Sri Lanka has just about everything a traveller could want – superb ancient sites, magnificent scenery, amazing wildlife, delicious cuisine, incredibly friendly and welcoming locals and lovely palm-fringed, white sandy beaches. Add to this a history touched by Portuguese, Dutch and British influences and a society with a strong and devout adherence to the Buddhist faith and we find an island-nation of incredibly rich diversity with much to offer. We discover all of this and more on a comprehensive journey of what has been affectionately called, due to its shape, the ‘Teardrop Isle’.

Itinerary

Day 1: Seeduwa 
Welcome to Sri Lanka. Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel close to Negombo, situated north of Colombo.

Day 2: Sigiriya
After breakfast this morning, head to the fish market in Negombo. This can be quite an intense affair, but seeing the variety of fish being presented by the locals is a great experience. Afterwards, venture out in a private vehicle to the ancient city of Sigiriya. In the evening, head out for one of the highlights of any visit to Sri Lanka, a visit to the magnificent palace of Sigiriya (Lion Rock). This dramatic rocky outcrop, rising from the surrounding plains is topped by a ruined palace. It’s a good workout to climb to the top, but well worth the effort. (B)

Day 3: Sigiriya
Drive to Anuradhapura in a private vehicle after breakfast this morning. The sacred city of Anuradhapura is one of the main shrines of Buddhism in the country. Take a walk through intricate monuments and amazing architecture. While here you witness the famous sacred fig tree, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. Also see Isurumuniya, a beautiful Buddhist temple nearby. After your visit to this ancient city, head back to Sigiriya. Your evening is then free to do as you wish. (B)

Day 4: Sigiriya
After breakfast, journey by private vehicle out to another of the area’s ancient landmarks in Polonnaruwa. There are plenty of temples, tombs and stupas to discover, as well as the spectacular Quadrangle. Today you also sit down to enjoy high tea in Dambulla. Later in the afternoon, head back to Sigiriya where you can have an optional ayurvedic massage. (B)

Day 5: Kandy
Make the short drive to Dambulla Caves Temple this morning and explore this magnificent cave complex. The World Heritage-listed monastery has been a pilgrimage site for 22 centuries and for good reason. In the afternoon, venture out in your private vehicle to Kandy. You’ll also visit a spice garden in Matale on the way. (B)

Day 6: Kandy
While this city is the second largest in the country and capital of the central hill regions, it’s very much a peaceful and attractive place. In the morning, take a guided tour of the Royal Botanical Garden with a botanist. These gardens are world class, and the largest botanical gardens in the country. As well as 300 species of orchids, there are a number of bird species in the park, including the Yellow Fronted Barbet, Layards Parakeet, Sri Lankan Hanging Parrot and Brown Capped Babbler. Next, pay a visit to the gem museum and lapidary in Kandy. Finally, in the evening, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa). Located in the heart of town, this is the most important shrine in the country, housing a relic of a tooth of Buddha taken from his funeral pyre. (B)

Day 7: Haputale
Say farewell to Kandy after breakfast and take the scenic train ride to Haputale. Perched on a mountain ridge overlooking lush green countryside, this town offers many a photo opportunity. On arrival, check in to your accommodation and head out to explore your surrounds, or simply soak up the views from the swimming pool and pristine lawns at your resort. (B)

Day 8: Hapatule
Venture out this morning after breakfast and walk to a nearby tea plantation and factory. In the afternoon, you’ll sit down for lunch at a local planter’s bungalow, before having the rest of the day free to relax. (B, L)

Day 9: Tissamaharama – Yala National Park
Transfer to Tissamaharama (known colloquially as Tissa). On the way there, make a stop at a beautiful small town in the highlands, Ella. Here, visit Ella Gap which offers beautiful vistas out across the plains. In the evening, head to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife reserve. Here you board a 4×4 and embark on a safari. There’s a good chance of spotting crocodiles, elephants, monkeys and buffaloes. When it’s all over, retire to your resort to relax and unwind. (B)

Day 10: Tissamaharama – Yala National Park
Today you will enjoy another safari in Yala National Park. Perhaps take the chance to do some birdwatching; Yala is home to some 215 bird species, including the Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Painted Stork and Crimson-fronted Barbet. If Yala is closed today, the group will visit Veheragala National Park instead. (B)

Day 11: Galle
Take an optional visit Kataragama Temple in the morning to see the shrine that’s dedicated to Kataragama Deviyo (resident god). Later we will transfer to Galle, a beautiful seaside town near Sri Lanka’s southermost tip. Settle into your heritage stay, and perhaps stretch your legs with a stroll around a town considered the best preserved colonial town in Sri Lanka. At its core is a Dutch-built fort surrounded on three sides by the ocean but there’s a trove of ancient mosques and churches, museums, boutiques and more. Between the months of November to April, whale watching is also a possibility in this area. If you have time in the day, pay a visit to the Handunugoda white tea plantation for a lesson in history and process. (B)

Day 12: Galle
The morning and afternoon are yours to explore this charming town. Wander through the newer parts of Galle to experience a slightly more hectic way of life that of the fort. In the evening you will take a guided walk through town. (B)

Day 13: Colombo
An afternoon transfer from Galle will leave enough time for you to take a guided tour of Sri Lanka’s capital city. A spicy mix of religions and cultures. Colombo is a busy and vibrant place with a laid-back ambience. After your walking tour head out for a final dinner with your group, or perhaps check out the city’s nightlife. (B)

Day 14: Colombo
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to stay on in Colombo, we can help arrange additional accommodation for you on request. Why not soak up all that Colombo has to offer on an immersive one-day Urban Adventure tour? Visit www.urbanadventues.com for more details. (B)

Inclusions:

Meals: 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport: Auto-rickshaw,Private Vehicle,Safari Vehicle,Taxi,Train

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel (8 nights),Heritage Stay (2 nights),Spa Resort Feature Stay in Sigiriya (3 night)

Images courtesy of IntrepidGroup

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