Colombo - Harbana - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya - Hambantota - Bentota - Colombo

Discover the persuasive charm of Sri Lanka, the Teardrop of India, the Pearl of the Orient, on this tour that focuses on two of the greatest of Sri Lanka's charms: rich religious histories and abounding natural beauty. Explore the vibrant streets of Colombo, the capital established by the British, and then head further afield to enjoy the rich variety of birdlife that abounds across the island, while encounters with exotic creatures such as leopards spice up your exploring. Sri Lankans are unrivalled in their friendly and laidback attitudes towards visitors, and you will fall in love with the island's delicious seafood cuisine and paradise beaches. Sri Lanka is a place that captures hearts: it evokes a special affection in its visitors that sees them returning year after year.

ITINERARY

DAY 01  COLOMBO 
On arrival you are welcomed to this tropical island by your friendly guide and settled into your hotel.  This afternoon we take a city tour to acquaint ourselves with the capital of this emerald isle.  Colombo is a city with a diverse heritage.  The many invades of the island, including the South Indian Tamils, the Arab Moors and later on, the Europeans, have all contributed to Colombo’s rich culture.  Buddhism and Hinduism flourish here in harmony.

DAY 02  COLOMBO - HARBANA 
Our journey begins with a drive to Harbana, where we stay for the next three days.  We visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which was the second seat of rule in ancient times and holds much historical signifincance.  We enjoy a leisurely afternoon srolling through the beautiful parks and gardens.

DAY 03  HARBANA 
Today we visit Auradhapura, which is a model of planning and leaves a lasting impression on every visitor to Harbana. The rest of the day is spent at your leisure - spend time wandering the bustling bazaars and picking up beautiful keepsakes, or simply relax and soak up the atmostphere.

DAY 04  HARBANA 
We take a morning excursion to the Rock Fortress of Sigirya.  This is a ruined city of immense beauty, modelled on the ancient god of wealth, Kuvera. King Kasyapa was the creator of this city, often referred to as the ‘artist’s soul’.

DAY 05 HARBANA - KANDY 
This morning we visit the Dambulla Cave Temple.  The caves date back to the 1^st century BC and hold amazing images of Buddha, which have been intricately hewn out of the rock.  The ceilings are decorated with ornate frescoes depicting events in Lord Buddha’s life.  Afterwards, we travel on to Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka.  On arrival we settle into your hotel.

DAY 06  KANDY 
We visit Kandy’s famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.  The Esala Peharaha festival is held here on the first full moon in July or August; if you are lucky enough to witness it you will see a fantastic procession of thousands of elephants and pilgrims.  They come to honour the sacred tooth enshrined in the temple.  In the afternoon we visit an Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawale. Elephants used to be royal property on the island, and were protected from hunting accordingly. Now though, their numbers have plummeted and the island is making efforts to revive the population through programmes such as the one we find at this orphanage. We stay overnight here in Kandy.

DAY 07  KANDY - NUWARA ELIYA 
Leaving Kandy behind, we travel on to Nuwara Eliya through terraced hills and tea plantations, journeying in a state of endless marvel as the scenery is spectacular. On arrival you settle into your hotel.

DAY 08  NUWARA ELIYA - HAMBANTOTA  We continue our journey to the south of the island, staying overnight at Hambantota.  The afternoon is free to explore the local culture and environment of this area of great natural beauty.

DAY 09  HAMBANTOTA 
Today we take an excursion to Yale National Park.  The day passes quickly on a jungle safari, which we take by jeep. Its a golden opportunity to see Sri Lanka's abundant wildlife at home in its natural habitat: leopards prowl the jungle, families of elephants bathe at the waterholes and hundreds of species of birds can be spotted.

DAY 10 - 12  HAMBANTOTA - BENTOTA 
Our journey today takes us to the southern tip of the island, Bentota.  On arrival you will check into your beach hotel and prepare to relax. Over the next few days you will be able to unwind, enjoy tempting local cuisine, or simply soak up the sun on the lush, tropical beach.

DAY 13  BENTOTA - COLOMBO 
We take the western coastal road from Bentota and head back to Colombo. On arrival you transfer to your hotel.

DAY 14  COLOMBO 
Morning transfer to the airport or station for your onward or homeward destination. Tour ends.

TOUR INCLUSIONS
Accommodation on a room-only basis.
All transfers by car, including drop-offs and pick-ups at the airport or station.
All sight-seeing tours as specified.