Staying in stylish and comfortable hotels, we travel to some of Sri Lanka’s greatest sights: from ancient Buddhist monuments to tea plantations and historic cities. We visit the Temple of the Tooth, search for elephants in Yala National Park and relax by the idyllic Indian Ocean coast.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
Join tour Colombo
Check-in at hotel in Colombo.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in St Lachlan Hotel
St Lachlan Hotel
Situated on the coast the fishing town of Negombo this hotel is located 15 minutes walk from the beach and easily accessible from the international airport. Rooms are spacious including modern bathrooms with spa toiletries and equipped with LED televisions. Whilst at the hotel take time to relax in the traditional bar or by the pool.
Day 2:
Drive to Habarana via Dambulla
Leaving the capital, our journey takes us northwards along the coast to the fishing port of Negombo. We will pause to visit a nearby fishing village where the catch is made in traditional style large outrigger canoes, known locally as ‘oruvas’. We may also see the toddy tappers climbing tall coconut trees and collecting sap from the flowers to make Arrack, a local whisky type spirit. Leaving Negombo we drive to Dambulla, where a great series of caves have been turned into temples (dating from the 1st century BC). We will visit five separate caves, which contain a large number of Buddha images and a few sculptures of Hindu Gods. The Reclining Buddha is no less than 14m long! This World Heritage Site is visited by crowds of worshippers. Finally we reach the small town of Habarana where we check into our comfortable and tranquil resort.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Amaya Lake
Included meals: Breakfast
Amaya Lake
On the shores of Kandalama Lake in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle is Amaya Lake, set in a 40-acre sanctuary that lets you experience nature throughout your stay. Paths wind through the natural forested grounds that is home to an amazing variety of birdlife. Amongst the grounds you will find a centrally located swimming pool and pool bar, an open-air restaurant and bar that proves room for fresh breezes and views of the surrounding nature, an Ayurvedic Spa, and a yoga ashrama, situated at the lake’s edge.
Day 3:
Visit Sigiriya; elephant ride
In the morning we drive to Sigiriya. A morning climb brings us up to the redoubtable Sky Fortress. The ruins of this 5th century fortress are one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions, a stupendous sight to behold and a feat of consummate engineering skill. A switchback series of steps and steel stairways (sometimes steep and challenging) ascend to the top. Halfway up, tucked beneath a sheltering overhang of rock, are the famous frescoes – the Sigiriya Damsels, their colours still glowing. Magnificent views can be enjoyed from the summit of the rock palace. Returning to Habarana, we make an elephant back safari through the shrub jungles & across the Habarana ponds. Here we should encounter a variety of small wild animals and birds amidst fascinating plants and flowers. (200m high).
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Amaya Lake
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 4:
Visit Polonnaruwa
Today we explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which reached its height of glory in the 12th century. The city still has many interesting and spectacular buildings and monuments. There is the Royal Palace Group with its Audience Hall, Bathing Pool and Quadrangle – a very compact collection of ruins. Close by is the Circular Relic House, a curious round structure with a beautifully preserved ‘moonstone’ carved at the foot of a flight of steps. Another famous feature of the deserted city is the group of carved images of the Buddha known as Galvihara. Here there are four colossal figures, all of which are hewn out of solid granite. Later in the afternoon we return to Habarana
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Amaya Lake
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 5:
Drive to Kandy
Lying in the mountains 112km northeast of Colombo, Kandy is, in climatic terms, a world apart due to its altitude of 500m above sea level. The town was captured by the British as late as 1815, and is known more for its cultural and spiritual importance rather than its history. Buddhists from all over the world come to this delightful old highland town, specifically to visit the Temple of the Tooth, the Dalada Maligawa. The costly jewelled shrine of the Holy Tooth (said to be 3.5cm long by 1cm thick and Buddha’s left canine) is kept in the upper floor of the original building. This relic was brought from India 1,500 years ago and every year, at the time of the August full moon, it is paraded round the town with great pomp and circumstance. During this ten-night festival of Perahera, the Tooth (or a simulacrum) is borne along on a richly caparisoned elephant, surrounded by saffron-robed monks and Kandyan dancers. Kandyan dancers can also be seen performing every night at one or two locales around town. This afternoon’s sight-seeing includes attending the Temple of the Tooth Ceremony and a visit to the Peradeniya Botanical Garden.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Amaya Hills
Included meals: Breakfast
Amaya Hills
Taking inspiration from the temples and architecture of Kandy, rooms at the Amaya Hills are furnished with dark woods and natural colours. The hotel is perched at the top of a hill overlooking the forested hills of Heerasagala. With an ayurvedic spa, swimming pool and several restaurants and a relaxed bar there is plenty to enjoy during free time.
Day 6:
Free day in Kandy
A full free day to continue your exploration of this charming mountain town or simply relax and enjoy the amenities at our hotel.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Amaya Hills
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 7:
Drive through the Hill Country to Nuwara Eliya
This morning we head off across the highlands, through green rolling hills covered in tea plantations, visiting a working tea factory en route to the hill station of Nuwara Eliya. After checking into our hotel we’ll take a tour around this little town, known as ‘Little England”, famous for its lake, golf and race course and well manicured gardens.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in The Hill Club
Included meals: Breakfast
The Hill Club
The Hill Club is a grand colonial building set in beautiful gardens overlooking tea estates. Built in 1876 the design includes large wooden staircases, high ceilings and dramatic fireplaces and furnished with antiques to retain the traditional feeling. Rooms have satelite television, DVD players and minibar facilities. The hotel has a large library stocked with books detailing Sri Lanka's colonial past, as well as a gymnasium, games room and a restaurant serving vegetables from the hotels kitchen garden. There is a dress code for the formal dining room, requiring men to wear a shirt and tie, women to wear smart clothing. However there is also a casual dining room with no dress code for a more relaxed feel.
Day 8:
Walk on Horton Plains
We head out this morning for the Horton Plains, situated on Sri Lanka’s highest plateau between altitudes of 2000m and 2300m. Traditionally named “Mahaeliya” the park’s main attraction is the thrilling escarpment known as World’s End which offers stunning views across the tea plantations. We aim to trek to World’s End in the morning when the air is clear and the views are best. Although the area is now devoid of elephants, we may be lucky enough to see other flora and fauna such as the Sambar deer. Returning to the hotel in the early afternoon, there is time to refresh and relax; maybe even a round of golf on the adjacent golf course!
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in The Hill Club
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 9:
Drive to Yala
A long but scenic journey today as we descend from the central highlands to the coast. At Ella we visit Rawana Ella Falls, then continue south through the hill country until we eventually meet the plains at the small town of Wellawaya, which stands at a major national crossroads. Continuing southwards, we reach Yala National Park where we’ll take a late afternoon game drive. This huge nature reserve covers a wide range of habitats, from dense jungle to open parkland with huge rocky outcrops which gives way to huge sand dunes before meeting the sea. The park is notable for its leopard population and though sightings of these are rare, we hope to spot many of the other species native to this area such as elephant, crocodile, wild boar and langur monkey. Yala is also home to over 130 species of bird, including orioles, hornbills and a wide variety or migrating birds who stop to rest and water here.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in The Safari
Included meals: Breakfast
The Safari
Situated close to the borders of Yala National Park and on the banks of Tisa lake the Safari consists of 50 rooms, a large swimming pool set in lush tropical gardens. All rooms feature air conditioning, flat screen televisions, tea & coffee facilities and ensuite bathrooms feature rain showers. The hotel restaurant overlooks the swimming pool and lake and serves traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.
Day 10:
Drive to Galle
This morning there is a chance to take an optional game drive in to Yala National Park. Game drives are taken in jeeps with local naturalists who will help you spot the native wildlife. For those not wishing to take a game drive there is free time to relax at the hotel. In the late morning we head out of the park and on along the coast to Galle. Although there is still evidence of damage from the 2004 tsunami all along this coastline, the international relief effort has put the area on a fast path to recovery; and the brand new infrastructure is allowing local communities to benefit from tourism once again.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Tamarind Hill
Included meals: Breakfast
Tamarind Hill
Located on the outskirts of Galle the Tamarind Hill is set in three acres of lush, tropical gardens with relaxing courtyards and an outdoor swimming pool. Rooms are furnished with LCD televisions, tea & coffee facilities and mini bars.
Day 11:
In Galle. Drive to Beruwala
Galle has a variety of activities and attractions to occupy your free time. You may choose to hire snorkelling equipment and explore the corals or take a sea trip around the coast. Alternatively travel up river past small largely uninhabited islands. There is the option in the evening to visit the old, walled town of Galle itself. Important as a trading port for the Portuguese since the 16th century when the fortress was constructed, it has undoubtedly been a trading centre since ancient times. There is plenty to see particularly in the old fort area, which was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1988. Overlooking the sea, the fort ramparts protect the harbour, old houses, churches, warehouses and the Arab quarter. For those seeking pure relaxation, local Ayurvedic massages with natural, aromatic herbal oils are highly recommended. Between December and April there may be the opportunity to go on a whale watching trip from nearby Mirissa. Alternatively you may wish to visit our Trees for Life project and sponsor a tree which will eventually be donated to villages affected by the tsunami. Tonight we drive to Beruwala.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Club Villa
Included meals: Breakfast
Club Villa
The Club Villa is a small property with 17 air-conditioned rooms each individually decorated with colonial furniture and hand woven batik and paintings. The hotel offers a large swimming pool with jacuzzi, games rooms, massage service and bar and restaurant.
Day 12:
Beruwala
It is believed that Beruwala is the spot where the first Arab settlers arrived in Sri Lanka in the 8th century. Not far away, the Kitchimalai Mosque is a now major place of pilgrimage for Sri Lanka’s Muslim community, particularly at the end of Ramadan. The fishing port is a hive of activity, particularly in the early morning when the colourful boats unload their catch. The bustling markets brim with fascinating foods, crafts and clothing – perfect for some last minute shopping
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Club Villa
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 13:
In Beruwala
Our final day is spent relaxing on the Indian Ocean coast. If you feel like exploring further however, we recommend a trip into Colombo by train for more sightseeing and shopping.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Club Villa
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 14:
Tour ends Beruwala
Included meals: Breakfast
