Splendours of Sri Lanka

Touchdown at Bandaranaike International Airport, located near the charming fishing village of Negombo. A bustling coastal city in Sri Lanka, Negombo charms visitors with its pristine sandy beaches, vibrant fish market and well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture. Be met on arrival and transfer to your accommodation. 

This afternoon, accompanied by your Tour Director, glimpse some of the beautiful churches that give the town its nickname as ‘Little Rome’. Afterwards, enjoy your Insider Experiences at the hotel.

Insider Experience - Listen to a talk on Geoffrey Bawa

Listen to a talk on Geoffrey Bawa and appreciate his influence on architecture across Sri Lanka , and Asia in general.

Insider Experience - Sri Lankan Welcome Dinner

Savour a Sri Lankan Welcome Dinner hosted by the head chef who will explain the use of herbs and spices in the local cuisine.

Early risers may want to visit the fish market to watch the boats returning with their catch and the vendors bargaining for the best selection (additional cost). After breakfast, travel to Dambulla where you will have some time at leisure. Later, venture to the World Heritage-listed Dambulla Cave Temple. Home to over 150 incredible Buddha paintings and statues, Dambulla is the largest and most well-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. Explore the five sanctuaries, each containing ornate statues and ancient art relating to the life of Buddha. Tonight, enjoy your Insider Experience before a delicious dinner at the hotel.

Insider Experience - Dance performance at the Habarana Cultural Center

Be entertained by a dance performance at the Habarana Cultural Center. Watch as the dancers showcase a selection of different styles of regional dance forms.

Enhance Your Journey – Negombo Fish Market

Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the largest open-air dry fish market in Sri Lanka. On your guided tour, witness boats and catamarans arrive as fishermen return with their catch of the day. Watch as merchants negotiate prices with the locals

Following breakfast, head to the World Heritage site of Polonnaruwa for a tour of its ancient city. Once a prosperous religious centre, it was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 AD. Explore the fascinating ruins and discover a world of archaeological treasures. Have your Insider Experience and dine on a traditional farmer's lunch before returning to the hotel. This afternoon, you may wish to embark on a safari to see the herds of elephants in Minneriya National Park (additional expense).

Insider Experience - Meet local villagers

A fascinating cultural experience awaits you today. Meet local villagers for a herbal drink experience and be intrigued by the process of using traditional ingredients in making energy boosting herbal drinks.

Enhance Your Journey – Minneriya National Park Safari

Embark on a safari to discover Minneriya National Park, situated in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. Discover the park’s breathtaking scenery and spectacular array of wildlife. See the majestic Asian elephants for which the park is famous, as well as a variety of birds, butterflies, reptiles and amphibians. Built by an ancient civilisation, the Minneriya tank is an impressive human-made water reservoir and a highlight of the park. 

Set off early for your Insider Experience. Rising 200 metres above the central plains, this spectacular geological formation was once home to an ancient civilisation. If you’re feeling active, climb the open staircases to the top of Sigiriya and take in the impressive views at its summit. Alternatively, visit the Sigiriya Museum. Enjoy breakfast back at the hotel before departing for Kandy. Tonight, enjoy an included international buffet dinner at the hotel’s main restaurant.

Insider Experience – Sunrise at the Sigiriya Rock Fortress 

Watch the sunrise from the top of spectacular Sigiriya, the World Heritage-listed rock fortress, which was built by King Kashyapa I in the fifth century and served as a royal citadel for more than 18 years.

This morning, you may like to choose to embark on an excursion (at an additional cost). This afternoon, take part in a walking tour of the city of Kandy with its iconic monuments, bustling marketplace, and vibrant shopping opportunities. Tonight, enjoy your Insider Experience. 

Insider Experience – Puja at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic 

Witness the evening puja at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, conducted by the resident monks and accompanied by the sounds of drums and burning incense.  

Enhance Your Journey – Explore the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens 

Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, spread over 147 acres in the heart of Kandy and bordered by the Mahaweli River. Stroll through the gardens and admire a lush oasis showcasing a diverse collection of over 4,000 species of plants including giant bamboo, orchids and exotic trees. 

Enhance Your Journey – Sri Lankan Cooking Demonstration 

Join a cooking demonstration in Kandy, where the secrets of crafting a traditional Sri Lankan family meal will be unveiled by a local Kandyan family. The meal will be carefully prepared with authentic, local ingredients. Afterwards, savour an included lunch of traditional flavours. 

This morning, journey onwards to the lush, green hills of Nuwara Eliya. En route, visit one of the many famous tea estates for your Insider Experience. Your lunch is another Insider Experience.  This afternoon, take in a guided tour of Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as 'Little England' as it was favoured by the British civil servants as a summer retreat and is home to several colonial buildings. Admire stunning waterfalls, vast tea terraces and expansive vegetable fields along the way.  

Insider Experience – Tea Plantation Visit and Tasting 

Visit a tea plantation and factory to learn about the traditions and processes involved in the production of tea. Then try out your newfound knowledge with a special tea tasting, sampling a selection of the finest Ceylon tea.  

Insider Experience – High Tea at The Grand Hotel 

Indulge in a high tea lunch at The Grand Hotel, a timeless property nestled amid lush surrounds, savouring culinary delights including artisanal pastries and the region’s famous teas. 

Today, embark on your Insider Experience. Afterwards, journey to Ella for lunch. Return to Nuwara Eliya, stopping en route to visit to Nazareth Chapel of the Good Shepherd Convent in Bandarawela, commissioned in 1961 by the nuns of the Good Shepherd.  

Insider Experience – Scenic Train Ride through Hill Country 

Take an enchanting train ride through the picturesque Hill Country. The journey from Nanu Oya to Demodara is considered one of the most scenic railway journeys in Sri Lanka. Sit back and enjoy stunning highland vistas of emerald tea plantations and lush landscapes as the unmistakable aroma of pure Ceylon tea fills the air. 

Journey from Nuwara Eliya to Yala National Park. Enjoy lunch on arrival then board a jeep and venture out on an afternoon safari in one of the country’s oldest and largest national parks. The park is home to over 32 species of mammals including elephants and sloth bears. Its star attraction, however, is the spectacular Sri Lankan leopard. Tonight, enjoy your Insider Experience.

Insider Experience - Listen to a Resort Naturalist

Spend time with the Resort Naturalist, who will share his knowledge and experience in tracking the abundant wildlife found across the National Park.

This morning, you may choose an optional early morning Yala game drive safari (additional expense). Afterwards, journey to Udawalawa then embark on your Insider Experience. This afternoon transfer to Galle and check into your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Insider Experience - Visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home

Visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, and learn how the displaced baby elephants are cared for and rehabilitated with the ultimate hope of re-introducing them back into the wild, as soon as they are fit enough to fend for themselves. Watch the elephant calves being fed with rich nutrient milk formula.

This morning explore the Dutch Fort of Galle on foot, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with its atmospheric paved streets and colonial heritage. Visit the Maritime Museum, see the lighthouse and the crumbling bastions along the way. This afternoon, you may choose to partake in a mask carving and painting experience at the hotel or a cooking demonstration in Galle (both at additional expense).

Enhance Your Journey – Mask Carving and Painting Experience 

Delve into the rich cultural tradition of mask painting. Unleash your creativity as you create your own mask, guided by a local artisan who shares their skill and techniques passed down through generations. Traditionally used in festivals and cultural dances, the masks are intended to ward off evil and are typically painted in bright colours. 

Enhance Your Journey – Cuisine Experience  

Embark on a culinary journey as you delve into the essence of Sri Lankan cuisine. Learn about the unique flavours and ingredients used in local dishes. Tantalise your tastebuds as you sample an array of traditional dishes typical to the region and Sri Lanka. 

After breakfast, depart for the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo. Take a tuk tuk tour of the city and see many of its sights including the Gangaramaya Temple, the Pettah bazaar area, the Wolfendhal Dutch Church, and the Old Parliament Building. Head back to your hotel and relax before your Insider Experience tonight.  

Insider Experience – Special Sri Lankan Farewell Dinner 

Savour a special Sri Lankan Farewell Dinner, featuring a specially designed menu, at the highly acclaimed Dining Room inside your hotel.

Your holiday comes to an end this morning with a transfer to the Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward flight.