SriLanka : Heritage and Wildlife Tour of Sri Lanka
Experience the tropical paradise of Sri Lanka
Travel to the exotic land of Sri Lanka where incredible animals wander freely in the lush countryside. This extraordinary country which is famous for its Ceylon Tea lies in the southeast region of Asia and is embraced by the Indian Ocean. Explore sun-kissed coastlines that are punctuated with swaying palms and visit ancient temples that cling to hillsides. This unbelievable tour of Sri Lanka introduces you to many of the country’s highlights such as the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Yala National Park and the elephant orphanage in Pinnewala. Sri Lanka not only boasts dramatic and diverse landscapes that abound with gushing waterfalls and tranquil lagoons, it also conceals a rich history that can be seen in its architecture and ancient sites and ruins. A mystical and enchanting atmosphere surrounds every aspect of this tour of Sri Lanka. Browse the itinerary below for further details of this wonderful holiday or call one of our professional travel advisors to book a Sri Lanka heritage tour.
Day 1 -
Colombo - The Start of your Tour of Sri Lanka
You will be met at Colombo International Airport and transferred to your preferred hotel. You can use the afternoon to either gather your bearings or simply relax in the comfort of your hotel.
Meals included:
Dinner
Day 2 -
Anuradhapura and Dambulla
Head towards Anuradhapura to tour Sri Lanka’s first and oldest capital, which is renowned for its ancient yet preserved ruins. The city, which is situated on the banks of the Malvatha Oyu River, has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is thought of as sacred by Buddhists. Explore several historic sites and discover the ruins of Brazen Palace which was a former monastery. Later in the day you will have the opportunity to admire the wonderful wall paintings of the Dambulla Rock Temple.
Meals included:
Breakfast
,
Dinner
Day 3 -
Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa
Begin today’s tour of Sri Lanka with an invigorating walk up to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Also known as ‘The Lion Rock’, this World Heritage Site was formerly a stronghold of the fortified town which still retains an old moat and ramparts that you can walk around. Once at the summit of the fortress you are greeted with unparalleled views of the surrounding countryside. Admire the artistic frescos of the ‘Heavenly Maidens’ that are sheltered beneath a rock which can be accessed via a spiral staircase.
Continuing the tour of Sri Lanka we head to Polonnaruwa where you will visit the Royal Palace, Shiva Temple and Gal Viharaya, otherwise known as the ‘Cave of the Spirits of Knowledge’. Three huge images of Buddha that are carved within the granite cliffs mark this site and it has become one of the most significant places of pilgrimage.
Meals included:
Breakfast
,
Dinner
Day 4 -
Pinnawala and Kandy
Today you can meet the world’s largest herd of elephants on your holiday in Sri Lanka as we journey to the Pinnawala elephant orphanage. Watch these fabulous animals as they are bred and raised within 24 acres of land. Moving on to the city of Kandy you can see the tranquil lake that contrasts with the vibrancy of the bazaar. To complete the day enjoy a Sri Lankan cultural show at the Temple of the Tooth Relic where the tooth of Buddha is housed.
Meals included:
Breakfast
,
Dinner
Day 5 -
Peradeniya and Nuwara Eliya
Explore the picturesque Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya and then continue to Nuwara after a trip to the tea factory which sits amid breathtaking scenery in Sri Lanka’s hill country. Rolling mountains, lush meadows and striking architecture create a spectacular backdrop to the region.
Meals included:
Breakfast
,
Dinner
Day 6 -
Yala National Park
Be in awe of the cascading waterfalls at Rowana Ella as your tour of Sri Lanka advances to Yala National Park. Go on safari and be driven around the park to witness the crocodiles, leopards and elephants that inhabit the area.
Meals included:
Breakfast
,
Dinner
Day 7 -
Galle – Colombo
Today on your tour of Sri Lanka, we drive to the ancient city of Galle and take a tour around the Galle Fort, which is the greatest remaining Asian fortress to be constructed by Europeans. Continue to Colombo city in the afternoon.
Meals included:
Breakfast
,
Dinner
Day 8 -
Depart Colombo
Prepare for your flight home or if you want to extend your tour of Sri Lanka, why not opt for an additional six day stay in accommodation of your choice? Relax on seductive beaches as the shimmering blue water laps the white sands and palm trees provide cool shade, reminding you that you are in a tropical paradise. What better way to complete this fantastic tour of Sri Lanka?
Meals included:
Breakfast
Enjoy a tour of Sri Lanka and witness the outstanding natural beauty that is home to magnificent wildlife such as elephants, leopards and crocodiles.