UK
Sri Lanka - A Tropical Jewel
14 days from £2970 per person
Route: Colombo – Kegalle – Kandalama – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Bentota – Colombo
On this journey discover Sri Lanka's ‘Cultural Triangle’, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, the rock fortress of Sigiriya and the cave monastery complex at Dambulla. In the centre of the country is the beautiful lakeside town of Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhala kings and site of the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic. Stays are also included at the charming Rosyth Estate House and in the old colonial hill station of Nuwara Eliya before ending in Bentota at Club Villa for rest and relaxation.
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
Anuradhapura, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for its well-preserved ruins.
The city of Kandy is the capital of the hill country, lying amongst the slopes of the Kandy plateau. It is home to the Temple of the Tooth relic, one of the most sacred sites of worship for Buddhists.
Often shrouded in mist, Nuwara Eliya in the Central Province has a temperate, cool climate providing the optimum conditions for growing tea and was once a summer retreat during British rule.
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Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £2970 per person
The exact cost of this itinerary will vary depending on the season of travel, standard of accommodation, flight class, activities included and the date the booking is made. Please speak to one of our experienced travel specialists who will create a completely tailor-made and personalized quotation based on your requirements and budget.
** The above price is based on two adults travelling together in economy, sharing accommodation, travel based on low season for this destination and advance booking approximately nine months prior to travel**
Itinerary: Sri Lanka - A Tropical Jewel
Arrive into Colombo where you will meet your driver-guide and continue by road to Kegalle and the Rosyth Estate House for a two night stay. This 1920s colonial planter’s bungalow is surrounded by tea and rubber estates and has stunning far-reaching views over the surrounding countryside. Rooms are charming and comfortable and there is a lovely swimming pool, spa and restaurant serving food predominately made from home-grown produce. (B)
Accommodation in Kegalle: Rosyth Estate House
At leisure to relax and enjoy Rosyth and the surrounding estate. There are a host of activities that can be undertaken from cooking lessons and independent, or guided, estate walks to bird watching and visits to local villages or temples. (B)
Accommodation in Kegalle: Rosyth Estate House
This morning leave Rosyth and drive north towards Kandalama. Stop en-route and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dambulla to see 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. Afterwards, continue on to Kandalama, set in a regions widely considered Sri Lanka's cultural heart, which encompasses no fewer than five UNESCO World Heritage Sites from ancient cities and monasteries to rock-cut caves and monolithic Buddhas. (B)
Accommodation in Kandalama: Heritance Kandalama Hotel
Upgrade option: Jetwing Vil Uyana
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 Kandalama: Heritance Kandalama Hotel
Upgrade option: Jetwing Vil Uyana
This morning drive 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: Cinnamon Citadel Hotel (or similar)
Alternative accommodation: Jetwing Kandy Gallery
Upgrade option: The Kandy House
With its palaces, parks and gardens, Kandy is an attractive city. The centre of town is known for its early 19th century architecture and this morning spend time exploring the colourful bazaar and interesting Kandy National Museum. In the afternoon travel outside of Kandy to the magnificent Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, a former royal pleasure garden but converted into its current form in 1821. With over 4,000 labelled species, Peradeniya is one of the finest botanical gardens in the subcontinent. (B)
Accommodation in Kandy: Cinnamon Citadel Hotel (or similar)
Alternative accommodation: Jetwing Kandy Gallery
Upgrade option: The Kandy House
After breakfast, travel by train on the spectacular journey from Peradeniya Station to Nanu Oya in the heart of the island's tea growing region. At Nanu Oya continue to Kandapola. Located close to the old colonial hill-station of Nuwara Eliya, with its English country-style homes and pretty well-tended gardens, this afternoon visit the town and a neighbouring tea plantation. (B)
Accommodation in Kandapola: Tea Factory Hotel (or similar)
Early this morning make your way to the Horton Plains National Park. Located on a high wind-swept saddle over 2,000 metres above sea level, this is the starting point for a 12kms circular walk to Baker's Falls and the dramatically located World's End. This walk provides some of the finest, and far-reaching, views in Sri Lanka. After the walk, in the afternoon a visit could be made to the Hakgala Botanical Gardens or, alternatively, explore one of the many footpaths that lead from the hotel. (B)
Accommodation in Kandapola: Tea Factory Hotel (or similar)
Today drive to coastal Bentota and Club Villa for a three night stay. Designed by Geoffrey Bawa and located in the heart of Bentota, Club Villa has 17 charming rooms, a restaurant, spa and lovely outdoor swimming pool. (B)
Accommodation in Bentota: Club Villa (or similar)
At leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel. Lunuganga, the country home of the renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, and Brief Garden which was designed by Geoffrey's brother Bevis, are also close to Bentota and are well worth visiting. (B)
Accommodation in Bentota: Club Villa (or similar)
**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
- 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.
