Summary
Short description
Ancient cities and east coast beaches
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Highlights
- Take in the millenia-old temples of Sri Lanka's central plains
- Summit Sigiriya, Sri Lanka's iconic rock fortress
- Look out for wildlife in Minneriya National Park
- Head east to Passikudah for sun-soaked relaxation and world-class snorkelling
- Enjoy a guided walking tour of Colombo
In Brief
- 1 Night Negombo
- 2 Nights Anuradhapura
- 1 Night Sigiriya
- 3 Nights Passikudah
- 2 Nights Colombo
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Beach | History & culture | Natural world | Relaxation | Wildlife
Combine the cultural and natural highlights of central Sri Lanka and the breathtaking beaches of the country's palm-fringed east coast. Spend time near the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Anuradhapura, from where you'll take day trips to the wildlife-rich Minneriya National Park and the spectacular rock fortress of Sigiriya. From Anuradhapura, head east to Passikudah for sun, sea and sand on Sri Lanka's east coast, before rounding your trip off in Colombo, Sri Lanka's largest city.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK/Sri Lanka
Depart the UK on an overnight flight, beginning your luxury Sri Lanka holiday on day two.
Day
2
Negombo
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport to the north of Sri Lanka's capital Colombo and transfer to The Wallawwa Hotel, an old colonial manor house, located near the coastal town of Negombo. Check in and spend the rest of the day relaxing, or perhaps step out and explore Negombo's interesting old town, where you'll discover a rich colonial history, a picturesque lagoon and several canals, which make an ideal spot for bird watching. In the evening, head out to one of several good restaurants, which run parallel to the town's wide sandy beach.
Stay: The Wallawwa Hotel, Negombo (Superior)
Day
3
Drive to Anuradhapura
Leave Negombo behind this morning as you begin your tour of Sri Lanka with a scenic, five-hour drive to the city of Anuradhapura, the capital of the country's North Central Province. On arrival you'll check into your hotel and spend an evening at leisure.
Stay: Ulagalla, Anuradhapura (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
4
Anuradhapura
Spend today exploring Anuradhapura, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka. Renowned for its well-preserved ruins, it was the 3rd capital of the Kingdom of Rajarata, after Tambapanni and Upatissa Nuwara. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Anuradhapura lies 205 km north of the current capital Colombo on the banks of the historic Malvathu Oya and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the eight World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka.
Stay: Ulagalla, Anuradhapura (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
5
Minneriya - Sigiriya
After breakfast this morning you'll head to the beautiful Minneriya National Park. Located between Habarana and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, this 8,890-hectare park is one of the most important eco-tourism destinations in Sri Lanka. The park consists of mixed evergreen forest and scrub and is home to some of the country's most iconic wildife such as sambar deer, elephants, leopards and an abundance of bird life.
Stay: Jetwing Vil Uyana, Sigiriya (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
6
Sigiriya & Polonnaruwa
This morning you'll check out of your hotel and head to the spectacular rock fortress of Sigiriya; dating back to the 5th century, it’s one of Sri Lanka's most impressive sites, impossibly perched on top of a towering rock formation. Showcasing majestic views across the surrounding jungles, mountains and plains. Then, continue to Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital and crown jewel of King Parakramabahu. Today, it’s a World Heritage Site where scattered wall walks will bring you to stupas, Buddha statues and delicately hewn Hindu sculptures. You’ll stop at Vatadage – the relic house – and take some time out at the Nissankamalla Council Chamber where ferocious animal busts and soaring columns recall the city's courtly history. End the day with your journey to Passikudah, whose white sandy beaches, bathtub waters and swaying palms make for a true coastal paradise.
Stay: Uga Bay, Passikudah (Superior)
Meals: B
Days
7-8
Passikudah
The next couple of days will be spent relaxing and enjoying the delights of Sri Lanka's beautiful east coast. Here you'll find some of the country's best beaches - long wide stretches of sand leading to the clear, shallow waters of the Indian Ocean. For divers and snorkelers there are some superb coral reefs and the chance to enjoy some unforgettable wreck dives, while sun-worshippers and water-sports enthusiast can spend hours on end relaxing and playing in the sun and surf. If you'd prefer to get out and about there are plenty of cultural tours on offer, with excursions to local sites such as ancient Polonnaruwa, the fascinating town of Batticaloa and the beaches around Trincomalee and Arugam Bay all popular choices.
Stay: Uga Bay, Passikudah (Superior)
Meals: B
Days
9-10
Colombo
This morning, you'll leave Sri Lanka's east coast behind as you take a regular scheduled flight to Colombo, the country's largest city and executive and judicial capital. You'll be staying in a luxurious boutique hotel in a heritage building in the city's leafy Cinnamon Gardens neighbourhood. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure, whether you fancy simply unwinding at the hotel or getting your bearings in Colombo.
The following day, after breakfast, you'll be met for a guided city walking tour, which will introduce you to Colombo's Fort and Pettah districts. Throughout the tour, you'll notice a fascinating blend of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial influences alongside Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. You'll also pass by one of the oldest clocktowers in Asia and learn about how and why the British Government funded the construction of the Grand Oriental Hotel. Finally, you'll end up back at the Dutch Hospital shopping complex, where you might fancy a drink or two while mulling over the day's adventures.
Stay: Maniumpathy (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
11
Departure
Transfer by seaplane from Batticaloa to Colombo/Katunayake in time for your onward flight to London.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
11-day tailor-made holiday
from £4,000 pp incl. flights
Superior
Low Season
from £4,000 pp. incl. flights
High Season
from £4,305 pp. incl. flights
Includes:
- Complimentary UK airport lounge access
- Return flights from London to Colombo
- Domestic air transfer from Batticaloa to Colombo
- Private car and driver
- Touring as indicated
- 9 nights accommodation in typically 4 and 4+* (Superior) hotels on a B&B basis
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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