Description
Day 1: London - Sri Lanka
Fly overnight from London Heathrow to Colombo with Sri Lankan Airlines.
Day 2: Colombo
On arrival, transfer to the Cinnamon Grand Hotel for an overnight stay. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of the city.
Day 3: Colombo - Habarana
Depart for Habarana, en route visiting the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage where young orphaned or abandoned elephants are cared for. This afternoon, take an excursion to Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka. Time is spent exploring the impressive ruins before continuing to the The Chaaya Village, Habarana for a 2-night stay. (B/D)
Day 4: Habarana
This morning, take an excursion to the imposing Sigiriya Rock Fortress, built by King Kassapa I. The climb up is well worth it as the views from the top are stunning. Afternoon at leisure. (B/D)
Day 5: Habarana - Kandy
After breakfast, leave for Kandy, and en route visit the Dambulla Rock Cave Temple with its ornate murals depicting Buddha's life. Continue to the picturesque city of Kandy, the last independent kingdom of the Singhalese kings and the most important place for present-day Buddhists because of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. This afternoon, take a tour of the city, followed by an evening cultural dance performance. Dinner and overnight at the Chaaya Citadel, Kandy. (B/D)
Day 6: Kandy
After breakfast, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peredeniya. These beautiful gardens were first planted and laid out for King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha (1747-1780) and cover some 150 acres of trees, lawns and flowering shrubs. The afternoon is at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the Chaaya Citadel. (B/D)
Day 7: Kandy - Nuwara Eliya
This morning, head for Nuwara Eliya in the hill country, visiting a tea plantation and factory en route. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of Nuwara Eliya, renowned for its perennial spring-like climate and carpets of lush green tea. Dinner and overnight at the Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya. (B/D)
Day 8: Nuwara Eliya - Kataragama
Head for Kataragama today. Set deep in the southeast of the island, it is one of the most important and holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus and Buddhists. You will visit some of the temples including the Kiri Vehera and the Kataragama Hindu temple. Dinner and overnight at Rosen Renaissance, Kataragama. (B/D)
Day 9: Kataragama - Yala National Park
This morning, take a jeep safari into Yala National Park. The park is located in the southeastern corner of the island and is home to a variety of wildlife including elephant, leopard, crocodile and bear, as well as a variety of deer. (Yala is closed from 01 Sep-15 Oct. Tour will visit Bundala National Park instead.) Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at Rosen Renaissance, Kataragama. (B/D)
Day 10: Kataragama - Mount Lavinia
This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, before your drive back along the coast to Mount Lavinia. You will spend 1 night at the Mount Lavinia Hotel. (B)
Day 11: Mount Lavinia - Colombo - London
After breakfast you will be transferred to Colombo for your return overnight flight back to London Heathrow. Alternatively, you may wish to extend your stay at the Riverina hotel (AI) or go on to the Maldives for 5 nights at the Chaaya Lagoon Hakuraa Huraa. (AI)
Departs: Every Mon from London Heathrow.