DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: UK to Colombo
Fly overnight from the UK to Colombo.

Day 2: Colombo
On arrival you will be met by your driver/guide and transferred in your private vehicle approx. 30 minutes to The Wallawwa, a stunning boutique retreat which is a fantastic start to any Sri Lanka holiday with its beautiful grounds, relaxed atmosphere, lovely spa and excellent Asian-fusion cuisine. If you’d prefer to stay in central Colombo then ask us about different boutique hotel options – call 01273 923100.

Days 3: Colombo to the Cultural Triangle
Setting off this morning you will head into the heart of the Cultural Triangle, stopping at the Dambulla Cave Temples en-route. Dating back to 100BC, the Dambulla Caves offer a brilliant insight into Buddhism and, being cut out of an enormous granite outcrop that rises more than 160m above the surrounding countryside, also offers majestic views across the plains of Sri Lanka.

After your visit you will head to Vil Uyana for 3 nights. Vil Uyana is a beautiful eco hotel with a selection of luxurious “dwellings” spread out amongst its own nature reserve with views of Sigiriya Rock – we particularly love the stylish sundowner lounge and tucking into a delicious Sri Lankan curry on the deck of your private dwelling!

Day 4: Cultural Triangle – Minneriya
Today you will head to Minneriya National Park for a 4×4 jeep safari. For its size of 8,889 hectares, it has a huge range of wildlife living in its many habitats, including spotted deer, sambar, purple-faced langur monkeys and macaques, but it is most famous for elephants. If you would prefer a more immersive safari experience, ask us to add-in a stop at Gal Oya.  

Day 5: Cultural Triangle – Sigiriya
This morning you will be collected by your guide and driven to the iconic Rock Fortress of Sigiriya to enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating UNESCO complex and a hike to the top to enjoy the stunning scenery. You will then return to Vil Uyana for a well-earned relax by the pool. Want to stay an extra day or two in the Cultural Triangle & see Anuradhapura? Contact us on 01273 923100 to design a holiday tailored to you or to get more ideas.

Day 6: Cultural Triangle to the Coast
Today you will head east stopping at  the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa. A UNESCO World Heritage site it was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 and contains some incredible well-preserved stupas, temples and Buddha statues.

After your stop you will head to the coast where you will spend 5 nights at Karpaha Sands with breakfast included. Sheltered by tall palms swaying over a pristine private beach, Karpaha Sands is a luxurious tented laid back resort, ideal for indulging in a little downtime.

Days 7-10: Beach
Four full days to relax and enjoy! With endless fine sand, a beautifully curved bay and safe to swim turquoise waters, you will unwind under an ocean of swaying palm trees, watching the calm horizon and falling under the spell of Sri Lanka’s undoubtedly most stunning beach. Or ask us about other boutique beach hotels in southern or western Sri Lanka – call 01273 923100.

Day 11: Beach to the Tea Hills
Today will be driven to the Tea Hills in the Knuckles Mountains where you will end your Sri Lanka Holiday with 3 nights at Ashburnham Estate. Ashburnham Estate, which is a working tea estate, offers total relaxation in the beautiful natural surroundings in the foothills of the Knuckles Mountains. The front terrace has a great of panoramic view and is perfect to watch the sun go down. The swimming pool also has great views of the tea estate and the rolling hills. All in all this is an ideal place to relax, unwind and take in the stunning countryside.

Day 12-13: Tea Country
two full days to enjoy the Ashburnham Estate and the surrounding area. You can visit waterfalls, walk through the tea estate to a lake, explore the tea fields with Mr Das, the estate manager (even helping with tea-plucking if you’re feeling helpful!) or head off for fascinating walks and treks through villages and mountains with Aravinda, the resident naturalist. And if you built up an appetite with all that exercise join Reggie who offers a wonderful cooking class in his own unique style. Want to add-in a visit to Kandy, a train journey or a stay in Kandy then ask us to tailor this itinerary to you.

Day 14: Colombo to UK
Today you will be transferred to Colombo Airport for your flight back to the UK.

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