A 14-day cultural and historical tour of the country, exploring the natural wonders of the hills and coast.
Highlights include:
- Leopard safari in Wilpattu National Park
- Anuradhapura ruined city
- The ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya and the Dambulla Cave Temple
- Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth
- Tea plantations and colonial splendour
- Bentota’s beaches
Day 1
Colombo Arrival (CMB) – Transfer to Kotugoda (15 mins)
Upon your arrival, escorts will be waiting to take you to your transfer vehicle to Kotugoda.
Check into your hotel.
Rest of the day to unwind and ease away the jetlag at The Wallawwa.
Accommodation: The Wallawwa
The Wallawwa is not your typical Colombo airport hotel. Set in 200-year-old tropical gardens just 15 minutes’ drive from Sri Lanka’s main international gateway, this award-winning 18-bedroom country house hotel with gourmet food, jungle pool and heavenly spa, carved out of an atmospheric 18th century manor house, exudes style and serenity. As an alternative to hotels in Negombo, The Wallawwa promises to start your Sri Lankan holiday in style.
Day 2
Kotugoda to Anuradhapura
Breakfast at Hotel in Kotugoda. Transfer from Kotugoda to Anuradhapura (4 hours). Arrival and check into your hotel.
Visit the Ancient ruins in Anuradhapura. This was the first chronicled capital of ancient Ceylon, and is situated in the dry zone. It is one of Sri Lanka’s premier ancient cities. Attractions: the sacred Bo Tree, temples, Brazen Place, Samadhi Buddha, Kuttam Pokuna, and Mihintale (12 kilometers from Anuradhapura) – a mountain dotted with shrines and dwellings with a grand stairway of 1,840 steps made of granite slabs that leads to a summit with a splendid view of the countryside.
Among the ruins of Anuradhapura is the Ruwanvaliseya Temple, situated in the Mahamega Gardens. Built in the second century B.C by King Dutugamunu, it is 100 metres tall, 77 metres wide, 300 ft in diameter. Originally, the stupa was designed in a “bubble” shape, but sadly, different restorations have changed its unique shape over time. The Great Stupa cost the king 6.4 million coins in wages. Construction commenced on a full-moon day in May 144 B.C. The foundation was made of butter-clay, imported from India, which was used as cement. Four small stupas are to be seen in the four corners in order to give more respect. Entering the stupa, you come across a sand courtyard from which rises the Elephant wall. Walking around the stupa, you see a life-sized statue of a king, believed to be King Dutugamunu. During the construction of the temple, King Dutugamunu became fatally ill and sent for his younger brother Saddhatissa to complete his work.
Return to your hotel.
Accommodation: Uga Ulagalla Resort
Within the 58-acre grounds are fantastic views at every turn: neat, unfeasibly green paddy fields, sparkling reservoirs and untamed scrubland. Couples and honeymooners will revel in this secluded, natural setting. But the real joy is the huge, luxurious villas, each in their own scenic cocoon of nature, filled with bird and animal life. This is no bird spotter’s hideout, however, as interiors resemble a high design apartment complete with glass-walled panoramic views. Your tasteful bedroom is the height of comfort and pared-down luxury, and the cherry on the cake is the deep blue plunge pool bedecked by a chic double lounger. And there’s no need to worry about your eco impact – Ulagalla has created the largest solar farm in Sri Lanka, walls are made from recycled rice paddy, and there’s an organic edible garden with over 40 varieties.
Day 3
Wilpattu National Park
Breakfast at hotel in Anuradhapura.
Safari at the Wilpattu National Park – see leopard, deer, boar and numerous birds in the park.
Return to your hotel to spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Uga Ulagalla Resort
Day 4
Ancient cities – transfer to Sigiriya
Breakfast at hotel in Anuradhapura. Transfer from Anuradhapura to Sigiriya (2 hours). En route visit Polonnaruwa.
Polonnaruwa is a city of ruins that displays the influences of both Indian and Sinhalese cultures. See the world-famous Polonnaruwa Gal Viharaya, consisting of three huge stone monoliths of the Lord Buddha, in sitting, standing and reclining positions. Make sure to visit the most famous attractions in the city: the Vatadageya, Sathmahal Prasadaya, Rajasaba Mandapaya, Nisshanka Latha Mandapaya, Parakrama Samudra.
Continue on to your hotel in Sigiriya.
Relax at the hotel.
Accommodation: The Water Gardens
The Water Gardens Sigiriya is where luxury meets nature, surrounded by lakes & water streams. The breathtakingly beautiful Sigiriya hotel boasts a modern-day water-harvesting design, revisiting the 2,000 year old water garden on Sigiriya Rock. Located just 6 km away from the historic Sigiriya Rock, it is also within close range of Dambulla and other ancient cities in the Cultural Triangle. The villas at Water Gardens Sigiriya are set amongst an expansive property and its perfectly articulated landscape. Flanked by winding tributaries and veiled by the abundant flora, the 30 immaculately appointed villas combine chic, spacious interiors, secret gardens and exclusive private plunge pools. Choose from a range of villa options, all of which come retrofitted with essential amenities and a plethora of other features, designed to ensure your stay at one of the foremost luxury hotels in Sri Lanka is nothing less than exceptional.
Day 5
Sigiriya
Early in the morning at 6:30am, you have the chance to climb the famous Sigiriya Rock fortress (with a packed breakfast snack). Considered the 8th wonder of the world, Sigiriya was built in 5th century AD by patricide King Kasyappa and boasts the world-famous frescoes of women carved on sheer rock face. Climb the rock fortress and marvel at the feats of architecture achieved in the moats, the lions paw and finally at the summit of the rock, where the palace was situated. King Kasyappa had 500 handmaidens living in this palace.
Return to the hotel for a late breakfast.
Accommodation: The Water Gardens
Day 6
Sigiriya to Kandy
Breakfast at hotel in Sigiriya.
After breakfast, you will be collected and driven up into the hills and tea-growing areas which surround Kandy. En route, you will have the chance to see the Dambulla cave temples. Dambulla, the centre point of Sri Lanka, is a town built around a vast isolated 500 ft rock mass, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was here that King Valagambahu took refuge in the 1st century B.C. The view from the top of this rock is breathtaking. 350 ft. above are a series of five caves, which were later turned into a magnificent rock temple by King Valagambahu. In the first cave is a recumbent image of the Buddha, 47 ft long, cut out from the rock. There are images of deities associated with Buddhism. The frescoes on the walls and ceiling could be dated to the 15th – 18th centuries. In the second cave, the finest and the largest, there are no less than 150 life-sized statues of gods. There are numerous images of the Buddha as well. The ceiling too is covered with frescoes which depict great events in the life of the Buddha, and landmarks in the history of the Sinhala People.
Continue on your journey to Kandy. En route visit a wood carving factory & a Batik factory.
The drive will take approximately 3 hours, and the road to Kandy is beautiful, as you eventually begin the climb up to the delightful hill station. Girdled by hills, Kandy is a peaceful haven to retire to and enjoy the cool of the climate. At an altitude of 500m, it’s the cultural center of Sri Lanka and was the capital of the last Singhalese kingdom. Come to see the vast lake and Kandy’s main attraction: the Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. Brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century. A.D., the sacred relic has ever since been the symbol of sovereignty for its rulers and is always enshrined in great splendour. The Dalada Maligawa is a magnificent shrine, with decorative walls, moat, turrets, golden roof and fine woodwork. Three religious services (pooja) held daily at dawn, midday and in the evening, accompanied by traditional music can be viewed by visitors. There is also the chance to see a colourful Kandyan dance performance.
Accommodation: Villa Rosa
You’re on top of a mountain here, with lush views over forested hills and the Mahaweli river snaking through the valley below. Villa Rosa has a slightly Moorish feel, with myriad tiled roofs cascading down on each other and big, fat tropical leaves climbing up to meet them. There is a sense of peace, with doorways that frame views and windows that gorge on mountain-top light. Inside, all is bright and airy with creamy walls, wooden floors, cushioned sofas and the odd roof open to the rafters. After a long day sightseeing in Kandy, head out to the terrace for a sundowner or pop over to a nearby hotel and fall into the pool.
Day 7
Kandy
Breakfast at hotel.
More sightseeing of Kandy including a visit to the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens.
The Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens is the largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka and the finest of its kind in Asia. During WWII the gardens were the headquarters of the allied command for the Pacific. It’s a leisurely walk in a circular fashion, and you can do this independently or with a resident botanist. Wear a cap and plenty of sunscreen, and take a bottle of water with you.
Return to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Villa Rosa
Day 8
Kandy to Hatton
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Kandy (3 hours).
Arrival and sightseeing of this beautiful tea-growing vicinity.
Proceed to your accommodation at the Tea Trails Bungalows.
Accommodation: Ceylon Tea Trails
Ceylon Tea Trails comprises five restored historic tea planter residences, called bungalows, perched at an altitude of 1250 meters in Sri Lanka’s panoramic Ceylon tea region. The 27 rooms & suites with period furnishings, gracious butler service, and gourmet cuisine create an ambiance that has made Tea Trails the gold standard for luxury in Sri Lanka. Each bungalow is unique and offers guests the non-hotel, private-house ambiance that is the hallmark of the award-winning Tea Trails experience. Follow the Tea Trail from one bungalow to the next, staying a night or two at each, or just laze in one. This is the ideal setting for trekking and biking against the breathtaking backdrop of mountains, lakes, winding roads and waterfalls. If you prefer to unwind, observe life on a working tea estate while being pampered by your butler, enjoy a spa treatment, croquet on the lawn or sunbathe alongside the pool. Or explore the lush tea fields & visit a century-old factory for a gentle education in the art of Ceylon Tea. Included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon cream tea, dinner, beverages including spirits & wines. Laundry, Tea Experience tour.
Day 9
Hatton
Breakfast at Ceylon Tea Trails.
Relax and unwind at your bungalow or explore as instinct guides you!
The complementary guided tour of Dilmah Tea’s Dunkeld Tea Factory is the quintessential tea experience in Sri Lanka. Other experiences are carefully curated to offer an authentic and intimate journey into the heart, soul, history, and gastronomy of this magical island. There are holistic wellness activities, plus a selection of engaging activities for families too.
Dinner and overnight at the Ceylon Tea Trails luxury bungalows.
Accommodation: Ceylon Tea Trails
Day 10
Hatton to Ella
Breakfast at Tea Trails.
Transfer to Ella (3.5 hours).
Sightseeing of some picturesque and beautiful waterfalls en route.
Check into your hotel and have some time to relax. Visit the 9 Arches Bridge, Ella Gap and Little Adam’s Peak (time permitting).
Accommodation: Nine Skies (Ella)
Promising far-reaching hill country views, this stylishly refurbished five-bedroom tea bungalow hotel is majestically perched on a tea-fringed hill near Ella. Dating back to the colonial era, the bungalow epitomises its legacy yet indulges guests with contemporary facilities and high-end personalised service. Be pampered by the butlers, feast on gourmet food, and dip into a garden pool with stunning views across the valley and famous Demodera Loop.
Day 11
Ella to Bentota via Galle Fort
Breakfast at hotel in Ella.
Transfer to the glorious beaches of Bentota on Sri Lanka’s south-west coast belt, with en route sightseeing of Galle.
Ella to Galle (4 hours). Sightseeing of the Galle fort and town.
Galle was once a prominent seaport long before Western rule in the country. Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Malays and Indians all made their way into Galle throughout centuries past, but ‘modern’ Galle began in 1505, when the first Portuguese ship, under Lourenco De Almeida, was driven there by a storm. 135 years later, the Dutch invaded, and finally, the British arrived in 1796, who preserved the Fort unchanged. Today Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site, brimming with restaurants, cafes, antique and fabric shops.
Galle to Bentota (1 hour).
Drop off at hotel in Bentota, further up the southwest coast. Enjoy at your leisure!
Accommodation: The Villa Bentota by KK Collection
The Villa Bentota is a unique and private beachside hotel, set on 2 acres of land and housed in the ‘Mohotti Walauwa’. It is notably Sri Lanka’s first boutique hotel, converted in the 1970s by world-renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. Offering 15 individually designed rooms and suites with all modern amenities and services, the original villa was refurbished and extended with incredible sensitivity to the original design by Udayshanth Fernando in 2007.
Days 12-13
Bentota
Breakfast at hotel in Bentota.
Spend the day at leisure on the gorgeous beaches.
Accommodation: The Villa Bentota by KK Collection
Day 14
Bentota – Colombo Airport
Breakfast at hotel in Bentota.
Leave for Colombo Airport to connect to your flight home.
- Currency Exchange/Credit Cards – The local currency is Sri Lankan rupees (Rs.) and currency can be exchanged at bank counters in the arrival lounge. There are many certified money changers and banks throughout the country for currency exchange as well. All major credit cards are usually accepted at larger hotels, shops and restaurants.
- General Behavior – Sri Lanka is generally a very conservative country so be respectful towards the culture and different religions. You are required to dress appropriately (covering all parts of your body) when visiting sacred places like temples/shrines or any place of worship.
- Climate/Clothing – Most parts of the island get pretty hot and humid so you will mostly need light cotton clothing and comfortable shoes for walking/trekking. The hill country can get a little chilly at night so you will also need a light sweater for your stay there.
- Electricity – Electricity runs at 230–240V. Round, three-pin sockets are the norm, though you’ll also sometimes find square three-pin sockets, especially in more upmarket hotels. Adaptors are cheap and widely available.
- Health – Bring your bug spray and sun cream. You can get them at supermarkets and pharmacies locally but it’s best to bring your own if you are comfortable with certain brands.
- Festivals/Public Holidays – Sri Lanka is a land of many festivals and celebrations. You can find out the festivals taking place before your arrival into the country. Sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited on all Poya (full moon) days and religious festivals.
- Tipping – Tipping your chauffer guide is at your discretion. If you are happy with your chauffer guide’s service and would like to tip him, we recommend a starting tip of USD$10 per day.
- Hotel Rules & Regulations – Check in typically at 2pm. Check out typically at 12pm.