Classic Summer Tour of Sri Lanka

Day 1 - Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka!

You will be met at Arrivals by your chauffeur guide and transferred to your hotel in Sigiriya in the Cultural Triangle.

Check-in to your hotel, unwind after your flight and enjoy the spectacular views and facilities. If you arrive on an earlier flight and you have the energy you could go for a village tour by bike or try your hand at creating some authentic Sri Lankan pottery or cook up a Sri Lankan feast!

Day 2 - Ancient City of Polonnaruwa & Safari at Minneriya National Park

After breakfast, your driver will take you to visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. You will cycle between the palace ruins and monumental stupas by bicycle ( the best way to see the city).

Return to your hotel, have some lunch and relax and later in the afternoon set out on a jeep safari at either of Minneriya, Hurulu Eco Park or Kaudulla National Parks. All of these national parks located close by are famous for observing Elephants in their natural habitat. 

The elephants in the area roam between parks  depending on the time of year and according to the availability of food and water. Between July and September the Elephant gathering occurs (the largest gathering of Asian elephants in the world) and is a spectacle to behold! Elephants are drawn to the natural water basins during the dry season. Apart from elephants, Minneriya and Kaudulla at times present sightings of Spotted Deer, Sambar Deer, Wild Buffalo, Wild Pig, Grey Langers, Purple-faced Leaf Monkey, three species of Mongoose, Porcupine, the Indian Pangolin and very occasionally the Sri Lankan leopard and sloth bear. Over 170 bird species inhabit or migrate to the park including painted storks, pelicans and little cormorants can also be seen

Day 3 - Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress and Afternoon Tea

Beat the heat and the crowds this morning by making an early ascent of Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress. Rising over the dry plains of the Sigiriya district, the climb of 1200 footsteps up this flat-topped monodon, towering above the jungle canopy, rewards its visitors with the most incredible view of the emerald plains and leafy villages beneath. The skeletal layout of the ancient city within the fortress marvels its observers with the grandeur and complexity of 5th century urban-planning of Sri Lanka. The site was the domain of King Kashyapa whose aim was to build an impregnable fortress and within it, a heavenly abode. 

Return to the hotel to relax.

Later in the afternoon, you will head out to a scenic location nearby where a private picnic style Sri Lankan high tea will be served.  

Day 4 - Dambulla Cave Temples

This morning, after breakfast, visit the cave temples in Dambulla; a place of veneration for over 22 centuries. The temple complex was hewn out of a colossal rock and converted into a cave temple of such intricate beauty and workmanship, The caves are adorned with murals that depict the life and times of Lord Buddha.

Continue onto Trincomalee and check into your fantastic hotel where you will spend the next 4 nights.

Day 5 - Pigeon Island and Trincomalee

This morning you will take a trip to Pigeon Island, 7km off the shore of Nilaveli, near Trincomalee. It is one of one of the two marine national parks in the country and thanks to its well preserved reef, is the perfect place to go snorkelling or scuba diving.

On your way back, explore the historic harbour city of Trincomalee with optional visits to the Koneswaram Temple, Lover’s Leap, Fort Frederick, the war cemetery, and the hot spring wells of Kanniya.

Return to your hotel.

Days 6 & 7 - Time to Chill

Relax by the pool and on your private stretch of beach. If you’re looking for more things to do you could partake in a cookery experience, go for a nature and village cycling tour and try your hand at kite-making. You could also go whale & dolphin watching, or fishing in the mangroves or out at sea.

Day 8 - Tea Estate Stay in the Hills

After a leisurely breakfast at Jungle Beach, journey to Elkaduwa, about an hour outside Kandy in the Knuckles Mountains with your driver

Check into Ashburnham Estate, a planter’s bungalow set in a 100-acre tea estate. The estate boasts stunning waterfalls and far-reaching views up to and across the Knuckles Mountains.

Spend the rest of the day relaxing or stretching your legs with a scenic walk.

Day 9 - Tea Experience & Private Waterfall

In the morning, join Mr. Das, to learn about the story of tea. The experience begins by learning the art of picking tea alongside tea pickers and culminates with some tea sampling.

Later in the afternoon, set out on a short walk to the waterfall located within the estate premises itself. Not many hotels can claim to have a natural waterfall within its grounds and Ashburnham is one of the few that can. There is one high waterfall and several other cascading falls and plunge pools, all lovely little hideaways where you can swim, cool off, lay back and chill out. We could even arrange for you to have a picnic at the waterfall.

Day 10 - The Cultural City of Kandy

This morning you will visit the cultural city of Kandy, the last stronghold of the Sinhalese Kings.

In the afternoon, explore Kandy with your chauffeur-guide.  Today Kandy is a city that still retains touches of its colonial history in buildings such as the Queen’s hotel, a beautiful 19th century neoclassical beauty. Wander around the lake and the streets of Kandy getting a feel for this wonderful city and exploring the local markets.  Instead of falling for the tourist trap of the Spice Gardens, take a look at the wonderful spice vendors inside the Kandy market.  In addition to spices, the vendors also sell a range of seasonal fruits which is a must try.

Later visit the Temple of the Tooth which is no doubt the city’s biggest pride and most sacred temple.

Day 11 - Fly Home!

Sadly, it’s time to leave the isle of Serendipity! 

Your driver will take you to the airport to catch your flight home, taking some lovely memories with you.