Sri Lanka – Pearl of the Indian Ocean

Overview

With its incredible natural beauty, ancient sights, and cultural treasures, Sri Lanka has so much to offer. Admire the majestic elephants of Habarana, visit Sigiriya’s ‘Fortress in the Sky,’ and view the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha, before rounding off your tour with days of relaxation on the beach.

Highlights:

• Just You Tour Manager as your host
• Return flights from Heathrow with Sri Lankan Airlines
• Use of an airport lounge in the UK
• 12 nights half board in 4 & 5-star hotels plus 1 night in flight
• 25 meals: 12 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 11 dinners

PLUS:

✔ Welcome drink & farewell get-together
✔ Overseas transfers & other transportation
✔ Porterage
✔ Dedicated Just You representative at all UK airports

Itinerary

Day 1: UK to Colombo

• Fly from the UK to Colombo.

Day 2: Arrival in Colombo

• Transfer to your hotel.
• Free time to relax.
• Evening welcome dinner at a local restaurant:
  • Traditional Sri Lankan food, exclusively curated for Just You.
  • Unlimited beer and wine included.

Day 3: Colombo & Habarana

• Morning sightseeing tour of Colombo:
  • A bustling metropolis blending colonial architecture, Buddhist temples, and modern skyscrapers.
• Travel to Habarana.
• Afternoon visit to Minneriya National Park:
  • Home to deer, leopards, and elephants.

Day 4: Sigiriya & Minneriya

• Visit Sigiriya, one of Sri Lanka’s seven UNESCO World Heritage sites:
  • Explore the spectacular rock fortress with water gardens, moats, and the famous Lion Rock.
• Visit Hiriwaduna Buddhist Temple.
• Cross a jungle rivulet by catamaran to reach a farmer’s traditional ‘wattle and daub’ house.

Day 5: Habarana – Optional Excursions

• Morning (Optional): Explore Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second most ancient city.
• Afternoon (Optional): Visit the Dambulla Cave Temples, home to more than 150 Buddha images.
• Alternatively, enjoy a free day to explore at your own pace.

Day 6: Anuradhapura

• Visit the UNESCO-listed Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital:
  • Discover stone carvings, sculptures, and an ancient irrigation system.
  • See Sri Maha Bodhi, the world’s oldest historically documented tree (over 2,200 years old).

Day 7: Kandy

• Travel to Kandy.
• Stop at Matale Spice Gardens en route:
  • Learn about nutmeg, pepper, cloves, and cinnamon, commonly used in Sri Lankan cuisine.

Day 8: Kandy & Sacred Tooth Relic

• Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya:
  • Established for Sri Lankan royalty, featuring palm avenues, exotic crops, and a giant Java fig tree.
• Lunch at Sthree Café, a social enterprise supporting local women and differently-abled persons.
• City tour of Kandy, including:
  • Market Square.
  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (“Sri Dalada Maligawa”), Sri Lanka’s most venerated Buddhist shrine.

Day 9: Nuwara Eliya

• Travel by train and road to Nuwara Eliya, famous for its lush green tea plantations.
• Visit a tea plantation to learn how Ceylon tea is harvested and enjoy a tasting session.

Day 10: Beruwala – Beach Escape Begins

• Arrive in Beruwala, where you can enjoy the next three days at leisure.
• Your hotel is right on the beach with:
  • An inviting pool and rooftop spa.
  • Nearby restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops (1 km from town).

Day 11: Galle & Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

• Visit Galle, the historic Portuguese port city from 1505.
• Visit Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery for a unique view of endangered sea turtles.

Day 12: Beruwala – Optional Activities

• Morning (Optional): Yoga session with an expert teacher.
• Lunch (Included).
• Evening (Optional): Special Arrack Dinner Experience:
  • Sample Arrack, a Sri Lankan spirit made from coconut flower sap.
  • Multi-course meal curated by Australian chef Adam Gaunt.

Day 13: Beruwala – Farewell Beach BBQ

• Free day for relaxation:
  • Enjoy the beach, pool, or a spa treatment.
• Evening: Special Farewell BBQ Dinner on the Beach:
  • Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Day 14: Colombo to UK

• Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.