Sri Lanka - The Emerald Isle
This tour starts with the 'Cultural Triangle'. Anuradhapura, where Buddhism first came to Sri Lanka, was the country's capital for 1300 years.
The medieval capital, Polonnaruwa has a number of historic ruins. After Kandy, the last capital of the kings and famous for Buddha's tooth relic, we travel to Nuwara Eliya, the tea country, followed by the open parklands and dense jungles of the Yala National Park. We pass through the port city of Galle, before spending a leisurely couple of days on the sandy beaches of Bentota. The accommodation choice is from mid-range to top of the range, including some boutique hotels.
Recommended Itinerary
DAY 01 - FLIGHT
Fly to Colombo
DAY 2 - NEGOMBO
Arrive into Katunayake Airport and transfer to the Jetwing Hotel in Negombo; at leisure on the beach.
DAYS 3 & 4 - ANURADHAPURA
Drive to Anuradhapura for two nights at Lakeside or Ulagalla Resort. Visit the island's ancient capital, founded around the 4th century BC. The sightseeing includes the dagobas (pagodas), and the sacred Bo tree, "Jayasri Maha Bodhi", scion of the original tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. It is considered to be the oldest human-planted living tree on record.
DAYS 5 & 6 - SIGIRIYA /DAMBULLA
We move to Sigiriya today for two nights at Elephants Resort or Vil Uyana. When Anuradhapura was abandoned in 1073, the capital was transferred to Polonnaruwa. We visit the ruins of this city along with the Gal Vihara rock sculptures. We also visit the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya - the 600 feet high rock is a steep climb.
DAYS 7 & 8 - KANDY
Drive to Kandy, Sri Lanka's second largest city, visiting the Dambulla Cave Temple and Matale Spice Garden en route. We stay at the Suisee Hotel or Kandy House. The focus of the city is the "Dalada Maligawa" or Temple of the Tooth Relic, which we visit this evening. We later enjoy a Kandyan dance performance. Next day at the elephant orphanage at Pinnawela, home to hundreds of abandoned or injured elephants, we have the chance of seeing baby elephants being bottle-fed and also of elephants being taken down to the river for their daily bath. Later, we visit the famous botanical gardens at Peradeniya, home to a fascinating variety of plants.
DAY 9 & 10 - NUWARA ELIYA
Today we take the scenic drive to the tea country of Nuwara Eliya, visiting a tea factory en route. Stay for 2 nights at the colonial Hill Club, beside the golf course, or St Andrews Hotel. This afternoon we have the option of visiting the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, established in 1860 as an experimental cinchona plantation. Next morning leave by 4-wheel drive vehicle for Horton Plains, located on a high windswept saddle at 7000 feet, for a hike to the Bakers Falls and World's End, a sheer 1,000-foot vertical drop. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this charming town, or perhaps enjoy a round of golf.
DAYS 11 & 12 - YALA
Drive to Yala for 2 nights at the Safari Hotel or Cinnamon Wild. Enjoy early morning and afternoon jeep safaris. In addition to the elusive leopard, which is Sri Lanka's top predator, Yala is home to elephant, deer, wild buffalo, crocodile, wild boar and many types of birds. Because of its location, along the island's southeast coast, this is a particularly scenic national park.
DAYS 13& 14 - BENTOTA
A long drive to Bentota, visiting Galle en route; the Dutch Museum, Groote Kerk (Great Church) and National Maritime Museum are some of the highlights of this World Heritage city. Enjoy lunch at a hotel in Galle, before driving on to the Surf Hotel or Avani Bentota; at leisure on the beach.
DAY 15 - COLOMBO
Transfer to Colombo for a night at Lake Lodge or Galle Face Hotel. Drive through the city for an orientation tour.
DAY 16 - RETURN FLIGHT
Transfer to the airport to board our return flight.
Extensions
Beach
Stay on at the beach resort in Bentota for a few more nights.
Sinharaja Rainforest
After lunch in Galle on day 13, drive to the Sinharaja rainforest, another World Heritage Site. Stay for 3 nights at the Boulder's Garden, an eco luxury resort nestled amidst huge boulders in the forest. Enjoy a full day guided walk in the rainforest on day 14. The next day is at leisure with the option of mountain biking, kayaking or a cave tour. Drive to Bentota on day 16 for 2 nights. Fly back day 19.
Maldives
Fly from Colombo to Malé. Transfer to the resort of your choice (several resorts are on offer) for 4 nights (the duration can be varied). Fly back on day 19.
South India
There are regular flights from Colombo to Chennai, Cochin, Bangalore, Trivandrum, Trichy and Delhi. We will be happy to design a tailor-made extension to South India or one to the North to see the Taj Mahal.
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