ABOUT THE ITINERARY
This summer-inspired Sri Lanka itinerary will introduce you to the endless attractions of the Cultural Triangle, from the mighty rock fortress of Sigiriya to the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa. You’ll also meet elephants and other wildlife at Gal Oya National Park, a secluded wilderness home to one of the country’s largest lakes.
You’ll get some respite from the heat in the tea gardens surrounding Ashburnham Estate, and again at Karpaha Sands on the wonderfully undeveloped east coast. Enjoy fine white sand, Indian Ocean waters and shady palm trees as your trip finale.
DESIGNED BY SPECIALISTS
Bear in mind, these are just a starting point as all holidays are customised to the specific requirements of our guests. Whether you prefer a different style of accommodation, a greater focus on a particular interest or to go to a different destination all together, every itinerary is created individually around your preferences.
COLOMBO – KOTUGODA
You’ll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel – a luxurious Dutch warehouse-style hotel – in the nearby town of Kotugoda. Close to the airport, it’s a great place to recover from the long flight before setting off to explore the island. You’ll also be given a welcome pack that includes a mobile phone, so you can contact your driver whenever you need.
Stay: One night in a Garden Suite at The Wallawwa – including breakfast
CULTURAL TRIANGLE
After paying a visit to the nearby Negombo Fish Market, you’ll begin your journey into the Cultural Triangle. Check into your boutique hotel inspired by the ancient water gardens that once surrounded the Sigiriya rock fortress – a site of unusual beauty rising some 200 meters from the thick jungle.
The first stop on your sightseeing tour the following day will be this astonishing royal citadel. On the way up, you’ll pass the frescoes of the ‘Heavenly Maidens’, and at the top you’ll find the remains of the palace as well as sensational panoramic views. In the afternoon you may wish to visit the 11th century city of Polannaruwa, the second capital of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stay: Three nights in a Superior Deluxe Pool Villa at the Water Garden – including breakfast
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
Day four sees you journey into Sri Lanka’s picturesque Central Highlands. Along the way, you’ll visit the protected cave complex of Dambulla which contains over 150 images of Buddha, including a figure spanning 14 meters.
From there you will be taken to a historic 100-acre working tea estate in the Knuckles Mountain Range where you will be spending the next couple of days. You will have plenty of time to explore the estate and its surrounds at your leisure, with the opportunity to swim under waterfalls, mountain bike and tours of the tea fields with the estate manager. All the while soaking up the stunning scenery that this part of Sri Lanka is known for.
On your final day, you’ll be driven to Kandy to visit the Temple of the Tooth, which houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha. Legend has it that the tooth was taken from the funeral pyre of Buddha and smuggled into Sri Lanka in 313 AD. Later, you’ll visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, originally built by a Sinhala king, where you’ll find 147 acres of vivid flowers, plants and trees. Before returning to your hotel there’s also time to attend a cultural show and explore the bustling Kandy market.
Stay: Three nights in an Ashburnham Room at Ashburnham Estate – including breakfast
GAL OYA NATIONAL PARK
Today a four-hour drive brings you to Sri Lanka’s ‘forgotten’ National Park. Here you will be staying in an environmentally conscious lodge within 20 acres of private forest, constructed from natural and locally sourced materials that blend seamlessly with the surroundings.
Gal Oya has the country’s largest lake and invites you to take an unforgettable boat safari to see swimming elephants and all manner of birds and wildlife at the water’s edge. Crocodiles bask in the shallows and on the mud banks, watching as deer warily come down to drink.
On the following day relax around the lodge or take in one of the many activities on offer. These include jeep safaris, bicycle tours, bird walks, mountain treks and a jungle cooking course.
Stay: Three nights in a Bungalow at Gal Oya Lodge – including all meals
KALKUDAH
After a feast of wildlife watching and historic sightseeing, the chance to stretch out on a spectacular east coast beach beside the welcoming Indian Ocean is irresistible.
As well as fine white sand, blue waters and shady palm trees, you can indulge in all the luxuries Karpaha Sands has to offer; infinity-edge saltwater pool, Ayurveda spa, sun terrace and delicious Sri Lankan cuisine.
Stay: Four nights in a Palam Suite at Karpaha Sands – including breakfast
KOTUGODA
Transfer to the airport at Batticaloa for the flight to Colombo. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel for the night.
Stay: One night in a Garden Suite at The Wallawwa – including breakfast
DEPART KOTUGODA
Today you will be transferred back to Colombo Airport for your flight home.
PRICE INCLUDES
- Private and driver/guide whilst in Sri Lanka
- Breakfast at the Wallawwa, Ashburnham Estate and Karpaha Sands
- Half board at the Water Garden
- Full board at Gal Oya Lodge
- Entrance fees
- Seaplane from Batticoloa to Colombo
- Based on two people travelling
PRICE EXCLUDES
- International flights
ITINERARY INSPIRATION
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