Splendours of Sri Lanka

Fly overnight from London Heathrow to Colombo.

On arrival, transfer to the city centre; located on the west of the island, the capital is known for its cosmopolitan feel and colonial-era architecture. Check in to the 4-star Courtyard by Marriott Colombo for an overnight stay, and meet fellow guests at a welcome dinner.
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After breakfast, embark on a walking tour of Colombo to learn more about its origins as a trading post for the Portuguese, Dutch and British. Much of the city’s colonial heritage can still be seen today around the historic Colombo Fort district and the Pettah neighbourhood, whose lively market fills the labyrinthine streets. Explore the highlights with your guide, who’ll show you the best places to try traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. Afterwards, travel to Chilaw, a charming coastal city known for its picturesque beaches and mangrove-fringed lagoon. Overnight at the 4-star Anantaya Resort and Spa Chilaw.
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Travel from Chilaw to the Sacred City of Anuradhapura today. The first kingdom of Sri Lanka, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a royal capital for more than 100 kings, across hundreds of years. Explore its smattering of 4th-century BC Buddhist ruins, and pay a visit to Sri Maha Bodhi, said to be a sapling of the ancient fig tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment in India. Afterwards, transfer to Sigiriya for a three-night stay at the 4-star Sigiriya Jungles – a luxury hotel surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the iconic, namesake rock fortress.
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Early in the morning, visit the famous UNESCO site of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, towering nearly 600ft high. The capital of the Sinhalese kingdom in the 5th century, the rock was home to an elaborate royal palace that was accessed through the mouth of a huge carved lion. Climb the steps to reach the top of the rock and explore the ruins, including its well-preserved frescoes, before travelling on to either Minneriya National Park or Kaudulla National Park. From here, embark on a memorable jeep safari to witness ‘The Gathering’ – this spectacular sight sees hundreds of elephants flock to graze on the banks in dry season, marking the largest Asian elephant gathering in the world.
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Visit the ancient, UNESCO-listed city of Polonnaruwa this morning, for a further glimpse into the country’s elaborate royal history. The second-most ancient kingdom in the country, this once-flourishing empire was the capital of Sri Lanka between the 11th and 13th centuries and is today scattered with temples, shrines and other archaeological treasures. Highlights include the well-preserved Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu, where lion sculptures guard the stairs and stone elephants line the walls; and the 2,500-hectare Parakrama Samudra reservoir, considered one of the greatest irrigation feats of its time and still used today. Enjoy an authentic lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to Sigiriya.
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Travel to Kandy today. Considered Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, this picturesque city sits amid lush emerald hills and was the last royal capital of the country. On the way, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Dambulla Cave Temple, whose cluster of rock-cut cave temples, perched on a granite outcrop, have been a place of Buddhist worship for more than 2,000 years. Afterwards, travel further south to Matale for a Sri Lankan curry cooking class and enjoy lunch at the serene Spice Garden. In the afternoon, visit a tea factory in the village of Giragama for a glimpse into rural life. Stay at the 4-star Golden Crown Hotel for two nights.
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This morning, visit Sri Lanka’s most revered site – the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, built in the 16th century to house the relic of a tooth of the Buddha. Overlooking the scenic Kandy Lake, this iconic temple brings pilgrims flocking daily, and during puja – when worshippers give prayers and offerings – visitors can see the inner shrine where the relic is kept. After you’ve explored the complex, visit the suburb of Peradeniya to explore the picturesque Royal Botanic Gardens, the oldest formal gardens in the country. In the evening, enjoy a cultural show featuring live drummers, fire dancers and other local performers.
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Take a scenic train journey to Nanu Oya and along the way, admire verdant tea plantations, cascading waterfalls and quaint villages. Afterwards, visit the picturesque Gregory Lake nestled at the bottom of lush green hills and constructed by a British Governor named Sir William Gregory in 1873. Later, travel to Nuwara Eliya, an idyllic mountain town set in the lush central highlands that’s known as “Little England” for its colonial-era architecture and English-style cottages and transfer to the elegant 4-star Grand Hotel for an afternoon interlude for High Tea and two-night stay.
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Enjoy a free day to relax and explore at leisure, or join an optional tour to the breathtaking Horton Plains. This UNESCO-listed national park is set on a plateau nearly 7,000ft above sea level, with misty valleys, forests and grasslands scattering the landscape. Visit World’s End, a dramatic cliff towering nearly 3,000ft, to see panoramic views over the surrounding highlands and tea plantations (pre-bookable, £90 per person).
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After breakfast, head to Yala National Park, the country’s second-biggest national park, located on the island’s southeast coast. En route, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the scenic mountain town of Ella. On arrival, check in to the 4-star Jetwing Yala for two nights, a picturesque beachfront retreat set just outside the park with tumbling sand dunes and the Indian Ocean on the doorstep.
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Relax at leisure this morning, before venturing out on an exciting game drive through Yala National Park in the afternoon. This vast expanse of forest, lagoons, scrubland and coastal plains boasts one of the largest leopard populations in the world; keep your eyes peeled for these elusive creatures, alongside elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and wild boars, plus a vast array of birdlife.
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Travel to the historic coastal fort city of Galle today. Along the way, stop at the Koggala Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Project to learn about mangroves and get a glimpse into the project’s unique planting methods. Head out on a boat to explore the mangroves, and sample local snacks back at the farm. On arrival in Galle, visit the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort – the walled city centre, known for its Dutch colonial architecture and home to cafes, boutiques and galleries lining cobbled streets. Visit the Dutch Reformed Church, Galle Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, before checking in to your hotel. Overnight at the 4-star Le Grand Galle.
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Head to Bentota and stay in this charming beach town, set on the cerulean shores of the Indian Ocean. Windsurfing, diving and snorkelling are all on offer here, while the nearby Bentota River offers riverboat safaris through the mangroves, with excellent bird-watching opportunities. Stay at the 5-star Occidental Eden Beruwala, set by the beach with idyllic sea views, for two nights.
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Enjoy another day in Bentota today; relax by the pool, embark on a riverboat trip or head to the beach as you make the most of your final day in this captivating country.
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Transfer to Colombo airport for your return flight to London Heathrow.
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