The Very Best of Sri Lanka (Archived 2024/2025 Season)

On arrival we transfer to the iconic Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo, for our first two nights in Sri Lanka. This afternoon will be ours to spend at our leisure. Later, enjoy a welcome drink with our Tour Manager and fellow travellers, where we become better acquainted with our forthcoming adventures ahead.

Following breakfast, we take a sightseeing tour of Colombo, with its fascinating mix of cultures, religions and colonial influences. Visits this morning include the stately New and Old Parliament and Independence Square. We also visit the Pettah, a neighbourhood famed for open-air bazaars and markets, and the captivating architecture of Gangaramaya Temple. The remainder of our day is free to do as we please.

We travel inland to Habarana where, on arrival, we visit an inspiring school project, which was established using charitable donations, and engage with the local school children. Afterwards, we travel to the Cinnamon Lodge Hotel, our home for the next three nights. Our fabulous hotel is surrounded by over 2,000 trees that provide a home to serpent eagles, kingfishers and monkeys.

This morning, we explore the medieval city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site. See the grand Royal Palace complex, including the majestic Kings Palace and Audience Hall. Also witness the spectacular Gal Vihare complex featuring four gigantic images of Buddha, cut from a single slab of granite – a dramatic highlight of ancient Sri Lankan rock carving. This afternoon, experience a game drive in either Minneriya or Kaudulla National Parks, both set in captivating Sri Lankan countryside, where wild Asian elephants roam in abundance.

This morning, we embark on our journey to the Last Kingdom of Sri Lanka, Kandy. En route we visit the Cave Temple of Dambulla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This amazing complex of magnificent caves dates back to the 1st century BC. Later, we stop at the Sri Lankan Garden in the rural village of Matale, a working spice and fruit farm, to learn about the local trees and crops in the company of our host. Enjoy a traditionally-prepared rice and curry lunch, and continue to Kandy and the charming Cinnamon Citadel Hotel for our next three nights.

We begin our day with a visit to the sacred Temple of the Tooth, commonly known as “Sri Dalada Maligawa”. A significant shrine for Buddhists worldwide, the temple holds the blessed tooth relic of the Lord Buddha himself. We arrive in time for the morning ceremony and have time to explore the temple grounds. Later, we journey to the elegant Royal Botanical Gardens. With origins dating back to 1371, and once reserved exclusively for Kandyan royalty, these stunning gardens boast some 150 acres of graceful trees, lawns and flowering shrubs. This evening, a cultural show awaits – a fascinating performance of traditional Sri Lankan dances.

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Relax by the hotel pool, or perhaps hop on a tuk tuk and navigate the rural setting of Gampola to explore three lesser-known temples with a knowledgeable guide. Alternatively, trek through a nearby rainforest, rich in many species of birdlife, including Layard’s Parakeet, Gold-Fronted, Blue-Winged leafbirds, and Spotted and Emerald Doves. You may prefer to visit Bhikkhuni Monastery, where you may learn the history of Buddhist nuns and meet a bhikkuni who will describe the ordained life.

Today, we journey towards the cooler climates of Sri Lanka’s hill country on one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. We join a local train and travel through an idyllic panorama of forests, villages, tea estates and waterfalls. Please note, whilst we endeavour to arrange seats on the train as soon as tickets become available to book, this included rail journey is always subject to availability. We arrive into Nuwara Eliya, which retains a colonial ambiance with its gentlemen’s clubs and mock-Tudor buildings. Enjoy a brief city tour, before arriving at the Jetwing St Andrew’s Hotel or The Grand Hotel, both offering scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

Sri Lanka is recognised as one of the finest tea producers in the world, and today we learn about the region’s tea plantations. During our tour, we explore a vibrant tea plantation and discover the leaf-picking process. We visit the plantation’s factory and learn about rolling and drying the tea, as well as the art of tea tasting. Later, we conclude our day dedicated to Sri Lanka’s tea production in the best possible way, with a fabulous high tea.

After breakfast, we leave the hill country behind. As we descend, we travel through local villages dotted on the mountainside. Marvel at the vistas of tea plantations, forests and waterfalls in an area blessed with some of the most beautiful views in Sri Lanka. This afternoon, we visit the Elephant Transit Home, a wonderful facility which rehabilitates orphaned baby elephants with a view to releasing them back into the wild. Later, we arrive at the stunning Jetwing Yala Hotel, our home for the next two nights.

We have an early start this morning as we venture into the scenic Yala National Park, the second largest national park in Sri Lanka. Yala is home to an eclectic array of wildlife including elephants, bears, crocodiles and wild boars. Whilst elusive, the park also boasts the world’s highest concentration of leopards per square kilometre and provides the best opportunity to spot this majestic animal. Our afternoon has been left at leisure to enjoy our hotel, or should we wish, maybe further explore Yala National Park, during an optional afternoon safari.

Following breakfast, we say goodbye to Yala and travel towards Galle, a striking and historic city on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. The main maritime port for the country for more than 200 years, Galle is famous for its Dutch fort with its colonial buildings, stylish cafés and quirky boutique shops. We take a brief sightseeing tour before arriving at the Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel, sat impressively atop a hillock, overlooking the sapphire waters of the Indian Ocean. This unique hotel was built by the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, and inspired by Dutch colonial design.

With so much on offer, today’s Freedom Day is the perfect opportunity to explore this fascinating region in a way that suits you. For those happy with an early start, there is the option to take a whale watching cruise, in search of the magnificent blue whale. For the adventurous amongst us, we can take a tuk tuk safari – a fun-filled ‘off the beaten track’ adventure to explore lesser known areas of Galle. Alternatively, discover how to paint traditional Sri Lankan masks with help from a renowned artist or learn to cook like a local. For a more relaxing day, be sure to take advantage of the many facilities our hotel has to offer, including spa treatments and two outdoor swimming pools.

All good things must come to an end. Nevertheless, we have our final day at leisure including complimentary late check-out, allowing us to further explore the area of Galle, or enjoy one last relaxing day by the poolside to recharge our batteries and freshen up before our evening flight.

All flights travel via Doha. This morning, we arrive into the United Kingdom, as our Sri Lankan adventure comes to an end.