Images of Sri Lanka

Tour Information

Day 1: London – Sri Lanka

Fly overnight from London Heathrow to Colombo with Sri Lankan Airlines.

Day 2: Colombo

On arrival, transfer to your hotel. This afternoon take a city tour of Colombo which has long been the traditional gateway to the orient. Today, Colombo is a fascinating city with a happy blend of east & west, past & present with a charm of its own. In the evening you will enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan dining experience at your hotel. Overnight Cinnamon Grand hotel. (D)

Day 3: Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage – Habarana

After an early breakfast, and en route to Habarana, you will visit the world famous Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. After looking around their home, including seeing some of them feed, the highlight begins, where the delightful sight of up to 50 adult elephants are walked 400 metres to the nearby Maha Oya river for their two-hour bath - a wonderful and colourful sight, particularly for photographers as fantastic views can be had from the overlooking restaurants and terraces as the elephants play. Continue onto Habarana and spend the rest of the day at leisure at your hotel. Overnight at Chaaya Village for 3 nights. (B/D)

Day 4: Sigiriya – Minneriya National Park

Taking advantage of the cool of the morning, we will climb the steep pinnacle of Lion Rock at Sigiriya to its imposing summit fortress. From the base, where a moat surrounds the lovely water gardens, you ascend 200m, passing an overhanging rock. Underneath, some original portraits of native maidens still adorn the rock wall, having withstood the ravages of time. The climb is not for the fainthearted, but those who make it to the vertiginous Summer Palace on the flat-topped summit will enjoy exceptional views of the surrounding countryside. This is one of Sri Lanka’s much photographed World Heritage Sites. Later this afternoon, set out on a 4x4 jeep safari of Minneriya National Park to see wild elephants and lots of other wildlife. (Kaudulla or Eco Park may be used depending on the migration of Elephant herds). (B/D)

Day 5: Polonnaruwa

After a leisurely breakfast, leave for Polonnaruwa. Built after the decline of Anuradhapura, this medieval capital of Ceylon is well preserved and allows great insights into the lives led by its inhabitants over a thousand years ago. The unique irrigation complex, known as the Sea of Parakrama, and the enormous man-made reservoir are fascinating, as are the many buildings adorned by carved faces. The colossal 4 Buddha images carved on the face of a granite boulder at the Gal Vihare measure up to 46ft. Late afternoon and evening is spent at leisure. (B/D)

Day 6: Rock Cave Temples of Dambulla – Kandy

Today you will leave for Kandy, visiting the Rock Cave Temples of Dambulla en route to learn its fascinating history. The Sinhalese King, Valagam Bahu, took refuge here when he was ousted from his capital. He transformed the five caves of this granite outcrop into a rock temple, decorated by statues of Buddha and frescoes, some of which are over 2000 years old. The steep 150m ascent to the top of the rock rewards you with more magnificent views. In the afternoon, you’ll pass through a fertile spice-growing area and plantations where coffee, cacao and rubber are cultivated before finally arriving in Kandy. Enjoy a tour of Sri Lanka’s second city, one of the most beautiful cities of Sri Lanka with it’s picturesque lake Stay at the Chaaya Citadel hotel for 3 nights. (B/D)

Day 7: Kandy – Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

During your time in Kandy you visit the Dalada Maligawa, the famous Temple of the Tooth. This is the major shrine where pilgrims have revered Buddha’s tooth since the 16th century; its gilded roof seems to act as a beacon to visitors throughout the day and into the evening. You’ll also visit Peradeniya, home of Sri Lanka’s premier Botanical Gardens. The gardens are home to a massive weeping fig tree (Ficus benjamina), a packed orchid house and some of the few specimens of the rare Coco de Mer coconut tree. There are approximately 10,000 other trees there as well! In the evening enjoy a traditional cultural dance performance. (B/D)

Day 8: Nuwara Eliya

We travel today from Kandy for a full day excursion to Nuwara Eliya and the surrounding area. Situated at 5199ft above sea level, the topography changes as we drive and soon we are passing through the very heart of the tea growing area. Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka’s most picturesque hill resort and is renowned for it’s perennial spring like climate, pretty waterfalls, and carpets of lush green tea between deep chasms and once was the favourite town of British planters. Known as ‘Little England’ because of it’s British-influenced cottages and mansions, there’s even a British Post Office in the centre of town. Overlooking pretty valleys with beautiful mountains forming a backdrop, it is a beautiful spot to spend a day or two and offers respite from the heat in hotter months. We will visit a tea plantation and factory where you can see every step of the tea making process from bush to cup. (B/D)

Day 9: Onward arrangements

After breakfast, you will be transferred either to your chosen beach resort or to the airport for your flight back to London or onward to the Maldives. (B)