Sri Lanka – Chasing the Teardrop of the Indian Ocean

Sri Lanka, is an island nation lying off the southern tip of India, blessed with a myriad of UNESCO World Heritage sites, sandy beaches, misty mountains covered with tea plantations, wildlife reserves with a variety of bird life, elephants and leopards and a rich Buddhist culture. You can watch bare-chested men crack whips, boys on stilts juggle torches and crimson-robed elephants lumber along beside their bejeweled mahouts.

Highlight: The cooking demonstration and meal on the final night of the tour at Raffles Restaurant in Colombo.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Colombo
Upon arrival in Colombo, you will be met and presented with all onwards travel documentation. Your English -speaking chauffeur guide will be waiting to transfer you to Colombo. (45 minutes)

Day2: Colombo - Sigyriya (B,D)
After a relaxed morning check out of your hotel and transfer by road to Sigiriya, which is in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. The journey will take between 4-5 hours dependent on traffic. On arrival in Sigiriya check in to your hotel and relax

Day 3: Polonnaruwa and Minneriya National Park
This morning drive to Polonnaruwa (45 minutes drive), the famous medieval capital of Ceylon. After visiting Polonnaruwa museum, the morning is given over to an exploration of Polonnaruwa ancient city. Today, the ancient city’s ruins remain in remarkably good repair with its great ruins of palaces, treasuries, meeting halls and temples. Return to the hotel early afternoon.

Day 4: Sigirya – Kandy (B,D)
Travel to Kandy visiting Sigiriya Rock Fortress en route. Rising 200 meters up from the plains, Sigiriya Rock (or Lion Rock) was one of the most short-lived, yet fascinating citadels of ancient Sri Lanka. It is advisable to do the climb in the morning so that you avoid the final ascent in the midday sun. Then, proceed to Dambulla (approx 45 minutes) and visit the temple that consists of five magically lit caves which feature remarkable hand carved Buddha statues and colourful murals. All the hand carved rock temples are reached by a steep climb and via a white colonnaded walkway. At the bottom of the stairs is a 30 metre golden Buddha that was completed in 2000. Continue on to Kandy (approx 2 hours).

Day 5: Kandy (B,D)
After a leisurely morning your guide will take you to visit the beautiful Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya (approx 30 minutes) that were originally planted by the British, and are considered to have one of the most valuable collections of plants in the world. Continue on to the Pinawella Elephant Orphanage (approx 1 hour), which was started in 1975 by the Department of Wildlife on a twenty five acre coconut property on the Maha Oya River at Rambukkana. After lunch by the river, return to Kandy (approx 1 hour) where you can visit the various shops, otherwise take a walk by Kandy Lake. Early evening visit the famous Temple of the Tooth. The best time to visit the temple is during the evening puja that starts at 7pm. At this time the temple is beautifully lit with fairy lights and candles, and the sounds of chanting and drums reverberate around the prayer halls, as hundreds of pilgrims pass through to ask for blessings. Return to hotel for a late dinner.

Day 6: Kandy – Hatton (B,L,D)
Travel to Peradeniya where you will board the 8:30am train up into the tea country. The journey affords spectacular views of the rolling tea country. Subject to availability we will get you tickets in the 1st Class observation car for the best views. On arrival at 11:00am you will be met by your chauffeur guide and transferred to your accommodation. Here at an elevation of 4,000 feet above sea level, lies Ceylon Tea Trails, 4 classic colonial bungalows built for British tea estate managers in the days of the Raj. These historic houses have been restored to offer guests the unique experience of life on a working tea estate. Each house comes with its own manager, chef, butler and houseboys and from 4 to 6 luxurious rooms Staff are incredibly attentive and the cuisine here is first rate. The facilities are ideal for walking, swimming, cycling, trekking or tennis

Day 7: Hatton (B,L,D)
After breakfast is a guided tour of the tea estate with the head planter. The tour will be followed by a tea tasting tour. Spend the rest of the day relaxing in the peaceful surroundings of the bungalow. There are many walking trails that criss-cross the estate, or just walk from one bungalow to the next in time for either high tea or dinner?

Day 8: Hatton – Galle (B)
A 6 hour scenic drive the coastal town of Galle. This charming fort town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Sri Lanka’s most historically interesting towns, having being occupied by the Dutch, Portuguese and British. In 1663, the Dutch built the 36-hectare Fort, which is now a World Heritage site. The fort has a unique old world atmosphere that bears witness to its past through crumbling architecture, European street names and Dutch churches. The old colonial mansions, narrow streets, and ancient cars roaming the streets make Galle Fort a hauntingly beautiful place to escape into the past.

Day 9: Galle
Your guide will take you on a short walking tour of the fort today to introduce you to its history. The fort itself is small enough that it is easily explored by foot in a matter of a couple hours – whilst life outside its ancient walls is all bustle and traffic the pace of life inside the fort is sleepy and low key, apart from at weekend when locals travel from miles around to enjoy a walk on the ramparts and where families play cricket, fly kites and enjoy the ocean.

Day 10: Galle – Colombo
Proceed on the coastal road back to Colombo (3 hours). En route stop to visit the gardens of Bevis Bawa (Brief Gardens). Bevis was the brother of Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s foremost architect. These are tranquil gardens overlooking the Bentota River that feature a formal and ornamental garden, along with various sculptures and Bevis’ own house can also be explored. After your tour of the gardens have lunch at Club Villa (to be settled directly), before continuing on to Colombo. The car will be at your disposal for the remainder of the day so you may want to do a spot of last minute shopping.

This evening, you eat at the renowned Raffles Restaurant, owned and operated by veteran Chef Tony Bohora. Here you will taste and experience a gourmet Sri Lankan meal with touch of fusion. Tony Bohoran will take your through the nuances of Sri Lanka spices and food in an interesting cooking demonstration.

Later that night you are transferred to the airport for your flight.

Included
• Accommodation on twin-share basis
• Cost based on minimum of 2 pax travelling in a car.
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary –
• Trails will be all inclusive basis.
• Dinner on day 10.
• Transport in air-conditioned vehicle
• English speaking chauffeur guide for the entire tour.
• Entrance fees to all sites as per the itinerary.
• Jeep hire for safaris.
• All applicable taxes

Please contact your Concierge Traveller Advisor for prices more information.

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