Sri Lanka In Depth
Summary
Explore the highlights of Sri Lanka on this 16 day adventure. From the bustling city of Colombo, your journey takes you to the ancient architectural wonders of Sigiriya and to the natural heritage areas of Minneriya. Travel onwards through the beautiful green interior, staying on a colonial tea plantation and immersing yourself in Buddhist spirituality at the multitude of temples and shrines scattered throughout the country. The beaches of Trincomalee and Passikudah welcome the sun-seekers and adventure lovers with abundant marine life and various water sports to enjoy.
Duration |
16 Days
Price
From £3,995.00 per person based on per person sharingBest time to go
Sri Lanka truly is a year around destination - provided you plan along with the two monsoon seasons they experience. The North & Eastern coastal regions are influenced by the north-eastern monsoon which typically brings rain between October and January. The driest season in the region is from May to September.
During October and the first weeks of November, there is a cusp period when rain and thunderstorms can occur across the island.
December to mid-April is considered the peak season for overall weather and also for visitors to the area. The shoulder seasons however also provide great weather with the advantage of avoiding the crowds.
Day 1: Depart UK
Depart London Heathrow on an overnight flight to Colombo.
Day 2: Colombo
Transfer by private vehicle to the hotel for overnight stay.
Enjoy a private afternoon city tour to explore Sri Lanka’s vibrant commercial hub with its colourful street markets, colonial buildings, museums and galleries, temples and the Viharamahedevi Park.
Overnight: La Maison de Colombo
Day 3: Anuradhapura
Travel from Colombo Railway Station by train to Habarana and travel onwards to Anuradhapura for three-night stay.
Overnight: Uga Ulagalla
Day 4: Anuradhapura
This morning climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is Asia’s best-preserved city of the first millennium and shows complex urban planning around the base of a rock, with a palace built on the summit.
After lunch visit the Minneriya National Park by jeep. The park is famous for elephant sightings, but is also home to many species of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles & fish.
Overnight: Uga Ulagalla
Day 5: Anuradhapura
Head to Anuradhapura’s Buddhist Abhayagiri Monastery & Dagaba to gain an understanding of the days when kings ruled the lands.
The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the surrounds.
Overnight: Uga Ulagalla
Day 6: Trincomalee
Travel by private vehicle to Trincomalee, one of Sri Lanka’s premier beach destinations, for three-night stay.
Overnight: Uga Jungle Beach
Day 7: Trincomalee
A day at leisure to explore the surrounding activities and beach. Perhaps pay a visit to the legendary hot springs of Kannya, or to Koneswaram - the ‘Temple of a thousand columns’ which is perched on a cliff top.
Overnight: Uga Jungle Beach
Day 8: Trincomalee
Another free day to relax and enjoy the area. Try a spot of snorkelling, diving or sailing, or just take it easy and book a massage.
Overnight: Uga Jungle Beach
Day 9: Pasikuda Beach
Travel by private vehicle to Pasikuda for three-night stay.
This superb beach location on the East coast of the island is known for its long shallow beach which allows visitors to wander out into the water for kilometres with a water level rarely higher than a few inches.
Overnight: Uga Bay
Days 10-11: Pasikuda Beach
Spend the days at leisure on the beach or exploring the colourful underwater world. There are various shipwrecks for divers to explore, whilst non-divers can enjoy the fantastic spa facilities, relax on the beach and or perhaps explore the nearby temples, markets and sights by bicycle.
Overnight: Uga Bay
Day 12: Kandy
Travel by private vehicle to Kandy, the hill capital of Sri Lanka, for overnight stay.
Visit the Temple of the Tooth, the third holiest Buddhist site in the world, as well as the town’s major sights.
Overnight: Adigor’s Manor
Day 13: Nuwara Eliya
Travel to Peradeniya Railway Station to join the Expo Rail train to Nuwara Eliya for a two-night stay.
Overnight: Langdale by Amaya
Day 14: Nuwara Eliya
Spend the day visiting local tea plantations and exploring the charms of Nuwara Eliya, a mountain station built during the 19th century with architecture that mimics an English country town.
Overnight: Langdale by Amaya
Day 15: Negombo
Travel by private vehicle to Negombo for overnight stay.
Overnight: Wallawwa
Day 16: Departure
Transfer to Colombo airport for your onward flight to the UK
From £3,995.00 per person based on two people sharing*
________________________________________________________________________
Inclusions
All flights, transfers, accommodation, meals and activities as specified.
Exclusions
Transfers, meals and activities not specified, visas, insurance, gratuities and items of a personal nature.
*Costs are based on travel in low season