Arrive Colombo airport and meet your driver-guide for the transfer to your hotel. Stay two nights at Stuart by Citrus in Colombo.
Day 2 – Colombo
Morning at leisure. Like in many capital cities, a building boom is changing the skyline of Colombo, yet in parts the old world charm is retained. On a tour this afternoon see the old clock tower, visit Pettah Bazaar, Hindu and Buddhist temples and see stately homes. (B)
Day 3 – Colombo – Wilpattu – Anuradhapura
Travel by road to Wilpattu National Park. Begin your wildlife experience with a sunset safari on the lookout for nocturnal animals such as the loris, night jars and civet cats. Continue on to Anuradhapura, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Stay three nights at Rajarata Hotel. (B)
Day 4 – Anuradhapura
On a tour this morning, see Ruwanweliseya Stupa, Thuparama Dagoba and the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree grown from a branch of the Sri Maha Bodhi tree in India under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 5 – Wilpattu National Park
Meet a jungle farmer on the edge of the Wilpattu National Park and learn of his experience farming in the wild. Enter the park for a daytime safari. (B)
Day 6 – Anuradhapura – Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya
Drive to Sigiriya and en route visit Polonnaruwa, a World Heritage ancient capital. See ruins of the Royal Palace, temples and splendid statues of Buddha. Stay two nights at Hotel Sigiriya in Sigiriya. (B)
Day 7 – Sigiriya
Visit the stunning Sigiriya Rock. Climb the steps of the 200 metre rock, once the seat of an ancient Sinhala King. (B)
Day 8 – Sigiriya – Dambulla – Kandy
Travel by road to Kandy in the foothills of the central highlands. Visit Dambulla Rock Temple en route. Also stop at a garden in Matale where spices are grown and processed.
In Kandy see the lake, visit the bazaar, arts and crafts centre, a gem museum, a lapidary, the Temple of the Tooth Relic and see a cultural show. Stay two nights at Earl’s Regent Hotel in Kandy. (B)
Day 9 – Kandy
Visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden and tour a tea plantation before tasting a cup of pure Ceylon tea. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 10 – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
Ride a scenic train from Peredeniya to Nanu Oya then transfer to the hill station of Nuwara Eliya. Balance of the day at leisure in this English style village. Stay two nights at Araliya Red Hotel in Nuwara Eliya. (B)
Day 11 – Horton Plains
Visit Horton Plains, an expanse of grassland with scraggy trees and icy rivulets. See the view from “World’s End” atop a high escarpment. The park shelters animals such as samburs, leopards, bears, monkeys and lizards. In the afternoon, enjoy high tea at the Grand Hotel. (B)
Day 12 – Nuwara Eliya – Tissamaharama
Travel by road to Tissamaharama. Stay two nights at Tamarind Lake Hotel in Tissamaharama, near Yala National Park. (B)
Day 13 – Yala National Park
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon join a group safari in this large park, best known for its variety of wild animals, including elephants and leopards. (B)
Day 14 – Tissamaharama – Galle – Bentota
Drive to the port city of Galle, stopping to witness stilt fishermen along the coast. Enjoy a walking tour of Galle Fort. Influences of the Portuguese, Dutch and British can be found in the architecture and fortifications. Drive on to Bentota and stay two nights at Eden Resort & Spa. (B,D)
Day 15 – Bentota
Day at leisure by the coast. Dinner is included at the resort. (B,D)
Day 16 – Depart Colombo
Time at leisure until transfer to Colombo Airport for exit flight. (B)
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Prices are per person, in Australian dollars. Please confirm prices when booking.
[/slide] [slide name=”Price Includes:”] Price Includes:
- 15 nights 3.5* & 4* hotel accommodation
- Meals as listed (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
- All transfers and sightseeing by private vehicle with English speaking driver
- Entrance fees
- Train ticket Kandy-Nuwara Eliya
- Jeep safaris in national parks
Price Excludes:
- Gratuities
Depart any day. Surcharges may apply for travel at Christmas/New Year and for Kandy Perahera in July/August.
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[h3]Photo Gallery[/h3]
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[h3]Highlights[/h3]
• Variety of wildlife viewing opportunities
• Dramatic Sigiriya Rock on the central plains
• Wandering in unmissable Galle Fort
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