Palm fringed Sri Lanka

A warm welcome to Sri Lanka

Your local, English-speaking guide will greet you at the arrivals hall and assist you to your private air-conditioned vehicle. Feel free to exchange any currency (banks are open 24/7) before departing the airport and then you will make your way to Negombo (30-minute drive), where you will settle in and get ready for your Sri Lankan adventure.  

On your first morning, you will journey to Sigiriya (3.5-hours' drive) where you will have chance to relax and settle before taking in the stunning surroundings. That evening you will visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, also referred to as The Gold Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site). This spot is said to be at the heart of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, as it encloses some of the world’s most captivating ancient sites and cities – including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya. The Dambulla Cave Temple is one of the largest and most impressive in South Asia, in-fact, of the 157 Buddha statues found in the five grottos, 73 were gold plated at the request of King Nissanka Malla, a 12th-century monarch.

The cave walls bear some of Sri Lankas most sacred Buddhist murals and art, which has been gazed upon for nearly 22 centuries by pilgrimage visitors. The spectacular setting for the Temple is on a truly unique rock formation which overlooks the scenic plains of Kurunegala, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Ritigala mountain range. A culturally enriching and immersive first visit on your Sri Lankan adventure.  

After breakfast, the third day will see your tour take you to Polonnaruwa (1-hour drive) to explore the UNESCO sites with your very own chauffeur. If you wish to extend your experience, there is an optional (complimentary) 1-hour cycling expedition available, just let your tour guide know and they can arrange this for you on the day.  

Polonnaruwa is one of Sri Lanka’s two great ruined cities to visit, along with Anuradhapura which blends rich culture and religion – it’s a site that attracts many visitors for its archaeological properties. The differences between the two UNESCO world heritage sites allow for each to be uniquely admired. The ruins at Polonnaruwa cover a smaller area though are better preserved and offer a more striking insight into its ancient Sinhalese past with spectacles of unrivalled artistry at the Quadrangle and the Gal Vihara. Polonnaruwa is steeped with history, peaking in prominence with King Parakramabahu the Great, though today it is also famed for its archaeological sites and its ancient reservoir system. The reservoir known as, Parakrama Samudra (Sea of Parakrama) is the very best example of advanced irrigation engineering and construction used in ancient times and is even remains operational today.  

If you fancy your first encounter with Sri Lankan wildlife, then that evening you will love visiting the Minneriya/Kaudulla National Park to witness the largest Elephant gathering in all of Asia. This once in a lifetime experience can also provide some rest bite with a change of pace and scenery from visiting the ancient sites - simply watch and soak up this natural wonder. The Minneriya forms a crucial part of the Elephant corridor that joins up with Kaudulla and Wasgomuwa National Parks, providing access to food, water and bathing areas when the summer conditions become too dry and the lakes retreat. The National parks are of course home to many other species of wildlife including Leopards, sloth bears, sambars, spotted deer’s, Macaques and purple-faced langur monkeys. Not to mention the parks also boast an enormous variety of bird life.

Today’s the day you set out for the empowering climb up Sigiriya rock fortress, an ancient palace which sits upon a granite outcrop. An 8th wonder of the world to locals and an official UNESCO world heritage site, Sigiriya dates all the way back to the 5th century and is arguably Sri Lankas most extraordinary locations.  

This site was once the medieval capital ruled by Kashyapa for 18 years, credited with transforming the surroundings into his vision of beauty. Included were 500 immortal frescoes representing celestial maidens, though only 19 remain today. The city is constructed with an extensive set of laid out gardens, reservoirs and other unique structures. To reach the very top can be a challenge, but once at the 200m peak, the views are magnificent and awe-inspiring. You will then proceed to the major town of Matale, an area famous for its Spice Gardens (2-hours' drive). Feel free to ask your English-speaking guide for lunch recommendations en route. Spices pervade the air of the broad and fertile valley with Tea and rubber plantations thriving here interspersed with dozens of spice plantations. Some of the world’s most popular spices are found here including Cinnamon, pepper, vanilla, cinchona, cocoa and cardamom, a treat for the senses as you wonder.  

Visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage en route. 

Here is home to the world's largest troupe of captive pachyderms, ranging from new-borns to elderly matriarchs, and include abandoned elephants, as well as those injured in the wild. Twice daily, the elephants are driven to the Ma Oya River for a leisurely bath but its best to coincide your visit with feeding time. This allows you to watch the orphaned youngsters guzzle enormous quantities of milk from oversized baby bottles is one of the cutest sights you will ever see. Feeding times are 09:15 am, 13:15 pm and 17:15 pm. 

Finish your day by arriving at Kandy, settle in and unwind from your adventure.

Take some time for yourself and have a relaxing morning, you decide how to start your day. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the Kandy market and arrive at the Temple of Tooth in time for Poojah, a cultural show. Kandy is the most scenic of the ancient Sri Lankan cities, locally referred to as “Nuwara” meaning The Great City, making it well worth it’s UNESCO status. Kandy is also the only city that directly borders a nature reserve – the Udawatte Kele, famous for its Bird populations.  

The Temple of Tooth is one of the most sacred and famous Buddhist sites in the world and took nearly 100 years to construct. The temple famously houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha and rituals which are performed daily at 04:30, 10:30 and 18:00. Within the temple complex is also a sacred square which contains four shrines of the Gods Vishnu, Natha, Kataragama and the Goddess Pattini and many historical buildings and museums.

Setting off after breakfast, you will head to Nuwara Eliya (3.5-hours’ drive) to visit the stunning Seetha Aman Temple and Seetha Eliya. Perched high up in the hills overlooking tea country on all sides, Nuwara Eliya is actually known as “Little England” due to the comparatively cooler climate, Victorian style homes, vast green gardens, and golf courses, though boasting a far more dramatic landscape. Not to mention its proximity to Sri Lankas tallest peak being only a short walk away. There are a number of hotels displaying colonial-era architecture and even a uniquely converted tea plantation named the Grand Hotel, making this a popular resort to visit.  

The climate in Nuwara Eliya is temperate though chilly to Sri Lankans with an average temperature of 15.9C and almost 2,000mm of rainfall each year, making it unsurprisingly attractive for some European settlers in the 19th century. The area is also a sacred place for Hindu pilgrims from around the world visit the Hanuman and Seetha Amman Temples based on the Ramayana epic of Rama & Seetha. When you are finished exploring this almost familiar setting, you can rest and unwind for the evening before the next day's adventure.  

Your 7th day comes with an optional (complimentary) detour to the nearby Horton Plains, Worlds End and Bakers Falls. However, it is recommended to have an early breakfast or take a packed breakfast. Visiting these locations provides a very contrasting experience to the other nature reserves of Sri Lanka, carrying on with yesterday's theme, these higher-altitude locations resemble the Scottish Moors. It’s unique and fragile ecosystem is a result of the cool wet climate that sweeps across the elevated landscape funnelling down into the Horton Plains, one of Sri Lankas key watersheds.  

Lucky visitors to this luscious landscape may even spot an elusive Leopard, of which only 45 are thought to live in the area, though there are also Sambar Deer and a variety of Monkey species to spot.  

The evening sees you head off to the tea estate and factory with your chauffeur guide for an exclusive trip to understand the processes that go into producing a cup of 'Pure Ceylon Tea'. Your experience will also include an introduction of tea to Sri Lanka and its journey since. 

Following on from breakfast, you can head to Galle (5.5 hours’ drive) for a serene and tranquil beach paradise, with a soundtrack of surf and meditative ocean rumblings. Soothe your soul on the sandy shores and soak up some Sri Lankan sun or read a book in the palm fringed shade. 

Spend the morning at your leisure or take on your own little excursion before heading to your chauffeur guided tour of the Galle Dutch fort in the afternoon. Galle (UNESCO World Heritage Site) has rose from its ruins and to prominence with its unique character and laid-back atmosphere to be Sri Lankas 5th largest city. At the heart of the city lies the Old Dutch Quarter, known as the Fort, where Dutch administrators’ and Servicemen and Women lived during their stay. The Fort is surrounded by city walls and the ramparts by the sea, making it a quieter part of Galle. Walking its streets however quickly takes you back in time with its well-preserved villas and open verandas facing the narrow streets, not to mention St. Mary’s Church and plenty more to see.  

A must when visiting is to stroll the lengthy ramparts overlooking the natural harbour and lighthouse at sunset. Visitors are welcomed into any of Galle’s restaurants after taking in its well-preserved townscape. Outside the Fort, Galle has a cricket stadium and a string of resort hotels along its coast; a favourite for visitors, has been the beautiful stretch at Unawatuna beach. 

For your final day of adventure, you will be journeying to Colombo via the scenic southern expressway (2.5-hours’ drive). Please don’t hesitate to ask your chauffeur to stop at the service station halfway to Colombo if you wish to do so. Along the way there is an optional stop (complimentary) at the Crafts Village to experience the intricate art of weaving delicate lace patterns and see the pottery wheels in fine action.  

Upon arrival to Colombo, you will have time to settle into the hotel before an evening stroll through the lively streets of Colombo with your chauffeur. Colombo is a dynamic city that has evolved to become the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, connected by a fine system of roads and railways to the North, South, East and hill country. The city's impressive commercial and cultural life grows apace with a heady mixture of modern bustle, colonial charm and modern progress defines its character. Shiny new office blocks rub shoulders with tumbledown local cafes and shops while serene Buddhist shrines and colonial churches stand with ornate, colourful Hindu temples - all evidence of a well versed and truly cosmopolitan city.