We Love —
- Visit the beautiful location of Sri Lanka, tour exciting locations and experience a wealth of unique culture along the way.
- Highlights include visits to Minneriya National Park, the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a visit to Hiriwadunna Village and a train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella.
- End your adventure with a relaxing stay at the spectacular Shinagawa Beach Resort 4*!
- Here, our guests will enjoy comfortable accommodation, alongside Half Board Dining and an incredible, complimentary cookery demonstration.
Your Holiday —
Your Destination —
A destination that is often skipped by many a traveller on their trips to India or Asia, Sri Lanka remains one of the Indo-Asian best-kept secrets. Visit their ancient sites and marvel over their legendary temples, or see the sacred home of the world’s oldest living tree, Anuradhapura. Take a safari tour in one of Sri Lanka’s national parks to encounter elephants, leopards, water buffaloes, and exotic birds, or spend the day relaxing on the dazzlingly white, often untrod, beaches.
With fabulously flavoursome food and a vast array of culturally rich experiences to delve into, Sri Lanka promises to be one of your best-loved travel destinations, and the charm of the people will simply enchant you.
Our Offer —
7 Nights
4-night Sri Lanka Tour
3-night stay at Shinagawa Beach Hotel
9 Nights
4-night Sri Lanka Tour
5-night stay at Shinagawa Beach Hotel
11 Nights
4-night Sri Lanka Tour
7-night stay at Shinagawa Beach Hotel
Your Itinerary In Brief —
Day 1: Arrival - Habarana
Day 2: Habarana - Dambulla - Hiriwadunna - Habarana
Day 3: Habarana - Minneriya - Matale - Kandy
Day 4: Kandy - Peradeniya - Nuwara Eliya
Day 5: Nuwara Eliya - Ella - Balapitiya
Day 6, 7, 9 or 10: Balapitiya
Day 8, 10 or 12: Departure
Your Itinerary —
Upon your arrival at Bandaranayake International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative. After the formalities at the airport, you will proceed to Habarana (approx. travel time from airport to Habarana - 4 - 5 hours drive). Upon arrival check in to the hotel and relax — dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Habarana - Dambulla - Hiriwadunna - Habarana
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to visit Dambulla Golden Cave Temple (approx. travel time from Habarana to Dambulla - 15 to 20 minutes drive).
Dambulla Cave Temple is a vast isolated rock mass, and it was here that king Valagambahu took refuge in the 01st century B.C. He later turned the caves into a rock temple. Dambulla is a world heritage site and is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. The complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. metres of painted walls and ceiling found here are over 2000 years old and is the largest area of painting found in the world. The caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is the colossal figure of the Buddha carved out of rock and spanning 14 metres. Dambulla is a massive rock from the surrounding plains of Dambulla of 600 feet high which include climbing of steps as well as walking on the plain boulder. Please note: this is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.
On completion, proceed to complete a Trek in Hiriwadunna Village (approx. travel time from Dambulla to Hiriwadunna - 15 to 20 minutes drive).
Hiriwadunna is just 2km (5 minute drive) from Habarana. Take a trek through the archetypal Sri Lankan Typical village. The trek begins with an excellent walk along a bund of a Wewa or manmade reservoir. The reservoir itself, the surrounding scrub jungle, marshland and village area hive of early morning or an evening activity. The amazing birdlife, butterflies and possible sightings of crocodile only add to the charm of seeing the villagers as they go about their early morning tasks of fishing, or washing clothes at the periphery of the lake. Upon completion, return to the hotel and relax. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Today after breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed Kandy. En-route visit Minneriya National Park Safari, Matale Spice Garden & Matale Aluwiharaya, an ancient Buddhist Temple (approx. travel time from Habarana to Minneriya - 20 to 30 minutes drive).
Minneriya is yet another haven for the elephants that migrate from surrounding jungles to enjoy the lush grass fields on the banks of the Minneriya reservoir, during the dry season. Reports of elephant sightings range from an impressive 100 to 200. The central feature of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank (built in 3rd century AD by King Mahasena). This tank is generally known as a place to observe the elephants that come to bathe and graze on the grasses as well as the huge flocks of birds that come to fish in the shallow waters. Depending on the movement of the elephant herds of the particular day the chauffeur will decide the best park to visit among Minneriya, Kaudullaand Eco park (approx. travel time from Minneriya to Matale - 1 ½ to 2 hours drive).
Matale is famous for spice gardens. For centuries, spices have been one of Sri Lanka's celebrated exports. Spices are mostly grown in home gardens (as a home industry) and used not only to flavour food but also for medicine and cosmetics. Thereafter, proceed to visit Matale Aluwiharaya, an ancient Temple in Matale (Optional visit on your way to Kandy. Approx. travel time from Spice garden - 15 to 20 minutes drive).
The Aluvihare Rock Temple (also called Matale Alu Viharaya) is sacred Buddhist temple located in Aluvihare, Matale District of SriLanka. Surrounded by hills, the Aluvihara cave temple is situated 30km north of Kandy on the Matale-Dambulla road. The history of Aluvihare Rock Temple is traced back to the 3rd Century B.C to the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. It is believed that the King built the dagoba, planted the Bo sapling and founded the temple after the introduction of Buddhism to the country during his reign.
Aluvihare Rock Temple was the historic location where the Pāli Canon was first written down entirely in text on ola (palm) leaves. Many Monastery caves, some of which exhibit frescoes are situated near this temple. Upon completion continue your journey to Kandy and check in to the hotel. (approx. travel time from Aluwiharaya to Kandy - 45 minutes to 1-hour drive). Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Balapitiya. En-route visit Kandy's Temple of the Tooth Relic and the Botanical Gardens (approx. travel time from hotel - 15 to 20 minutes drive).
Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic. This monument is located in the Royal Palace complex which houses the Relic of the Tooth of Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhalese kings and is a UNESCO world heritage site partly due to the temple. On completion proceed to visit Royal Botanical Garden (approx. travel time from Kandy to Peradeniya - 15 to 20 Minutes drive).
Thereafter proceed to Peradeniya and visit the beautiful royal botanical gardens of Peradeniya Developed as a pleasure garden under island royalty and later taken over by the British, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya offers a blissful escape from the hustle and bustle of the streets. Manicured lawns and well-tended greenery intercepted with lovely blooms make space a welcoming place to relax more than 60 hectares the most beautiful tropical species of the world, of trees, flowers, spices and fruits, and who appears without dispute among one of the oldest and most beautiful gardens in the world. After this visit, proceed to Nuwara Eliya (approx. travel time from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya - 2 to 2 ½ Hours drive).
Set in the heart of tea-country is a beautiful town, Nuwara Eliya, where the British succeeded in creating a replica of the English countryside, with homes in styles from Georgian to Queen Anne. Well-kept lawns with hedges, an Anglican church, a famous golf course and beautiful parks give the place an air of nostalgia. Situated 6,200 feet above sea level, the air is cool and fresh – a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city life. Choose to embark on a city tour in Nuwara Eliya to really get to understand the charm of this town. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel before dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Today after breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed to Nanu-Oya Railway station to catch your train to Ella. (Approx travel time from Nanu Oya to Ella - 3 to 3 ½ Hours’ drive via train). Be at the railway station on time to board the train departing at 1240 hrs to leave for Ella. Enjoy the picturesque journey as the train snakes its way through the mountains of the tea country. The vehicle will follow you to Ella. On arrival at the Ella railway Station around 1515 hrs, you will be picked up by your chauffeur guide and proceed to Ella for a small sight-seeing tour of this amazing location. On completion, proceed to Balapitiya and check in to the hotel for your beach stay (Approx travel time from Ella to Balapitiya - 6 ½ to 7 Hours’ drive). Dinner and overnight stay at Shinagawa Beach Hotel.
Day 6, 7, 9 or 11: Balapitiya
Situated on a sparkling stretch of sandy beach, Shinagawa Beach is blissfully located on the coast. Enjoy the facilities at the hotel, and spend your time here at leisure by the beach or pool and enjoy the many facilities of the hotel. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Day 8, 10 or 12: Departure
As per your flight times, you will be picked up and transferred to Colombo International Airport to catch your flight back to the UK (approx. travel time from Balapitiya to Airport 2 - 3 hours drive).
Your Tour Hotels —
Throughout their tour, our members will be accommodated in the following hotels (or of a similar standard and geographic location) in Standard Rooms with a Half Board Board Basis (breakfast and dinner at the main restaurant - excludes drinks).
Just for you:
- Bottle of water (500ML) for every person on the day of arrival
- 20% discount at Habarana Village for food & beverages
- 20% discount at Habarana Village for massages at the spa
- 20% discount at Cinnamon Citadel for food & beverages
Your Hotels
Kandy: 1-night stay at Cinnamon Citadel or similar
Nuwara Eliya: 1-night stay Galway Heights or similar
Balapitiya: 3, 5 or 7-night stay at Shinagawa Beach Hotel.
Sleeps up to
Please note: the bed for the 3rd guest sharing is likely to be a sofa bed or camp style bed. If any of these hotels are not available, hotels of a similar standard will be found.
Shinagawa Beach Resort 4* —
Our members will enjoy a 3, 5 or 7-night stay at the Shinagawa Beach Resort in a Standard Room on a Half Board Basis (breakfast and dinner at the main restaurant - excludes drinks).
It may be possible to upgrade to a Full Board (breakfast, lunch and dinner at the main restaurant - excludes drinks) or All Inclusive stay (breakfast, lunch and evening meal with a selection of snacks and drinks) at the next stage of the booking process for an additional fee.
Just for you:
- Complimentary cookery demonstration during the stay (one per stay)
- Complimentary bottle of wine for arrivals during 01.05.2020 – 31.07.2020 & 01.09.2020 – 31.10.2020
- Unlimited local alcoholic & nonalcoholic beverage between 1600 - 1900 hrs (applicable only during 01.05.2020 -31.10.2020)
A welcome area of open space leads out to the pool beyond. Parasols offer you shade under the sun as you sit in the garden fringed by the soft sand and the ocean. The ultra stylish restaurant at Shinagawa Beach Resort serves local island flavours in modern interpretations.
The small size of the hotel ensures a more exclusive, personal service, and the secluded setting makes for a blissfully relaxing tropical island escape.
Some services may incur additional charges, payable locally.
Your Room —
Sleeps up to
Please note: the bed for the 3rd guest sharing is likely to be a sofa bed or camp style bed.
Your Board Basis —
Led by the latest food trends, chefs present their own imaginative take of the finest dishes from around the world. The seafood is oceans away from anything you’ve tried before - the rock salt marinated Shinagawa grilled lobster or the lighter basil marinated southern mixed seafood timbale is just divine.
Go native with Sri Lankan rice paired off with exotic village style deep fried lotus root or thick curry of breadfruit. There's excellent harmony between the cuisine and wine list at Salt, with a great selection of old and new world wines.
Crimson
Watch the sunset with a drink to suit all tastes from the amazing cocktail list. Unusual but delicious ingredients include fresh passionfruit, sweet-sour amberalla and even curry leaves.
The Tuna Boat
Enjoy a magical evening with your loved one in the Tuna Boat. As the sun sets, indulge in fabulous seafood dinners on board a tuna boat that is sunken in the sand.
Please note: some dining outlets/menu items and premium, branded and international drinks may not be included and may incur a surcharge payable locally. Meals, snacks and drinks may be available at selected times only.
Please note: Liquor will not be served on Poya days and on any other religious holidays. These are considered dry days. There is a Poya day for each calendar month.
Your Time —
Your Journey in Sri Lanka —
Flights: You may choose from Economy, Premium or Business class flights on sectors that they operate, at the next stage of the booking process.
The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Transfers: Transfers are included throughout.
For inbound transfer arrangements please confirm with your transfer provider when you arrive. Alternatively, please check with the reception of your accommodation. If you still require assistance, please call the transfer provider directly.