Sri Lanka

Day 1: Colombo – Habarana/Dambulla

On arrival at Colombo International Airport you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax.

Standard: Chaaya Village, Habarana
Superior: Heritance Kandalama, Dambulla

Day 2: Anuradhapura & Dambulla

Set off this morning to Anuradhapura, the first capital of Sri Lanka and undoubtedly the grandest. Amongst other ancient sites you will visit the ruins of Brazen Palace, once a magnificent monastery. This afternoon visit Dambulla Rock Temple, a complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. metres of painted walls. The ceiling is the largest area of cave paintings found in the world. In total these caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is a colossal figure carved out of rock spanning 14 metres.

Day 3: 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. Built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD and also a world heritage site, you will visit the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya - home to the four famous statues of the Buddha in 'Upright', 'Sedentary' and 'Recumbent' postures are carved out of rock. Late afternoon return to your hotel and relax over dinner.

Day 4: Pinnawala & Kandy

This morning, visit the elephant orphanage in Pinnawala home to around 60 elephants. Pass through the well known spice gardens in Mawanella stopping off for a visit before continuing on to Kandy - a listed World Heritage site. Tour Kandy Lake and the bazaar before an evening visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic and watch a cultural show featuring traditional Sri Lankan dancing.

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

Day 5: Kandy – Peradeniya – Nuwara Eliya

Start the day with a peaceful stroll around the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya before continuing on to Nuwara Eliya stopping en-route at a tea factory. The rest of the day is yours to relax.

Standard: Galway Forest Lodge, Nuwara Eliya
Superior: Hotel Tea Factory, Nuwara Eliya

Day 6: Nuwara Eliya – Yala National Park

Journey from Nuwara Eliya to Yala National Park stopping en-route at Rawana Ella waterfalls. Join a safari drive of the park, home to the highest density of leopards in the world. Yala also offers some of the best chances in Asia to see elephant, sloth bear, sambhur, spotted deer, wild boar, mongeese and crocodiles. Overnight at Yala Village and dine under the stars.

Accommodation: Yala Village

Day 7: Yala – Galle – Colombo

Travel to the historical city of Galle. This once busy port is now a World Heritage Site and includes the extensive Galle Fort originally built by the Portuguese. This afternoon depart for Colombo city.

Standard: Ceylon Continental, Colombo
Superior: Colombo Hilton, Colombo

Day 8: Depart Colombo

Today, transfer to Colombo airport for your onward flight. For those wishing to extend their stay at one of the many beach resorts transfers are available either direct from Galle or from Colombo (prices on request).

Departure Dates:

Daily

Tour Includes:

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