Best of Sri Lanka 12 nts / 13 days

OVERVIEW
DESTINATION INFO

Experience the finest sights of Sri Lanka, Historical Sights of Colombo, Anuradhapura – Ruins of Ancient Lankan Civilization, World Heritage Site.

Tour Route:-

Arrive Colombo 1 Night > Drive Habarana 3 Nights ( Excursion Polonnaruwa & Sigiriya ) > Drive Kandy 2 Nights > Drive Nuwara Eliya 2 Nights ( Horton Plains ) > Drive Yala 2 Nights ( Wildlife ) > Drive Bentota 2 Nights ( Beach ) > Drive Colombo & Leave.

Day 01 Arrive Colombo

Upon arrival in Colombo Airport you are met by our representative and transferred to your pre booked Hotel. Afternoon commence a sightseeing tour of the city of Colombo. Drive through the commercial and city centre area known as the “Fort”, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century where grand colonial era buildings stand alongside modern office structures. See the busy markets and noisy bazaars of Pettah, the National Museum with its fine collection of lovely antiques and art of Sri Lanka. Drive past the Town Hall, Independence Square, the B.M.I.C.H (International Convention Centre) and Cinnamon Gardens residential area and visit a Buddhist temple and a Hindu Kovil to experience the diversity of religion, ethnicity and customs of the people.
Dinner and Overnight stay at a hotel in Colombo.

Day 02 Colombo – Habarana (Drive)

After breakfast leave for Habarana. Upon arrival in Habarana check in at your pre booked hotel.Rest of the day free relaxing at the Hotel.Dinner and Overnight stay at a hotel in Habarana.

Day 03 Habarana – Anuradhapura – Habarana

After breakfast at the hotel leave for Anuradhapura. On arrival in Anuradhapura, visit the sacred ancient city founded in the 04th century B.C a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982. It has the largest number of ancient monuments of the great Sinhala civilization which flourished in this region. You will see some of the most famous as well as the tallest dagobas of Sri Lanka, Ruwanweliseya Dagoba, 2nd century BC with its famous elephant walls and the 3rd century BC Thuparama Dagoba. Ruins of ancient royal palaces specially the pillars of the Brazen Palace, which once had nine storeys, temples, the image of the Samadhi Buddha one of the finest pieces of Buddhist sculpture, monasteries, the twin ponds, guard stones and the moonstone. The ‘Sri Maha Bodhi’ or the sacred Bo tree is over 2200 years old grown from a branch of the very tree under which “The Buddha” attained enlightenment – the oldest historically documented tree in the world.
Dinner and Overnight stay at a Hotel in Habarana

Day 04 Habarana – Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya – Habarana

After breakfast leave for Polonnaruwa, (UNESCO World Heritage Site) the Capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to 13th century, a well-planned medieval city defended by enclosing walls (around 5 km. which still remain),graced by palaces, shrines, monasteries, pavilions, parks, ponds and irrigation lakes. Polonnaruwa is strewn with ruins in a resplendent state of preservation. Of these the ‘Vatadage’ and the ‘Thuparama Image house’ are the most spectacular. The ‘Gal Vihara’ which consists of statues of the recumbent, standing and seated Buddha have been cut from a single granite wall and rank among the true masterpieces of Sri Lankan Art. On completion, return to the hotel.On completion leave for Sigiriya and climb the Rock Fortress (a UNESCO World Heritage site) built by King Kassapa in the 05thcentury A.D. which was a Royal Citadel for more than 18 years. The lion rock is a citadel of unusual beauty, rising 200 metres from the scrub jungle. The base of the rock is ringed by a moat and rampart and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens. The majestic Lion’s Paw picturesquely guards the stairway of the palace on the summit. See the famous frescoes of the “Heavenly maidens” of Sigiriya in a sheltered pocket of the rock and the 10 foot high Mirror Wall.
Dinner and Overnight stay at a hotel in Habarana

Day 05 Habarana – Kandy (Drive)

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Dambulla and visit the famous Golden Rock cave temple which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. A sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery, a vast isolated rock mass with its five caverns is the largest best preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist mural paintings (covering an area of 2,100 sq. meters) are of particular importance as are the 157 statues including a 47 foot long statue of the recumbent Buddha. The ceiling of one cavern is fully illustrated with paintings that follow the natural folds of the rock so closely that it appears to be made of cloth. The complex of caves is one of the most impressive Buddhist Temples in the world.
Dinner and Overnight stay at a hotel in Kandy

Day 06 Kandy

After breakfast leave for Kandy. On arrival in Kandy, check in at hotel and after a short break, commence a sightseeing tour of the city. This bustling hill country capital is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the pink painted famous Temple of the Tooth which houses the most sacred religious relic, the tooth of the Buddha. Drive past the picturesque premises of the University of Peradeniya and visit the Market Place, and an Arts &Crafts show room. Then drive along the Upper Lake road to get a panoramic view of the Kandy Lake built in 1807 which is an attractive centerpiece to the town. Also visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, where a rare collection of tropical exotic and indigenous flora including the famous Orchid House could be viewed. Kandy is also popular because of the annual festival known as the Esala Perahera where the inner casket covering the tooth relic of the Buddha is taken in a grand procession through the streets of the city held annually in the month of July or August. Late evening enjoy the Kandyan Cultural show at the Kandyan Arts & Cultural Centre. The show features the graceful and rhythmic dancers and drummers culminating in an impressive fire walking display.
Dinner and Overnight stay at a hotel in Kandy

Day 07 Kandy – Nuwara Eliya (Drive)

After breakfast proceed to Nuwara. En route visit a tea plantation and a tea factory. At the tea factory witness the process of manufacture of tea from plucking of the green leaves to packetingof the processed tea. Set in the heart of Tea Country, situated 1890 meters above sea level, this beautiful town of Nuwara Eliya is where the British succeeded in creating an English countryside with homes in styles from Georgian to Queen Anne with well kept lawns with hedges. On arrival in Nuwara Eliya commence a sightseeing tour of the city. Visit the Nuwara Eliya Town, Market place, Golf Course, (one of the finest 18 holes Golf Courses in Asia) the Hill Club, and drive around this hill station viewing Lake Gregory.
Dinner and Overnight stay at a hotel in Nuwara Eliya

Day 08 Nuwara Eliya – Horton Plains – Nuwara Eliya

After an early breakfast at hotel leave for Horton Plains, the highest plateau in the country. It is one of the very important National parks in Sri Lanka especially for its topographical variations. It has unique vegetation and is famous for many rare and endemic highland birds. The most awesome physical feature of the Horton Plains is the escarpment that falls 880 meters to the lowlands of the southern region of the island. Aptly known as the ‘World’s End’ the view from the precipice of the countryside below towards the south coast is spectacular. Dawn or early morning is the best time for observing it. On completion, return to Nuwara Eliya.
Dinner and Overnight stay at a hotel in Nuwara Eliya

Day 09 Nuwara Eliya – Yala (Drive)

After breakfast proceed to Yala in the south of Sri Lanka. En route visit Rawana Waterfalls, a sight to behold with a scenic backdrop of mountains and valleys. It is featured in the Rawana mythology, where Sita is said to have bathed from this waterfall while she was in captivity. On arrival in Yala, check in at the hotel.
Dinner and Overnight stay at a Hotel in Yala

Day 10 Yala

After breakfast commence a jeep safari in the Yala National Park by private jeep accompanied by a tracker. Yala National Park one of Sri Lanka’s premier eco tourist destinations is renowned for its variety of wildlife notably its many elephants. It is also home to the spotted deer, sambar, wild buffalo, sloth bear, jackal, mongoose and crocodiles. The peacock, is easily the most famous of the birds in this park. Yala has a high concentration of leopards although seeing these nocturnal carnivores still requires some luck.
Dinner and Overnight stay at a hotel in Yala

Day 11 Yala – Bentota (Drive)

After breakfast leave for Bentota, a tourist resort in the south with the most beautiful, wide and sandy beaches En route visit Galle Places of interest in Galle are a Dutch Church, the Natural Harbour, the Dutch Cultural Museum and the National Maritime Museum. On arrival in Bentota, check in at the hotel. After a short break visit the great church and national maritime museum.
Dinner and Overnight stay at a hotel in Bentota .

Day 12 Bentota

Full day at Leisure
Dinner and Overnight stay at a hotel in Bentota

Day 13 Bentota – Colombo (Drive)

Today you are transferred to Colombo Airport to board Flight for Onward Journey

For the price of the Tour kindly fill out the Price Request Form and submit it to us.

Our Expert Team will get back to you within 12 – 24 Hours with the complete day to day detailed itinerary, tour price, tour Inclusions and a full accommodation list.

Alternatively, you may call us on 01753 577330 and we would be happy to assist you with any further enquiries you may have.

Our holiday itineraries are planned with utmost care. In case you wish to modify any part of the Itinerary, our experts will help you to meet your requirements.

Tailormade Journey is a Specialist for Private Individual Holidays. All our Holidays are Fully Protected Under ATOL 9967.

All the tours are tailored as per our clients requirements and you may choose your own date of departure from the United Kingdom, your own choice of hotels and your own duration of travel.

Kindly Fill the Price Request Form and do mention all your requirements e.g type of hotels ( 3 , 4 , 5 Star ) , Departure Airport , etc in the Comment Box in the form and Submit.

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Cinnamon Wild – Yala

Yala National Park is Cinnamon Wild Yala. It boasts chalets with private balconies and free Wi-Fi. It features an outdoor pool and a restaurant. Nestled in the south of Sri Lanka, the property is a 6-hour drive from Bandaranaike International Airport. It is located in Kirinda, a village well-known for its wildlife. Chalets offer spectacular views of the beach or jungle. They are decorated with local artcrafts and feature air-conditioning, cable TV and a minibar. All chalets come with private bathroom facilities. Enjoying a prime location, Cinnamon Wild Yala's restaurant provides beautiful landscapes and serves Asian and Western dishes. Meals can also be enjoyed in the privacy of guests’ rooms.

The Grand – Nuwaraeliya

The Grand Hotel is situated on Nuwara Eliya Hill, adjacent to the Nuwar Eliya Golf Course. Surrounded by tropical greenery and enjoying cool climates, it features 2 restaurants, a shopping arcade and a gym. Hotel Offers 95 Rooms. Rooms at Grand Hotel are equipped with heating. Each room has satellite TV, a mini fridge, and tea/coffee making facilities. The private bathroom offers a hot shower and a hairdryer. Guests can relax in the sauna, or play a round of golf. Other facilities include a 24-hour reception and a business centre. Laundry services are available. International dishes are served at Barnes Hall, while Grand Indian Restaurant offers specialities from North and South India. The hotel also has a wine cellar.

Heritance Tea Factory – Nuwaraeliya

Heritance Tea Factory offers colonial-style rooms with views of the surrounding tea plantations and hills. It features a luxurious spa, tea-picking tours and a restaurant set in a train carriage. Hotel Offers 54 Rooms. Cosy guestrooms come with a minibar, cable TV and free organic tea leaves. The en suite bathroom is fitted with a bathtub and a rain shower. Guests can work out at a fitness room or go for a tea plantation nature walk. Massage and other treatments are offered at the Six Senses Spa. Billiards and mini golf facilities are available. The Railway Carriage Restaurant features Western and European meals. Kenmare Restaurant serves a selection of Eastern and Western dishes. Accommodation and meals are free for hired drivers of in-house guests.

Hotel Suisse – Kandy

Suisse is housed in a colonial building, across Kandy Lake. Offering rooms with views of the tropical grounds or Kandy Lake, it has a spa, a restaurant and free parking. The colonial-style rooms at Hotel Suisse feature classic wood furnishings and floral fabrics. They are equipped with satellite TV and private bathrooms with hot/cold shower. Guests can lounge by the landscaped outdoor pool or enjoy a relaxing massage at the Ayurvedic Center. Sauna facilities are also available. There is also a tour desk to assist guests with making travel and trips arrangements. Suisse Kandy’s restaurant serves a wide variety of Western and Asian dishes.

Cinnamon Citadel – Kandy

Cinnamon Citadel Kandy offers a spectacular outdoor pool. It has a spa and well-appointed rooms.Air-conditioned rooms feature spacious interiors with fine beddings and furnishings. Each room is equipped with a minibar, tea/coffee making facilities and a TV with cable channels.Vel Eliya Restaurant boasts an international menu, and continental dishes can be found at the Mahaveli Eliya. The Giri Sikara Lounge is an excellent venue to enjoy refreshing beverages and light snacks. Hotel Offers 121 Rooms. Guests can enjoy massages at the spa, or have a leisurely swim at the outdoor pool. Free Wi-Fi is provided on site. The hotel’s tour desk can help organise trips to popular attractions such as the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Kandy Chaaya Citadel is located a 20-minute drive from the famous Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha site. Bandaranaike International Airport is a 5-hour drive from the hotel, and free parking is provided.

Chaaya Village – Habarana

Chaaya Village Habarana is a 15-minute drive from Minneriya National Park. The hotel features an outdoor pool and facilities for tennis, volleyball and badminton. Chaaya Village Habarana is an hour’s drive from Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Driving from Bandaranaike International Airport takes 6 hours. Featuring wooden furniture, the air-conditioned rooms at Chaaya Village come with private terraces. Each room has a TV with cable channels, a safety deposit box, and tea/coffee making facilities. Azmaara Spa provides a range of treatments, from massages to manicures and pedicures. The hotel offers tours such as hiking in the Ritigala jungle or riding an ox cart in Hiriwadunna. El Hena Restaurant features buffet spreads with Asian and Western dishes, while Panthaliya Coffee Shop serves snacks and hot beverages. Refreshments are available at the pool bar.

Galle Face – Colombo

This iconic and colonial-style hotel, built in 1864, boasts a spa and a saltwater pool with sun loungers that faces the vast Indian Ocean. Fitted with wooden flooring, most rooms at Galle Face Hotel offer views of the Indian Ocean, Galle Face Green or Colombo City. Hotel Offers 81 Rooms. They are equipped with a TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. A minibar and a personal safe are included. Guests can enjoy a relaxing massage at the spa or work out at the gym. Galle Face Hotel also provides a business centre. Located in the heart of Colombo City, Galle Face Hotel is a 15-minute drive from Odel Shopping Mall and just 36 km from Colombo International Airport. Local and international dining options can be enjoyed at the hotel's 2 on-site restaurants, Verandah and 1864. For a drink, guests can head to the bar.

Bentota Beach Hotel – Bentota

Bentota Beach Hotel offers rooms with scenic views. It provides 3 dining options, a spectacular outdoor pool and exciting activities like elephant rides, archery and watersports. The Bentota Hotel is a 10-minute drive from the Sea Turtle Hatchery and the Brief Garden. The luxurious guestrooms are spacious and fitted with colourful wall decorations and beddings. They have private balconies and are equipped with a minibar, an in-room safe and cable TV. Recreational activities are endless at the hotel. It has floodlit tennis courts, squash courts, billiard tables and a water sport centre, where guests can try wind surfing, jet ski and diving. For a more relaxing afternoon, Azmaara Spa’s professional therapists offer customised massages and treatments. The Peacock Restaurant serves a selection of international and local dishes. Araliya Restaurant provides a memorable fine dining experience with an impressive wine menu. For light snacks, visit the Soorya Pool Bar.


Best of Sri Lanka – TJ SL 10