kandy
Superior: Earl’s Regency Hotel, Kandy

Day 4: Kandy - Pinnawala - Colombo

Start the day with a peaceful stroll around the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya which was first build by a Sinhala king and then expanded by the British. The gardens cover 147 acres and are home to a vast array of trees and plants. From here drive for approximately one hour to the famous elephant orphanage in Pinnawala, home to around 60 elephants being cared for and trained by the local wildlife authorities. Finally, continue your journey back to Colombo airport for your onward flight. For those wishing to extend their stay in Sri Lanka at one of the island’s many beach resorts transfers are available from Pinnawala (prices on request).

Departure Dates:

Daily

Tour Includes:

• Accommodation and meals as specified (B=breakfast, D=dinner) • Private transport, sightseeing and the services of an English-speaking local guide