Itinerary Packages
Sri Lanka Highlights, 2006
Number of Nights: 8. A comprehensive tour of the main sights of Sri Lanka - Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya to name but a few, all from the base of the first class Kandalama hotel in the heart of Sri Lanka's cultural triangle.
Our opinion
This exciting holiday includes all major highlights of Sri Lanka and by staying at the Kandalama resort the itinerary is less busy than some and reduces the amount of packing and unpacking that you need to do.
Escorted
The Sri Lanka Highlights Tour is accompanied by a local guide or driver-guide from departure Colombo to arrival at your beach hotel. During your stay at your selected beach hotel, assistance will be provided by our local representatives.
- Mount Lavinia: 1 night
- Nuwara Eliya: 1 night
- Kandy: 2 nights
- Kandalama: 3 nights
- Mount Lavinia: 1 night
- Beach: 6 nights (optional) Plus up to 6 extra nights FREE
Day 1 Wed or Mon London / Colombo
Departure by Sri Lankan Airlines on Wednesday from Heathrow to Colombo, or on Monday. One night less on the beach may sometimes be required due to flight schedules.
Day 2 Thu or Tue Colombo
On arrival transfer to the colonial Mount Lavinia hotel to relax.
Day 3 Fri or Wed Colombo / Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast drive through stunning scenery to Nuwara Eliya stopping for lunch at Kitulgala where the film ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’ was filmed. Nuwara Eliya is set in a mountain valley some 6,000 feet above sea level, and Sri Lanka’s most famous hill station. Dinner and overnight at the Tea Factory hotel near Nuwara Eliya (approx. 115 miles) (B,L,D).
Day 4 Sat or Thu Nuwara Eliya / Kandy
In the morning, visit a tea plantation and local factory before returning for lunch at the Tea Factory hotel. After lunch, begin your descent down the hills along winding roads and past beautiful hill countryside and tea plantations to Kandy and the excellent first class, the Earls Regency, your base for the next two nights (approx. 50 miles) (B,L,D).
Day 5 Sun or Fri Kandy
Morning at leisure, perhaps enjoy the nearby golf course (transport extra) or relax by the swimming pool. After lunch enjoy sightseeing of ‘the capital of the Sri Lankan Kings.’ Visit Kandy town and market including the renowned Temple of the Tooth. In the evening enjoy a cultural exhibition of Kandyan dancing (approx. 15 miles) (B,L,D).
Day 6 Mon or Sat Kandy / Kandalama
After breakfast visit the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens before returning to the Earls Regency for lunch. In the afternoon visit a spice garden and a batik factory en route to the picturesque first class Kandalama resort near Sigiriya, your base for the next three nights. Observe the birdlife and beautiful countryside of Kandalama, a 55 acre forest which contains a variety of trees, medicinal plants and a rich and varied birdlife. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Kandalama (approx. 65 miles) (B,L,D).
Day 7 Tue or Sun Kandalama
Leave for Anuradhapura after breakfast, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka. Visit the immense dagabas (Buddhist Shrines) which date to 380 BC. After lunch visit Mihintale where Buddhism was first introduced and is abundant with shrines and rock dwellings and thereafter you will also see the Avukana Buddha statue, the most magnificent undamaged statue in Sri Lanka. Return to Kandalama (approx. 160 miles) (B,L,D).
Day 8 Wed or Mon Kandalama
After breakfast leave for Sigiriya and climb the impressive rock fortress. Here you will see the remains of the palace and famous frescoes. Proceed to Polonnaruwa, the 12th century capital of Sri Lanka with lunch en route. See the ruins of the Royal Palace and Gal Vihare (awe inspiring Buddha statues carved out of rock), the Lotus Bath and 12th century Polonnaruwa Statue. Return to Kandalama (approx. 120 miles) (B,L,D).
Day 9 Thu or Tue Kandalama / Mt.Lavinia
After breakfast, leave for the south coast visiting the Dambulla Rock Temple famous for its beautiful murals, inscriptions and statues. The caves of Dambulla sheltered King Walagmbahu for 14 years during his exile from Anuradhapura. When he regained his throne, he built this magnificent Rock Temple consisting of four large caves which is one of the most impressive caves in Sri Lanka. Continue to the Pinnawela elephant orphanage and enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant. After lunch, proceed to the Mount Lavinia hotel. Alternatively continue to your chosen beach hotel for the next six nights on an RB basis to relax on the west coast beaches (B,L).
Day 10 Fri or Wed or Day 15 Wed or Mon Colombo / London
Fly Sri Lankan Airlines to Heathrow, arriving the same day. NB The last night at the Mount Lavinia or your beach hotel may not always be a full night subject to flight schedules.
