Visit the magical ancient cities, incense scented temples and the paradise that is the less travelled Eastern Coast. If that weren't enough, you will then enjoy the awesome train journey to the green and fertile Hill Country. Finally look out for the leopards as you enjoy Sri Lanka's most popular Safari Park!!! This trip is truly magnificent and allows you to soak up the true Spirit of Sri Lanka. Whilst your senses will be endlessly flooded with sights, sounds, smells and tastes, your body and mind will be able to relax as you stay in some of the most luxurious accommodation in Sri Lanka. This trip will allow you plenty of time to relax as we have tried to keep accommodation moves minimal. If you prefer to spend the day time soaking up the sun and sipping cocktails, do your sightseeing by night. Often Sri Lanka's Temples are the most awe inspiring and evocative in the evening as they truly come to life!
Spirit of Sri Lanka
Your Tour
DAY 01
When you arrive at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be greeted by your driver guide. You will be able to relax in air conditioned comfort as you take the journey to your first Hotel in Habarana. There will be plenty of time for you to rest on arrival in your hotel. You will have the opportunity to visit Dambulla Cave Temple in the late afternoon.
DAY 02
Today you will be visiting the ancient ruins at the sacred city of Anuradhapura. You will also take in the beautiful Buddhist statue at Aukana before returning to your hotel in Habarana where there will be plenty of time to enjoy a couple of sun-downers and have your first tastes of delicious Sri Lankan cuisine.
DAY 03
There will be opportunity to explore more astonishing elements of Sri Lanka's cultural triangle today. You will start with a visit to Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka. Prepare to be amazed as you climb the ancient rock temple at Sigiriya and take in the wondrous views. You will also have the opportunity to wander off the beaten track and visit a local rural Sri Lankan community and partake in traditional village life before returning to your Habarana hotel.
DAY 04
Its time to head further north today as we head to Nilaveli via the Eastern capital of Sri Lanka and port town of Trincomalee. The flat clear sea is full of coral and beautiful tropical fish making it the ideal spot for an afternoon of snorkeling should you fancy.
DAY 05
A day of sightseeing is ahead starting with a visit to the stunning Hindu Koneshwaram Temple. You will then visit the hot water wells close to the Temple. Finally we take you to Marble beach...imagine paradise...crystal clear ocean rolling onto wide palm fringed sands... got it? It's beautiful here. You will return to your Nilaveli hotel late afternoon.
DAY 06
Today you will pack your bag and leave for the breath taking Hill country. On the way to the beautiful city of Kandy where you will stay you'll have the opportunity to visit the ancient monument Nalanda Gedige. Maybe pick up some of Sri Lanka's famous cinnamon as you explore a Spice Garden in Matale. There will be plenty of time to unwind after you've checked into your hotel and before heading out to observe an evening of traditional Kandyan dance and drumming.
DAY 07
Following breakfast, take a relaxing stroll through the beautiful Peradeniya Botanical Garden's. Following this you will visit the Elephant orphanage at Pinnewala, a short drive from Kandy. Pinnewala is a functioning orphanage and breeding ground. It is renowned throughout the world for being the largest captive habitat of Asian elephants. There will be plenty of time to explore Kandy's shopping quarter and eateries or to laze by the pool before the sun goes down. In the evening, prepare to be deeply moved by the majesty of the sacred Temple of the Tooth which is a UNESCO world Heritage site.
DAY 08
Things may start to get even cooler as It's time to head deeper into the Hill country. You'll take the train to Nuwara Eliya, Chamil's home town. The journey itself is a wondrous spectacle. Prepare for your jaw to drop as you make the ascent through luscious green tea plantations into the clouds. Often referred to as "Little England" we jokingly refer to Nuwara Eliya as "Little Scotland" for it's uncanny resemblance to the Geography of the Highlands and its cooler temperatures. Cosy up as you head out into the evening mist to visit one of the highly acclaimed tea factories. Here you will be able to see how tea is actually produced,from plant to cup. Of course you'll have the opportunity to sample the refreshing Ceylon tea.
DAY 09
It's time to reach for your sunglasses again!Today you will be leaving to Tissamaharama, taking in the waterfalls at Ella en route. In the evening you will be taken to the Kataragama Temple's. Kataragama is a sacred village for people of all religions and a wonderful example of how it is possible for different belief systems to co-exist peacefully. I don't believe that it its possible to tire of this experience and a visit to Kataragama is always top of our agenda when we return to Sri Lanka. Awesome by day, the Temples are nothing short of magical by night.
DAY 10
It's an early start this morning as you head to Yala safari park and hopefully "spot" a leopard or two. There will be plenty of time to relax by the pool this afternoon or take a stroll around beautiful Tissamaharama lake and join the locals for some freshly fried fish and chili mango-mmmmmmmm!
Day 11
With a camera bursting at the seams its time to head South to the beaches. Your driver will be happy to drop you at the hotel and destination of your choice. You will be left in peace to enjoy the remainder of your holiday. An airport transfer will be arranged to make sure you are safely back at the airport in time for your homeward flight. There is also the option to part company with us at this point if you wish for a less structured end to your holiday.
Alternatively, if you decide to return home at this point, your final evening will be spent in the wondrous Mount Lavinia hotel, Colombo. A perfect end to your holiday. An airport transfer will be waiting when you are ready to leave.
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