Grand Sri Lanka Discovery

With its rich history and tropical setting, the Indian Ocean island of Sri Lanka offers an exciting variety of attractions.

Essential Experiences:

• Visit Sri Lanka's cultural triangle

• Explore the hill country

• Relax on the beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka's west coast

Our Grand Sri Lanka Tour focuses on the island’s verdant interior, offering an extensive itinerary combining key attractions with time to appreciate the island’s beautiful fauna and flora, before continuing for time to relax on the golden beaches of the west coast.

» Day 1 to Day 2: LONDON TO COLOMBO

Depart London on an overnight flight to Colombo. On arrival be met and transfer to your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure in order to relax after the flight. (D)

» Day 3: COLOMBO TO HABARANA

After breakfast leave for the Pinnawela elephant orphanage where you can enjoy your lunch at the local restaurant overlooking baby elephants being bathed. Continue to Habarana for 2 nights. (B,L,D)

» Day 4: SIGIRIYA

After breakfast enjoy an excursion to Sigiriya*. The UNESCO World Heritage site, a spectacular rock fortress, is one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. The most impressive facets of the unique complex are the water gardens, the frescoes of beautiful maidens, the mirror wall with ancient graffiti, the lion platform and the summit, which was completely covered by buildings during the period of Sigiriya’s glory. In the afternoon we offer an optional tour (payable locally) to the ancient capital of Polunnaruwa or you may prefer to relax in the hotel grounds.

*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! (B,D)

» Day 5: HABARANA TO KANDY

Depart Habarana for Kandy visiting Dambulla cave temple. En route make a visit to a batik factory and enjoy your lunch at a spice garden. Continue to our hotel in a scenic location outside of Kandy for 3 nights. (B,L,D)

» Day 6 to Day 7: KANDY

During your stay we include an excursion to Kandy visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Temple of the Tooth. We also include a guided walk with a naturalist through tea estates and open pastures to Simpson's Forest - an excellent opportunity to see the local birdlife. (B,D)

» Day 8: KANDY TO NUWARA ELIYA

Take the scenic train journey from Kandy to Nanu Oya, passing through the spectacular landscapes up into the verdant hill country. On arrival visit a local tea plantation before continuing for a 2 night stay in Nuwara Eliya. (B,D)

» Day 9: NUWARA ELIYA

After breakfast visit Hakgala Botanical Gardens, offering an opportunity to appreciate the roses and tree ferns that grow at this altitude.   (B,D)

» Day 10: UDAWALAWE

Continue to Udawalawe, where we make a visit to an elephant transit home and then enjoy a jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park. Overnight in Embilitipiya. (B,D)

» Day 11: GALLE

Drive from Embilitipiya to Galle, visiting a lace making showroom in Dickwella. Here an 100 year old house has been tastefully converted into a showroom and visitors have the opportunity to view the lace makers working on authentic and traditional bobbins. Funded by The Travel Foundation, the project not only provides new livelihood skills to unemployed young women but also supports the revival of a disappearing traditional craft. (B,D)

» Day 12: GALLE TO WADDUWA

Enjoy a city tour including a visit to the Dutch fort and to Kalutara temple before continuing to Wadduwa for 5 nights. Alternatively choose from our range of beach hotels. (B,D)

» Day 13 to Day 16: WADDUWA

Time to relax and enjoy the beach. (B,D)

» Day 17: COLOMBO TO LONDON

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to London. (B)