Highlights of Ceylon
Immerse yourself in this exciting 10-day itinerary that traverses through the beauty, history and culture of Sri Lanka. Discover textured landscapes brimming with archaeological masterpieces in Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and savour the opportunity of seeing massive herds of Asian elephant roaming in the wild at Hurulu Forest Reserve. Discover the art of tea, on an essential Tea Trails experience and track iconic wildlife at Yala National Park, one of the most popular destinations for leopard viewing. Kayak on sparkling lagoons and sink into luxurious comfort on the beaches of Weligama. Glide out on a boat where you can no longer see the land, and be utterly awe-struck as you watch magnificent whales and dolphins performing aqua acrobatics. Meander through atmospheric cobblestone streets in the historic Galle Fort and lose yourself in classic Dutch architecture juxtaposed with beautiful European buildings highlighting a sensational cultural fusion. This itinerary showcases the incredible diversity of Sri lank and will entice you to come back for more.
1 night Kotugoda
2 nights Sigiriya
2 nights Hill Country
2 nights Yala
3 nights Weligama
Day 1: Kotugoda
Upon arrival you will be welcomed by a representative and driven to The Wallawwa, Kotugoda (Approx. 30 minute drive). This old colonial manor house has been lovingly restored to a luxury private hideaway and boasts magnificent manicured gardens. Indulge in sumptuous cuisine, revitalizing spa treatments, a leisurely swim and a tranquil night’s sleep.
Day 2: Sigiriya
Enjoy breakfast and then be driven to Sigiriya (Approx. 3 ½ hours’ drive) and check-in to your hotel.Climb the legendary rock citadel in Sigiriya and walk through the meticulously landscaped Royal Gardens and ascend towards the summit where only ruins of the royal palace now remain. A visit to the fresco gallery with its ancient paintings of the King’s maids in waiting and the Mirror Wall with ancient transcripts that closely match the modern day Sinhalese language, should also not be missed.
Day 3: Polonnaruwa
After an early breakfast, leave for Polonnaruwa (Approx. 1 ½ hours’ drive) and check-in to your hotel. Explore the ancient ruins containing the archaeological remains of ancient structures of governance, temples and statues on a bicycle. Visit Minneriya, Kaudulla or Hurulu Forest Reserve to watch wild Asian elephants. During the wet season, the herds scatter amongst the tall grasses and scrub jungle vegetation. Look out for massive herds of over 250 elephants, as well as leopards, rusty spotted cats and sloth bears roaming in the scrubby forest. Other large animals found here include jackal, spotted deer, tufted grey langur and toque macaque.
A bird watchers paradise, cast your eye to the sky for sightings of rollers, Sri Lanka jungle fowl, Indian peafowl, blue-tailed and green bee-eaters along with raptors such as changeable hawk eagle, crested serpent eagle and shikra.
Days 4-5: Hatton
Enjoy a hearty breakfast and then proceed on a long journey towards Hatton (Approx. 05 ½ hours’ drive). En-route stop over at Kandy and visit the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic. While the tooth stays hidden within a gold casket, visitors and devotees always visit the temple during puja, the prayer session, just to glimpse the well-protected inner shrine where it is housed.
Go on a tea experience tour with an experienced tea planter and discover the age-old tea making process. Together with tea-infused cuisine, tea based spa treatments and trekking trails that traverse tea-blanketed hills, you can literally lose yourself in tea. Take the time to rest and relax in one of the luxurious bungalows, perfectly enveloped in warmth from a crackling wood fire, watching as the captivating mists rolls across the landscape.
Days 6-7: Yala
Relish a scrumptious breakfast at Ceylon Tea Trails and thereafter proceed on a long drive to Yala (Approx. 06 hours’ drive). Enjoy exhilarating jeep safaris at Yala National Park. One of the most popular destination for wildlife viewing, leopards are the star attraction at Yala. Asian elephant, sloth bear, jackal, sambar, spotted deer buffalo, wild boar and the grey langur are among the other larger mammals that may be seen. Numerous waterholes make it an excellent destination for birders especially for dry-zone species with around 300 recorded species. Other activities include nature walks, kayaking in one of the lakes and visiting archaeological ruins.
Days 8-10: Weligama
Enjoy your breakfast and then drive to Weligama (Approx. 4 hours’ drive). Delight in a variety of land and water-based activities. Offering first-rate PADI dive courses and exciting dives, other activities include private cruises, big game fishing, seasonal whale and dolphin watching trips and banana boating. Stroll on the infinite sun-kissed stretches of sand and frolic in the sensational sparkling waters. Explore neighboring coves by kayak, or learn to surf on Weligama’s legendary curls. Savor mouth-watering fare, dramatically poised at the cliff edge, with nothing but azure expanse as far as the eye can see. Indulge in a ‘spa day’, with organic homegrown Sri Lankan spice scrubs made from clove, nutmeg, sweet orange and sandalwood relieve stress and naturally attend to travel weary muscles while bespoke, essential oil massage blends incorporate Ceylon tea, which is renowned for its antioxidant, anti-ageing and calming properties. Cape Weligama’s luxury catamaran redefines whale watching in Mirissa, taking you beyond the bay area to open waters, making it an experience that must be on your to-do list!
Explore the intricately beautiful historic Old Dutch Fort in Galle. Wander through this vibrant, bustling area, complete with courts, schools, administrative buildings and churches.
Explore the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex, and soak in the ambience.
Day 11: Departure
Wave a fond farewell as you are driven to Bandaranaike International Airport for your international flight onward.
