A Taste of Sri Lanka

On arrival in Colombo we will be met by our Sri Lankan guide and transferred to our hotel in nearby Negombo.

Enjoy the morning at leisure to unwind after your flight. In the afternoon we enjoy a city tour of Negombo, once a trading port for the Portuguese and Dutch, followed by an evening boat ride on the Gin Oya River.

Overnight in Negombo.

An amazing morning as we visit one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions, the world famous Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. After a big feed, the elephants are led to the local river for a bath and a refreshing swim. We then head to Sigiriya, arriving in the late afternoon.

Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Sigiriya.

A day of history and culture as we visit the spectacular site of Anuradhapura. We then travel back to Sigiriya via the Ritigala Medicinal Forest and see ancient ruins which lie hidden within a beautiful forest setting of streams and pools.

Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Sigiriya.

Today we get back to nature as we visit the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa, one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful cities. We then go to Minneriya National Park in search of wild elephants, sambar deer and leopards.

Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Sigiriya.

Learn about Sri Lankan life as we take a unique opportunity to meet the locals in a small rural village. We visit the famous rock fortress and Palace of Sigiriya set amongst beautiful gardens. This amazing ancient monument is considered one of the wonders of the world.

Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Sigiriya.

An early morning visit to the surreal cave temple of Dambulla, home to statues and paintings related to Lord Buddha and his life. We then enjoy the vivid colours and enticing aromas of the Matale spice plantations before continuing to Kandy to see the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most important sites of the Buddhist religion.

Overnight in Kandy.

We start in the Royal Botanical Gardens which is famous for its collection of orchids. We then continue with a tour of the city including a visit to its impressive historical museum. The day ends with a dazzling performance by local dancers and a mesmerising Sri Lankan fire walk demonstration.

Overnight in Kandy.

Today we travel via road and local train up to the lush tea-growing region of Nuwara Eliya, home of the famous Ceylon tea.

Overnight in Kandy.

Today we tour Nuwara Eliya and visit a tea plantation to learn about the tea-making process and sample the local brew.

Overnight in Kandy.

A beautiful scenic drive through the mountains and a visit to the Ella Waterfalls takes us to our relaxing resort at Yala.

Overnight in Yala.

Today we go on safari in Yala National Park where you can spot leopards, elephants, wild buffalo and black bear.

Overnight in Yala.

We take a drive along the beautiful coastline to the secluded beach resort of Unawatuna, one of the world’s best beaches!

Overnight in Unawatuna.

This morning is at leisure to enjoy the sun, sea and sand. In the afternoon we take a guided tour of the great walled city of Galle including the huge Dutch Fort which holds a commanding position on the seafront. We then continue to Koggala and enjoy a catamaran ride on Koggala Lake.

Overnight in Unawatuna.

On the way to Colombo we visit a turtle hatchery. We then take a tour which includes a visit to the popular Cricket Club Café which is run by two Australians.

Overnight in Colombo.

Enjoy a day at leisure before we transfer to the airport for our late flight home.