One of our most popular tours, this classic tour
of Sri Lanka includes many of the major sights
of archaeological, historic and scenic interest.
To include all the sightseeing, some days require
early starts but the sightseeing makes these long
days more than worthwhile!
Mount Lavinia: 1 night
Habarana/Sigiriya: 2 nights
Kandy: 2 nights
Nuwara Eliya: 1 night
Embilipitiya or Udawalawe Park: 1 night
Beach: 4 nights or more
DAY 1
Fly SriLankan Airlines from Heathrow.
DAY 2 On arrival transfer to the colonial Mount Lavinia
Hotel. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy your surroundings
(approx. 31 miles).
DAY 3 Morning start for the popular Pinnawela Elephant
Orphanage. After lunch continue on to Chaaya Village,
Habarana for two nights (approx. 130 miles or 4½ hours).
DAY 4 In the morning there is optional sightseeing
available at extra cost to Polonnaruwa the 12th Century
Sinhalese capital. After lunch, visit the staggering rock
fortress of Sigiriya. A climb to the top (only for the
energetic!) will reveal perfectly preserved frescoes and a
spectacular view. The gallery of frescoes half way up is a
definite highlight (approx. 135 miles or 3 hours drive).
DAY 5 After breakfast drive to the Chaaya Citadel in Kandy
for two nights visiting the magnificent Dambulla rock
caves, a spice plantation and batik workshop en route. This
afternoon visit the famous Temple of the Tooth. Enjoy an
evening visit to see a Kandyan dancing and culture show
(approx. 80 miles or 2½ hours ).
DAY 6 A full day to marvel at Kandy’s sightseeing. Visit the
Royal Botanical Gardens ablaze with colourful exotic plants.
This afternoon enjoy a tour of the market square, a gem
showroom and Upper Lake Drive (approx. 20 miles).
DAY 7 Leave Kandy for your drive toward the hill country,
with a stop en route to visit a tea plantation and factory.
Then travel on to Nuwara Eliya, most celebrated of the hill
stations set in a stunning mountain valley some 6,000 feet
above sea level. Enjoy afternoon sightseeing of Nuwara Eliya
with spectacular views of the beautiful green hillsides,
rushing waterfalls and tea plantations (approx. 65 miles or
2½ hours drive).
DAY 8 This morning travel to Udawalawe National Park (or
Yala National Park on the Superior Tour option, except
Bundala Park Sep01-Oct15 when Yala is closed). After lunch
enjoy a Jeep safari. Besides Sambhur deer, wild buffalo,
mongoose to name a few, the park is famed for its herds of
elephants. Travel to the Centuria Hotel, Centuriya for an
overnight stay (approx. 130 miles or 4 hours).
DAY 9 Leave for the Bentota Beach hotel in a
Standard room, or the beach hotel of your choice at the
appropriate reduction or supplement in cost. En route a
typical Sri Lankan lunch is served and afterwards a visit to
the Dutch Fort at Galle (approx. 125 miles or 4½ hours drive).
DAY 10 TO DAY 12 Time to relax and enjoy the delightful
hospitality and beaches of Sri Lanka.
DAY 13 SriLankan Airlines flight to Heathrow arriving later
the same day.
MALDIVES OPTION
DAY 1 Depart Heathrow on SriLankan Airlines then as
Ceylon Tour Day 1 to Day 11 with three nights or more at the
Bentota Beach hotel in a Standard room.
DAY 12 Fly to Male’ and transfer by boat (approx. 30 minutes)
to Full Moon Maldives for six nights or more in a Deluxe
room, or the island of your choice at the appropriate cost.
DAY 18 Transfer to Male’ to connect with SriLankan Airlines
flight to Heathrow direct or via Colombo arriving later the
same day.
The Ceylon Tour is escorted by a local guide or a
driver-guide (if you are booking private car option)
from departure from Mount Lavinia on Day 3 to arrival
at your beach hotel on Day 9. Extensions are not
escorted but assistance is provided in each destination
by local representatives.