Sri Lanka Discovery

15 days / 14 nights

Guaranteed departures January, February, June and October  Enquire Now

Highlights

Colombo, Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Tangalla, Galle

About The Tour

Your journey through Sri Lanka starts in the vibrant and chaotic capital of Colombo. From here we travel north to the ancient cities of the Cultural Triangle – the millennia old capitals of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, the Buddhist cave galleries of Dambulla and the remarkable rock tower of Sigiriya. Climb into the highlands to the country’s second city and visit the revered Temple of the Tooth, before continuing on into the tea-growing heart of Nuwara Eliya. In the east, we safari into Sri Lanka’s largest national park, Yala, in search of elephant and Leopard and its other wildlife riches. Winding down the fine southern coastline, stop on the beach in Tangalla before our final destination, the magnificent fort of Galle.

Hotels are generally equivalent to a three to four star level with all the expected facilities. Most feature extra facilities such as pools and landscaped gardens. Several are heritage properties with a rich historical legacy, whilst others are charming and boutique in style. All road travel is in comfortable minibuses or smaller coaches. Your journey is escorted by both a Western tour leader, based on a minimum of seven travellers, and a local English-speaking guide. Groups are never more than 16 travellers in size.

Itinerary

DAY 1 – ARRIVE COLOMBO
Upon arrival in Colombo you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight meet your tour leader (or local guide) and the rest of the group in the reception area of your hotel for welcome drinks and a tour briefing. RAMADA COLOMBO – 2 nights

DAY 2 – COLOMBO
Explore some of Colombo’s most iconic areas including the Port and Pettah, a vibrant and crowded street market area. See local temples and cathedrals and the mixed architectural heritage of the city. Free time in the afternoon.

DAY 3 – COLOMBO TO ANURADHAPURA
Depart Colombo by road, stopping at the huge Negombo fish markets. Arrive in the afternoon at the ancient capital of Anuradhapura. PALM GARDEN VILLAGE HOTEL – 2 nights

DAY 4 – ANURADHAPURA AND MIHINTALE
Visit some of the ancient palace and temple sites in this beautiful setting, and the nearby complex of Mihintale where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka. Evening visit to one of Anuradhapura’s still active temples sites.

DAY 5 – ANURADHAPURA TO SIGIRIYA
Visit a village near Habarana for an insight into Sri Lankan rural life. Continue on to Polonnaruwa, seeing the ornate ruins of the ancient palace, before arriving in Sigiriya for the night.
SIGIRIYA VILLAGE HOTEL – 2 nights

DAY 6 – SIGIRIYA
We visit the spectacular Sigiriya rock, with its summit ruins, gardens and celebrated murals. In the afternoon, see the deserted forest monastery of Ritigala.

DAY 7 – SIGIRIYA TO KANDY
En route to Kandy visit the magnificent cave galleries at Dambulla and a fascinating spice garden. Arrive in Kandy late afternoon. MAHAVELI REACH HOTEL – 2 nights

DAY 8 – KANDY
This morning visit the famous Temple of the Tooth for the morning ceremony. Later take a city tour of Kandy including  a market walk, and visit the beautiful Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.

DAY 9 – KANDY TO NUWARA ELIYA
Today we continue into the highlands, stopping at a tea factory for an insight into Sri Lanka’s most famous export. Arrive in Nuwara Eliya in the afternoon and see the town landmarks including the markets.   GRAND HOTEL – 1 night

DAY 10 – NUWARA ELIYA TO TISSAMAHARAMA
Leaving the highlands, we stop at the scenic town of Ella and take a walk down the spectacular valley here. We arrive in Tissa late afternoon, seeing production of some local goods en route.  PRIYANKARA HOTEL – 2 nights

DAY 11 – YALA NATIONAL PARK
Today we take two safaris into Yala National Park in search of the park’s rich wildlife, including Leopard and Elephant. 

DAY 12 – TISSAMAHARAMA TO TANGALLA
Travel down the south coast road, stopping to see stilt fishermen (if active) and the monastery of Mulkirigala. Arrive  in Tangalla for a night by the beach. In the evening visit a turtle nesting sanctuary. RANNA 212 – 1 night

DAY 13 – TANGALLA TO GALLE AND HIKKADUWA
Drive the short distance to Galle, and in the afternoon take a walking tour of this remarkable 400 year old fortress in its stunning seaside setting. Overnight at the nearby beach resort of Hikkaduwa.  CITRUS HIKKADUWA – 2 nights

DAY 14 – GALLE
A leisurely morning followed by a cooking demonstration and delicious lunch. Afternoon free to relax or further explore nearby Galle Fort.

DAY 15 – DEPART
Late morning transfer by road to Colombo airport (or hotel if you have made post-tour arrangements), where your journey ends.

Enquire now