Classic option from US$2695* PP
Trip code: SLD-C-15 |
Group size: Max 16, Avg 12
START Colombo, Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Tangalle, Galle, Hikkaduwa FINISH
Explore the cultural and natural highlights of the Emerald Isle, including the colonial capital, ancient Buddhist cities of the Cultural Triangle, spectacular Sigiriya Rock, the cave art of Dambulla, the tea-growing highlands and the wilds of Yala National Park. Discover the historic Galle Fort, wander quiet villages and meet the locals, enjoy tropical beaches and savor delicious Sri Lankan cuisine.
Availability
800 342 1957
2013
DAYS 1-2: COLOMBO
Arrive in Colombo and transfer to your hotel. Sri Lanka’s capital city is filled with colonial heritage, and a sightseeing tour unveils the city’s many charms, including a guided walk through the color, history and atmosphere of Pettah, Colombo’s vibrant market area and one of Asia’s classic street markets before free time for further exploration.
Hotel: Ramada Colombo
DAYS 3-4: ANURADHAPURA
As an island, fishing is a major source of food in Sri Lanka. At Negombo, stop at the country’s second largest fish market to see the locals at work selling fresh seafood pulled straight from the sea before a stop to learn about the production of “toddy” a local alcoholic drink. On arrival in Anuradhapura enjoy some free time. . Rise early for an exploration of World Heritage listed Anuradhapura to discover the well-preserved ruins of Sri Lanka’s ancient civilization. See the many religious monuments at Mihintale, a nearby mountain peak known as the Mahindas' Mountain and the place where Buddhism began in Sri Lanka. In the evening, visit one of the most popular Buddhist sites at Anuradhapura, where locals come to worship and make merit according to ancient tradition.
Hotel: Palm Garden Village
DAYS 5-6: SIGIRIYA & DAMBULLA
Leave for Habarana, stopping at a small village to get a deeper understanding of life in rural Sri Lanka, where famers work the land according to the changing seasons. In the afternoon, take a sightseeing tour of Polonnaruwa and its historical site. Visit one of Asia’s most spectacular cultural sites, the Sigiriya Rock fortress. Only the fit and adventurous will want to climb the rock, but all can enjoy the superb ruins and fine views around the base. After free time to explore this fascinating region, visit the Ritigala Monastery with inscriptions dating back to the 1st century BC.
Hotel: Sigiriya Village Hotel
DAYS 7-9: KANDY & NUWARA ELIYA
Visit the marvellous gallery of art in the Dambulla Rock cave temples, and a fascinating spice garden, and then continue on to Kandy for an evening at leisure. Visit the Temple of the Tooth, a Buddhist temple in the Royal Palace complex that houses the Relic of the tooth of Buddha. After free time to enjoy your magnificent surroundings, a city tour reveals this charming highland hub, with a beautiful lake and colorful streets, including the delightful Royal Botanical Gardens and a walk through the local markets. Depart Kandy for the quaint, colonial tea center of Nuwara Eliya, in the heart of Sri Lanka’s picturesque tea country. Walk through British-colonial Nuwara Eliya’s trading center.
Hotels: Mahaveli Reach Hotel, Grand Hotel
DAYS 10-12: YALA & TANGALLE
Leave for an exciting drive stopping at Ella, a quiet town nestled in a valley with stunning hill and valley views. A gentle walk reveals delightful vistas and leads to the lovely Ravana Waterfalls. A stop in Tissa gives you the opportunity to see local produce being made such as buffalo curd and honey. In Yala National Park, keep your eyes peeled during an early morning game drive, where elephants are a common sighting, and magnificent Leopard sightings are frequent. Return to for an afternoon game drive and more wildlife spotting. Travel to the beachside town of Tangalle, stopping en route to visit Mulkirigala Rock Monastery. At night, visit Rekawa where endangered turtles nest on the beach.
Hotels: Priyankara Hotel, Ranna 212
DAYS 13-15: GALLE
See the famous stilt fishermen on your way to Galle. Discover the remarkable history of the Galle Fort at this World Heritage site with its stunning seaside setting. Experience the fort’s antique architecture and charming streetscapes on our heritage walk through Galle, with free time to explore the town on your own before an interactive Sri Lankan cooking demonstration to learn to prepare a typical Sri Lankan meal. Enjoy some free time beachside or in Galle Fort before departing for Colombo, or stay on in lovely Galle.
Hotel: Citrus Hikkaduwa
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