Elephants & Spices

Set in the balmy waters of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka with its palm fringed golden sand beaches, captivating ancient history and culture, and outstanding natural beauty was once a magnet for Arab and European traders who came to seek rare and unusual spices that are now found in everyday western culinary creations. There is no animal so closely linked to a country like the elephant is to Sri Lanka. These beautiful creatures play a very important role within daily life, culture and heritage of this country.

Essential Experiences:

• Spot wild elephants on a jeep safari

• Stay in the attractive lakeside town of Kandy

• Extend to the beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka's west coast

The Tour: Our Elephants & Spices tour will take you on a journey through the lush countryside of Sri Lanka to see elephants, explore ancient sites, enlighten your senses with spices and then finally relax in one of our small hotels on Sri Lanka's beautiful west coast.

Accommodation: Sri Lanka offers exceptional value for money and has a number of excellent hotels. On this tour we have chosen properties that offer good standards of accommodation and facilities at a reasonable price. For the beach stay we offer a choice of resorts, depending on the style of hotel you prefer.

» Day 1 to Day 2: LONDON TO COLOMBO

Depart London on an overnight flight to Colombo. On arrival you will be transferred to our hotel a short drive from the airport. (ALL)

» Day 3: COLOMBO TO HABARANA

After breakfast leave for Habarana, visiting the delightful Pinnawela elephant orphanage en route. Spend 4 nights in Habarana. (ALL)

» Day 4: HABARANA

Enjoy a day at leisure exploring the natural surroundings or simply relax by the pool. There will be an opportunity to take an optional excursion (at extra cost) to the ancient 11th century city of Polonarruwa. (ALL)

» Day 5: HABARANA

This morning embark on a nature/bird walk through the local area and on to a village home to see rural life. Later, you may wish to try (optional and at an extra cost) a ride on the back of an elephant through the surrounding woodland and along the local tank. (ALL)

» Day 6: HABARANA

Morning at leisure or (optional/extra cost) visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress*, some 600 feet high, atop which are the remains of a 5th century palace: well worth the effort and is thoroughly recommended. After lunch drive to the national park of Minneriya or Kaudualla for a jeep safari to spot elephants in the wild. Our choice of park will depend on where the herds are known to be and, of course, the weather. (ALL)

* You will need a reasonable level of fitness to climb Sigirya. There are in excess of 800 steps and a fear of heights is not ideal!

» Day 7: KANDY

After breakfast transfer to the pretty lakeside town of Kandy for 1 night. En route visit a spice garden to see how the many fragrant spices are grown including: coriander, cardamom and vanilla. Once in Kandy visit the botanical gardens at Perideniya and the Temple of the Tooth. (ALL)

» Day 8 to Day 10: WEST COAST

Morning at leisure to explore this hillside town before heading to the coast for 3 nights of relaxation (or longer should you prefer). We offer a choice of hotels depending on your taste. (ALL)

» Day 11: COLOMBO TO LONDON

Transfer back to Colombo for the return flight to London. (ALL)