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A TROPICAL JEWEL
Day 1 London Heathrow to Colombo
Fly with SriLankan Airlines on their non-stop flight to Colombo.
Day 2 Colombo
Arrive into Colombo in the morning and proceed by car to the Havelock Bungalow.
Later today enjoy a brief tour of the city with your driver-guide. (B)
Day 3 Colombo to Kandalama – 160kms
Leave this morning by car to rural Kandalama in the heart of the Cultural
Triangle, stopping en-route to see the elephant orphanage at Pinnawela. Afterwards
continue onto Kandalama to stay for three nights at the Kandalama Hotel which
offers superb views of the lake and surrounding countryside. (B)
Day 4 Kandalama
&
Day 5 Kandalama
Over the next two days explore the area with your driver. Visit Anuradhapura,
Sri Lanka’s first capital and its most sacred town. Anuradhapura is
littered with ruined temples and palaces as well as the site containing a
sapling from the tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment. Also visit
Polonnaruwa, the capital of Sri Lanka during the 11th and 12th Centuries.
See the ruins of the Royal Palace and three splendid statues of the Buddha
in upright, sedentary and recumbent postures. Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress,
to see the famous frescoes of the heavenly maidens and climb through the ‘Lion’s
Throat’ to the dramatic viewpoint towering 200 metres above the surrounding
forest. (B)
Day 6 Kandalama to Kandy - 72kms
After breakfast leave for Kandy visiting en-route the Dambulla Rock Temple,
whose paintings and sculptures of the Buddha are among the most impressive
in Sri Lanka. Drive on through spice gardens to Kandy, the capital of Sri
Lanka’s hill country and the last capital of the Sinhala kings. In the
evening visit the Temple of the Tooth which houses Sri Lanka’s most
sacred Buddhist relic. Stay for two nights at Villa Rosa. (B)
Day 7 Kandy
The name Kandy conjures visions of splendour and magnificence and surrounded
by verdant green hills it is considered to be the most beautiful and romantic
city in the island. Drive around Kandy Lake and see the bazaar, arts and crafts
centre, a gem museum and a lapidary. Also visit the vast Peradeniya Botanical
Gardens which include an amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers. (B)
Day 8 Kandy to Nuwara Eliya - 77kms
Today leave for the beautiful drive up to Nuwara Eliya in the heart of Sri
Lanka’s tea country, stopping on the way to visit a tea plantation.
In the afternoon take a walking tour of the town. A favourite retreat for
the British during colonial times, Nuwara Eliya is dotted with English country
style houses and sprawling gardens. Stay for two nights at the historic Tea
Factory Hotel. (B)
Day 9 Nuwara Eliya
Travel out by jeep to Horton Plains, located on a high windswept saddle at
2,134 metres above sea level. Visit Baker’s Falls and the dramatic cliffs
at World’s End, considered to afford the finest views in Sri Lanka.
This afternoon visit the Hakgala Botanical Gardens and make time for an evening
stroll on the numerous walking paths leading from the Tea Factory. (B)
Day 10 Nuwara Eliya to Colombo – 180kms
After breakfast return to Colombo where a room would be reserved up to departure
at the Havelock Bungalow. (B)
Day 11 Colombo to London Heathrow
Depart on SriLankan Airlines non-stop flight to London. (B)
STAYING ON
Unwind at Ceylon Tea Trails, four classic colonial bungalows built for British tea estate managers in the days of the Raj. Beautifully restored, these historic houses stand 4,000 metres above sea level and offer guests the unique opportunity to experience life on a working tea estate and even the chance to split their stay by walking from bungalow to bungalow with luggage sent on by car.
Relax and extend your stay to incorporate some of the excellent Sri Lankan beaches. The southwest coast is easily reached by car from Nuwara Eliya and is an ideal way to end a holiday. Please click here for some suggestions.
Wildlife viewing on the island can easily be incorporated into this itinerary with a visit to Yala National Park. Located on the southern coast, Yala is only 190kms from Nuwara Eliya.
Beautiful boutique hotels are a speciality of Sri Lanka. Renowned for its range of special places to stay, please click here for further suggestions.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – A TROPICAL JEWEL
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £1,675. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
For further important information please click here.