Sensational Sri Lanka
Daily all year although best time for weather on the east coast is April-October*.
PRIVATE tour
- Breakfast. Half board in Yala.
- The price shown for this privately escorted tour by air-conditioned car is based on the best value travel dates in low season and includes return international flights from the UK, private transfers, 3-5* accommodation between days 2-11), 4nts accommodation at 4* Trinco Blu by Cinnamon at Trincomalee (or upgrade to 5* UGA Bay at Passikudah from £129), private sightseeing as outlined and services of an English speaking guide. Also available with 4* and 5* accommodation throughout or boutique properties and air taxi transfers. Extensions are also available in each destination.
- Due to en route sightseeing and the nature of the scenic, winding roads, some journeys can take several hours. However, air taxis are available for some routes, cutting journey times considerably (sometimes by up to 6 hours). Please ask for details.*It is also possible for the tour to include south and south west coast beaches, although this does affect the order of the tour. Please ask for details.
- This holiday is 100% financially protected. ATOL protected 2713
Our suggested itinerary is a starting point
We're specialists in tailor-made holidays, where we can adapt each itinerary to suit your requirements
Day 1 Colombo
Fly to Colombo.
Day 2 Colombo
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure to relax.
Day 3 Colombo
Morning free to relax or explore independently. Later this afternoon step out on a personalised "Old Colombo" Walking tour, which allows you to experience the amazing architecture left behind by the Dutch and British.
Day 4 Colombo
Drive to Yala National Park. On your first safari this afternoon keep watch for elephant, boar, buffalo, leopard, bear, deer and crocodile along with large flocks of migratory and indigenous birds (approx 3½ hours drive).
Day 5 Yala National Park
Rise early for a jeep safari in the hope of spotting more amazing wildlife. The rest of the day is at leisure or you can take an optional excursion to Bundala National Park (at extra cost), which is home to over 197 species of birds including large flocks of greater flamingoes.
Day 6 Yala National Park
Drive to Ella this morning and later visit Nine Arch Bridge by tuk tuk. Lying in the midst of thick jungle and tea plantations, this viaduct is truly a beautiful sight and one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in Sri Lanka (approx 2 hours drive).
Day 7 Nuwara Eliya and Ella
Depart early for Bambaragala Pathna, a popular hiking spot, to watch the sunrise. It's a relaxing uphill walk under the shady trees to the viewpoint where you're rewarded with stunning views. This afternoon visit Little Adam's Peak, a scenic area with walks amid lush tea plantations and waterfalls.
Day 8 Nuwara Eliya and Ella
Morning visit to Halpe Watte tea plantation and factory to learn how tea is manufactured and graded before tasting a cup of pure Ceylon tea. Next is Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An evening city tour includes Kandy Lake, the town, bazaar, and gem museum. You'll also visit the Temple of the Tooth and see a cultural show (approx 4½ hours drive).
Day 9 The Cultural Triangle
Set off this morning for the Cultural Triangle stopping enroute in Dambulla, a hub treasured by many kings since the 1st century. Visit the incredible Dambulla Rock Temple which houses five cave temples with exquisite paintings and 150 statues of Lord Buddha. Travel onwards to Sigiriya or Habarana (approx 4 hours drive).
Day 10 Sigiriya or Habarana
A tour highlight as you visit 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the extensive gardens that ring the base, see world-renowned frescos and if so inclined it's a 600 feet climb to the top. Later, drive to Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site (approx 1½ hours). See the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya - four colossal statues carved from granite, the Lotus Bath, and Audience Hall.
Day 11 Sigiriya or Habarana
At leisure or you can take an optional excursion to Minneriya National Park for a jeep safari (from £69).
Day 12 Sigiriya or Habarana
Depart this morning for the East coast resort of Trincomalee, which sits on one of the world's finest natural harbours and has miles of unspoiled beaches.
Days 13-15 Trincomalee
Unwind beside the hotel pool or on the gorgeous beach.
Day 16 Trincomalee
Morning departure for Negombo (approx 6 hours drive). On arrival you are free to relax.
Day 17 Negombo amd Chilaw
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Need to know
Departures
Daily all year although best time for weather on the east coast is April-October*.
Meals
Breakfast. Half board in Yala.
Tour price
The price shown for this privately escorted tour by air-conditioned car is based on the best value travel dates in low season and includes return international flights from the UK, private transfers, 3-5* accommodation between days 2-11), 4nts accommodation at 4* Trinco Blu by Cinnamon at Trincomalee (or upgrade to 5* UGA Bay at Passikudah from £129), private sightseeing as outlined and services of an English speaking guide. Also available with 4* and 5* accommodation throughout or boutique properties and air taxi transfers. Extensions are also available in each destination.
Notes
Due to en route sightseeing and the nature of the scenic, winding roads, some journeys can take several hours. However, air taxis are available for some routes, cutting journey times considerably (sometimes by up to 6 hours). Please ask for details.*It is also possible for the tour to include south and south west coast beaches, although this does affect the order of the tour. Please ask for details.
