Sri Lanka: The Enchanted Island

Overview

Sri Lanka, an island nation brimming with cultural, archaeological, and natural treasures, offers an unforgettable travel experience. This comprehensive tour explores both the popular and lesser-known sites in the northern, central, and southern regions of Sri Lanka, providing an in-depth look at its rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Colombo

• Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Colombo with Sri Lankan Airlines. (N)

Day 2: Colombo

• Afternoon arrival and transfer to the Cinnamon Lakeside for 1 night.
• Enjoy afternoon tea at the iconic Galle Face Hotel. (N)

Day 3: Dambulla

• Morning transfer to Dambulla.
• Stay 3 nights at the Heritance Kandalama hotel. (B)

Day 4: Anuradhapura • Mihintale

• Visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s capital for 1,400 years, with remarkable Buddhist shrines and relics.
• Afternoon visit to Mihintale, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. (B)

Day 5: Sigiriya • Polonnaruwa

• Morning visit to Sigiriya, the rock fortress town.
• Continue to the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa, founded in the 11th century. (B)

Day 6: Dambulla • Kandy

• Morning visit to Dambulla and its impressive cave temples.
• Continue to Kandy and stay 2 nights at the Earls Regency.
• Afternoon city tour, followed by a traditional Kandyan dance performance and a visit to the Temple of the Tooth for the evening puja. (B)

Day 7: Kandy

• Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens in the morning.
• Afternoon at leisure to relax or explore further. (B)

Day 8: Nuwara Eliya

• Drive to Nuwara Eliya via a tea plantation, situated at 2,000 meters above sea level.
• Stay at the Heritance Tea Factory for 2 nights. (B)

Day 9: Horton Plains

• Early morning visit to Horton Plains, a wildlife haven on Sri Lanka’s highest plateau (2.5-hour walk).
• Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 10: Ella • Yala

• Visit Ella and enjoy the view through the Ella Gap.
• See the Rawana Ella Falls and Buduruwagala statues before transferring to Yala.
• Stay 2 nights at Jetwing Yala. (B)

Day 11: Yala

• Morning wildlife safari in Yala National Park, home to elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and a diverse range of birdlife.
• Explore the park’s jungle habitats, lagoons, and riversides. (B)

Days 12-13: Galle • Ahungalla

• Drive to Ahungalla, stopping to visit the Elephant Transit Home and the Galle Fort.
• Stay 2 nights at Heritance Ahungalla or upgrade to the Taj Bentota Resort & Spa (Superior Charm Seaview room).
• Day 13 at leisure. (B)

Day 14: Fly to London

• Transfer to Colombo and fly to London with Sri Lankan Airlines. (B)