Sri Lankan Highlights with Indian Ocean Beach Stay

Travel to the airport for your flight to Colombo.

After arriving in Colombo, we’ll transfer to the four-star superior hotel with breathtaking views of Beira lake. Check-in, familiarise yourself with your room and relax before enjoying a first-class dinner.

After breakfast, we’ll take a walking tour of Colombo, the commercial hub of Sri Lanka. Initially discovered by traders two millennia ago, Colombo is traditionally the gateway to the Orient. Located on the west coast of the island, Colombo is a kaleidoscope of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial heritage. Set against the tropical landscape, it draws together all the cultures, religions and influences into a fascinating fusion of enticing sounds, fragrant smells and vibrant colour. A perfect symbol of peace and harmony, the city is truly one of a kind. As we explore the city, you'll have the opportunity to sample local cuisine for lunch and our expert guide is on hand to direct you towards the most flavoursome offerings.



Later, we’ll leave the capital, Colombo, and drive south to Galle, a town with historic Dutch influence, located on the southwest coast.

Said to be the famous Tarshish of the Old Testament, where King Solomon obtained gems and spices, Galle has a rich and colourful history. The city of Galle and its fortification became a living UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988. Throughout the ages, it's been occupied by the Portuguese, Dutch and British and the vast Dutch fort is still the beating heart of Galle's history.



We will spend the morning wandering through Galle. Explore on foot streets lined with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques, churches and museums. See the local life in the areas surrounding Galle and pass by a rubber and cinnamon plantation ending with a revitalising local herbal drink.



In the afternoon, we’ll take a walking tour of Galle Dutch Fort. A wash with historical influences, this fortification was first built by the Portuguese before being modified around 1663 during the Dutch and British colonial rule. This rich history makes Galle Dutch Fort one of the most important archaeological and historic monuments to illustrate the European influence in South Asia between the 16th and 19th centuries.

Today, we’ll enjoy a scenic journey north to the southern central edge of Sri Lanka's Hill Country to Bandarawela. As we travel through mist-covered peaks, look out for cascading waterfalls and hillsides carpeted with tea plantations. En route, we’ll stop in Ella, a popular village in the hill country with ancient temples and stunning viewpoints to explore.



Commissioned under the British in 1921, the Nine Arches Bridge is a highlight of the day. Also known as 'Bridge in the Sky', this viaduct bridge is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction connecting the Ella and Demodara railway. This beautiful piece of architecture, hidden between tea fields, features nine stone arches. Either side has stunning views of the lush rolling hills and dense jungle and the bridge is open to walk across.



We’ll arrive at Bandarawela later in the afternoon for a nostalgic two-night stay in a colonial-era hotel.

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll visit Lipton's Seat, one of the highest observation points on the hills of Poonagala. Named after the Scottish Baron and tea planter, Sir Thomas Lipton who used it as the viewpoint to survey his empire. Today you can take in the stunning views of 7 provinces with sights such as Handapanagala Lake, Chandrika Lake, Udawalawe Lake, and Wedihitikanda.



Later, we’ll visit Dambatenne Tea Factory. Built in 1890 by Thomas Lipton when he began his tea empire, Lipton made the tea industry what it is today. The tour of the factory is a must-see for every tea enthusiast. See the whole manufacturing process, from collecting the tea leaves to the oxidation process and the packaging of Ceylon black tea before sampling the final product.

Continue north to Dambulla, an area located within the heart of Sri Lanka's cultural triangle. As we journey on, we’ll travel through scenic paddy fields studded by water buffalos and extensive coconut groves.



We’ll enjoy a drive to Wasgamuwa National Park in the early evening, where we’ll take a 4 x 4 vehicle drive in the park with a habitat of trees and forests.



Originally designated a game sanctuary in 1907 and upgraded to a Strict Nature Reserve in 1938, the park features natural open grassland, dry shrub forest, rocky outcrops and a riverine habitat of the Mahaweli river, where herons and egrets reside on the water bank. Home to herds of elephants, an evening park drive is the perfect time to see these magnificent creatures at their most active.



Declared a protected area to protect the flora and fauna displaced by the Mahaweli development project. The park spans over 36,000 hectares, home to a variety of habitats; you could spot the illusive Sri Lankan Leopard and Sloth Bars and some of the island's feistiest elephants. Rich with history, the legendary King Dutugemunu, who wages war against the south Indian invaders, is said to have camped inside the park just before his victorious final battle.

This morning we’ll visit 'Lion Rock', a massive granite tower with sheer cliffs on all sides crowned by the remains of an ancient palace, once home to a 5th-century king.



Once, the colossal head of a lion, built of brick and plaster, encompassed the entrance with visitors entering through its mouth. Today, just the two front paws remain claws menacingly extended, leaving an echo of its former magnificence.



As we approach Sigiriya Rock, look out for some of the finest ancient murals in the country; the 'cloud maidens' show in exquisite detail a procession of jewelled, beautifully dressed women bearing offerings of lilies and lotus flowers. Encircling the entrance, water gardens and the remains of numerous buildings and caves are a moat and ramparts built to protect the 1,500-year-old palace. It should be noted that there are numerous steps to the top of Sigiriya rock but should pose no problem for those with normal mobility.



In the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to relax in the hotel and take full advantage of the facilities, including the hotel's pool.

This morning we’ll visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Named the capital city of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 CE, it became a thriving commercial and religious centre some 800 years ago. Once the playground of kings, it was finally abandoned in the early 13th century and its ruins are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.



Discover how this innovative city became self-sufficient with vast man-made tanks to collect rainwater and roads fit for chariots. Sites like the white dome of the Kiri Verhera, the Vatadage - said to have given shelter to the Buddha's Sacred Tooth Relic - and the Gal Viharaya's immense stone Buddha sculptures showcase the size and magnificence of this historic capital.



Our journey continues into the afternoon, we will arrive at the East Coast for a four night beach stay.

Today we’ll travel west to Chilaw, a small coastal town for an overnight stop.

We’ll transfer to the airport for our return flight home and arrive in the UK the same day.

Located on the East Coast of Sri Lanka, Passikudah is the perfect place for sunseekers and thrill seekers. Spend the days at your leisure; relax in your hotel, rejuvenate at the spa or sunbathe by the pool - the choice is entirely yours.

With some of the island's most pristine beaches, this picturesque fishing village is largely untouched, making it the ideal spot to soak up the sunshine and discover vibrant marine life beneath the blue waves. If you love swimming and sunbathing in peace, Passikudah is the perfect place to do so.