Hidden Treasures of Sri Lanka

Day 1 Depart the UK

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

Day 2 Arrive Colombo / Colombo to Kandanegedara – 100kms

Arrive into Colombo and continue north by car to Kandanegedara and the Horathapola Estate for an overnight stay. Dating from the early 1900s, this grand plantation bungalow has been beautifully restored to offer both spacious and charming accommodation. Set amidst a lush rural landscape; spend the remainder of the day at leisure relaxing by the lovely swimming pool. (D)

Accommodation in Kandanegedara: Horathapola Estate (or similar)

Day 3 Kandanegedara to Sigiriya – 165kms via Yapahuwa and Dambulla

This morning leave Kandanegedara for the drive to Sigiriya stopping en-route to visit Yapahuwa, a rock fortress and capital of Sri Lanka during the 13th century, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dambulla. An important temple complex, the richly painted caves dating, at their earliest, from the 1st century BC with the frescoes portraying both religious and secular life. (B)

Accommodation in Sigiriya: Jetwing Vil Uyana (or similar)

Days 4 & 5 Sigiriya

Over the next two day explore the areas around Sigiriya. Highlights include 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. Other places of interest include the archaeological site of Medirigiriya, the cave temples of Dimbulagala, the Gal Vihara rock temple and Mahiyangana Vihara which is said to be the location of Buddha's first visit to the country. (B)

Accommodation in Sigiriya: Jetwing Vil Uyana (or similar)

Day 6 Sigiriya to Thirappane – 65kms via Ritigala

Today leave Sigiriya and drive to Thirappane stopping en-route to visit the 2nd century BC forest hermitage and monastic site of Ritigala. Later continue on to Thirappane. This region is Sri Lanka's cultural heart and encompasses numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient cities and monasteries, rock-cut caves and monolithic Buddhas. (B)

Accommodation in Thirappane: Ulagalla Resort (or similar)

Days 7 & 8 Thirappane

With your driver-guide, over the next two days explore the area surrounding Thirappane. Visit Sri Lanka's first capital Anuradhapura, the home of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and nearby Mihintale where, according to tradition, the first Buddhist sermon was preached. Other places of interest include the little-visited Buddha statues at Aukana, Sasseruwa, the capital of medieval Sri Lanka, the ruins of the city of Panduvasbuwara and the Vessagiriya Cave Monastery. (B)

Accommodation in Thirappane: Ulagalla Resort (or similar)

Day 9 Thirappane – visit Wilpattu National Park

Today drive north-west to Wilpattu National Park for a day's visit. Sri Lanka's oldest wildlife reserve, Wilpattu covers a vast area stretching from the coastal shoreline between Portugal and Dutch bays to the hilly, densely forested interior. A further feature of Wilpattu are the numerous villus, natural water basins, dotted throughout the park which collect rain and attract animals. (B)

Accommodation in Thirappane: Ulagalla Resort (or similar)

Day 10 Thirappane – visit Wilpattu National Park

Today return to Wilpattu for further exploration of the reserve with a naturalist on morning and evening safaris. Birding in Wilpattu with both resident and migrant species, whilst larger mammals include elephant, sloth bear, deer, water buffalo, mongoose and the evasive leopard. Coastal regions support the little seen dugong and there is a healthy reptile population including monitor lizard, mugger crocodile and Indian python. (B)

Accommodation in Thirappane: Ulagalla Resort (or similar)

Day 11 Thirappane to Jaffna – 210kms

After breakfast, leave Thirappane and drive north to Jaffna. Jaffna, at the northern tip of the island, is a stronghold of Hindu Tamil culture and this has shaped the make-up of the city, and surrounding region. Slowly re-opening to foreign tourism, the city remains very much 'off the beaten track' and provides an interesting alternative to the busier south. (B)

Accommodation in Jaffna: Expo Pavilion Margosa (or similar)

Day 12 Jaffna

Today explore Jaffna with your driver-guide. The colourful Kandaswamy Temple is a particular highlight and is one of the most important Hindu temple complexes on the island. Believed to date from the 10th century, the currently structure is nearly two hundred years old and hosts the spectacular yearly 25 day chariot festival. Also visit Jaffna Fort, one of the island's oldest and largest, the interesting archaeological museum, St Mary's Cathedral and the church of St James. (B)

Accommodation in Jaffna: Expo Pavilion Margosa (or similar)

Day 13 Jaffna to Trincomalee – 240kms

Today follow Sri Lanka's east coast to Trincomalee. One of the earliest Indian Tamil settlements in Sri Lanka, the coming of the colonial era and Trincomalee's magnificent natural harbour combined to make this port city one of the subcontinent's political and economic powerhouses. Later enter Fort Frederick, see Wellesley House and visit the colourful Konesvaram Temple. (B)

Accommodation in Trincomalee: Chaaya Blu Trincomalee (or similar)

Alternative option in Kuchchaveli: Jungle Bay Resort

Day 14 Trincomalee to Passikudah – 120kms

Leaving Trincomalee, today drive to Sri Lanka's beautiful east coast. Located to the north of the city of Batticaloa, first landing point of the Dutch in 1602, Passikudah has one of the island's finest beaches of golden sand and gentle crystal clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling. (B)

Accommodation in Passikudah: Maalu Maalu Resort

Alternative option: Uga Bay Resort

Days 15 & 16 Passikudah

Over the next two days relax and enjoy Passikudah. The Maalu Maalu Resort is located directly on the beach and has a large, welcoming swimming pool and its own Ayurvedic spa. For the more active, cycle or walk to some of the small neighbouring fishing villages, dive or snorkel the virgin coral reefs or visit the Portuguese fort in Batticaloa. (B)

Accommodation in Passikudah: Maalu Maalu Resort

Alternative option: Uga Bay Resort

Day 17 Passikudah to Batticaloa – 35kms / Batticaloa to Colombo – by air

Today transfer to Batticaloa Airport and fly to Colombo. (B)

Accommodation in Colombo: The Wallawwa (or similar)

Day 18 Colombo to the UK

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

Hidden Treasures of Sri Lanka

18 days from £3690 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: Hidden Treasures of Sri Lanka

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