Explore Sri Lanka high and low with this fascinating holiday starting in the capital, Colombo, and taking an inland loop that covers all the main historical, cultural, and natural attractions of this magical island. The island from the historically rich central territory to the verdant mountains in the heart of the island and finally to the southernmost palm-fringed shoreline. Soak up the culture, history, and landscapes of verdant Sri Lanka as you visit Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, and Waskaduwa, all while staying at some of the most luxurious hotels Sri Lanka offers.
Experience firsthand the love and respect that Sri Lankans have for the Elephants. Visit Nuwara Eliya, the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country producing a significant share of the world’s best tea. Discover Yala National Park, stepping into the most visited national park in the country but also the lands of a civilization that thrived during the reign of Sri Lankan kings. From the highland tea terraces of Nuwara Eliya, a Yala visit – keeping an eye out for wild animals – enjoy exciting safari rides across the country’s most visited national park. Stay in a great selection of hotels where you’ll enjoy stunning views and traditional Sri Lankan hospitality, before rounding off your trip exploring the coast.
Highlights
PIDURANGALA ROCK IN SIGIRIYA: Pidurangala Rock is an incredible 360-degree viewpoint located opposite the world-famous Sigiriya Lion Rock. Hiking to the top is possible for those rocks, but if you do not want to hike you can enjoy the views from the base of the rock. Best of all, you get an incredible view of Lion’s Rock itself, which is special! This is a moment that will stand out on any Sri Lanka trip, so a visit to Sigiriya is a must on your itinerary.
DAMBULLA TEMPLE: The 5th-century rock citadel of King Kasyapa and World Heritage Site doesn’t only boast of ancient Sri Lankan engineering & urban planning supremacy but is also acclaimed to be one of the finest monuments of art & culture. Catch a glimpse of this fascinating UNESCO site, a Buddhist cave temple carved deep into a mountain and decorated with impressive frescoes. In the city of Dambulla lies a hub that has been treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.C. Today, an icon in the face of Sri Lanka, Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the most unique drawings in magnificently constructed 5 cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla. Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe – before it was brought under British rule in 1815, Kandy – the World Heritage Site & last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings – crafts an array of culture, history, and heritage in the minds of visitors across the globe. This beautiful city hosts the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and its paradisiacal palaces and gardens.
MATALE HERBAL & SPICE GRADEN: An agricultural zone in the Central Province, Matale seldom drops off the maps due to its remarkable contribution through flagship crops of the island extending from tea, rubber & vegetables to spices. Spearheading the Rebellion back in 1848, Matale today takes immense pride in its story woven around spices.
KANDY: Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe – before it was brought under British rule in 1815, Kandy – the World Heritage Site & last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings – crafts an array of culture, history, and heritage in the minds of visitors across the globe.
ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS OF PERADENIYA: Bundled with the most welcoming facilities located just 4 miles off Kandy – is a flourishing national asset in the Wonder of Asia.
NUWARA ELIYA: The scenic colonial hill town of Nuwara Eliya is known as Tea County. From the Devon and St Clair’s Waterfalls to tea factories visitors drive through some of Sri Lanka’s most charming vistas, including the picturesque Nuwara Eliya.
YALA NATIONAL PARK: Yala National Park is the most famous wildlife destination in Sri Lanka if not all of South Asia. This mesmerizing destination has one of the highest leopard densities in the world, so your chances of spotting these apex predators roaming stealthily in their natural habitats will remain quite high. Explore the magnificent fields of green and meet many wild animals such as elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, and leopards. Renowned for its leopards, the jeep safaris through Yala throw up surprises such as elephants, crocodiles, and even adorably dishevelled sloth bears. A safari in Yala National Park takes travelers on a wild ride through wetlands, monsoonal forests, mangroves, and beaches.
SOUTHERN COASTLINE: The southern coast is recognized for its famous ‘Golden Mile’ beach, which is a tropical paradise for tourists and locals alike. It is dotted with palm trees that provide a bit of shade from the sun that’s beating down. Along the island’s southern coast is a plethora of tropical perks including sandy beaches, warm waters, turtle sanctuaries, fresh fish markets, primeval forts and temples, yoga and surf retreats, whale and dolphin river cruises, and much more.
Short Itinerary
Day 01 : DEPART LONDON HEATHROW
Day 02 : ARRIVAL COLOMBO – SIGIRIA
Day 03 : SIGIRIYA – HIRIWADUNNA – SIGIRIYA
Day 04 : SIGIRIYA
Day 05 : SIGIRIYA – DAMBULLA – MATALE – KANDY
Day 06 : KANDY
Day 07 : KANDY – NUWARA ELIYA
Day 08 : NUWARA ELIYA – YALA NATIONAL PARK
Day 09 : YALA NATIONAL PARK
Day 10 : YALA NATIONAL PARK – WASKADUWA
Day 11 : WASKADUWA
Day 12 : WASKADUWA – COLOMBO – DEPARTURE
Tour Ends
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Your Hotels
Sigiriya : Amaara Forest
Kandy : Amaya Hills
Nuwara Eliya : Mirage Kings Cottage
Yala : Jetwing Yala
Waskaduwa : Citrus Waskaduwa
Check-in : 15:00 hours
Check-out : Until 12:00 hours
Room occupancy : Maximum 2 adults
Offer is based on Twin share so 2 people must book to complete the offer. So valid with 2 full paying adults:
Solo traveller can book and travel with group : from £2699
Hotels : If the hotels mentioned in the itinerary are unavailable you will stay in hotels of a similar standard
Wheelchair access : The hotels and tour are not suitable for wheelchair users.
Mobile number : Please be sure to fill in mobile number when booking. This is so that the driver can get in touch with you.
Flight Times : Please note that flights may be subject to change, delay or postponement by the provider and that flight times are provisional. We search for the best times for you and will do our utmost to provide you with the flights detailed above. However, please note that flight times are subject to availability and may be amended.
Group : In Sri Lanka you will travel in a group of minimum 01 and maximum 20 people
Visa : Please note that in order to visit Sri Lanka, you will require a tourist visa. For the most up-to-date information regarding travel visas – including prices and the required length of time that the document is needed for – we advise that you visit www.gov.uk . Alternatively, you can contact the local embassy of the country you are planning to visit.
Passport : Please note that your passport MUST be valid for a minimum of 6 months after the validation date of your visa.
Travel Documents : Please ensure you take all your final travel documents with you to Sri Lanka.
Personal Information : Please ensure that your personal details are filled in identically to the data on your passport. If this information does not match, you cannot travel to and from your destination. Amendment to this information if entered incorrectly will result in additional charges. If married, please fill in your surname as it appears on your passport.
Tour Itinerary : Please note that in exceptional circumstances the itinerary and/or excursions may be subject to change for reasons outside of the control of Lumle Holidays. Trains are subject to availability and train timings to be notified nearer the time. Train tickets can only be purchased a very short time in advance and unfortunately seats cannot be guaranteed. Should tickets not be available, you will be driven from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, a journey of a similar duration.
Vaccination : If you are travelling to Sri Lanka, you may need to be vaccinated. For the most up-to-date health advice, you should visit your local doctor/GP or visit www.gov.uk
Cancellation Conditions : This offer cannot be cancelled or modified, and is strictly non-refundable
Rating: 5 / 5 NeilWilson79 Fri, 2 Dec, 16
“Fascinating tour of Sri Lanka.”
My Sri Lanka holiday was fascinating. A truly great holiday.
The driver, Jerome, was superb. Knowledgeable and a safe, competent driver he showed me the wonders of this marvellous country. The sight seeing was terrific. Wildlife, ancient ruins and fabulous scenery. Plains, mountains and lovely Welligama on the beach.
Most of the hotels were great. It was disappointing that on my first 2 nights MPS Resort in Dambullah had overbooked and I was shuffled off to a very so so place next door. My 3rd night was much better with a nice room and lovely views.
I was a little surprised that some of the hotels did not have a drinks licence. A cold beer after a long, thrilling day would have been nice!
The Magpie in Sinharaja was not very good, but we were in the jungle, so it didn’t matter.
I could make some other minor criticisms, but that would be churlish; overall it was a fantastic holiday. I will return to Sri Lanka one day, and would be happy for you to make the arrangements when I do.
Thank you for a brilliant holiday.
Visited In August 2016