The Best of Sri Lanka

Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your overnight flight to Colombo.

On arrival transfer to the hotel where the rest of the day is free.

Meals: Dinner

Colombo is Sri Lanka’s commercial centre, a curious mix of eastern tradition and western infiltration. A panoramic tour includes a visit to the fort built by the Portuguese. From the coach, view the buzzing Pettah bazaar district, where the streets are crammed with stalls and shops. Continue to Habarana, in the heart of the island, where you will stay three nights.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Head to Anuradhapura, ruled by the Sinhalese Kings for over 1,000 years. Star attractions include ancient Buddhist shrines, dagobas (bell-shaped memorials) and pokunas (stone water tanks). Also visit the sacred 2,000-year-old Sri Maha Bodi tree. Later, visit the typical Sri Lankan village of Hiriwadunna.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Adventure awaits this morning in Sigiriya, a 182m-high rock plateau on which a 5th-century ruler built a fortress and palace. The spectacular ‘lion rock’ fortress stands majestically over the green jungle. Carved in a niche in the rocks are frescoes of beautiful women.

This afternoon you’re free to relax or join an optional excursion to Polonnaruwa, built in the 12th century by King Parakramabahu. The remains of the King’s Palace include shrines, temples, dagobas and the Gal Vihara.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Today’s tour takes in the serene Golden Temple at Dambulla, named for its gilded interior. Marvel at the rock-hewn Buddha and explore the five caves that make up the shrine. Next, stop at a spice garden before reaching Kandy, last capital of the ancient kings, which nestles among low hills looped by the Mahaweli River. This evening enjoy a Kandyan cultural dance performance. Stay two nights in Kandy.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

After breakfast, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth, one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist sites. Continue to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, where you can admire the extensive collection of tropical flora. This afternoon, discover Kandy on a guided tour of the city.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Today, travel to Nuwara Eliya, home of Ceylon tea, built during the 19th century in the style of an old English country town. Victorian and Tudor-style homes line the pretty lake, adding to its charm. Join tour of a tea plantation and factory, where workers pick each delicate leaf by hand. See the entire manufacturing process, from grading the tea by quality and size through to its final preparation. In the afternoon, take a tour of Nuwara Eliya, before enjoying traditional High Tea at the Hill Club in the evening. Stay overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Travel to the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe. This home rehabilitates orphaned and injured elephants until they’re strong and old enough to be released back into the wild. Continue on to Yala, on the south coast of the island where the rest of the evening is at leisure. Stay two nights in Yala.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Rise early for a safari in Sri Lanka’s best-known national park, in search of the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. Try to catch a glimpse of this majestic predator, as well as elephants, buffalo, monkeys, deer and crocodiles. In the afternoon, there is an optional game drive in Bundala National Park, renowned for its rich birdlife and diverse wildlife. In the evening, visit Kataragama’s sacred Temple and Shrine.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

The Old Town of Galle, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in southern Asia. The Portuguese first took control of the city in the early 16th century and began the fortification process, only to surrender it to the Dutch East India Company around 150 years later. The Dutch built substantial ramparts and walls, which are still standing today. Following a short tour, head up the coast to Beruwala for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Transfer to Colombo Airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

Meals: Breakfast