Splendours of Sri Lanka

Splendours of Sri Lanka

This group tour for solo travellers explores Sri Lanka’s famed Cultural Triangle and beyond. Admire ancient cities, scenic hill country, man-made marvels and abundant wildlife. Your journey includes safaris in search of wild elephants and leopards, a visit to the UNESCO-listed rock fortress of Sigiriya, and a relaxing stay on a palm-fringed beach.

What's Included:

• 4- & 5-star accommodation
• Twin / double rooms for single use
• Flexible - extensions, room & flight upgrades available
• Small group size - average 10 people (max 18)
• Direct international flights with Sri Lankan Airlines
• Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
• 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 12 dinners
• Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
• Welcome and farewell group dinners
• Experienced local tour manager
• Wildlife safaris & national park entrance fees
• Porterage at hotels

Day 1: Fly to Colombo

Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Colombo with Sri Lankan Airlines. (N)

Day 2: Chilaw

Arrive and transfer to the Anantaya hotel for 1 night. Welcome dinner with your group. (D)

Day 3: Anuradhapura

Drive to Anuradhapura via Wilpattu National Park. Afternoon wildlife safari in search of leopards and sloth bears. Stay 2 nights at the Lake Forest Resort. (B, D)

Day 4: Wilpattu National Park - Anuradhapura

Morning safari in Wilpattu National Park. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Anuradhapura - Habarana

Drive to the ancient city of Anuradhapura. For 1,400 years, this city was the capital of Sri Lanka and contains fabulous Buddhist shrines and relics. Travel to Habarana. Stay 3nights at the Cinnamon Lodge. (B, D)

Day 6: Habarana - Sigiriya

Transfer to Sigiriya. Visit to the UNESCO-listed rock fortress. Learn about Sri Lankan cuisine at a cooking demonstration before an afternoon at leisure. (B, D)

Day 7: Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Minneriya National Park

Visit the 11th-century medieval capital of Polonnaruwa. Afternoon safari to view a variety of wildlife. (B, D)

Day 8: Dambulla - Kandy

Morning visit to Dambulla, home to Asia’s most impressive cave temples. Continue to the beautiful hill station of Kandy and stay 2 nights at the Cinnamon Citadel. (B, D)

Day 9: Kandy

Morning visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens. In the evening, watch a traditional Kandyan dance performance and visit the Temple of the Tooth for the evening puja ceremony. (B, D)

Day 10: Nuwara Eliya

Morning train journey to Nanu Oya. Set some 1,880 metres above sea level, Nuwara Eliya attracted the British in the 18th century and their legacy is still visible. Stay at The Grand Hotel (or similar) for 2 nights. (B, D)

Day 11: Horton Plains

Early morning visit to Horton Plains, situated on Sri Lanka’s highest plateau (this excursion involves a 2.5-hour walk). Horton Plains is inhabited by large populations of monkeys and sambar deer. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B, D)

Day 12: Wadduwa

Drive to Wadduwa. Stay 2 nights at the Blue Water Hotel, a luxury hotel with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. (B, D)

Day 13: Wadduwa

Day at leisure. Farewell dinner. (B, D)

Day 14: Fly to London

Transfer to Colombo and fly to London with Sri Lankan Airlines. (B)