Classic Sri Lanka

Drive inland to Sigiriya, an ideal base from which to discover the ancient cities of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Climb to the summit of the Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the late afternoon. The fortified settlement atop Sigiriya dates back to the 5th century AD and is a stupendous architectural achievement. Hidden in the caves of the fortress are the famed Sigiriya murals, better known as the Sigiriya Maidens.

Set off to explore the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura. Visit Isurumuniya Vihara, a 2,300-year-old rock temple renowned for its rock carvings. Also see the sacred Bo tree, grown from a sapling of the original Bo tree under which Siddhartha attained enlightenment to become the Buddha and Jetavanaramaya, an architecturally striking dagoba, before continuing to Abhayagiriya (an ancient monastic complex) and Ruwanwelisaya, the most venerated of all stupas. The afternoon will be at leisure to relax. Alternatively, you might like to explore the attractive surrounding countryside by bicycle.

Begin your day with a visit to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s famed ancient capital city. A relaxed bicycle ride lets you explore the 11th-century ruins strewn across a single complex. Your tour will include a visit to the Royal Palace of Vijayabahu, originally seven stories high with 1,000 chambers; the Hall of Public Audience, the relic house, originally built to house the tooth relic of Buddha; and Gal Vihara, the rock-cut temple renowned for the images of Buddha. In the afternoon, take a jeep safari inside Minneriya National Park and look for wild Asian elephants in their natural habitat.

Start the day with a visit to the fascinating Dambulla cave temples that date back to the 1st century BC. Then, a scenic drive through hills covered with lush forests will bring you to Kandy. En route, visit a spice garden and learn about the cultivation of spices and their role in Sri Lankan cuisine and traditional medicine. The afternoon is at leisure to relax and enjoy the leisure facilities at your hotel. Later, proceed to the sacred Temple of the Tooth to observe the lively evening ‘Pooja prayer ceremony’.

Spend the morning exploring the magnificent Peradeniya Botanical Garden, which has an incredible collection of over 300 varieties of orchids and 4,000 plant species. The unmissable sights here include the double coconuts, conjoined like Siamese twins and the century-old giant Java Willow Tree. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Embark on a scenic train journey from Kandy to Hatton, in Sri Lanka’s hill country. The train journey, which passes through quaint hill-side villages, picturesque hills carpeted with lush tea estates, and cascading waterfalls, reveals the dramatic landscape of the central highlands of Sri Lanka. On arrival at Hatton, your chauffeur-guide will meet you and take you to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure to relax and enjoy the striking natural setting of your converted planter’s bungalow in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country.

Take a tour of the tea gardens accompanied by your resident tea planter this morning, and learn first-hand about the history of tea, observe the colourful saree-clad tea pickers at work, watch the various processes involved in the journey of tea from leaf to cup, taste the different varieties of tea and gain an insight into the art of tea blending.

A scenic drive through the hills including innumerable hairpin bends and stunning panoramas will bring you to Yala, the premier National Park in Sri Lanka with the reputation of having the highest density of leopards anywhere in the world. Those staying at Rhunu Safari Camp will be collected by an experienced resident naturalist at a pre-arranged meeting point. Your chauffeur-guide will come to collect you again on the morning of Day 12. Later this afternoon, enjoy a private jeep safari in search of leopards and other wildlife.

Today’s early morning and late afternoon wildlife safaris offer the thrilling prospect of encountering wildlife up close. Search for the elusive leopards, sloth bears, wild elephants, and crocodiles. Look out for a variety of colourful birds, including the Malabar pied hornbill and crested serpent eagle, and keep an eye open for mammals such as toque macaque monkeys.

Embark on a scenic drive along the south coast and check in at your preferred beach retreat. If you are interested, it is possible to arrange an early morning visit to Yala Wildlife Reserve for one final jeep safari (supplement applies). After check-in, the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the golden sandy beaches and the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

This morning enjoy a guided walking tour through the fortified town’s will reveal a maze of narrow streets complete with churches and a melange of architectural styles dating back through the centuries. Sightseeing will also include a visit to Galle’s lighthouse, warehouses, and an opportunity to sample Sri Lankan street food at a local café. The afternoon is at leisure.

Transfer to Colombo International Airport and check in for your onward flight.