Grand Tour of Sri Lanka
No matter where you’re going from, we take you there
DAY 1: Warm welcome to Sri Lanka at Bandaranayake International Airport by Serenite Lanka.
DAY 2: Arrive Colombo.
On arrival in Colombo, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, embark on a sightseeing tour of this bustling city. Historically, Colombo was known as a trading port due to its natural harbour and was a city of strategic importance to the Portuguese, Dutch and British before Ceylon gained independence in 1948. Many old colonial buildings can still be seen around the city alongside more traditional Sri Lankan architecture. Your sightseeing will take in the Presidential Secretariat, the Grand Oriental Hotel, a Buddhist temple, the Catholic cathedral, a Hindu Kovil and the Grand Mosque. (D) Note:Depending on flight times, sometimes it may be necessary to do the Colombo sightseeing on day 11.
DAY 3: Colombo - Anuradhapura - Mihintale - Sigiriya
After breakfast, a short journey through lush Sri Lankan countryside takes you to Anuradhapura, the country’s ancient capital. The city is considered sacred to the Buddhist world and is surrounded by monasteries. Your city tour takes in the well-preserved ruins of this area and the Sri Maha Bodhi (or Bo Tree), the oldest recorded tree in the world. This remarkable tree was a sapling taken from the Jaya Siri Maha Bodhi tree in India, under which Buddha achieved enlightenment. Later visit the pilgrimage site of Mihintale, the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, before continuing to Sigiriya. (B, D)
DAY 4: Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Minneriya - Sigiriya
This morning visit the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a giant magma plug which has served both as a long-standing Buddhist monastery and a fortress. Surrounded by a network of gardens and moats, it is an historical, geological and anthropological landmark. The ancient ruins of the upper palace built by King Kasyapa can also be found on the summit, which at 656 feet above sea level affords magnificent views of the beautiful Sri Lankan countryside. On the way to the top, you will see the famous ‘Cloud Maidens’ frescoes painted on the rock wall. After lunch visit the ruins of Polonnaruwa, before taking an afternoon safari drive to either Minneriya, Kaudulla or Eco Park National Park where you might spot elephants, Sambar deer and if you are very lucky, a leopard. Note:This day is of a strenuous nature as a number of steep steps must be climbed in order to reach the top of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. (B, D)
DAY 5: Sigiriya - Kandy
In the morning you’ll visit the fascinating Dambulla Rock Cave Temple which comprises of five caverns, each amazingly preserved, containing frescoes and statues of the Buddha. Also visit a spice garden and a batik factory en route to Kandy, the cultural centre of Sri Lanka, famed for the Temple of the Tooth, where it is believed that the tooth of the Buddha is enshrined. This evening, visit a cultural show and be entertained by Kandyan dancers and drummers. (B, D)
DAY 6: Kandy
A jumble of culture, history and colonial buildings, Kandy is nestled amongst forested hills and is one of Sri Lanka’s most interesting cities. This morning enjoy a comprehensive tour of this green city, taking in the colourful market place, the upper lake drive, and the Gem Museum. Also visit the Arts & Crafts Centre and the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens which are renowned for their collection of orchids, spices and medicinal plants. (B, D)
DAY 7: Kandy - Nuwara Eliya
Today a scenic drive takes you from Kandy to the misty hills of Nuwara Eliya. En route visit a Ceylon tea plantation and factory, learning about the cultivation process. Nuwara Eliya is considered the capital of Sri Lanka’s tea industry, with its cool temperatures, humidity and rainfall providing the perfect climate for tea production. This evening, take a sightseeing tour around the town. Otherwise known as ‘Little England’, Nuwara Eliya is set nearly 2,000 metres above sea level and surrounded by rolling hills and lush tea plantations. (B, D)
DAY 8: Nuwara Eliya - Horton Plains - Nuwara Eliya
An early start this morning as you journey up steep mountains to the Horton Plains. Located on Sri Lanka’s highest plateau, this mountainous region is blanketed in mist-wreathed forests and affords spectacular views of the valleys below, occasionally extending to the coastline. The evening is at leisure in Nuwara Eliya. Note: The journey to Horton Plains is a 3 -4 hour trek through mountains, which some people may find difficult. (B, D)
DAY 9: Nuwara Eliya - Yala
After breakfast journey south towards Yala National Park. The rest of the day is free to relax in the lush jungle surroundings of your hotel. (B, D)
DAY 10: Yala
This morning, take a jeep safari through Yala National Park. Home to one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, sights of these beautiful creatures are not uncommon. Yala is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with around 230 species recorded in the park. As well as leopards and birds, look out for elephants, sloth bears, water buffalo, macaques and mugger crocodiles – Yala really is Kipling’s Jungle Book brought to life! Later, you will have another opportunity to spot animals on an afternoon safari. Note: National Park is closed to visitors around September / October, during this period the Yala Safari drive will take place in the Bundala National Park. (B, D)
DAY 11: Yala - Galle - Colombo
This morning travel to Galle for a city tour, before continuing back to Colombo, or extend your holiday with a stay in one of our beach resorts.
Accommodation on Tour
Colombo: Ramada Colombo; Sigiriya: Sigiriya Village; Kandy Mahaweli Reach; Nuwara Eliya: St Andrews;Yala: Elephant Reach.
Note: Tour hotels will be as specified or alternatives of a similar standard.