A Journey through Ceylon

18 days from £4500 per person

White seated Buddha at Mihintale in Sri Lanka

An intoxicating blend of cultures, this small tear-drop shaped island at the base of India is a tropical paradise home to colonial forts, lush tea plantations and a 2,500 year old Buddhist tradition. Based on staying in some of the finest small, luxury, boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, your journey starts in Kandanegedara before heading north, via the elephant orphanage of Pinnawela, to Sigiriya, the famed Cultural Triangle and Minneriya National Park. From here continue to Kandy, the tea estates of Hatton, Yala National Park and historic Galle before ending on the beach at the luxurious Reef Villa.

Route: Colombo – Makandura – Sigiriya – Kandy – Castlereagh Reservoir – Yala National Park – Galle – Wadduwa – Colombo

Itinerary Highlights

The 1,100 year old temple complex at Dambulla is a protected world heritage site. Consisting of a series of caves, the temples are decorated with religious frescoes and Buddhist sculpture.

Settled by the Dutch, Portuguese and British, the charming old town of Galle is one of the best examples of a fortified city built by Europeans in Asia and has been sympathetically maintained.

In the southeast of the country, Yala National Park is known for its variety of animals and ecosystems. It is important for the conservation of elephants, leopards and aquatic birds.

Itinerary: A Journey through Ceylon

Day 1 Depart the UK

Today depart the UK on the SriLankan Airlines flight to Colombo. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Colombo / Colombo to Makandura – 35kms

Meet your driver-guide as you arrive in Colombo and continue north by car to Makandura and The Notary's House where you will stay overnight. This small six bedroom boutique hotel is surrounded by large gardens, has spacious bedrooms and an enticing outdoor swimming pool. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to relax after your flight. (N)
Accommodation in Makandura: The Notary's House
Upgrade option: Horathapola Estate

Day 3 Makandura to Sigiriya – 130kms

Leave Makandura and drive to Sigiriya. This region is Sri Lanka's cultural heart and encompasses no fewer than five UNESCO World Heritage Sites from ancient cities and monasteries to rock-cut caves and monolithic Buddhas. (B)
Accommodation in Sigiriya: Jetwing Vil Uyana (or similar)
Accommodation in Thirappane: Ulagalla Resort (or similar)

Days 4 & 5 Sigiriya

Over the next two days explore the surrounding area with your driver-guide. Highlights include Sri Lanka's first capital Anuradhapura and nearby Mihintale. Explore the wonderful archaeological remains at Polonnaruwa, the island's medieval capital between the 11th and 13th centuries, and the astonishing frescoes and rock fortress of Sigiriya. Time permitting, the Aukana Buddha and jungle remains at Ritigala are well worth visiting as is Minneriya National Park, home to a large elephant population. (B)
Accommodation in Sigiriya: Jetwing Vil Uyana (or similar)
Accommodation in Thirappane: Ulagalla Resort (or similar)

Day 6 Sigiriya to Kandy – 90kms

This morning drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dambulla and visit the richly painted caves of this important temple complex. Dating, at their earliest, from the 1st century BC, the frescoes and sculpture portray both religious and secular life. Later continue to Kandy. Capital of the highlands, Kandy is best known for the opulent Temple of Tooth and later visit the temple where Buddha's tooth relic is housed. (B)
Accommodation in Kandy: The Kandy House (or similar)

Day 7 Kandy

The picturesque city of Kandy is home to numerous palaces, parks and gardens and is located on a plateau surrounded by emerald mountains centred around scenic Kandy Lake.. Spend the morning exploring the colourful bazaar and interesting Kandy National Museum in the city centre. Later that afternoon travel to the magnificent Peradeniya Botanical Gardens just outside of Kandy. The former royal pleasure garden is home to over 4,000 species and is one of the finest botanical gardens in the subcontinent. (B)
Accommodation in Kandy: The Kandy House (or similar)

Day 8 Kandy to Hatton – by train / Hatton to Castlereagh – 18kms

After breakfast, travel by train on the spectacular journey from Peradeniya Station to Hatton in the heart of the island’s tea growing region. At Hatton continue to Castlereagh Reservoir and one of the Tea Trails bungalows for a two night stay. Tea Trails comprises of four classic colonial tea planters homes. Built between 1890 and 1939, each is in a different location and decorated with authentic period furnishings. It is possible to stay at different bungalows and there are many scenic walking trails to enjoy. (B/D)
Accommodation in Castlereagh Reservoir: Tea Trails bungalows (or similar)

Day 9 Castlereagh Reservoir

Today you are at leisure to relax or, alternatively, explore the beautiful Bogawantalawa Valley in which the bungalows are set. There are numerous trails through immaculate tea gardens ranging from gentle walks to more strenuous treks and the abundant birdlife makes for enjoyable birding. The old colonial hill-station of Nuwara Eliya, complete with 18-hole championship golf course, is also only a short drive away. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Castlereagh Reservoir: Tea Trails bungalows (or similar)

Day 10 Castlereagh to Yala National Park – 185kms

This morning leave Castlereagh Reservoir and drive south to the famous Yala National Park. Established as a protected area in 1938, Yala is a large reserve with a mixture of habitats ranging from open parkland and dense jungle, to a myriad of flooded lagoons and high coastal sand dunes. This varied terrain supports a wide range of animal life and vegetation. Yala is also a base for visiting the ancient, and now abandoned, royal city of Tissamaharama. (B)

Accommodation in Yala National Park: Cinnamon Wild Resort (or similar)

Day 11 Yala National Park

At Yala there is an impressive variety of flora and fauna and today explore the reserve with your naturalist on morning and evening jeep safaris. The park is known throughout Sri Lanka for its elephant population and, naturalists believe, it supports the highest concentration of leopards in the world although sightings of this elusive animal remain rare. Other animals here include sambar, spotted deer, wild boar, jackal, monkey, sloth bear and crocodile. Birdlife is also abundant with over 130 species recorded. (B)

Accommodation in Yala National Park: Cinnamon Wild Resort (or similar)

Day 12 Yala National Park to Galle – 170kms

After breakfast leave Yala and drive to the coastal city of Galle. Once the chief port of British Ceylon, today the city of Galle is divided into two parts—the modern, bustling centre and the historic, colonial fort. The charming old town was visited by Ibn Batuta during the 14th century and was subsequently controlled by the Portuguese, Dutch and British who finally captured the city in 1796. (B)
Accommodation in Galle: Deco on 44 Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Amangalla Hotel (or similar)

Day 13 Galle

Spend the morning whale and dolphin watching by boat from Galle harbour where it is possible to see the great blue whale, the largest mammal on earth. Whales and dolphins are most frequently seen from November to early April. In the afternoon return to Galle and explore the atmospheric fort. The colonial architecture here is incredibly well-preserved with the city gates and ramparts, 18th century Dutch Reformed Church, Arab Quarter and pretty old post office particular highlights. (B)
Accommodation in Galle: Deco on 44 Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Amangalla Hotel (or similar)

Day 14 Galle to Balapitiya - 45kms

Today drive to coastal Balapitiya and the welcoming Kumu Beach Hotel for a four night stay. Beautifully designed with the shimmering Indian Ocean as its backdrop, the Kumu Beach Hotel is a serene retreat with only ten rooms, a large infinity pool, spa, bar and restaurant. (B)
Accommodation in Balapitiya: Kumu Beach Hotel

Days 15 to 17 Balapitiya

At leisure to relax. Locally you may also wish to visit Lunuganga the country home of the renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa and Brief Garden, developed by Geoffrey's brother Bevis, who was an artist and landscape architect. (B)
Accommodation in Balapitiya: Kumu Beach Hotel

Day 18 Balapitiya to Colombo – 130kms / Colombo to the UK

Today transfer back to Colombo Airport to catch the SriLankan Airlines flight non-stop to the UK. (B)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Train travel as specified
Private car with English speaking driver-guide
Wildlife viewing with local naturalist
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

Your Holiday In Sri Lanka

Our holidays to Sri Lanka are completely tailor-made with all arrangements made to fit your exact requirements and interests. Pettitts Travel have organised bespoke tours to Sri Lanka for over 30 years so, whether a first time visitor or a return traveller, you can be assured that we can design an itinerary unique to you that can cover all four corners of the island. All of our itineraries, whether those featured on our website or quoted following an enquiry, include hotels and transport, guided sightseeing and entrance fees. When travelling in Sri Lanka you will have a private car with driver-guide at your disposal throughout your holiday. In Sri Lanka your driver is also your guide so they will accompany you on all sightseeing visits. In most national parks and wildlife reserves you will have the additional services of a naturalist. Whilst you are on holiday you will also have round the clock support and assistance from our both from our partners in Sri Lanka and our UK office.

Most clients use the tours featured on our website as inspiration – a starting point for discussion or a series of ideas to be adapted to meet specific requirements, adding or removing days, including places of interest or adjusting the accommodation. Sri Lanka: A Tropical Jewel is ideal for the first time visitor to Sri Lanka with a focus on the cultural triangle, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya before ending with a few days of relaxation beside the beach in Bentota. A Journey through Ceylon builds on this journey with extra time spent in and around the cultural triangle as well as two days in historic Galle. Sri Lanka is also a fabulous summer family destination with the itinerary Sri Lanka: A Summer Family Adventure mixing both adventure and wildlife with relaxation and snorkelling. Wild Sri Lanka is a comprehensive itinerary featuring the island’s premier national parks and wildlife reserves whilst Hidden Treasures of Sri Lanka showcases the underexplored northern and eastern coasts. For those looking for culture followed by pure relaxation, our two-centre journey linking Sri Lanka with the Maldives is the perfect combination.

Ancient Sites of Sri Lanka

Despite its diminutive size, Sri Lanka is blessed with an astonishing number of cultural and historic treasures so there is plenty to see and do wherever you are on the island. Highlights include the 1,500 year-old cliff-top fortress at Sigiriya with its colourful frescoes and spectacular views, the Dambulla Cave Temple complex which has been a place of worship since the 1st century BC and the UNESCO protected ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura – the former famed for its mammoth standing and reclining Buddhas, the latter for its well-preserved ruins including the towering terracotta stupa of Abhayagiri vihara. The bustling hill capital of Kandy is the home of the Temple of the Tooth. Located in the Royal Palace complex, the heart of the temple houses one of the most important relics in the country, the Buddha’s tooth. This temple, as well as the mountain-top shrine of Mihintale and the spectacular standing Buddha at Aukana, are significant pilgrimage sites and draw devotees from far and wide.

Wildlife in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka harbours an incredible diversity of flora and fauna and offers some of the finest wildlife viewing in Asia. Yala, a substantial reserve in the south-east of the island, is Sri Lanka’s best known national park. Although elusive, Yala is believed to have the world’s highest concentration of leopards, whilst its range of habitats supports a range of animals from deer and monkey to bear and crocodile. The national parks of Udawalawe, Minneriya and Gal Oya are all associated with elephant – Udawalawe and Minneriya have significant populations whilst Gal Oya, which is centred on Senanayake Samudraya Lake, has the unique spectacle of ‘swimming’ elephants. Wilpattu, the country’s largest reserve, remains little-visited due to its inaccessibility and, consequently offers a truly wild wildlife experience. Wilpattu is home to leopard, crocodile and deer and has excellent birdwatching. For something completely different, the primary rainforest of the UNESCO protected biosphere reserve of Sinharaja not only has fine birdwatching but is also the best place on the island to see butterflies, insects, amphibians and reptiles.

A Journey through Ceylon

18 days from £4500 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: A Journey through Ceylon

What To Do Next?

What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price

What Is A Tailor-Made Holiday?

View On The Map

When to Visit

Your Holiday In Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Holiday Review

Ancient Sites of Sri Lanka

Wildlife in Sri Lanka

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19 Things to Do in Sri Lanka

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