Highlights of Sri Lanka

Fly overnight from London to Colombo.

On arrival, transfer to Habarana. Surrounded by lush scenery, this small, central Sri Lankan town is the gateway to the country’s Cultural Triangle. Check in to the 4-star Habarana Village by Cinnamon, where you’ll stay for three nights. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel, flanked by forest and set by a picturesque lake.

After breakfast, head to the iconic, UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Set atop a 600ft-rock, this fortress was the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom during the 5th-century. Climb the steps to see the remnants of the extravagant royal palace – including its intricate frescoes and the paws of a carved lion that once guarded the entrance – then wander the surrounding gardens for an alternative perspective of this awe-inspiring site.
(B)

Continue your cultural explorations with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa this morning. Sri Lanka’s secondmost ancient kingdom and the country’s capital between 1017 and 1235, this impressive complex is scattered with temples, palaces, shrines and other ancient remnants. Visit the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu to see its well-preserved walls and sculptures, and admire Gal Vihara, a giant Buddha statue carved into a slab of granite that dates back to the 12th-century. Also unmissable is the Parakrama Samudra reservoir (or Sea of Parakrama), which covers 2,500 hectares and is considered one of the greatest irrigation feats of its time.
(B)

Drive to Kandy today, stopping en route at the Dambulla Cave Temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose fascinating collection of cave temples, etched into the rock, date to the 3rd-century BC. Admire the cave’s intricate paintings before heading to a Spice Garden for a tour and Sri Lankan curry cooking demonstration with lunch. On arrival in Kandy, visit the Temple of the Tooth; Sri Lanka’s most sacred site, this iconic temple was built in the 16th-century to house the relic of a tooth of the Buddha. Visit during the thrice-daily puja – when worshippers bring prayers and offerings of frangipani and white lotus flowers – to see the inner shrine where the relic is kept. Overnight at 4-star Cinnamon Citadel in Kandy.
(B, L, D)

Take a scenic train journey today to reach Bandarawela, set in the heart of Sri Lanka’s central highlands. Pass lush tea plantations, tumbling hills and cascading waterfalls en route to this charming hill town, located 4,000ft above sea level and home to English-style cottages that hark back to its colonial past. Enjoy afternoon tea at the Orient Hotel, where you’ll stay overnight.
(B, D)

Head out to the nearby Lipton’s Seat early this morning to catch the surrounding hills, valleys and tea plantations bathed in gold at sunrise. This spectacular viewpoint is said to have been a favourite haunt of Sir Thomas Lipton – the Scottish tea magnate who played a key role in the development of Ceylon tea. Later on, travel (3hrs) to Udawalawe National Park whose sprawling landscapes are one of the country’s best places for spotting Asian elephants. Embark on a jeep safari as you explore these lush wilds, keeping an eye out for the park’s famous herds alongside leopards, deer, crocodiles and an array of birdlife. Overnight at the 4-star Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort.
(B, D)

Round off your trip with a visit to the historic coastal city of Galle. At its centre is Galle Fort; founded in the 16th-century by the Portuguese, this walled enclave houses cobbled streets lined with cafes, boutiques and art galleries, alongside colonial buildings including the Dutch Reformed Church and the Galle Lighthouse. Explore with a guide, before checking in to your hotel. Overnight at the 5-star Radisson Blu Resort Galle.
(B)

Transfer to Colombo airport this morning for your flight back to London.
(B)