The Best of Sri Lanka

Overview

On our Sri Lanka holidays, this introduction to the ‘Land of Serendipity’ reveals mountaintop fortresses, ancient capitals hidden in dense forest and national parks where elephants roam free. Starting and finishing in the island’s capital, Colombo, our Sri Lanka tours journey to Buddhist temples and botanical gardens, stopping to sample some of the world’s best tea along the way. A safari drive in Yala National Park is another highlight of our Sri Lanka itinerary, and a great opportunity to spot leopards, buffalo, elephants and crocodiles.

What's Included:

  • 10 nights in hotels and 1 in flight (accommodation as specified or similar)
  • 20 meals: 10 breakfasts (days 3-12) 10 dinners (days 2-11)
  • Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service
  • Services of a local Titan tour manager
  • International flights
  • Best available coaches with experienced drivers
  • Porterage
  • All airport taxes and duties

Exursions:

  • City tours of Colombo and Galle
  • Buddhist shrines at Anuradhapura
  • Visits to Hiriwaduna local village, Sigiriya Rock fortress, the Golden Temple at Dambulla, the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Temple of the Tooth and the Elephant Transit Home
  • Kandyan dance performance
  • Tea plantation tour in the Nuwara Eliya area
  • High tea at the Colonial Hill Club
  • Yala National Park safari

Full Itinerary

Day 1 UK - In flight

Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Colombo.

Day 2 Colombo

On arrival in Colombo we transfer to the Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo (4T+), where you are free for the remainder of the day.

Day 3 Colombo - Habarana

This flourishing seaport is Sri Lanka’s commercial centre; a curious mix of eastern tradition and western infiltration. Our morning tour includes a visit to the fort built by the Portuguese and a view of the buzzing Pettah bazaar district from our coach, where the streets are crammed with stalls and shops. We continue our journey to Habarana, where we stay at the Cinnamon Lodge (4T+) for three nights.

Day 4 Anuradhapura - Hiriwaduna Village

After breakfast, we head to Anuradhapura, ruled by the Sinhalese Kings for over 1,000 years. Star attractions include ancient Buddhist shrines, dagobas (bell-shaped memorials) and pokunas (stone water tanks). We also visit the sacred 2,000-year-old Sri Maha Bodi tree. Later, visit a typical Sri Lankan village for a fascinating introduction to local culture and indigenous farming practices.

Day 5 Sigiriya

Further adventure awaits this morning in Sigiriya, a 182m rock plateau on which the 5th century ruler, Kasyapa, built a fortress and palace. The spectacular ‘lion rock’ fortress stands majestically over the lush green jungle surroundings, whilst carved in a niche in the rocks are the famous frescoes of beautiful women. This afternoon you are free to enjoy the beautiful surroundings at the charming Cinnamon Lodge. Or perhaps you may like to join a locally-booked optional excursion to Polonnaruwa. The glamour and wealth of a bygone age are evident in Polonnaruwa, built in the 12th century by King Parakramabahu. The remains of the King’s Palace include shrines, temples, dagobas and the Gal Vihara.

Day 6 Habarana - Dambulla - Kandy

Today’s tour takes in a splendid visit to the serene Golden Temple at Dambulla, named for its gilded interior. Marvel at the recumbent figure of the Buddha hewn from solid rock and explore each of the five magical caves that comprise the shrine. We stop at a spice garden before reaching Kandy, last capital of the ancient kings', which nestles amongst low hills looped by the Mahaweli River. The evening is spent at leisure at the very comfortable Cinnamon Citadel Hotel (4T), our accommodation for the next two nights.

Day 7 Royal Botanical Gardens - Temple of the Tooth

This morning’s tour reveals the scenic wonder of the gorgeous Royal Botanical Gardens where you can admire stunning flora and fauna. The afternoon is at leisure. This evening, watch Kandyan dancers perform the enchanting national dance of Sri Lanka before continuing our journey to the sacred Temple of the Tooth.

Day 8 Nuwara Eliya

Today, we’ll make tracks for Nuwara Eliya, home of Ceylon tea. It was built during the 19th century in the style of an old English country town, with some local twists. Victorian- and Tudor-style homes line the pretty lake, and tuk-tuks can be found parked beside a red phone box. Tea lovers will be in their element as we tour a plantation, where workers - or ‘pluckers’ - pick each delicate leaf by hand. We’ll see the entire manufacturing process, from grading the tea by quality and size through to its final preparation. Later on, we’ll celebrate the tradition of high tea at our hotel.

Day 9 Nuwara Eliya - Elephant Transit Home - Yala

Our journey continues to the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe. Unlike many other sanctuaries, this home rehabilitates orphaned and injured elephants until they are strong and old enough to be released back into the wild. We continue to Cinnamon Wild Yala (4T), where we stay for two nights.

Day 10 Yala National Park

We rise early for our safari in Sri Lanka’s best known national park in search of the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. Even if we fail to catch a glimpse of this majestic predator, there is much else to see, including elephants, buffalo, monkeys, deer and crocodiles. Relax at leisure, or perhaps join an optional evening bird trail with an expert local guide.

Day 11 Yala - Galle - Beruwala

The Old Town of Galle, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in southern Asia. The Portuguese first took control of the city in the early 16th century and began the fortification process, only to surrender it to the Dutch East India Company around 150 years later. The Dutch built substantial ramparts and walls, which are still standing today, and the British, who later controlled the country, left them intact and unchanged. Following our short tour we head to Beruwala for an overnight stay at The Cinnamon Bey Hotel (4T).

Day 12 Beruwala - Colombo - UK

Today we transfer to Colombo Airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

Hand Picked By

Abigail Limm

We have been working withTitan for many years and our customers particularly love their VIP door-to-door travel service.

Abigail Limm

Additional Information

  • Date: Various departures for 2024
  • Board Basis: Mixed meal plan
  • Duration: 11 nights
  • Departure Airport: London
  • Guide Price: Please call for latest prices
  • Includes VIP Home Departure Service!
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