Grand Tour of Sri Lanka

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Grand Tour of Sri Lanka

Visit the 5th-century capital of Anuradhapura.
Hike to the top of Sigiriya Rock Fortress for panoramic vistas and ancient history.
Explore the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy.
Journey through the lush landscapes and scenic tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya in the stunning Sri Lankan interior.
See if you can spot the elusive Sri Lankan leopard during a game drive in Yala National park, home to a plethora of wildlife.
Head to Galle and explore centuries-old Galle Fort for a glimpse into Sri Lanka's Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial heritage.

Explore some of Sri Lanka's most awe-inspiring sights on this immersive 9-day touring holiday through the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean".

On this comprehensive 9-day tour of Sri Lanka, you'll visit some of this stunning island's most impressive sights. From the ancient city of Anuradhapura to the jaw-dropping spectacle of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, from the sacred Buddhist relics of Kandy to the picturesque tea plantations and rolling hills in Nuwara Eliya, and from the wildlife-rich wilderness of Yala National Park to Galle's indomitable colonial-era fort, discover one of the world's most unique destinations.

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Day 1: Arrive Sri Lanka

Colombo - Sigiriya/Habarana

After landing into Colombo, Sri Lanka's capital, you will be greeted at the airport and driven to your hotel in Sigiriya/Habarana by your English-speaking chauffeur. The scenic journey will take approximately 4hrs. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure.

Accommodation:

Standard Option: Kasappa Lions Rock, Sigiriya

Deluxe Option: Habarana Village By Cinnamon Hotel

Day 2: Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura

Depart for Anuradhapura for a city tour of the ancient ruins and Sri Maha Bodhi, said to be the oldest tree on earth. Other sites in the city include the Ruwanveli Seya Dagoba with its famous elephant wall from the 2nd century and the Thuparama Dagoba from the 3rd century.

Accommodation:

Standard Option: Kasappa Lions Rock, Sigiriya

Deluxe Option: Habarana Village By Cinnamon Hotel

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 3: Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Polonnaruwa.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Polonnaruwa

Take your packed breakfast and hike to the top of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which looms at a soaring height of 200 metres above the surrounding landscape. This ancient fortress dates back to the 5th century and today is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the afternoon, visit the walled city of Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient kingdom in Sri Lanka and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can explore ruins, monasteries, temples, bathing pools and Buddhist statues.

Accommodation:

Standard Option: Kasappa Lions Rock, Sigiriya

Deluxe Option: Habarana Village By Cinnamon Hotel

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 3: Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Polonnaruwa.

Day 4: Sigiriya/Habarana - Kandy

Dambulla Cave Temple & Matale Spice Gardens

After breakfast, you will be driven to the ancient kingdom of Kandy in the heart of Sri Lanka, a journey of approximately 3hrs.

En route, you will visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, which houses an astonishing 150 Buddhist statues plus cave paintings, as well as the Matale Spice Gardens, which brim with an array of exotic and aromatic spices that flourish in Sri Lanka's tropical climate.

Accommodation:

Standard Option: Hotel Topaz

Deluxe Option: Cinnamon Citadel Hotel

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 5: Kandy

Explore Kandy

Today, you will visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa - an important shrine for Buddhists and one of the most sacred sites in Sri Lanka, housing the relic of the tooth of the Buddha.

End your day with a Kandyan Dance Cultural Show filled with acrobatics, costumes and music.

Accommodation:

Standard Option: Hotel Topaz

Deluxe Option: Cinnamon Citadel Hotel

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 6: Kandy - Nuwara Eliya

Tea Factory & Plantation Tour

You'll be driven through the rolling green landscapes of the Sri Lankan interior by your chauffeur to Nuwara Eliya, the island's premier hill resort and the heart of Sri Lanka's verdant tea country.

There is a distinct English atmosphere throughout these unfolding valleys due to Britain's colonial influence on the island, a period which saw a scattering of English-style country houses pop up throughout the hillsides.

In the evening, you will have the opportunity to explore the area on a tour of a local plantation and tea factory, learning about the intricacies that go into the tea-making process.

Accommodation:

Standard Option: Galway Height Hotel

Deluxe Option: St. Andrews Hotel

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 7: Wildlife Encounters In Yala

Nuwara Eliya - Yala National Park

After a 4-hour road transfer to Yala, you'll check into your next hotel before embarking on an enthralling Jeep safari through Yala National Park.

Sri Lanka's second-largest protected reserve, Yala is home to an abundance of wildlife including elephants, crocodiles and the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. In fact, Yala is home to the highest concentration of wild leopards in the world, though sightings of these graceful creatures remain rare due to their elusive nature.

Accommodation:

Standard Option: Chaarya Resort

Deluxe Option: Cinnamon Wild Hotel

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 8: Galle

Discover Galle Fort

You will be transferred along Sri Lanka's southern coastline to the city of Galle, a journey of approximately 2hrs 45mins.

After checking into your hotel in Galle, you will proceed to Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a tour of this centuries-old colonial structure. First established by the Portuguese in 1588, Galle Fort was later expanded and dramatically fortified by the island's Dutch settlers from 1649 onwards. The fort was made so impenetrable, in fact, that it withstood the devastating force of the Boxing Day Tsunami which struck the Indian Ocean in 2004.

Accommodation:

Standard Option: Radisson Blu, Galle

Deluxe Option: Jetwing Lighthouse

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 9: Depart Sri Lanka

Galle - Colombo

At a prearranged time, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the international airport in Colombo, a journey of approximately 2hrs 30mins.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Pricing

All prices shown represent a from price per person based on low season travel unless otherwise stated.
Availability of tour components and flights seats change continually, affecting the final price. The lead-in price given is therefore for guidance only.
To obtain a tailored quote for you and your party, please call one of our travel experts today.

Standard Tour 1st November 2024 - 31st March 2025

from £1,900pp

Deluxe Tour 1st November 2024 - 31st March 2025

from £2,230pp

Standard Tour 1st May 2025 - 30th June 2025

from £1,970pp

Deluxe Tour 1st May 2025 - 30th June 2025

from £2,130pp

Supplements

Single supplement applicable

Important Info

Important info

Standard check-in time is 2PM and check-out is 12PM

We recommend packing comfortable, cotton clothing; please note that when visiting temples and sacred sites, shoulders must be covered

Please note that alcohol is not served on Poya days (one each calendar month) or religious holidays

Inclusions

Return international return flights including all taxes

Return airport transfers in Sri Lanka

Accommodation

Meals on Bed & Breakfast basis (starting on your second day)

Air conditioned transport with an English speaking chauffeur guide

Entrance fees to Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, Temple of Tooth Relic, Cultural Dance Show in Kandy and Yala National Park safari

All current applicable taxes

Exclusions

Expenses of personal nature

Meals (except breakfast) and beverages

Early Check In or Late Check Out

Tipping

Visa fees

Travel and medical insurance

Camera and video permits

Additional excursions not listed in the itinerary

Compulsory supplements over Christmas and New Years

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