SRI LANKA THE EMERALD ISLE
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ITINERARY
Day 1 London - Colombo Fly direct from London Heathrow to Colombo with Sri Lankan Airlines.
Day 2 Colombo Upon arrival transfer to the Cinnamon Grand Hotel. Enjoy an orientation tour of Colombo city this afternoon. A welcome dinner is served this evening to allow you to meet your fellow travellers. (B,D)
Day 3 Colombo - Habarana Drive to Habarana for a three-night stay at the Cinnamon Lodge which is set amidst acres of lush tropical gardens. Take an elephant ride in the surrounding forest this afternoon for an altogether different perspective of your new surroundings. (B) Day 4 Habarana A full days sightseeing tour to the ancient city of Anuradhapura is arranged today. Since the 4th century BC until the 11th century this settlement was the capital of the region and is now an important site for Buddhists and houses numerous monasteries. (B)
Day 5 Habarana A steep 600 foot hike onto the ancient natural fortress of Sigiriya Rock waits this morning. This natural feature dominates the surrounding landscape and houses many important frescoes. In the afternoon visit the ruins of Polonnaruwa, another ancient capital of Sri Lanka, and home to the Gal Vihara rock sculptures. (B)
Day 6 Habarana - Kandy Setting out for Kandy today, we stop at the impressive Dambulla Cave Temple. In Kandy stay at the first class Mahaweli Reach, set on the banks of the Mahaweli River, for two nights. (B)
Day 7 Kandy - This morning visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic which is said to house a tooth fragment of the historical Buddha. A cultural show is also on offer. In the afternoon visit the friendly and somewhat demanding residents at the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. The day is rounded off with a walk through the beautiful botanical gardens at Peradeniya. (B)
Day 8 Kandy - Nuwara Eliya A long but scenic drive takes us to the rolling tea country of Nuwara Eliya where we stay for two nights at The Grand Hotel, located beside a picturesque Golf Course. The remainder of the day is free to explore or relax. (B)
Day 9 Nuwara Eliya - Enjoy an early morning excursion to the Horton Plains, a windswept saddle at 7,000 feet above sea level which has an interesting array of wildlife. We walk to the well known local sites of Baker's Falls and World's End. (B) Day 10 Nuwara Eliya - Yala National Park Driving on today to the Yala National Park and staying two nights at the first class Yala Village resort. Yala National Park is best known for its healthy population of wild leopard and sightings here are common. A unique feature of this park is its proximity to the coast and wildlife is frequently spotted on the beach, where the dense jungle meets the sea. (B)
Day 11 Yala National Park Enjoy jeep safaris in the park which is also home to elephant, deer, wild buffalo, crocodile, wild boar and many species of birds. (B)
Day 12 Yala National Park - Bentota The World Heritage city of Galle is our next destination; we visit the Dutch Museum, Groote Kerk (Great Church) and the National Maritime Museum. Driving on from Galle to Bentota stay two nights at the deluxe Taj Exotica beach resort (There are upgrade options to the Saman Villas or Serene Pavilions). (B,L)
Day 13 Bentota The entire day is free at leisure and a farewell dinner is arranged this evening. (B)
Day 14 Bentota - London Fly back from Katunayake airport to London. (B)
ACCOMODATION
Colombo Cinnamon Grand 5* Your perfect haven for exploring the city of Colombo or for relaxation after your flight. The elegantly appointed spacious deluxe rooms emphasise understated luxury and provide all you require for a comfortable stay. The seven restaurants serve an eclectic mix of fine cuisine from Eastern, Western or even fusion fare. Enjoy a morning swim, an evening massage or a late-night workout. The pools, sports facilities and gym are a dream for the fitness-minded, while the spa promises to pamper and rejuvenate. Buy a painting or shop at Colombo’s most modern mall right next door.
Habarana Cinnamon Lodge 4.5* Superbly located in a huge 15 hectare forest, bordering a picturesque lake which now form the hotel’s landscaped gardens. All rooms are “chalet style” mini suites with all modern amenities. Being in the centre of the cultural triangle, it is also one of the most convenient places to stay whilst making short excursions to the highlights of the area. Facilities are excellent including a lofty main restaurant, fine dining pavilion, large swimming pool, tennis court, badminton, Ayurveda centre, bird watching trails, elephant back safari’s and an ambience of its own. Images of Mahaweli Reach
Kandy Mahaweli Reach 5* Tucked away in Kandy, the lush green hill capital of the island, the Mahaweli Reach Hotel will captivate your imagination no sooner you enter its elegant setting. The Hotel enjoys a scenic location right beside Sri Lanka’s longest river, the great Mahaweli. It is also located only a few minute’s away from the city of Kandy. Mahaweli Reach Hotel has the honour of being the first hotel in Kandy to obtain five star rating and continues to be the benchmark for hotels in the city. Images of The Grand
Nuwara Eliya The Grand 4* It may be the 21st century, but colonial splendour still reigns supreme in all its past glory at the Grand Hotel. Built in 1891, this was the palatial residence of the former Governor of Sri Lanka, Sir Edward Barnes. Today the hotel offers the ultimate in comfort and the best of traditions from the ‘good old days’ to all who seek the charms of the famed hill country landmark.
Yala National Park Yala Village Resort 4* Yala Village is situated at Kirinda, bordering the Yala Wildlife Sanctuary and the Indian Ocean, on the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka. Spanning 10 acres of jungle and endless miles of beach, the Yala Village is truly a nature resort of untamed beauty and unmatched luxury. Step out into the jungle from your luxury chalet at Yala Village to watch the elephants walking by or the illusive leopard sunning itself on the rocky outcrop close by. Yala Village's observation deck is available for those who wish to get a bird’s eye view of the breathtaking area. But tread carefully. You are at the Yala Village, where Elephants roam free.
Bentota Vivanta by Taj 5* Vivanta by Taj is delightfully located along one of the finest beaches on the South West coast. It remains the charming beach and spa resort where repeat clients return for good times. Recently renovated, it now boasts renewed living spaces, fine restaurants, a high energy bar, and an even more spectacular spa. The Chef remains as eager to wow you with specially designed meals. Marvel at the solid wood high ceiling in the stunning lobby. Look at picture postcard window views of the blue Indian Ocean. And accept humble greetings of 'Ayubowan', followed by sips of 'Nelli' (gooseberry nectar), passion fruit or Ceylon iced tea to set the mood for a holiday of a lifetime. That's just for starters!
DEPARTURES AND PRICES
Tailormade: We are tailor-made specialists which is reflected in the excellent value we are able to give our clients. We regularly receive special offers from airlines and hotels, enabling us to tailor-make the best possible price at the time of your enquiry. As a result the choice of airline and hotel will differ dependent on the time of your enquiry.
