Classic Sri Lanka

This fantastic itinerary through Sri Lanka offers a brilliant introduction to this beautiful country. Venturing through National Parks, the Cultural Triangle, up into the Hill Country and some time on the beautiful south coast, you’ll have a chance to see and explore the main highlights, gaining a first-hand understanding of what makes this country so unique and special.

1. Days 1-2: Sri Lanka's West Coast

   Starting off the itinerary you’ll have one night, just outside of Colombo, to rest and relax after your international flight.

   Accommodation: The Wallawwa (1 night)

2. Days 2-5: Sigiriya

   From Colombo you will head out on your adventure to the Cultural Triangle, home to Sri Lanka's cultural heart. On arrival in Sri Lanka you will have been met by your private driver / guide who will be on hand through your trip in Sri Lanka ensuring that you see all the highlights, explaining the interesting history as you go.

   By basing yourself in the Cultural Triangle for the next three night you’ll have access to the nearby ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya as well as other parts of this cultural hub. Included in your itinerary are visits to the major monuments of the region including Dambulla's five cave temples which offer great insight into Buddhism in Sri Lanka and a morning visit to Polonnaruwa ruins, with an en-route safari at Minneriya National Park to see Elephants in their natural habitat.

   Accommodation: Water Garden Sigiriya (3 nights)

3. Days 5-7: Kandy

   Next, to Kandy, the last capital during the Sinhalese Kingdom and part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Again your private guide / driver will drive you from the Cultural Triangle, which is a journey of just over three hours.

   Of Kandy, what remains now is a city brimming full of beautiful architecture and an array of fascinating temple complexes. During your two nights here, we have included two of the most interesting cultural sites for you, the Temple of the Tooth, Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist relic and a tour of the beautiful and extensive Botanical Gardens.

   Accommodation: The Kandy House (2 nights)

4. Days 7-9: Hatton

   Then it is on to the misty hills in the land of tea. From Kandy you’ll take a lovely rural train journey to Hatton which is an incredible way to see the surrounding countryside and experience local life as you go. The Hill Country is home to picture perfect emerald tea fields and beautifully preserved colonial tea bungalows. Here spend a couple of days taking long walks through the plantations and enjoying life at a slower pace complete with afternoon tea daily to the incredible backdrop of the swathes of green tea fields.

   Accommodation: Camellia Hills (2 nights)

5. Days 9-11: Yala National Park

   From the heights of the Hill Country, you will next drop back down and venture south to Yala National Park with a drive of just over six hours. Yala is the premier wildlife area in Sri Lanka and over your next two nights we have included two safaris to enjoy the incredible density and diversity of wildlife that Yala is especially known for.

   Accommodation: Wild Coast Tented Lodge (2 nights)

6. Days 11-15: Koggala Lake

   To finish off the trip we have included four nights on the stunning south coast. With sleepy fishing villages and the softest sandy beaches, you can be as active or relaxed as you like here. We have included one tour for you during your time here to explore historic Galle which is not to be missed but the rest of your time is up to you. Spend your days lazily on the beach or head out for some brilliant water sports, especially surfing which Sri Lanka is of course famous for.

   Accommodation: KK Beach (4 nights)

• Colombo Night by Bike

  Cycle through the charming city of Colombo at dusk, as you visit some of its most iconic landmarks.

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• Explore the Tea Plantations

  During your stay in the Hill Country, explore the tea plantations where you can see the tea pluckers at work, visit a tea factory, or go for a walk through the rolling green hills.

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• Explore the Tea Plantations

  During your stay in the Hill Country, explore the tea plantations where you can see the tea pluckers at work, visit a tea factory, or go for a walk through the rolling green hills.

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• Kandy Market

  Visit the colourful market in Kandy for textiles, as well as a lively atmosphere.

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• Kandy Royal Botanical Gardens

  The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, Kandy, is renowned for its wide variety of plant species

  and beautiful flowers. Of particular note is the collection of a variety of orchids.

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• Kandy Temple Trail

  Head a little more off the beaten track to explore some of Sri Lanka's more historically and architecturally interesting temples. Gadaladeniya, Embekke and Lankathilaka are set away from the main tourist trail but are still easily accessible from Kandy.

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• Minneriya National Park

  The amazing Minneriya National Park is renowned for its elephant populations and beautiful scenery. Enjoy a safari drive in search of the Asian elephant, a highlight for many during their tour through this fascinating teardrop isle.

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• Sigiriya Rock

  The Sigiriya rock rises majestically from the jungle floor. It is famous for its ‘mirror wall’, so called because of its highly polished surface. Half-way up there are galleries with frescoes in brilliant tempera. Sigirya dates from the 5th century AD.

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• Temple of the Tooth

  This evening you will visit The Temple of the Tooth. The stunning 17th-century Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is believed to house the left upper canine tooth of the Lord Buddha himself.

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• Whale and Dolphin Watching by Private Catamaran

  On this full day boat trip you will have the opportunity to spot vast amounts of marine life from blue whales, false ores, sperm whales and bottlenose dolphins.

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• Whale Watching by Private Speedboat

  Spend three relaxing hours on a private speedboat off the coast in search of the planets largest mammals.

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Kotugoda, Sigiriya, Kandy, Dickoya, Yala & Habaraduwa