Your Sri Lanka adventure begins with a journey north to the country's cultural capital, a region that is peppered with intriguing and lesser-visited ancient monuments. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa is an archaeological delight with its temples and tombs, statues, and stupas. Climb Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress that rises dramatically from the central plains and explore the Dambulla Cave Temple, a beautiful royal rock temple that contains over 150 Buddha statues. Travel south towards Tea Country and make a stop en route in Kandy, a bustling city where you can pay a visit the Temple of the Tooth, which claims to house the relic of the tooth of the Lord Buddha. Board a train south on a scenic journey past cascades of water and rolling plantations to Tea country, a mist-wrapped land of emerald peaks and spectacular waterfalls. Here you will spend a relaxing few days amidst stunning scenery with wonderful opportunities for hiking and cycling, before travelling on to your final destination on the wild south coast. Spend three nights in a delightful boutique hotel of just ten sea-facing rooms, set on a blissful beach and known for its crimson sunsets.
ESSENTIAL SRI LANKA
HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore lesser-known and hidden temples, sacred Buddhist sites and Hindu shrines in the cultural north.
- Climb Sigiriya Rock to the flat-topped summit for unforgettable views, and the opportunity to explore ruins of an ancient civilisation.
- Take the scenic train journey past waterfalls and lush plantations towards Tea Country.
- Cycle through the hills of Tea Country and stop for a picnic with memorable plantation views as far as the eye can see.
- Take refreshing swims in the Indian Ocean and dine on mouth-watering Sri Lankan cuisine on the south coast.
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive Colombo
Arrive in Colombo from your international flight and transfer north to Sigiriya in a private vehicle, with a journey time of just over four hours. Check-in to Vil Uyana, located in a charming ancient village surrounded by paddy fields and reed beds. The property sits within a private nature reserve where paddy fields are harvested seasonally, and where the Gray Slender Loris now call home. Around the grounds there are over 35 species of butterfly, 20 species of mammal and 100 species of bird that are sure to capture your attention as you take a leisurely stroll. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy these beautiful surroundings and recover from your journey.
Overnight: Jetwing Vil Uyana
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Day 2 The Cultural North
Rise early for a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast before transferring to Sigiriya, also known as the Lion Rock. The fifth-century fortress sits atop the 650 feet high, 'souffle-shaped' rock and every one of the 1,200 steps is worth climbing. As you ascend you will pass frescoes of harem beauties, a mirror rock so polished you can see your own reflection in it and a gate that represents the jaws of the Lion. Reaching the top you are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding ruins, forests and the central Sri Lankan plains beyond. After a local lunch, continue to Polonnaruwa's well-preserved 12th-century ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These vestiges of an ancient city bear testimony to the achievements of the Kingdom's first rulers, and visitors can marvel at the towering statues of standing and sleeping Buddhas. Return to your hotel this afternoon for the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Jetwing Vil Uyana
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Day 3 At Leisure in the Cultural North
Spend a day at Vil Uyana and do as much or as little as you please. If you wish to venture out, your private chauffeur-guide will be on hand all day and could drive you to the nearby monastery of Pidurangala, or further afield to explore the ancient capital of Anuradhapura. Alternatively you could take advantage of the wealth of wildlife and bird watching activities on offer at your hotel. This evening, enjoy a complimentary dinner at the Apsara, the lakeside restaurant that serves delicious local cuisine.
Option. Visit neighbouring Minneriya National Park to see 'The Gathering', a truly astonishing wildlife phenomenon where hundreds of elephants can congregate in a single location within the park.
Overnight: Jetwing Vil Uyana
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Day 4 Travel to Kandy
Bid farewell to the north and continue on towards the buzzing and vibrant city of Kandy. This city is the capital of the central region and best known for sacred Buddhist sites including the Temple of the Tooth, and the incredible Perahera Festival which takes place annually towards the end of June. This afternoon enjoy a private tour of some of the city's most significant sites, including the Temple of the Tooth within the Royal Palace complex. It is here where monks conduct daily rituals and, on Wednesdays, there is a symbolic bathing of the sacred relic with a herbal preparation made from scented water and fragrant flowers. The holy water is believed to contain healing powers and it is usually distributed amongst those who are visiting. After your tour you will continue on to the Kings Pavilion hotel, cocooned within misty mountains and verdant forest lands. The rest of the day is free for you relax and perhaps cool down in the refreshing swimming pool.
Overnight: Kings Pavilion
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Day 5 Train to Tea Country
After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and be driven to the station to embark on one of Sri Lanka's most scenic train journeys. The dramatic landscapes of the highlands take you past lush tea plantations, majestic peaks, and gushing waterfalls. The railway dates to 1864 and you will be seated in the observation car, which is a little rustic but a truly authentic experience that will allow you to connect with local people. On arrival in Hatton, your chauffeur-guide will meet you on the platform with your luggage and transfer you the rest of the way by road to Camellia Hills, a contemporary interpretation of a traditional tea bungalow with spectacular views. Inside there is a roaring fire in the evening when the temperature drops, shelves filled with books and woollen blankets on offer for when delicious dinners are taken on the open-sided terrace.
Overnight: Camellia Hills
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Day 6 Tea Factory Tour and Cycling in the Plantations
Camellia Hills is surrounded by acres of verdant tea bushes that have been flourishing close by for nearly a century. The region is also home to some of the island's finest teas. After breakfast you will join one of the tea factory managers who will show you the fascinating tea making process which includes bringing the leaves in from the plantation, and the drying and rolling process before the leaves are fired and sorted into fragrant particles that range in size. Continue to one of the factories in this region that are icons of the Hill Country; vast, atmospheric, and filled with heavy machinery, some dating back over a hundred years with multi-windowed warehouses where the magic process of tea production happens. After your factory tour, return to Camellia Hills to collect your bicycles and enjoy an afternoon riding around the plantations with a private guide, stopping for a scenic picnic lunch. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Camellia Hills
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Day 7 Travel to the South Coast
Checkout of your hotel and re-join your chauffeur-guide for the journey towards the south coast, which will take around five hours. Your driver will only be too delighted to make stops en route for you to stretch your legs or perhaps to grab a bite to eat. On arrival in Balapitiya, check in to Kumu Beach, a gorgeous boutique hotel with a dramatic Indian Ocean backdrop. With just ten rooms, Kumu Beach is a wonderfully peaceful haven. The furnishings are simple yet stylish with colour-splashed batik, copper sculptures and calm, airy open spaces. Enjoy fresh contemporary cuisine, all-day dining, freshly-caught delicious Barramundi, fusion dishes and a local speciality of milk tea panna cotta.
Overnight: Kumu Beach
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Day 8 - 9 At Leisure on the South Coast
Enjoy two full days to relax at Kumu Beach. If you find yourself getting restless you could ascend the rocks for incredible sunsets, shop at Ambalangoda, a local centre for arts and crafts, or perhaps take a boat trip to explore the wetlands. Galle is also just under an hour away by car and its 17th-century fort and enchanting colonial streets make it well worth a visit.
Option. This region of Sri Lanka is a prime spot for whale watching, so a sailing trip out on the water is a fantastic opportunity to catch sightings of blue whales, sperm whales and possibly even a Humpback.
Overnight: Kumu Beach
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Day 10 Depart
At the appropriate time, you will be transferred by road back to Colombo Airport to check-in for your flight home.
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Depart
GUIDELINE PRICE Per Person:
| Low | $ 4,081 |
| Mid | $ 4,802 |
| High | $ 6,556 |
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
- Daily breakfast throughout, with all meals at Camellia Hills and one complimentary dinner at Vil Uyana. Private chauffeur-guide and an air-conditioned vehicle.
- All sightseeing, entrance fees and guide services as detailed in the itinerary.
EXTRAS
- International flights
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
BOOKING NOTES
- Prices are per person based on two people sharing a room.
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REASONS TO BOOK
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