Jewels of Sri Lanka

Discover Sri Lanka's 'cultural triangle', including Sigiriya, Kandy and Anuradhapura, as well as the highland tea estates of Nuwara Eliya, Uda Walawe National Park, and coastal Galle

Jewels of Sri Lanka

Experience the best of Sinhalese culture and hospitality on this 11-day overview of Sri Lanka. Starting with the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa and ending in the modern-day capital of Colombo, you’ll travel the length and breadth of Sri Lanka on a journey through the island’s history.

Outline Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Arrive Colombo

    Your driver will be waiting to meet you on arrival at Colombo Airport. After collecting your luggage, transfer to the town of Habarana by private vehicle (approx. 4 ½ hrs). On arrival, check-in at Galkadawala Forest Lodge for two nights in a double room (inc. breakfast). The rest of the day is at leisure.

  2. Day 2: Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Minneriya

    An early start today, as you drive to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Often dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the World, this giant rock citadel is Sri Lanka’s most spectacular monument. Built in the 5th-century, during the reign of King Kasyapa, it’s an astounding feat of engineering, as well as a spectacular example of early Sinhalese art and iconography.

  3. Day 3: Kandy

    Depart Sigiriya for Kandy (approx. 3½ hrs), travelling via Matale and the Dambulla Cave Temples.

  4. Day 4: Kandy

    Embark on a full-day guided tour of Kandy, accompanied by an experienced local guide.

  5. Day 5: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya

    Depart Kandy after breakfast and tour the Three Temple Loop of Embekke, Lankathilaka and Gadaladeniya with your guide. These three temples are among the most impressive examples of religious architecture in the Kandy region.

  6. Day 6: Nuwara Eliya

    Set off on a guided tour of Nuwara Eliya, one of Sri Lanka’s most typical hill stations.

  7. Day 7: Uda Walawe National Park

    Travel south to Uda Walawe National Park (approx. 3 ½ hrs by private vehicle). On arrival, check into the Grand Uda Walawe Safari Resort for one night in a deluxe room (inc. breakfast).

  8. Day 8: Galle

    This morning, pay a visit to the Uda Walawe Elephant Transit Home. The Elephant Transit Home provides young and injured elephants with a safe environment and sufficient food and water, with the ultimate goal of seeing them released back into the wilds of Udawalawe.

  9. Day 9: Galle

    An early start, as you embark on a half-day whale watching cruise between Galle and Mirissa on Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast. You'll be collected from your hotel in Galle in the morning and depart on a 50-foot vessel.

  10. Day 10: Colombo

    After breakfast, depart Galle for Colombo (approx. 3 ½ hrs), where you check into Lake Lodge for one night (inc. breakfast.)

  11. Day 11: Departure

    Morning at leisure until your scheduled transfer to the airport for your international flight home.

Price guide

Price based on two travellers in shared twin/double accommodation and subject to availability at the time of booking.
Pricing

11 days from £1385pp

Pricing

11 days from £1385pp

Family Holiday to Australia

The vacation was absolutely incredible! Everything was well planned... It couldn’t have gone any better!

Joseph and family