Itinerary Highlights
- Admire the archaeological treasures of the historic Polonnaruwa
- Meander around the extensive water gardens surrounding the Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Learn how to use Sri Lanka's spices during a cooking demonstration in Matale
- Enjoy the refreshing climate of Nuwara Eliya
- Best time to travel Dec - Apr
What's Included
- Accommodation Throughout
- Private Transfers
- English Speaking Guide
- International Flights
8 nights from £3,226 per person
Jackie
Travel Specialist
A comprehensive introduction to the many varied attractions and World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka.
This tour is by private vehicle with your own professional driver-guide who will take you to the heart of the island, its ancient cities, central highland and tea plantations. You will gain an insight into the history and culture or Sri Lanka while enjoying the amazing scenery of this beautiful island.
This tour can be tailor-made to include a beach stay, a safari in Yala National Park or an exploration of Galle's walled fort. Our expert consultants will be happy to create a bespoke itinerary for you.
Itinerary
Day 1 Colombo Arrival
Negombo
On arrival you will be met by your chauffeur guide and driven by private car towards your first destination in Negombo. (Approx 35 minutes) Relax and unwind after your flight, preparing yourself for the adventure ahead.
Day 2 Negombo to Habarana
Habarana
After your scrumptious breakfast, you will drive towards Habarana. (Approx 4.5 hours) The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of your hotel. Habarana is located in the centre of Sri Lanka's cultural triangle making it the perfect base from which to explore the spectacular historical sites including Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, and Kandy.
Optional Activity would be a big game drive in the Minneriya national park.
Day 3 Habarana - Polonnaruwa
After an early breakfast, climb UNESCO Sigiriya Rock Fortress. You will also explore the Polonnaruwa ruins. Walk around the Monkey Kingdom of UNESCO Polonnaruwa at leisure. Witness how this ancient capital city has been taken over by very friendly monkeys which was the setting for the Disney movie – Monkey Kingdom. Explore multi-storied castles, temples and megalithic Buddha statues and while keeping an eye on its current inhabitants – the monkeys, who’re now the kings of Polonnaruwa.
Staying at
Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
Day 4 Habarana to Kandy
After breakfast, you will visit the Dambulla rock temple, five caves with over 2000 sq. metres of painted walls and ceilings. Continue later to Kandy (Approx 3 hours) en-route visit one of the spice gardens in Matale to discover the island’s spices. In Kandy take a city tour where you will learn about their history. Enjoy a hosted walk with an expert resident followed by a lunch with an opportunity to sample a traditional Sri Lankan hopper lunch. After checking in your driver will collect you for an evening visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic and attend a cultural Sri Lankan dance show.
Day 5 Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya
This morning you will visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, it is the largest of Sri Lanka’s three main botanical gardens. Sights include a palm avenue planted by the British in 1905, the enormous spreading Java fig which sprawls across the lawn, grown from a sapling brought from the East Indies. The gardens also have stands of towering bamboos and a fine collection of orchids. In the centre of the gardens is an artificial lake in the shape of the island of Sri Lanka.
Staying at
Cinnamon Citadel
Day 6 Kandy to Tea Country in the Central Highlands
After a drive to Hatton (Approx 2 hours) the hill-resort in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country with a refreshing climate and stunning scenery. Visit a tea plantation and a tea factory included en route, to observe the processes of manufacturing tea. Taste a cup of pure Ceylon tea to check the quality!
Overnight at Mandira Dick Oya Bungalow
Day 7 Tea Country
A day at leisure
Overnight at Mandira Dick Oya Bungalow
Day 8 Return home or extend your tour on the Beach
Today your tour ends, you will be transferred to Colombo Airport for your onward flight or alternatively to one of Sri Lanka's beach destinations for a relaxing beach extension.
Jackie
Travel Specialist
Would you like to speak to a Indian Ocean expert?
Contact our Travel Specialists for a bespoke quote or some first-hand knowledge.
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
8 nights from £3,226 per person
