Splendours of Sri Lanka

Make your way to London Heathrow for your flight to Sri Lanka.

Touchdown at Bandaranaike International Airport, located near the charming fishing village of Negombo. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel, where you will enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Today, venture to the World Heritage-listed Dambulla Cave Temple. Home to over 150 incredible Buddha paintings and statues, Dambulla is the largest and most well-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. Explore the five sanctuaries, each containing ornate statues and ancient art relating to the life of Buddha. Later this afternoon, arrive at Aliya Resort and Spa, your home for the next two nights. Tonight, savour a special Sri Lankan Welcome Dinner.

Following breakfast, head to the World Heritage site of Polonnaruwa for a tour of its ancient city. Once a prosperous religious centre, it was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in AD993. Explore the fascinating ruins and discover a world of archaeological treasures. Have lunch in Polonnaruwa before returning to the hotel. This afternoon, you may wish to embark on a safari to see the herds of elephants in Minneriya National Park (additional expense).

This morning, visit the World Heritage-listed ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya. Rising 200 metres above the central plains, this spectacular geological formation was once home to an ancient civilisation. If you’re feeling active, climb the open staircases to the top of Sigiriya and take in the impressive views at its summit. Alternatively, visit the Sigiriya Museum. Take a guided tour of the area before departing for Kandy enjoying a lunch enroute.



Later today, you will arrive in the historic city of Kandy. Depart on a guided tour of Kandy’s major sights, including the World Heritage-listed Temple of the Tooth. Later, experience a traditional Sri Lankan cultural performance featuring lively drummers and energetic dancers performing music and dance developed in the courts of local kings.

Today, you will visit the Royal Botanic Gardens Peradeniya. Home to over 4,000 species of exotic flora and fauna, the gardens are renowned for their collection of beautiful orchids. You may choose to spend the rest of the day in Kandy exploring at your leisure or simply return to your hotel for an afternoon of relaxation.

This morning, journey onwards to the lush, green hills of Nuwara Eliya. En route, visit one of the many famous tea plantations and factories. Here, learn all about the traditions behind tea making while you sample some of the world’s finest Ceylon tea. This afternoon, take in a tour of Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as ‘Little England’ as it was favoured by the British civil servants as a summer retreat and is home to several colonial buildings.

This morning, head to Nanu Oya to board a train for the scenic journey to Ella (subject to availability). As you travel, take in the beautiful hill country. Later, continue to Yala where you’ll check in to your hotel.

Board a jeep and venture out on an early morning safari in Yala National Park. The park is home to over 32 species of mammals including elephants and sloth bears. Its star attraction, however, is the spectacular Sri Lankan leopard. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, or head out on an optional afternoon safari for a chance to see more of the park’s wonderful wildlife (additional expense).

Set off early for your Insider Experience. Journey to Galle, stopping en route for lunch. A fortified city, Galle is steeped in history. Here you’ll depart on a walking tour and see many of its major landmarks. Journey through the Dutch-influenced streets of the World Heritage-listed old town, observing the unique architecture and admiring the fort’s historic gate and iconic lighthouse. Continue to your beach-side hotel in Kosgoda.

The day is free for you to enjoy at your relaxing beach-front hotel. You may like to join an optional tour to the Lunuganga Estate, the country home of renowned Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa (additional expense).

After breakfast, depart for the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo. Take a guided tour of the city and see many of its sights including bustling Pettah bazaar, one of the oldest Buddhist temples, Walukarama, and the neo-baroque Old Parliament building. You will also get to explore the city further on an exhilarating tuk tuk ride.

Your holiday comes to an end this morning with a transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward flight. Arrive back in London this evening.