Jewels of Sri Lanka Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Colombo to Dambulla

On arrival you will be met by your local guide and transferred to Dambulla with the rest of your evening at leisure. Dinner

Day 2: Dambulla

Depart in the morning to explore the stunning Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a World Heritage Site dating back to the 5th century AD. As a sole reminder of the vast brick lion that gave the rock its name, step behind the colossal claws engraved into the rock face and soar 200 metres above the jungle, to uncover a flat summit where the ruins of an ancient fortress lay, more than 1,500 years ago. Following lunch, continue on to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa which dates back over 1000 years. Positioned advantageously to safeguard against possible attacks from the southeast, this former royal capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom supposedly has fewer mosquitos, as well as a vast assortment of archaeological treasures, so it is no surprise that Polonnaruwa has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site! During this afternoon’s tour, admire some of the city’s most revered relics including the crumbling remains of the Royal Palace and the distinctive Gal Vihara, famous for its splendid Buddha statues, carved into the face of large granite rocks.Please note: photography is prohibited in parts of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Prohibited areas will be clearly sign-posted.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Dambulla to Kandy

After breakfast, explore Sri Lanka’s largest and bestreserved temple complex which astonishingly dates back to the first century BC; the impressive Dambulla Rock Temple contains over 2000 square metres of intricately painted walls and ceilings, once embellished by former Kings as a way to mark their place of worship. Centred around a striking fifteenmetre-high reclining Buddha, hewn directly out of the cave wall, wander around a mere section of these exquisite wall paintings and stunning Buddha statues before departing for Kandy. Make a stop in a spice garden to enjoy the aromatic scents that Sri Lanka is world famous for. Next, continue on your journey to Kandy and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before discovering Sri Lanka’s most significant religious relic at the sacred Temple of the Tooth; this golden-roofed shrine famously houses one of the holiest monuments in the Buddhist world – a tooth of Buddha, protectively concealed within an ornate gilded casket. This evening, relax whilst watching an eclectic cultural show, where performers will dazzle you with elaborate costumes and traditional dances.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Kandy
Today, discover the verdant landscape of Sri Lanka’s largest and most impressive Botanical gardens in Peradeniya; boasting more than 4,000 species of trees, plants and creepers, admire a vibrant collection of orchids before travelling to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage for an unforgettable encounter. Established in 1975 to care for a growing number of abandoned and wounded elephants, witness these magnificent creatures in close quarters being fed and bathed by experienced wildlife authorities. On a city tour of Kandy this evening, weave through the bustling market stalls of the arts and crafts centre which lavishly displays a wealth of antiques, paintings and wood carvings, and later, meander through a labyrinth of glistening jewels within Kandy’s extravagant gem museum. Kandy was the last capital of the ancient kings and after defending themselves for over three centuries from the Dutch and Portuguese, it finally fell to the hands of the British in 1815.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Kandy to Yala

Departing Kandy this morning, breathe in the divine scent of Ceylon tea on a morning tour of Nuwara Eliya’s sweeping tea plantations, before participating in a walking tour of the stunning surrounding area, admiring its idyllic mountainside setting which strikingly overlooks its neighbouring valleys, meadows and peaks. A truly tranquil district often referred to as the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, take in vistas of misty hillsides, peppered with brightly dressed tea pickers en route to your hotel near Yala.

 Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Yala

After a morning at leisure, an exhilarating jeep safari in the nearby Yala National Game Park awaits; covering a vast 1200 square kilometres, Yala is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka, boasting a unique ocean front position. Home to an extensive range of flora and fauna, listen out for the tuneful chanting of migratory and indigenous birds, whilst darting around the park’s rocky pathways, zigzagging past towering trees and swampy lagoons in search of roaming elephants, sloth bears, buffaloes and leopards

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Colombo

Journey to the sleepy fortified city of Galle to embark on a city tour of the former chief port of Ceylon and centre of the 17th century Dutch regime. Famed for being Asia’s largest remaining fortress built by European occupiers, discover the majestic Galle Fort and surrounding buildings, whose distinctive appearance serve as reminder of the Dutch heritage which once ruled the country. Within the walled city of Galle, uncover a mix of boutique art galleries and shops before travelling north for your final night at one of the finest 5H hotels in Colombo, The Kingsbury

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Colombo to the UK
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK or chosen extension.

Is this the right tour for you?

This is the tour for you if you are looking for an affordable, comprehensive short tour of Sri Lanka visiting the main sights of the Cultural Triangle, the tea plantations, Yala National Park and the colonial town of Galle whilst staying in comfortable 3-4* hotels.