Sri Lanka
14 days from £2650 pp
Including flight from LHR
Now
from £1199pp
Save £1451pp
What’s included?
>>Return economy flights from London Heathrow to Colombo (1 stopover 1-4 hours)
>>Departures available from UK regional airport at extra surcharge of £150pp
>>Airlines; Oman, Sri Lankan, Jet, Turkish, Etihad, Qatar , Emirates
>>Outbound and inbound flights will be between 6.30am and 01.00am
>>Valid for selected flights & dates; surcharge may apply for alternative flights
>>Hand luggage: 1 bag up to 7kg
>>Check-in luggage: 20-30kg (varies as per airlines)
>>12 nights in 7 different hotels
>>Sightseeing as per itinerary
>>Breakfast each morning at the hotels
>>All transfers as per itinerary
>>This holiday is financially protected under ATOL licence 7375
Optional
>>Upgrade to 4 star hotels for £499 per person
>>Upgrade to 5 star hotels for £699 per person
EXTENSIONS BEYOND SRI LANKA
>>Add 6 nights in INDIA [Delhi, Agra & Jaipur] from £499 per person [Includes flight from Colombo - Delhi] [Click for more details]
>>Add 5 night in NEPAL from £499 per person [Includes Colombo - Kathmandu economy flight] [Click for more details]
>>Add 5 nights in BHUTAN [Paro, Thimpu & Punakha] & 1 night in Kathmandu from £1999 per person [Includes flight from Colombo - Kathmandu - Paro - Kathmandu] [Click for more details]
The Experience
Day 01 | Depart / London Heathrow
Today you will board on an overnight plane to Colombo; 1 stopover; 1-5 hours layover (direct flight can be arranged at extra cost).
Overnight stay on the plane.
Day 02 | Airport / Sigiriya: (Approx. 4 hrs.)
Arrive at the airport & meet your chauffeur guide at the arrival lobby. Thereafter, proceed to Sigiriya.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Sigiriya (Camelia Resort or Similar).
Day 03 | Sigiriya / Hiriwadunna / Sigiriya:
After breakfast proceed to Hiriwadunna. (Approx. 30 mints.)
The trek through the archetypal Sri Lankan typical village is far from the hustle and bustle of city life, also an incredible opportunity to be immersed in nature and culture. Hiriwadunna is fame to amazing dry-zone bird life and a fascinating native wildlife. The trek begins with a ride by the bullock cart through un-disturbed Village track then an adventure voyage by a catamaran at the scenic Hiriwadunna lake – which has an overview of Sigiriya rock fortress and the Pidurangala rock. The reservoir itself, surrounded by scrub jungle, marshland, and slash & burn cultivation lands.
After the catamaran safari finally visits a local house for a tasty traditional authentic lunch which is prepared in the traditional method using earthenware pots and firewood as fuel. This is a great opportunity to witness the authentic local cuisine also experience even part-take on the meal preparation with the local women at the house finally a leisure walks back to the main road along the lake bund. On the way back observe the daily life of the village such as fishing, women washing clothes at the periphery of the waterways of the lake.
Thereafter visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress. (Approx. 20 mints.)
The 5th-century rock citadel of King Kasyapa and World Heritage Site – Sigiriya – doesn’t only boasts of ancient Sri Lankan engineering & urban planning supremacy but also acclaims to be one of the finest monuments of art & culture. Step through the gigantic ‘Lion Paws’ – overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens below – to comprehend the absolute splendour that once dominated this rock fortress. Surrounded by ramparts & moats the Lion Rock – resembling the mythological ‘City of Gods’ – is coated by frescoes that relate to Gupta style paintings found in Ajanta caves of India. Walk in the shade of an eminent ‘mirror wall’ embracing the Western face of Sigiriya representing an artistic hundred meters laminated with graffiti.
Wander into the well-fabricated museum downstairs for an epic journey of yesteryears to realize how the citadel floated above citizens with the castle, ponds and irrigation systems that pumped water right onto its summit with an ingenious hydraulic system describing a colossal masterpiece of the great king which remained a wonder in Asia for centuries.
On completion return to the hotel.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Sigiriya (Camelia Resort or Similar).
Day 04 | Sigiriya / Polonnaruwa / Sigiriya:
After breakfast proceed to Polonnaruwa. (Approx. 1 and ½ hrs.)
Optional: Cycling in Polonnaruwa (No additional cost)
Rising with the decline of Anuradhapura, the city of Polonnaruwa – medieval capital & crown jewel of King Parakramabahu I – remains superior proof of ancient culture & heritage blended with religious beliefs. Walk across its scattered walls of the World Heritage Site – blessed by stupas, resting Buddha statues, irrigation canals, and fantastically carved Hindu sculptures – while observing the relic house – Watadage – which boasts of beautiful stone carvings. Take a close glance and you will realize a subtle Hindu influence on architecture and statues found in Polonnaruwa. Or sit by the side of Galviharaya and observe the absolute beauty gushing out of every bend of its huge Buddhist statues. Nissankamalla Council Chamber is, however, a head-spinning beauty to just sit back and observe with its swaying pillars reminding the aesthetics of a powerful kingdom which rests beside Parakrama Samudraya – the sea of Parakramabahu & masterpiece of irrigation!
Optional: Safari at Minneriya National Park to witness herds of Elephants.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Sigiriya (Camelia Resort or Similar).
Day 05 | Sigiriya / Dambulla/ Matale / Kandy:
After breakfast visit Dambulla Cave Temples.
As one reaches the city of Dambulla lies a hub which 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 unique drawings in magnificently constructed 5 cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla. Observe how exquisitely cave paintings are done along walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha. As you enter the retreat look straight up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold over a land which today houses an important junction in the country’s economic and cultural uplifting.
Thereafter proceed to Kandy via Matale. (Approx. 1 & ½ hrs.)
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. Stop by the side of a spice garden – into which you will be most welcome – and observe the therapeutic values of spices & processes over a refreshing cup of herbal tea! Or spend some time idling on the hardened streets if you mean a real town adventure filled with voices and colours.
Continue to Kandy. (Approx. 1 hr.)
Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe – before it was brought under the 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. Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. A stroll across this small lakeside town – cradled among the misty hills – will feature the Kandy City Centre – bundled with latest and world-class brands, bazaar, an arts & crafts center, as well as a gem museum & lapidary. Drive towards Victoria Golf Course, undoubtedly one of the best golf courses in the world for a sweep blended with class and style. Or walk in colour as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy Junket. Fine tune your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music & drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kandy (Thilanka Kandy or Similar).
Day 06 | Kandy:
Today is kept leisure for you to explore the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. (Tuk-Tuk ride around the ancient city). Alternatively, you may choose to enjoy [optional activities at your own cost] below.
Option 01: A Trekking at Knuckles Mountain range.
Knuckles, the mist-laden mountain range – resembling knuckles of a clenched fist – stretching within Matale & Kandy is nothing but a subtle habitat of flora and fauna, most of them being endemic to Sri Lanka. Knuckles is also considered to be a watering hole for hikers across the globe. Most of all, you are more likely to forget the rest of the universe once you sit back on a cliff that offers an absolutely spectacular sight of surrounding dense forests, tea plantations, terraced paddy fields, and waterfalls. Meanwhile, fine-tune your evening by listening to the crickets’ cry as lanterns sway in the wind while you sit in content, in the comfort of your canvas tent!
Option 02: Visit Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage and Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.
As you enter the 25-acre coconut property, do not be surprised to witness baby elephants being bottle fed or moving around freely causing absolutely no harm to anyone. It is rightly a sincere sight to observe how these gentle giants – orphaned and sometimes three-legged – are taken care of since 1975 at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Up to date, over 20 calves have been born here, and it is surprising to hear that some of its inmates have even seen their grandchildren during the past few decades! Watch as they feed at 09:15 am, 0:15 pm & 05:00 pm and take a river bath twice a day at 10:00 am & 02:00 pm respectively for an experience that could never be felt anywhere else on earth!
First developed as a pleasure garden under royalty and later harmonized by the British, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya – today bundled with the most welcoming facilities located just 4 miles off Kandy – is a flourishing national asset in the Wonder of Asia. Walk into this 147-acre bliss of an experience, passing well-tended lawns, pavilions & an octagon conservatory to be greeted by the vast expanse of a magnificently landscaped lush green turf which will encourage you for an exhilarating break. Towards the north of the entrance rests a cafeteria that one might come across before stepping into some of the highlights – the orchid house & giant Javan fig tree – of this place which overflow in grace.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kandy (Thilanka Kandy or Similar).
Day 07 | Kandy / Nuwara Eliya:
After an early breakfast proceed to Peradeniya Railway station to catch the train to Nuwara Eliya.
Hop into the rattling train smoking and hissing its way through green valleys of the hill country pierced by endless waterfalls & dotted by tea pluckers draped in bright-coloured saris.
Get down from Nanu-Oya Railway station which is the closest railway station to Nuwara Eliya and visit a Tea Plantation.
Sri Lanka, Tea, and Tourism are words which cannot be separated. Take a tour to the cold & misty hills that take pride in an ultimate tea tour, covering lush green blankets of tea plantations. Or just step into a tea factory processing the prestigious brand of Ceylon Tea, to observe a rich tradition kept alive up to date. As you observe the hissing and swishing of machines, inhaling the heavenly scent arising from these facilities, make sure to end your day in style over a perfectly blended cup of pure Ceylon Tea.
On completion check-in at selected hotel in Nuwara Eliya (Hill Club Hotel or Similar).
Day 08 | Nuwara Eliya:
Breakfast at the hotel.
You are at leisure until the evening exploring the colonial town of Nuwara Eliya.
In the evening you will visit Hakgala. Hakgala Botanical Garden is one of the three botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. The other two being Peradeniya Botanical Garden and Henarathgoda Botanical Garden. It is the second largest garden in Sri Lanka. The garden is contiguous to Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve in Nuwara Eliya. The gardens is believed to be the highest set of botanical gardens in the world. Hakgala Gardens has a cool temperate climate due to the high altitude of 5,400 feet above the sea level. The mean annual temperature in Nuwara Eliya ranges between 16°C to 30°C during the course of the year. From December to February it has a cold climate, while the warm climate persists from April to August.
Optional [At your own cost] – Visit Horton Plains for an adventurous trek.
This journey will take only an hour from Nuwara Eliya. Horton plains national park in ohiya is a protected area in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is covered by montane grassland and cloud forest. This plateau is rich in biodiversity as typical mammals, and with many species not only endemic to Sri Lanka but restricted to and many species found here are endemic to the region. This region was designated a national park in 1988. It is also a popular tourist destination. The plains’ vegetation is grasslands interspersed with montane forest and includes many endemic plants, Large herds of Sri Lankan samba deer feature the Horton Plains. The early morning visit is essential both to see the wildlife and to view world’s End before mist closes in during the latter part of the morning.
On completion return to the hotel in Nuwara Eliya (Hill Club Hotel or Similar).
Day 09 | Nuwara Eliya / Udawalawe:
Proceed to Udawalawe.
[Optional] – Evening safari at Udawalawe National Park + Visit Elephant Transit Home.
Be ready to witness trumpets across the border as you approach elephant country around the corner! Udawalawe truly is a sanctuary for the big footed & tusked. Junked by relatively large herds of elephants, the national park proves to be one of the best places one could observe them in their natural habitat. Hop into a safari jeep and head into the park, you are most likely to drive into your first herd of giants within the maiden hundred meters. Turn on your radar into other species – such as spotted deer, Sambhur, barking deer, water buffalo and jackal – found within the park.
Meanwhile, Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home bears a different story. Established in 1995, it caters to all injured elephants found in the area before releasing them into their natural habitat. So, make sure to just watch – rather than touch – these gentle giants as they feed, play and mingle with each other, before heading into the wild with one another. “Eth Athuru Sevana” or the “Elephant Transit Home” is Asia’s first rehabilitation center for elephants. Established in 1995 by the Wild Life Conservation Department the center lies on a 200-acre land on the western border of the Udawalawe National Park. with the Udawalawe Reservoir as the southern border. Baby elephants are sometimes wounded by traps laid by humans or by gunshot injuries. Some calves become orphaned when the mother dies or gets killed. The center takes in the sick, wounded or orphans baby elephants and nourishes them until they are capable of living on their own and release them to various national parks.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Udawalawe (Kalu’s Hideaway or Similar).
Day 10 | Udawalawe/ Tissamaharama:
Transfer from Udawalawe to Yala and check in at selected hotel. In the evening enjoy a thrilling safari at Yala National Park.
Spreading into a vast 1259 Km2 Yala – with its glory spinning around vast grasslands, shrubs, tanks, and dunes – rightfully is the heartland of wildlife in Sri Lanka. As your jeep rumble through the giant gates of Yala, you are not only stepping into the most visited national park in the country but also the lands of a civilization which thrived during the reign of Sri Lankan kings. You name it, and Yala has it! Its usual inmates cover herds of elephant, sloth bear, spotted deer, jackal, extensively populated birdlife as well as the highest density of leopards in the world that garnish the park to be one of the finest destinations in the country. Feel the rough track as your jeep thunders over rocks and swish passing narrow bends for an exhilarating experience blended with the cries of wilderness under the tropical sun.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Yala (Tamarind Tree Hotel or similar)
Day 11 | Tissamaharama /Hikkaduwa:
After breakfast proceed to Hikkaduwa.
Late afternoon visit Galle, the epic Southern capital, is the intersection where classic Dutch architecture meets a tropical setting creating a vivid atmosphere of beauty. Walk the Dutch-haunted streets listening to the creaks of wooden saloon doors and observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions today flooding cultural enthusiasts on a global scale. Its original ramparts and bastions preserved up to date showcase pieces of evidence of a heritage preserved for more than 3 1/2 centuries. Walk clockwise within the fort to observe the ‘old gate’ carrying the British coat of arms. Flanking the old gate is the Zwart bastion – the oldest of all – and the lighthouse standing 18 feet in its glory next to the Point Utrecht Bastion. This Dutch bliss is painted with streets that spread in a rectangular grid pattern pierced with houses carrying Dutch colonial style verandas. However, its hallmark stands a reality where the Dutch fort remains a working community with its usual buzz of administrative offices, court complex, commercial buildings, churches and Southern folks frequenting its streets bracing the air of the Elysium of architecture, Galle! Continue to Hikkaduwa.
Be enchanted by the corals and colourful marine life that surrounds Hikkaduwa, the diver’s paradise. Check in at your hotel and relax by the clear sandy beaches of Hikkaduwa or simply doze by the pool of your hotel reminiscing the fond memories of your just-concluded tour of the Paradise Island.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Hikkaduwa. (Coral Rock by Bansei or Similar)
Day 12 | Hikkaduwa:
Today is kept leisure for you to enjoy the lovely beach of Hikkaduwa. Alternatively, you may choose to enjoy [optional activities at your own cost] below.
Option : Visit Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, River Safari at Madu River and Traditional mask making in Ambalangoda.
Turtle Hatchery: Both locals and international volunteers battling it out for” Sea Turtles’ Sake” is a common sight at Kosgoda. This vibrant tourist destination sitting calm along the Southern coast of Sri Lanka – apart from its traditional industries of fisheries and cinnamon cultivation – was later recognized by the Wildlife Protection Society who studded the region with a Sea Turtle Conservation Project which operates on a formidable scale today. Indirectly, this has become a watering hole of flipper & shell enthusiasts!
Boat Safari: Balapitiya is where one could just sit back and observe how ecology and culture combine under the sun! Cut through the clear water of Madu River – a lifeline of Balapitiya – and head towards Kotu Duwa, the small island housing a temple that dates back to ancient Sinhalese kings. Or, sail through tunnels of shady mangroves swaying alongside Madu River – hiding an ecological treasure – to witness the tranquillity of this bio-diversity hot spot which boasts of reptiles, mollusks and over 70 species of freshwater fish. Today the region – which is strong in observing rural folklife in the island – does not only boast of cinnamon plantations in abundance but also has a fine ‘fish pedicure center’ – one of the most potent & latest rejuvenation techniques. Apart from these amenities, Balapitiya has also become a household name in the minds of bird watchers ensuring a thrilling offshore experience.
Mask Making: Faces carved into perfection on solid wood and painted cobra hoods are common sites for a wanderer across the seaside suburb of Ambalangoda. Conversely, this is a masker’s bliss! Walk into the gallery of folk dances & mask making – the mask museum – or simply take a look at a hut busy cutting, moulding and painting masks. You might be able to tune into the mysteries that surround Ambalangoda’s heritage of mask making, that acts as the backdrop of folk dances and rituals staged across the pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Hikkaduwa (Coral Rock by Bansei or Similar)
Day 13 | Hikkaduwa:
Today is kept leisure for you to enjoy the lovely beach of Hikkaduwa. Alternatively, you may choose to enjoy [optional activities at your own cost] below.
Option : Whale and Dolphin watching ride in Mirissa.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Hikkaduwa. (Coral Rock by Bansei or Similar)
Day 14 | Hikkaduwa / Airport:
Transfer from Hikkaduwa to Colombo Airport for the departure flight.
Tour Ends
Get Inspired!
The Experience
Day 01 | Depart / London Heathrow
Today you will board on an overnight plane to Colombo; 1 stopover; 1-5 hours layover (direct flight can be arranged at extra cost).
Overnight stay on the plane.
Day 02 | Airport / Sigiriya: (Approx. 4 hrs.)
Arrive at the airport & meet your chauffeur guide at the arrival lobby. Thereafter, proceed to Sigiriya.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Sigiriya (Camelia Resort or Similar).
Day 03 | Sigiriya / Hiriwadunna / Sigiriya:
After breakfast proceed to Hiriwadunna. (Approx. 30 mints.)
The trek through the archetypal Sri Lankan typical village is far from the hustle and bustle of city life, also an incredible opportunity to be immersed in nature and culture. Hiriwadunna is fame to amazing dry-zone bird life and a fascinating native wildlife. The trek begins with a ride by the bullock cart through un-disturbed Village track then an adventure voyage by a catamaran at the scenic Hiriwadunna lake – which has an overview of Sigiriya rock fortress and the Pidurangala rock. The reservoir itself, surrounded by scrub jungle, marshland, and slash & burn cultivation lands.
After the catamaran safari finally visits a local house for a tasty traditional authentic lunch which is prepared in the traditional method using earthenware pots and firewood as fuel. This is a great opportunity to witness the authentic local cuisine also experience even part-take on the meal preparation with the local women at the house finally a leisure walks back to the main road along the lake bund. On the way back observe the daily life of the village such as fishing, women washing clothes at the periphery of the waterways of the lake.
Thereafter visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress. (Approx. 20 mints.)
The 5th-century rock citadel of King Kasyapa and World Heritage Site – Sigiriya – doesn’t only boasts of ancient Sri Lankan engineering & urban planning supremacy but also acclaims to be one of the finest monuments of art & culture. Step through the gigantic ‘Lion Paws’ – overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens below – to comprehend the absolute splendour that once dominated this rock fortress. Surrounded by ramparts & moats the Lion Rock – resembling the mythological ‘City of Gods’ – is coated by frescoes that relate to Gupta style paintings found in Ajanta caves of India. Walk in the shade of an eminent ‘mirror wall’ embracing the Western face of Sigiriya representing an artistic hundred meters laminated with graffiti.
Wander into the well-fabricated museum downstairs for an epic journey of yesteryears to realize how the citadel floated above citizens with the castle, ponds and irrigation systems that pumped water right onto its summit with an ingenious hydraulic system describing a colossal masterpiece of the great king which remained a wonder in Asia for centuries.
On completion return to the hotel.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Sigiriya (Camelia Resort or Similar).
Day 04 | Sigiriya / Polonnaruwa / Sigiriya:
After breakfast proceed to Polonnaruwa. (Approx. 1 and ½ hrs.)
Optional: Cycling in Polonnaruwa (No additional cost)
Rising with the decline of Anuradhapura, the city of Polonnaruwa – medieval capital & crown jewel of King Parakramabahu I – remains superior proof of ancient culture & heritage blended with religious beliefs. Walk across its scattered walls of the World Heritage Site – blessed by stupas, resting Buddha statues, irrigation canals, and fantastically carved Hindu sculptures – while observing the relic house – Watadage – which boasts of beautiful stone carvings. Take a close glance and you will realize a subtle Hindu influence on architecture and statues found in Polonnaruwa. Or sit by the side of Galviharaya and observe the absolute beauty gushing out of every bend of its huge Buddhist statues. Nissankamalla Council Chamber is, however, a head-spinning beauty to just sit back and observe with its swaying pillars reminding the aesthetics of a powerful kingdom which rests beside Parakrama Samudraya – the sea of Parakramabahu & masterpiece of irrigation!
Optional: Safari at Minneriya National Park to witness herds of Elephants.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Sigiriya (Camelia Resort or Similar).
Day 05 | Sigiriya / Dambulla/ Matale / Kandy:
After breakfast visit Dambulla Cave Temples.
As one reaches the city of Dambulla lies a hub which 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 unique drawings in magnificently constructed 5 cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla. Observe how exquisitely cave paintings are done along walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha. As you enter the retreat look straight up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold over a land which today houses an important junction in the country’s economic and cultural uplifting.
Thereafter proceed to Kandy via Matale. (Approx. 1 & ½ hrs.)
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. Stop by the side of a spice garden – into which you will be most welcome – and observe the therapeutic values of spices & processes over a refreshing cup of herbal tea! Or spend some time idling on the hardened streets if you mean a real town adventure filled with voices and colours.
Continue to Kandy. (Approx. 1 hr.)
Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe – before it was brought under the 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. Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. A stroll across this small lakeside town – cradled among the misty hills – will feature the Kandy City Centre – bundled with latest and world-class brands, bazaar, an arts & crafts center, as well as a gem museum & lapidary. Drive towards Victoria Golf Course, undoubtedly one of the best golf courses in the world for a sweep blended with class and style. Or walk in colour as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy Junket. Fine tune your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music & drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kandy (Thilanka Kandy or Similar).
Day 06 | Kandy:
Today is kept leisure for you to explore the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. (Tuk-Tuk ride around the ancient city). Alternatively, you may choose to enjoy [optional activities at your own cost] below.
Option 01: A Trekking at Knuckles Mountain range.
Knuckles, the mist-laden mountain range – resembling knuckles of a clenched fist – stretching within Matale & Kandy is nothing but a subtle habitat of flora and fauna, most of them being endemic to Sri Lanka. Knuckles is also considered to be a watering hole for hikers across the globe. Most of all, you are more likely to forget the rest of the universe once you sit back on a cliff that offers an absolutely spectacular sight of surrounding dense forests, tea plantations, terraced paddy fields, and waterfalls. Meanwhile, fine-tune your evening by listening to the crickets’ cry as lanterns sway in the wind while you sit in content, in the comfort of your canvas tent!
Option 02: Visit Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage and Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.
As you enter the 25-acre coconut property, do not be surprised to witness baby elephants being bottle fed or moving around freely causing absolutely no harm to anyone. It is rightly a sincere sight to observe how these gentle giants – orphaned and sometimes three-legged – are taken care of since 1975 at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Up to date, over 20 calves have been born here, and it is surprising to hear that some of its inmates have even seen their grandchildren during the past few decades! Watch as they feed at 09:15 am, 0:15 pm & 05:00 pm and take a river bath twice a day at 10:00 am & 02:00 pm respectively for an experience that could never be felt anywhere else on earth!
First developed as a pleasure garden under royalty and later harmonized by the British, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya – today bundled with the most welcoming facilities located just 4 miles off Kandy – is a flourishing national asset in the Wonder of Asia. Walk into this 147-acre bliss of an experience, passing well-tended lawns, pavilions & an octagon conservatory to be greeted by the vast expanse of a magnificently landscaped lush green turf which will encourage you for an exhilarating break. Towards the north of the entrance rests a cafeteria that one might come across before stepping into some of the highlights – the orchid house & giant Javan fig tree – of this place which overflow in grace.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kandy (Thilanka Kandy or Similar).
Day 07 | Kandy / Nuwara Eliya:
After an early breakfast proceed to Peradeniya Railway station to catch the train to Nuwara Eliya.
Hop into the rattling train smoking and hissing its way through green valleys of the hill country pierced by endless waterfalls & dotted by tea pluckers draped in bright-coloured saris.
Get down from Nanu-Oya Railway station which is the closest railway station to Nuwara Eliya and visit a Tea Plantation.
Sri Lanka, Tea, and Tourism are words which cannot be separated. Take a tour to the cold & misty hills that take pride in an ultimate tea tour, covering lush green blankets of tea plantations. Or just step into a tea factory processing the prestigious brand of Ceylon Tea, to observe a rich tradition kept alive up to date. As you observe the hissing and swishing of machines, inhaling the heavenly scent arising from these facilities, make sure to end your day in style over a perfectly blended cup of pure Ceylon Tea.
On completion check-in at selected hotel in Nuwara Eliya (Hill Club Hotel or Similar).
Day 08 | Nuwara Eliya:
Breakfast at the hotel.
You are at leisure until the evening exploring the colonial town of Nuwara Eliya.
In the evening you will visit Hakgala. Hakgala Botanical Garden is one of the three botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. The other two being Peradeniya Botanical Garden and Henarathgoda Botanical Garden. It is the second largest garden in Sri Lanka. The garden is contiguous to Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve in Nuwara Eliya. The gardens is believed to be the highest set of botanical gardens in the world. Hakgala Gardens has a cool temperate climate due to the high altitude of 5,400 feet above the sea level. The mean annual temperature in Nuwara Eliya ranges between 16°C to 30°C during the course of the year. From December to February it has a cold climate, while the warm climate persists from April to August.
Optional [At your own cost] – Visit Horton Plains for an adventurous trek.
This journey will take only an hour from Nuwara Eliya. Horton plains national park in ohiya is a protected area in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is covered by montane grassland and cloud forest. This plateau is rich in biodiversity as typical mammals, and with many species not only endemic to Sri Lanka but restricted to and many species found here are endemic to the region. This region was designated a national park in 1988. It is also a popular tourist destination. The plains’ vegetation is grasslands interspersed with montane forest and includes many endemic plants, Large herds of Sri Lankan samba deer feature the Horton Plains. The early morning visit is essential both to see the wildlife and to view world’s End before mist closes in during the latter part of the morning.
On completion return to the hotel in Nuwara Eliya (Hill Club Hotel or Similar).
Day 09 | Nuwara Eliya / Udawalawe:
Proceed to Udawalawe.
[Optional] – Evening safari at Udawalawe National Park + Visit Elephant Transit Home.
Be ready to witness trumpets across the border as you approach elephant country around the corner! Udawalawe truly is a sanctuary for the big footed & tusked. Junked by relatively large herds of elephants, the national park proves to be one of the best places one could observe them in their natural habitat. Hop into a safari jeep and head into the park, you are most likely to drive into your first herd of giants within the maiden hundred meters. Turn on your radar into other species – such as spotted deer, Sambhur, barking deer, water buffalo and jackal – found within the park.
Meanwhile, Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home bears a different story. Established in 1995, it caters to all injured elephants found in the area before releasing them into their natural habitat. So, make sure to just watch – rather than touch – these gentle giants as they feed, play and mingle with each other, before heading into the wild with one another. “Eth Athuru Sevana” or the “Elephant Transit Home” is Asia’s first rehabilitation center for elephants. Established in 1995 by the Wild Life Conservation Department the center lies on a 200-acre land on the western border of the Udawalawe National Park. with the Udawalawe Reservoir as the southern border. Baby elephants are sometimes wounded by traps laid by humans or by gunshot injuries. Some calves become orphaned when the mother dies or gets killed. The center takes in the sick, wounded or orphans baby elephants and nourishes them until they are capable of living on their own and release them to various national parks.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Udawalawe (Kalu’s Hideaway or Similar).
Day 10 | Udawalawe/ Tissamaharama:
Transfer from Udawalawe to Yala and check in at selected hotel. In the evening enjoy a thrilling safari at Yala National Park.
Spreading into a vast 1259 Km2 Yala – with its glory spinning around vast grasslands, shrubs, tanks, and dunes – rightfully is the heartland of wildlife in Sri Lanka. As your jeep rumble through the giant gates of Yala, you are not only stepping into the most visited national park in the country but also the lands of a civilization which thrived during the reign of Sri Lankan kings. You name it, and Yala has it! Its usual inmates cover herds of elephant, sloth bear, spotted deer, jackal, extensively populated birdlife as well as the highest density of leopards in the world that garnish the park to be one of the finest destinations in the country. Feel the rough track as your jeep thunders over rocks and swish passing narrow bends for an exhilarating experience blended with the cries of wilderness under the tropical sun.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Yala (Tamarind Tree Hotel or similar)
Day 11 | Tissamaharama /Hikkaduwa:
After breakfast proceed to Hikkaduwa.
Late afternoon visit Galle, the epic Southern capital, is the intersection where classic Dutch architecture meets a tropical setting creating a vivid atmosphere of beauty. Walk the Dutch-haunted streets listening to the creaks of wooden saloon doors and observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions today flooding cultural enthusiasts on a global scale. Its original ramparts and bastions preserved up to date showcase pieces of evidence of a heritage preserved for more than 3 1/2 centuries. Walk clockwise within the fort to observe the ‘old gate’ carrying the British coat of arms. Flanking the old gate is the Zwart bastion – the oldest of all – and the lighthouse standing 18 feet in its glory next to the Point Utrecht Bastion. This Dutch bliss is painted with streets that spread in a rectangular grid pattern pierced with houses carrying Dutch colonial style verandas. However, its hallmark stands a reality where the Dutch fort remains a working community with its usual buzz of administrative offices, court complex, commercial buildings, churches and Southern folks frequenting its streets bracing the air of the Elysium of architecture, Galle! Continue to Hikkaduwa.
Be enchanted by the corals and colourful marine life that surrounds Hikkaduwa, the diver’s paradise. Check in at your hotel and relax by the clear sandy beaches of Hikkaduwa or simply doze by the pool of your hotel reminiscing the fond memories of your just-concluded tour of the Paradise Island.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Hikkaduwa. (Coral Rock by Bansei or Similar)
Day 12 | Hikkaduwa:
Today is kept leisure for you to enjoy the lovely beach of Hikkaduwa. Alternatively, you may choose to enjoy [optional activities at your own cost] below.
Option : Visit Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, River Safari at Madu River and Traditional mask making in Ambalangoda.
Turtle Hatchery: Both locals and international volunteers battling it out for” Sea Turtles’ Sake” is a common sight at Kosgoda. This vibrant tourist destination sitting calm along the Southern coast of Sri Lanka – apart from its traditional industries of fisheries and cinnamon cultivation – was later recognized by the Wildlife Protection Society who studded the region with a Sea Turtle Conservation Project which operates on a formidable scale today. Indirectly, this has become a watering hole of flipper & shell enthusiasts!
Boat Safari: Balapitiya is where one could just sit back and observe how ecology and culture combine under the sun! Cut through the clear water of Madu River – a lifeline of Balapitiya – and head towards Kotu Duwa, the small island housing a temple that dates back to ancient Sinhalese kings. Or, sail through tunnels of shady mangroves swaying alongside Madu River – hiding an ecological treasure – to witness the tranquillity of this bio-diversity hot spot which boasts of reptiles, mollusks and over 70 species of freshwater fish. Today the region – which is strong in observing rural folklife in the island – does not only boast of cinnamon plantations in abundance but also has a fine ‘fish pedicure center’ – one of the most potent & latest rejuvenation techniques. Apart from these amenities, Balapitiya has also become a household name in the minds of bird watchers ensuring a thrilling offshore experience.
Mask Making: Faces carved into perfection on solid wood and painted cobra hoods are common sites for a wanderer across the seaside suburb of Ambalangoda. Conversely, this is a masker’s bliss! Walk into the gallery of folk dances & mask making – the mask museum – or simply take a look at a hut busy cutting, moulding and painting masks. You might be able to tune into the mysteries that surround Ambalangoda’s heritage of mask making, that acts as the backdrop of folk dances and rituals staged across the pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Hikkaduwa (Coral Rock by Bansei or Similar)
Day 13 | Hikkaduwa:
Today is kept leisure for you to enjoy the lovely beach of Hikkaduwa. Alternatively, you may choose to enjoy [optional activities at your own cost] below.
Option : Whale and Dolphin watching ride in Mirissa.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Hikkaduwa. (Coral Rock by Bansei or Similar)
Day 14 | Hikkaduwa / Airport:
Transfer from Hikkaduwa to Colombo Airport for the departure flight.
Tour Ends
Your Hotels
Sigiriya : Camellia Resort and Spa or similar (Standard Room)
Kandy : Thilanka Kandy or similar (Standard Room)
Nuwara Eliya : Hill Club Hotel or similar (Standard Room)
Tissamaharama : Tamarind Tree Hotel or similar (Standard Room)
Udawalawe : Kalu’s Hideaway or similar (Standard Room)
Hikkaduwa : Coral Rock by Bansie or similar (Standard Room)
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:
Child discount : Children pay full price as adult
Solo traveller : from £2114
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 Documents : Once your final payment has been processed, we will send you an email confirmation. You will receive all travel documentation required for your flights and accommodation shortly afterwards.
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.
Visa Documents : Lumle Holidays will send you all the required documentation you need to apply for your visa (including flight information) between 4 and 6 weeks prior to your selected date of departure so you can apply for your Sri Lanka visa in time. At least 2 weeks before your departure date you will receive your flight tickets and the confirmed list of your hotels in Sri Lanka.
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
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
| Start Date | End Date | Price In GBP (£) | Note | AVAILABILITY | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, 25 Jun, 18 | Sun, 8 Jul, 18 | GBP £ 1299.00 | Extremely Limited | LIMITED | Book Now |
| Mon, 2 Jul, 18 | Sun, 15 Jul, 18 | GBP £ 1399.00 | Extremely Limited | LIMITED | Book Now |
| Fri, 31 Aug, 18 | Thu, 13 Sep, 18 | GBP £ 1199.00 | Extremely Limited | LIMITED | Book Now |
| Tue, 4 Sep, 18 | Mon, 17 Sep, 18 | GBP £ 1199.00 | Extremely Limited | LIMITED | Book Now |
| Tue, 11 Sep, 18 | Mon, 24 Sep, 18 | GBP £ 1399.00 | Extremely Limited | LIMITED | Book Now |
| Mon, 8 Oct, 18 | Sun, 21 Oct, 18 | GBP £ 1199.00 | Extremely Limited | LIMITED | Book Now |
| Mon, 22 Oct, 18 | Sun, 4 Nov, 18 | GBP £ 1599.00 | from LHR | GUARANTEED | Book Now |
| Mon, 5 Nov, 18 | Sun, 18 Nov, 18 | GBP £ 1499.00 | Extremely Limited | LIMITED | Book Now |
| Mon, 19 Nov, 18 | Sun, 2 Dec, 18 | GBP £ 1499.00 | Extremely Limited | LIMITED | Book Now |
| Mon, 3 Dec, 18 | Sun, 16 Dec, 18 | GBP £ 1599.00 | from LHR | GUARANTEED | Book Now |
| Mon, 14 Jan, 19 | Sun, 27 Jan, 19 | GBP £ 1599.00 | from LHR | GUARANTEED | Book Now |
| Mon, 21 Jan, 19 | Sun, 3 Feb, 19 | GBP £ 1599.00 | from LHR | GUARANTEED | Book Now |
| Mon, 4 Feb, 19 | Sun, 17 Feb, 19 | GBP £ 1599.00 | from LHR | GUARANTEED | Book Now |
| Mon, 18 Feb, 19 | Sun, 3 Mar, 19 | GBP £ 1599.00 | from LHR | GUARANTEED | Book Now |
| Fri, 1 Mar, 19 | Thu, 14 Mar, 19 | GBP £ 1599.00 | from LHR | GUARANTEED | Book Now |
| Mon, 11 Mar, 19 | Sun, 24 Mar, 19 | GBP £ 1599.00 | from LHR | GUARANTEED | Book Now |
| Tue, 30 Apr, 19 | Mon, 13 May, 19 | GBP £ 1499.00 | Extremely Limited | LIMITED | Book Now |
| Mon, 6 May, 19 | Sun, 19 May, 19 | GBP £ 1399.00 | Extremely Limited | LIMITED | Book Now |
| Mon, 20 May, 19 | Sun, 2 Jun, 19 | GBP £ 1399.00 | Extremely Limited | LIMITED | Book Now |
| Mon, 3 Jun, 19 | Sun, 16 Jun, 19 | GBP £ 1399.00 | Extremely Limited | LIMITED | Book Now |
| Mon, 17 Jun, 19 | Sun, 30 Jun, 19 | GBP £ 1399.00 | Extremely Limited | LIMITED | Book Now |
| Mon, 1 Jul, 19 | Sun, 14 Jul, 19 | GBP £ 1399.00 | Extremely Limited | LIMITED | Book Now |
| Mon, 8 Jul, 19 | Sun, 21 Jul, 19 | GBP £ 1399.00 | Extremely Limited | LIMITED | Book Now |
| Thu, 29 Aug, 19 | Wed, 11 Sep, 19 | GBP £ 1399.00 | Extremely Limited | LIMITED | Book Now |
| Mon, 9 Sep, 19 | Sun, 22 Sep, 19 | GBP £ 1399.00 | Extremely Limited | LIMITED | Book Now |
| Mon, 16 Sep, 19 | Sun, 29 Sep, 19 | GBP £ 1399.00 | Extremely Limited | LIMITED | Book Now |
| Mon, 7 Oct, 19 | Sun, 20 Oct, 19 | GBP £ 1399.00 | Extremely Limited | LIMITED | Book Now |
| Mon, 21 Oct, 19 | Sun, 3 Nov, 19 | GBP £ 1599.00 | from LHR | GUARANTEED | Book Now |
| Mon, 4 Nov, 19 | Sun, 17 Nov, 19 | GBP £ 1599.00 | from LHR | GUARANTEED | Book Now |
| Mon, 18 Nov, 19 | Sun, 1 Dec, 19 | GBP £ 1599.00 | from LHR | GUARANTEED | Book Now |
| Sun, 1 Dec, 19 | Sat, 14 Dec, 19 | GBP £ 1599.00 | from LHR | GUARANTEED | Book Now |
| Fri, 6 Dec, 19 | Thu, 19 Dec, 19 | GBP £ 1599.00 | from LHR | GUARANTEED | Book Now |
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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