DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Colombo

You will be met at Colombo Airport and taken on an orientation tour of this city, which is the commercial and industrial centre of Sri Lanka. The city was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and today consists of an eclectic mix of grand colonial buildings, modern offices and bustling local shops.

We visit the vibrant Pettah Market and the National Museum, with its fine collection of antiques and Sri Lankan art. We also visit a Buddhist temple and a Hindu Temple, to experience the diversity of religion and customs of the people of Sri Lanka.

Then check in to your hotel and relax in this harbour city, situated on an ancient trading sea route.

Day 2: Travel to the Cultural Triangle

This morning your driver/guide will collect you from your Colombo hotel and introduce you to the beauty of central Sri Lanka as we travel 4.5 hours to the Cultural Triangle.

Along the way we stop at the Millennium Elephant Foundation, that works to improve the lives of domesticated Asian elephants. You can interact with the elephants and watch them bathe. As they have only a small number of elephants, this offers a very personal experience. If you don't mind getting wet, you can get into the river with them, so take your swimsuit.

On arrival check in to your hotel in the heart of this historic region.

Day 3: Sigiriya Rock + Minneriya Safari

This morning we travel 30 minutes to Sigiriya - also known as Lion's Rock -  a massive 5th century fortress and palace ruins surrounded by extensive gardens and reservoirs.

Here you can visit the small museum located near the entrance, before climbing 1,200 steps to the top of this amazing fortress in the sky that is now a World Heritage Site, with the reward of incredible views. Ancient rock paintings can be seen in one section of your ascent.

After returning to your hotel for lunch, enjoy an afternoon jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, where you can hope to see wild Asian elephants. The elephants are particularly numerous in August and September, when they migrate along a corridor from neighbouring parks to feed on the fresh grass on the lake bed - an annual event known as "The Gathering". Birdlife is also prolific in this park.

Note: If you have mobility issues, you can still view Sigiriya Rock from the gardens at the bottom. Please expect Minneriya to be very busy, with many vehicles.

Day 4: Polonnaruwa

This morning we drive 1 hour to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa - the capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to 13th centuries following the fall of Anuradhapura and today a World Heritage Site.

Here you can explore these magnificent ruins, which contain some fine examples of Buddhist statues and marvel at this ancient civilisation, before returning to Habarana.

The afternoon is free to relax at your hotel, where optional activities include riding an elephant, touring the local town in a bull cart or enjoying an Ayurvedic spa treatment.

Note: Please dress appropriately when visiting sacred sites, with shoulders and knees covered.

Day 5: Dambulla Cave Temple & Kandy

This morning we travel 3 hours to the bustling hill capital of Kandy.

Along the way we stop at Dambulla to explore its famous Golden Rock Cave Temple, a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site for 22 centuries. This vast isolated rock mass with five caverns filled with statues is the largest and best-preserved cave monastery in Sri Lanka and is a World Heritage Site.

We also visit a Spice Garden, before checking in to your Kandy hotel in this religious and ancient capital of kings.

Note: Please dress appropriately when visiting Dambulla Temple, with shoulders and knees covered. There is a steep uphill walk to the temple, so this excursion is not suitable for people with mobility issues.

Day 6: Temple of the Tooth & Botanical Gardens

Today we visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth, that houses a tooth relic of the Buddha. Religious pooja ceremonies, when the golden casket containing the tooth is revealed, are held daily at 05.00, 09.30 and 18.30 - so this is the best time to visit.

Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a World Heritage Site partly due to this temple. Its principal Buddhist complexes have considerable importance – the high priests of the two best known, Malwatte and Asgiriya, are the most important in Sri Lanka and the Asgiriya Maha Vihara has a large reclining Buddha image.

Afterwards we visit the beautiful Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Dating back to colonial times, this magnificent property has abundant birdlife, including a bat colony. It also has a rare collection of indigenous tropical flora, including an Orchid House. We suggest you ask your hotel to pack a picnic today, so that you can enjoy it in these gardens.

Note: Please dress appropriately when visiting the temple, with shoulders and knees covered.

Day 7: Drive to Knuckles Mountains

Today we leave Kandy and travel 1 hour to the scenic Knuckles Mountains in central Sri Lanka, a favourite destination for walking and hiking.

This magnificent mountain range takes its name from a series of folds and peaks, which resemble the knuckles of clenched fist. Its high montane forests are often covered in clouds and they are home to many endemic trees, shrubs and herbs found only here.

Day 8: Walking in Knuckles Mountains

Today is free to enjoy walking in the cloud-covered Knuckles Mountains.

There are many wonderful walking trails and longer hikes in this cloud forest that is home to many species of birds, reptiles and small mammals. You can walk to a waterfall and see endemic wildlife such as the purple-faced langur (leaf monkey), the toque macaque (rilewa monkey) and leaf-nosed lizard (horned lizard), as well as abundant birdlife. If you hike the longer Thangappuwa trail, you will be able to view all five peaks of the Knuckles range.

Note: Remember to dress appropriately for mountain conditions and carry sufficient water, as the weather can change quickly. Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers, proper walking shoes and long socks to protect your ankles from the small leeches and other insects that live here.

Day 9: Drive to Beach Resort

This morning we leave the Knuckles Mountains and drive 5 hours through the beautiful scenery of central Sri Lanka to your South Coast beach resort.

Check in to your hotel, settle in and relax on the shores of the warm Indian Ocean.

Days 10 to 12: At Leisure

At leisure to relax and enjoy the sparkling Indian Ocean beaches of the warm Southwest Coast.

You can swim in the sea, suntan around the swimming pool or indulge yourself with a spa treatment, as this region is renowned for its yoga and Ayurvedic spa remedies that cleanse body, mind and spirit. Enjoy the local Sri Lankan culture and food, as well as miles and miles of wide sandy beaches, framed by coconut palms.

Optional excursions include a canal boat ride to see water birds, monkeys and water monitors. You can visit a turtle hatchery, as sea turtles nest on these beaches from December to April, and participate in water sports on Bentota Lagoon.

Full day excursions are available to historic Galle Fort, Udawalawe National Park and its Elephant Transit Home, the impressive Mulkirigala Rock Temple, and Koggala where from October to May you can take a flight to see enormous blue whales (these should be booked in advance).

Day 13: Fly Home

Transfer 2.5 hours to Colombo Airport for your flight home.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. English-speaking guide, all transfers, park fees and specified sightseeing are included. International flights are not included and will be quoted separately.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.