Essential Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Private Tour & Beach

Introduction

Take in Sri Lanka’s most iconic sites. Habarana forms the perfect base to reach the historical and cultural hotspots of ancient Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya’s rock fortress and Dambulla caves, before exploring the islands tea plantations, colonial past, and taking a jeep safari to catch a glimpse of the leopards of Yala.

12 Nights from £1,895pp

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Highlights

• Explore Sri Lanka’s most iconic sites
• Visit a working tea estate
• Look out for leopards on a jeep safari
• Relax at a 5 Star beach resort

What's included?

• 12 nights in quality accommodation 
• 8 night private tour of Sri Lanka visiting the Cultural Triangle, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Yala.
• 4 Nights half board at Shangri-La Hambantota
• UK departure and overseas airport taxes
• Accommodation, Itinerary & various meals
• Fully escorted by an English-speaking guide throughout

Itinerary

Land into Colombo and transfer north to your luxry resort on a serene stretch of beach and prepare your Sri Lankan adventure. Induldge in a massage or just relax after your flight. 

Staying in Wattura Resort and Spa.

Stopping en route to Habarana to visit a coir workshop and discover the diverse products processed from coconuts. Take an exciting afternoon safari into Minneriya Wild Life Sanctuary, where you can see Sri Lankan wild animals in their natural state, including wild boar, elephants and bears. Elephants gather at the waterholes for drinking and bathing with their young. Herds of dear room close by while beautiful peacocks flaunt heir colourful feathers. 

Staying in Cinnamon Lodge. 

This morning thers a fabulous optional cooking class with a professional chef using vegatables grown on the hotels own small farm. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the ancient ruined city of Polonaruwa, captial during the 11th century reign of King Vijayabahu. Today the UNESCO World Heritage site remains one of the countrys best planned archaeological sites, and displays both Indian and Sinhalese influences. 

Venture to the Lion’s Rock, Sigiriya stone fortress. This iconic 5th century site is famed for its historic frescos and its one of the Seven World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka. It’s possible to climb the 1200 steep steps to the top of Sigriya if you wish. Afterwards, you’ll continue to Dambulla cave temples, a large and wonderfully-preserved rock temple complex, towering 160 metres over the surrounding plains. Many covers of the stunning site are crammed with fascinating ancient Buddhist icons.

Stay in Cinnamon Lodge. 

Drive into the hills and tea growing areas stopping by a local village. Discover the pleasant town of Kandy, it’s scenic lake and the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. ‘Dalada Maligawa’, said to house a tooth of the Buddha, is a magnificently odorned shrine, with exquisitely decorated walls, moat, lurrets, golden roof and fine woodwork. Religious ceremonies with traditional music are still held every day. Attend a Kandyan cultural show, demonstrating the famous local ritual dance originally performed by Indian shamans. Don’t miss Kandy’s lovely botanical garden where, thanks to a diverified climate, a huge range of tropical and sub-tropical plants thrive, including a beautiful collection of endemic orchids. 

Enjoy a day at leisure to unwind or explore more of Kandy. 

Staying in Cinnamon Citadel. 

A memorable morning as you experience the wonderful train journey from Kandy to Nanu Oya through this beautiful tea growing region. Make the short transfer to Nuwara Eliya via a working tea estate. 

Staying in The Grand Hotel.

Depart on the six hour journey towards Yala, calling at Seetha Ammon, a temple which played an important role in the Hindi epic, the Ramayana. In the afternoon, a thrilling jeep safari awaits you as you venture into Yala National Park. The semi-arid park covers 380 square miles and hosts a varied ecosystem ranging from moist monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands. Most significantly, it houses one of the highest leopard densities in the world. 

Staying in Jetwing Yala. 

Drive to Galle, stopping in Ahangama to see the fiisherman who still practice traditional fishing methods perched on the branched poles. You’ll also visit the turtle hatchery and see the baby turtles there. Tour the town, once a prominent trading part with a long Persion, Greek, Roman, Portugese and Dutch history. Explore Galle Fort, today its a UNESCO World Heritage site, while the costal area offers fabulous opportunities for dining. shopping and boutique hotel stays. Your tour ends here, and you may consider extending with some well-earned beach time or transfer to Colombo for an onward flight home. 

How it works

Call us on 01730 711 010 or enquire online about your dream holiday

Our team will work with you to put together a tailor- made package

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