| Experience the splendours and diversity of the
stunning island gem that is Sri Lanka. Marvel at
the spectacular scenery, history, archaeological
sites, tea plantations and so much more in this
all-encompassing brand new tour incorporating
all the very best that Sri Lanka has to offer.
Colombo: 1 night
Habarana: 3 nights
Kandy: 2 nights
Nuwara Eliya: 2 nights
Yala: 2 nights*
Galle: 1 night
DAY 1 Fly SriLankan Airlines from Heathrow.
DAY 2 On arrival transfer to the Cinnamon Grand hotel in
central Colombo. Here, you will have some time to
relax by the beautiful hotel pool then experience a brief city
tour of the bustling capital.
DAY 3 After breakfast, drive to Habarana and the charming
Cinnammon Lodge hotel your base for the next three
nights. En route to Habarana, stop at the famed Elephant
Orphanage to see the elephants bathed and fed, and enjoy a
typical Sri Lankan lunch whist watching the elephants in the
bay. In the afternoon, the hotel’s naturalist will take you on a
nature walk around Habarana’s extensive lush surroundings
or take an optional elephant back safari (approx. 130 miles
and 4½ hours drive).
DAY 4 Leave after breakfast for the staggering rock fortress
at Sigiriya, where the active may experience this wonderful
climb. The gallery of preserved frescoes and the view from
the top is quite breathtaking. Lunch at a local restaurant,
followed by an excursion to 12th Century Sinhalese capital,
Polonnaruwa; See the ruins of the Royal Palace and Gal
Vihara where three giant Buddha statues are carved out of
rock (approx. 108 miles or 3 hours drive).
DAY 5 After breakfast leave for Anuradhapura, the ancient
capital of Sri Lanka and visit the immense Buddha shrines.
Another highlight today is your visit of Dambulla rock cave
temple, where some of the finest preserved ancient frescoes
can be found in Sri Lanka. Tonight a special dinner will be
arranged at the hotels’ Thai restaurant (approx. 120 miles or
4 hours drive).
DAY 6 Following an early breakfast, leave for Hiriwaduna
Village and Nature trek. Proceed to Kandy visiting a spice
garden and lunch at Kamatha in Matale. Take a short trek
towards the spice garden and stop by a rice field for your
traditional lunch en route. Continue to your hotel the first
class Earls Regency for the next two nights. This Royal
city enjoys a picturesque lakeside setting, beautiful views,
plenty of shopping and sightseeing possibilities. This
evening, witness a Kandyan dance and cultural show
(approx. 80 miles, 2½ hours drive).
DAY 7 Proceed to Paradeniya to visit the Botanical Gardens
offering a kaleidoscope of colours amid the diversity of
tropical flowers and shrubs. In the afternoon visit the
famous Temple of the Tooth famed for housing Buddha’s
tooth relic, see also a gem and jewellery factory and
showroom. Dinner at your own arrangements.
DAY 8 Depart for the hill station of Nuwara Eliya some
6,000 feet above sea level. Offering spectacular views of
beautiful green hillsides, rushing waterfalls and tea plantations,
This most celebrated of hill stations is set in a stunning
mountain valley. On the way to the hill country don’t miss
the visit to a tea plantation and factory while you enjoy the
superb views of the countryside. Two nights at the famous
and beautiful Hill Club at Nuwara Eliya and experience a
high tea session (approx. 60 miles or 3 hours drive).
DAY 9 This morning relax, or take an optional excursion to
Horton Plains, and this afternoon visit Nuwara Eliya,
including the lovely Botanical Gardens at Hakgala (approx.
65 miles or 3 hours drive).
DAY 10 Leave for Bandarawela, today this is a unique
opportunity to travel by train from Nanu Oya. Enjoy lunch
at Bandarawela then proceed to Yala in the deep south, a
wildlife and elephant reserve. Two nights at Yala Village. *NB Yala National Park is closed Sep01-Oct15
when you will visit Udawalawe) (approx. 120 miles or 5½
hours drive).
DAY 11 This morning take a jeep safari to Yala National Park
where you may see boar, crocodiles, deer or wild elephants
roaming free. Late afternoon, proceed to Kataragama to the
Pooja (offerings), watching the rituals and the dancing girls
offering light and dancing in the Devala (approx. 60 miles or 2.5 hours drive).
DAY 12 Leave for the historic fortified city of Galle after
breakfast and visiting a lace making showroom en route. A
living world heritage site on the south coast, Galle was
prominent long before Colombo. Visit the Galle Dutch Fort.
Overnight at the archetypal scenic hideaway and superb
clifftop position of the Lighthouse hotel just one mile
from the Dutch Fort (approx. 120 miles or 3 hours drive).
DAY 13 After breakfast, leave for Bentota and enjoy a boat
trip on the Madhu river en route. Thereafter proceed to your
chosen beach hotel for any number of nights, or directly
back to the airport for your evening SriLankan Airlines flight
to Heathrow, or overnight at the Taj Airport Hotel until your
early flight to the Maldives (see Maldives extension).
SRI LANKA BEACH EXTENSION
You may choose to relax after your exhilarating tour on the
windswept beaches of Sri Lanka or the stunning tropical
Maldive islands.
MALDIVES EXTENSION
DAY 13 Proceed to the Taj Airport Garden Hotel where rooms
have been reserved until your early morning airport departure.
DAY 14 Fly SriLankan to Male’, and on arrival transfer by
boat to Velassaru Maldives and a Deluxe room or your
chosen resort for four or more nights.
DAY 18 Fly SriLankan Airlines direct (or via Colombo)
arriving Heathrow later the same day.
The Sri Lanka Panorama is escorted by a local guide from
Day 2 to arrival at your beach hotel on Day 13 or your
departure from the airport. On the extensions assistance
is provided by our local representatives. |
