We Love —
- Stray from the well-trodden tourist trail and discover the lesser known side of Sri Lanka.
- Visit the cultural triangle and see essential sights such as Dambulla Cave Temples, Sigiriya Rock Fortress & a half day Jeep safari at the Minneriya National Park.
- End your adventure with a relaxing All Inclusive stay at a beautiful beachside hotel.
Here to Help —
Booking 35 days in advance and spending over £500 per person? No need to pay in full today! Just select the 30% deposit option on our payment page (terms & conditions apply)
For any additional information on this offer or assistance in making your reservation please call one of our dedicated team on 0844 8262098 or email [email protected]
Opening hours are Monday to Friday 08:00 - 20:00 and Saturdays & Sundays from 09:00 - 17:30.
Your Destination —
Sri Lanka is a lush, tropical island paradise, famously described by Marco Polo as "undoubtedly the finest island of its size in the world".
This is a culturally rich and environmentally diverse country, with nine World Heritage Sites (the oldest dating back to the 3rd Century BC); 86 species of mammals (including elephant and leopard) and more than 400 bird species (including 26 endemics); a colorful array of flowering plants and trees, and a Hill Country famous for tea; 14 National Parks out of 100 areas protected by the government; and an Indian Ocean coastline boasting palm-fringed and sandy tropical beaches.
Visit ancient sites and marvel over 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 untrodden, beaches. Try your hand at a little surfing or retreat up into the Sri Lankan hills to experience a more temperate climate and the lavish greenery of the tea plantations. And if you can even trek through the rainforests with an experienced guide or just take in the breathtaking vistas on a spectacular train ride.
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.
Your Itinerary —
Day 1: UK-Dambulla
On arrival at Colombo International Airport you will be met by a professional Chauffeur Guide Lecturer of Hayleys Tours.
After the formalities at the airport you will be escorted to your air conditioned vehicle and thereafter transferred to your hotel in Dambulla.
A vast isolated rock mass- 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. meters 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 meters.
On completion, return to your hotel and relax.
Optional Tour to Sigirya Rock Fortress (Approx travel time: 30-40 mins)
Sigiriya Rock Fortress which is known as the 8th wonder of the world. This rock fortress was built by King Kasyapa in the 5th century A.D. and was a royal citadel for more than 18 years. The summit of the rock, with an area of nearly one hectare was the site of the palace and the outer wall was built on the very brink of the precipice. The UNESCO sponsored Central Cultural Fund has restored Sigiriya 5th century water gardens to their former glory.
Optional Tour to Minneriya National Park for a Jeep Safari
Located between Habarana and Pollonnaruwa, 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 a mere 100 to an astounding 700. Endemic monkeys as well as many resident and migratory bird species also can be spotted along with endemic reptiles such as the painted-lip lizard. Among the reptiles that dwell here, are the saltwater crocodile, the Indian python and the water monitor.
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 (cormorants and painted storks to name but a few) that come to fish in the shallow waters.
Optional Tour to Ritigala by Jeep
In spite of its enormous significance, Ritigala remains one of the numerous “off the beaten track” culture and eco travel destinations of Sri Lanka.You will first visit the Sacred Monastery of Ritigala.
The toll of a Ghantaraya sounds in the distance and the saffron robed figure of a monk appears at the top of the stone stairway. In the blink of an eye the image disappears and you are transported back to the reality of standing on ground trodden on by kings for this is Ritigala. The mountain is steeped in myth and mystery and is the site of centuries old ruins, a veritable stone monastery that lies in Ritigala’s dense jungle.
Legend says Hanuman dropped two fragments of the Himalayas on the island and one of them is Ritigala, which means tall/straight rock. It slopes are indeed covered in vegetation that is atypical for the dry zone; majestic buttress trees tower overhead providing cool shade for trekkers, gnarled lianas hang draped on the trees and the ground is covered in a carpet of dead or dying leaves.
The climb up Ritigala is unique for the ancient stone stairway masks the steepness of the ascent; the steps, made of granite stone fitted flawlessly together, gracefully curve and twist their way up the mountain. The stone circles at intervals on the path are thought to perhaps represent the cycle of life.
There after in the late after noon , proceed to visit the ancient ruins of the temples of Ritigala.
Legends abound on Ritigala: One of mysterious aspect is the belief of powerful medicinal herbs found near the crest. A herb called “Sansevi” is believed to have awesome power of conferring long life and curing all human pain. Then again, according to the legends, all vegetation on Ritigala is protected by Yakkas, the guardian spirits of the mountain.
The legend has it that Prince Pandukhabaya (3rd century BC) was assisted by Yakkas during his battles against his 8 uncles at the foot of Ritigla.
After an early breakfast, check-out of the hotel & proceed to Polonnaruwa (approx. travel time: 1½ - 2hrs)
Polonnaruwa the architect of this lovely city is known to be King ParakramaBahu - The Great. The remains of the Royal Citadel council chamber, prince’s bathing pool and the Gal Vihare, a stone temple with its colossal sculptures of the Buddha in a quiet grove of trees as well as the still functioning ParakramaSamudra, a man-made reservoir, larger than our Colombo harbor, are on easy distance from each other. The new museum has an excellent scale model of the ancient city as it was.
On completion proceed to Pasukuda (approx. travel time: 1½ - 2hrs)
Day 5 - 8 or 10
After breakfast at the hotel you can spend the day in all-inclusive bliss.
Day 9 or 11: Pasikuda - Colombo
After breakfast proceed to Colombo (approx transfer time: 6 - 7hrs), upon arrival check into and spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying some of the amenities of the hotel.
Day 10 - 12: Colombo - UK
Today after breakfast you will be transferred to the Colombo Airport to catch your flight back home (approx. transfer time: 45mins - 1hr)
Your Hotels —
Optional Extra: Early Check-in
Set on the tranquil banks of the magnificent Kandalama Lake, this showpiece resort captures the essence of Sri Lankan design, culture and tradition.
Enjoy lush tropical gardens against a dramatic backdrop - a tropical haven complete with sweeping views of Kandalama Lake, Amaya Lake surrounds you with natural beauty. Choose your oasis from one of the 120 guest rooms and suites, designed in harmony with the unspoilt environs of the resort. Enjoy waking up each morning to the humming of birds and let the airy breeze and quiet whispers of rustling trees enliven your senses.
Amaya Beach, Passikuda: Superior Room, All Inclusive (5 or 7 nights)
Set amidst the beautiful shores of Pasikudah Bay, Amaya Beach Resort & Spa Sri Lanka with its ever attentive staff, large guest rooms and suites and endless spacious, dreamy, hallways epitomize the ideal hide-away of soothing tranquility. A sun-drenched haven nestled on a white sandy shore with lush tropical gardens that dance in the salty air await to envelop your senses.
Known to have one of the longest stretches of shallow coastline in the world, the coastal community of Passikudah is about 35km Northwest of Batticaloa. But what draws tourists to this location is Passikudah’s bay which is truly magnificent and is protected by a reef that runs across making it one of the safest and calmest stretches of coastline in the east. The reef is home to lovely coral formations and reef fish with dotted palmyrah trees with sand so soft it almost disappears in your hands.
Optional Extra: Late check-out
Only 15 minutes walk to the city centre, this 5* hotel boasts spectacular views of the Indian Ocean, 5 food and beverage options and classical English architecture. With an ideal beach front location, infinity pool overlooking the ocean, spa and gym, this is the perfect stay to begin your tour and start exploring the buzzing city of Colombo.
Dine at the hotel's fabulous multi cuisine restaurant offering Western, Chinese, Japanese and South East Asian dishes, enjoy light snacks and drinks at the the Sky Lounge, or indulge in the seafood restaurant, featuring an outdoor seating deck and a selection of fine wines.
Your Journey —
Flights: choose Economy or Business Class flights.
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: Private transfers are included as per the itinerary.
