TREASURES OF SRI LANKA
15 Days / 14 Nights
COLOMBO
Being the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is a rapidly changing city with a vibrant cosmopolitan feel to it and is a must see at the beginning or end of any itinerary. The country’s biggest city and the political, economic and cultural hub, it was once the capital under the British and remained so when Sri Lanka achieved independence.
Colombo now offers a wealth of interesting attractions, including the National Museum, the Pettah bazaar, colonial buildings beautifully restored from the Dutch, Portuguese and British eras and some lovely temples. Discover Colombo’s historic fort district, visit iconic landmarks of the late 19th century and take in a scenic sunset on the coast at Galle Face Green. Food is also a highlight in Colombo, where you can dine at one of the eateries in the Old Dutch
Hospital.
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KANDY
Kandy, once an impregnable fortress, was the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom. Today, this bustling city is Sri Lanka’s cultural centre and home to the country’s holiest site, the Temple of the Tooth, said to contain the tooth relic of Buddha. The temple is set on the shores of a beautiful lake in the midst of town. Just a short walk away from the temple is the British Garrison Cemetery, established in 1817 for the British nationals that died in Ceylon. Kandy is also known for its quaint old quarter, cultural performances and interesting museums. The Victoria Golf Club, one of the most scenic golf courses in Asia, and the exotic Peradeniya botanical gardens are a short drive away from Kandy and easily visited as a day trip.
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COLOMBO
Being the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is a rapidly changing city with a vibrant cosmopolitan feel to it and is a must see at the beginning or end of any itinerary. The country’s biggest city and the political, economic and cultural hub, it was once the capital under the British and remained so when Sri Lanka achieved independence.
Colombo now offers a wealth of interesting attractions, including the National Museum, the Pettah bazaar, colonial buildings beautifully restored from the Dutch, Portuguese and British eras and some lovely temples. Discover Colombo’s historic fort district, visit iconic landmarks of the late 19th century and take in a scenic sunset on the coast at Galle Face Green. Food is also a highlight in Colombo, where you can dine at one of the eateries in the Old Dutch Hospital or be adventurous and try some of the delicious street food.
KANDY
Kandy, once an impregnable fortress, was the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom. Today, this bustling city is Sri Lanka’s cultural centre and home to the country’s holiest site, the Temple of the Tooth, said to contain the tooth relic of Buddha. The temple is set on the shores of a beautiful lake in the midst of town. Just a short walk away from the temple is the British Garrison Cemetery, established in 1817 for the British nationals that died in Ceylon. Kandy is also known for its quaint old quarter, cultural performances and interesting museums. The Victoria Golf Club, one of the most scenic golf courses in Asia, and the exotic Peradeniya botanical gardens are a short drive away from Kandy and easily visited as a day trip.
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Day 1 : Fly to Colombo (N)
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Day 2 : Colombo
Arrive and transfer to Cinnamon Lakeside for
a 1-night stay. (N)
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Day 3 : Habarana
This morning visit the impressive Golconda fort, once a
centre of Muslim power for 400 years. Afternoon tour of the
timeless and luxurious Taj Falaknuma Palace with
high tea. (B)
◉
Day 4 : Habarana
Visit Sigiriya rock fortress, built during the
fifth century. (B)
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Day 5 : Polonnaruwa • Minneriya
Visit Polonnaruwa and Minneriya National Park. (B)
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Day 6 : Dambulla • Kandy
Drive to Kandy, via the Dambulla caves and Popham arboretum.
Stay 2 nights at Jim’s Farm Villas. (B)
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Day 7 : Kandy
At leisure or visit the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya. (B)
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Day 8-9 : Hill country
En route to Nuwara Eliya, visit Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth.
Stay 2 nights at Jetwing St Andrew’s. At leisure to explore the
tea fields and waterfalls on foot or by bike. (B)
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Day 10 : Yala
Drive to Yala and spend 2 nights at Jetwing Yala. (B)
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Day 11 : Yala
Early morning wildlife viewing. (B)
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Day 12 : Galle
Drive to Galle and stay 2 nights at the Jetwing Lighthouse. (B)
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Day 13 : Galle
Explore Galle fort. (B)
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Day 14: Wadduwa
Drive to Wadduwa and spend 2 nights at the Blue Water. (B)
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Day 15: Wadduwa
At leisure. (B)
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Day 16: Fly home
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Drive to Colombo and fly home. (B)
Day 1 : Fly to Bangalore
Fly from London (regional connections available) to Bengalaru (Bangalore) with British Airways. (N)
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Day 2 : Srirangapatna • Mysore
On arrival in Bengaluru, transfer to the LaLit hotel for an early lunch. Continue to Mysore, visiting the island fortress of Srirangapatna en route. Stay 2 nights at the Radisson Blu Plaza. (L)
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Day 3 : Mysore
Morning exploration of the Maharajah’s Palace, which displays a synthesis of Hindu and Saracenic architecture. This evening take an optional walking tour of Mysore and learn about the opulent lives of the Maharajas*. (B)
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Day 4 : Nagarhole National Park
Travel to Kabini to explore Nagarhole National Park, home to over 400 tigers and the world’s largest congregation of Asiatic elephants. Take a boat safari on the Kabini river. Stay 2 nights at Serai Kabini (or similar). (B, L, D)
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Day 5 : Nagarhole National Park
Morning 4x4 safari to explore the park further. As well as the sizeable tiger and elephant populations, leopards, dhole and sloth bears also reside in the park along with over 300 species of birds. In the afternoon, take a further 4x4 safari (optional). (B, L, D)
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Day 6 : Kodagu
Drive to Kodagu (Coorg) for 2 nights at the Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, set on a hillside and surrounded by a 180-acre rainforest. This afternoon take a guided tour of the estate. (B)
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Day 7 : Kodagu
Immerse yourself further in the culture of Kodagu by spending the day with a local Kodava family, a community which is known for its expertise in agriculture, warfare and sports. Enjoy a traditional lunch and interact with your hosts in an authentic home overlooking verdant plantations and valleys. (B, L)
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Day 8 : Chikmaglur
Drive to Chikmaglur and overnight at the Hoysala Village Resort. Visit the Hoysala temple complexes of Belur and Halebid, some of the finest examples of Hindu artistic and cultural development in India. (B)
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Day 9 : Hampi
Drive to Hampi and spend 3 nights at the luxurious Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace. Upgrade to the exceptional Ultimate Travelling Camp, Kishkinda Camp (luxury suite tent) from $465. Rest of the day at leisure. (B)
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Day 10 : Hampi
Visit the ruins of the Vijayanagara empire at Hampi, once the capital of one of the largest Hindu empires in Indian history. The ruins are set in a mystical boulder-strewn landscape interspersed with groves of coconut palms. (B)
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Day 11 : Hampi
Explore the quaint village of Anegundi, known for its artisans and social enterprises. Climb Anjaneya hill, allegedly the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, and visit the monkey temple. Afternoon at leisure. Head to Hemakuta hill in the early evening to watch the sunset over Hampi. (B)
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Day 12: Hyderabad
Take an optional sunrise climb of Matanaga hill, which offers superb views of Hampi. Rest of the morning at leisure. This afternoon fly to Hyderabad for 2 nights at the Park Hyatt. Upgrade to the Taj Falaknuma Palace (luxury room) from $815. (B)
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Day 13: Hyderabad
Visit the monumental Golconda fort, originally built in 1518. Later explore the old city of Hyderabad; highlights include the magnificent Chowmahalla Palace complex, the lively Laad bazaar and the Char Minar, a masterpiece of Qutub Shahi architecture. (B)
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Day 14: Fly to London
Transfer to the airport for the early morning British Airways flight to London. (B)
Day 1 : Fly to Colombo (N)
◉
Day 2 : Colombo
Arrive and transfer to Cinnamon Lakeside for
a 1-night stay. (N)
◉
Day 3 : Habarana
This morning visit the impressive Golconda fort, once a
centre of Muslim power for 400 years. Afternoon tour of the
timeless and luxurious Taj Falaknuma Palace with
high tea. (B)
◉
Day 4 : Habarana
Visit Sigiriya rock fortress, built during the
fifth century. (B)
◉
Day 5 : Polonnaruwa • Minneriya
Visit Polonnaruwa and Minneriya National Park. (B)
◉
Day 6 : Dambulla • Kandy
Drive to Kandy, via the Dambulla caves and Popham arboretum.
Stay 2 nights at Jim’s Farm Villas. (B)
◉
Day 7 : Kandy
At leisure or visit the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya. (B)
◉
Day 8-9 : Hill country
En route to Nuwara Eliya, visit Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth.
Stay 2 nights at Jetwing St Andrew’s. At leisure to explore the
tea fields and waterfalls on foot or by bike. (B)
◉
Day 10 : Yala
Drive to Yala and spend 2 nights at Jetwing Yala. (B)
◉
Day 11 : Yala
Early morning wildlife viewing. (B)
◉
Day 12 : Galle
Drive to Galle and stay 2 nights at the Jetwing Lighthouse. (B)
◉
Day 13 : Galle
Explore Galle fort. (B)
◉
Day 14: Wadduwa
Drive to Wadduwa and spend 2 nights at the Blue Water. (B)
◉
Day 15: Wadduwa
At leisure. (B)
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Day 16: Fly home
◉
Drive to Colombo and fly home. (B)
GUIDE PRICE $2285 PER PERSON
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