ESSENCE OF SRI-LANKA

Introduction

This 8-day action-packed private tour is the perfect way to see some of Sri Lanka’s best loved highlights, as well as getting a deeper and more personal experience of its history and culture. Climb the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress, tour the atmospheric Dambulla Cave Temple and enjoy wildlife rich safaris in two National Parks. Learn about the tea making process in a working factory and finish your trip on the beach in Bentota.

Day-by-Day

Day 1: Negombo

Meet our guest ambassador at the airport, who will introduce you to your chauffeur guide, who will transfer you to your hotel to relax after the journey.

Day 2: Habarana

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart on the 3-hour drive to Habarana, where a traditional village lunch awaits at the hotel’s organic vegetable farm. Pick your own vegetables and partake in cooking with the chefs, before sitting down to a delicious meal. In the afternoon, visit Dambulla Cave Temple, dating back to the first century B.C.

Day 3: Sigiriya

After an early breakfast, visit the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress, where a climb to the summit will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views and a chance to explore the skeletal layout of this unique 5th century city. Continue to Gal Oya National Park and check into your hotel.

Day 4: Gal Oya National Park

Located in the south-east of the island, Gal Oya National Park is known for its resident elephant herd, that can be seen swimming between islands at sunset. A morning jeep safari reveals the array of diverse wildlife here as well as a chance to meet the Vedda community, a small population of indigenous people.

Day 5: Ella

On today’s drive to Ella, stop at the Ravana Falls, a 1080-foot drop with a series of ledges casting a foaming spray into the valley. Next, stop by the famous Nine Arch bridge, constructed during the Great War from only stone and cement. On arrival in Ella check into your hotel for the night, with optional zip-lining and ATV riding tours available.

Day 6: Udawalawe

After breakfast, visit Lipton seat, the hilltop sculpture of the Scottish tea baron Sir Thomas Lipton, before heading to the Lipton Tea Factory to tour the manufacturing process from fermentation to rolling, drying, cutting, sieving, and finally grading. Continue to Udawalawe National Park, for an afternoon safari drive, where populations of elephant, wild boar, mongoose and crocodile reside, alongside fifty species of butterflies. 

Day 7: Bentota

In the morning, travel to Bentota, a coastal town with a beautiful stretch of palm fringed beach and a number of water-sports activities on offer. 

Day 8: Galle / Departure

Stop off in Galle, a picture-perfect town from the Dutch colonial era and a must-see destination in Sri-Lanka. A guided tour of the city reveals the unique buildings and historic architecture that hints at the islands past. Continue to the airport for your return flight.

Prices

Please Enquire

Truly Individual Holiday Includes:

• International flights from the UK in Economy
• 7 nights accommodation
• Services of an English speaking guide
• Sightseeing & excursions
• All transfers & taxes

Price based on two people sharing accommodation. Any element of this holiday can be tailor-made to suit you. Simply enquire below!