Wonders and Wildlife
Summary
Sri Lanka has an interesting history and culture and makes for an exciting holiday destination. With religious temples and relics scattered through the countryside, alongside the rich wildlife and birdlife - there's so much to see and do beyond the famed tea plantations.
This is the perfect itinerary for those who want to see the main historic sites of Sri Lanka, along with a love of wildlife. This itinerary blends the best of both cultural and historical sites with the natural beauty and wildlife of the National Parks - the perfect combination.
Duration |
14 Days
Price
From £2,220.00 per person based on 2 people sharingBest time to go
Sri Lanka is a year round destination depending on which side of the island you choose. The South West and North East have different weather patterns, but the peak time for the best weather is December to mid-April. Travelling in the shoulder seasons, particularly July to August has many advantages.
Day 1: UK Departure
Overnight flight to Colombo
Day 2: Stay at the Casa Colombo.
When you arrive you'll check into Casa Colombo for one night. You're first day will be one at leisure to explore Colombo and its temples, parks and colourful cultural sights.
Day 3: Stay at Jetwing Vil Uyana
Today you'll continue onto Sigiriya for three nights, where you'll stay at the Jetwing Vil Uyana. The rest of the day is to be spent at leisure so get to know the surrounding area or simply relax and enjoy the facilities at the hotel.
Day 4: Stay at Jetwing Vil Uyana
On your fourth day you'll have the chance to climb the 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress - the country’s most memorable single attraction, a remarkable archaeological site made unforgettable by its dramatic setting. In the evening enjoy a bird watching session.
Day 5: Stay at Jetwing Vil Uyana
Today will be an action-packed day where you'll get to enjoy an elephant back safari at Habarana, visit the ruined capital of Polonnaruwa, where the extensive remains offer a snapshot of medieval Sri Lanka, and a take a jeep ride in the Minneriya National Park.
Day 6: Stay at The Kandy House
After breakfast set off for Kandy visiting the impressive statues and cave paintings of the Dambulla cave temples before visiting the spice garden at Matale and enjoying a massage. Continue to Kandy to stay for two nights at the Kandy House.
Day 7: Stay at The Kandy House
Take a trip to the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, a unique Forest Park which sustains many ecosystems, flora, fauna and wildlife, you're sure to see some wonderful sights. In the afternoon you'll get to enjoy a visit to Peradeniya, the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Day 8: Stay at Ceylon Tea Trails
Travel on the Expo Rail train to Nanu Oya and continue by road to Nuwara Eliya, stopping off en-route at a tea plantation to learn more about the famed Ceylon tea culture. You'll check into the Ceylon Tea Trails for the next two nights.
Day 9: Stay at Ceylon Tea Trails
Today you will have the chance to enjoy a tea experience at the hotel. The Resident Tea Planter will demonstrate the age-old tea making process. First, follow the trail of the planters of old Ceylon, as they trekked through the dense jungle looking for the best slopes on which to plant tea. Then on to watch the tea pluckers pick two leaves and a bud with deft hands. Then to the factory where the all-important conversion to “made” black tea happens. The machinery used is of very traditional British design, some as old as 100 years. The process is a very artisanal one, unchanged for a century, your experience will end with a tasting of different grades of this great brew.
Day 10: Stay at Kalu’s Hideaway
Proceed to Udawalawa National Park to enjoy a jeep safari and explore the park for a memorable day discovering wildlife. Tonight you'll stay at Kalu's Hideaway.
Day 11: Stay at Chaaya Wild Yala
Depart for the Yala National Park, the country’s largest. Enjoy a luxury jeep safari in search of the Big 3 - leopards, sloth bears and elephants, although crocodiles, jackals and many varieties of birds can also be spotted. This is sure to be an exciting day and not one that is forgotten quickly. You'll check in to Chaaya Wild Yaya for one night.
Day 12: Stay at the Aditya Hotel Resort
Discover more of Sri Lanka's culture today by visiting a Buddhist monastery followed by a tour of historic Galle. You'll stay for your final two nights at Aditya Hotel Resort.
Day 13: Stay at the Aditya Hotel Resort
Your final day is to spent at leisure, you may choose to explore your surroundings some more or simply relax after all your adventures and enjoy the hotel facilities.
Day 14: Departure
Travel to Colombo for your onward flight
Inclusions
All flights, transfers, meals, accommodation and activities as specified, local English speaking guides throughout
Exclusions
Transfers, meals and activities not specified, visas, insurance, gratuities and items of a personal nature.
Cleveland Collection tailor makes all itineraries to include highlights of your choice. Speak to one of our travel experts to create your perfect holiday based on your travel requirements.
*We try to keep our 'from prices' as accurate as possible, but please do be aware that when travelling in peak times such as Christmas and school holidays, prices shown will vary considerably.