Best of Sri Lanka 12 nts / 13 days

OVERVIEW
DESTINATION INFO

Experience the finest sights of Sri Lanka, Historical Sights of Colombo, Anuradhapura – Ruins of Ancient Lankan Civilization, World Heritage Site.

 

Tour Route:-

Arrive Colombo 1 Night > Drive Habarana 3 Nights ( Excursion Polonnaruwa & Sigiriya ) > Drive Kandy 2 Nights > Drive Nuwara Eliya 2 Nights ( Horton Plains ) > Drive Yala 2 Nights ( Wildlife ) > Drive Bentota 2 Nights ( Beach ) > Drive Colombo & Leave.

Day 01 Arrive Colombo

Upon arrival in Colombo Airport you are met by our representative and transferred to your pre booked Hotel.

 

Afternoon commence a sightseeing tour of the city of Colombo. Drive through the commercial and city centre area known as the “Fort”, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century where grand colonial era buildings stand alongside modern office structures. See the busy markets and noisy bazaars of Pettah, the National Museum with its fine collection of lovely antiques and art of Sri Lanka. Drive past the Town Hall, Independence Square, the B.M.I.C.H (International Convention Centre) and Cinnamon Gardens residential area and visit a Buddhist temple and a Hindu Kovil to experience the diversity of religion, ethnicity and customs of the people.

 

Dinner and Overnight stay at a hotel in Colombo.

Day 02 Colombo – Habarana (Drive)

Breakfast in the Hotel
Later depart by private car for Habarana. Upon arrival in Habarana check in at your pre booked hotel.
Rest of the day free relaxing at the Hotel.

 

Dinner and Overnight stay at a hotel in Habarana.

Day 03 Habarana – Anuradhapura – Habarana

After breakfast at the hotel leave for Anuradhapura. On arrival in Anuradhapura, visit the sacred ancient city founded in the 04th century B.C a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982. It has the largest number of ancient monuments of the great Sinhala civilisation which flourished in this region. You will see some of the most famous as well as the tallest dagobas of Sri Lanka, Ruwanweliseya Dagoba, 2nd century BC with its famous elephant walls and the 3rd century BC Thuparama Dagoba. Ruins of ancient royal palaces specially the pillars of the Brazen Palace, which once had nine storeys, temples, the image of the Samadhi Buddha one of the finest pieces of Buddhist sculpture, monasteries, the twin ponds, guard stones and the moonstone. The ‘Sri Maha Bodhi’ or the sacred Bo tree is over 2200 years old grown from a branch of the very tree under which “The Buddha” attained enlightenment – the oldest historically documented tree in the world.

 

Dinner and Overnight stay at a Hotel in Habarana

Day 04 Habarana – Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya – Habarana

After breakfast leave for Polonnaruwa, (UNESCO World Heritage Site) the Capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to 13th century, a well-planned medieval city defended by enclosing walls (around 5 km. which still remain),graced by palaces, shrines, monasteries, pavilions, parks, ponds and irrigation lakes. Polonnaruwa is strewn with ruins in a resplendent state of preservation. Of these the ‘Vatadage’ and the ‘Thuparama Image house’ are the most spectacular. The ‘Gal Vihara’ which consists of statues of the recumbent, standing and seated Buddha have been cut from a single granite wall and rank among the true masterpieces of Sri Lankan Art. On completion, return to the hotel.

 

On completion leave for Sigiriya and climb the Rock Fortress (a UNESCO World Heritage site) built by King Kassapa in the 05th century A.D. which was a Royal Citadel for more than 18 years. The lion rock is a citadel of unusual beauty, rising 200 metres from the scrub jungle. The base of the rock is ringed by a moat and rampart and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens. The majestic Lion’s Paw picturesquely guards the stairway of the palace on the summit. See the famous frescoes of the “Heavenly maidens” of Sigiriya in a sheltered pocket of the rock and the 10 foot high Mirror Wall.

 

Dinner and Overnight stay at a hotel in Habarana

Day 05 Habarana – Kandy (Drive)

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Dambulla and visit the famous Golden Rock cave temple which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. A sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery, a vast isolated rock mass with its five caverns is the largest best preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist mural paintings (covering an area of 2,100 sq. meters) are of particular importance as are the 157 statues including a 47 foot long statue of the recumbent Buddha. The ceiling of one cavern is fully illustrated with paintings that follow the natural folds of the rock so closely that it appears to be made of cloth. The complex of caves is one of the most impressive Buddhist Temples in the world.

 

Dinner and Overnight stay at a hotel in Kandy

Day 06 Kandy

After breakfast leave for Kandy. On arrival in Kandy, check in at hotel and after a short break, commence a sightseeing tour of the city. This bustling hill country capital is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the pink painted famous Temple of the Tooth which houses the most sacred religious relic, the tooth of the Buddha. Drive past the picturesque premises of the University of Peradeniya and visit the Market Place, and an Arts &Crafts show room. Then drive along the Upper Lake road to get a panoramic view of the Kandy Lake built in 1807 which is an attractive centerpiece to the town. Also visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, where a rare collection of tropical exotic and indigenous flora including the famous Orchid House could be viewed. Kandy is also popular because of the annual festival known as the Esala Perahera where the inner casket covering the tooth relic of the Buddha is taken in a grand procession through the streets of the city held annually in the month of July or August.

 

Late evening enjoy the Kandyan Cultural show at the Kandyan Arts & Cultural Centre. The show features the graceful and rhythmic dancers and drummers culminating in an impressive fire walking display.

 

Dinner and Overnight stay at a hotel in Kandy

Day 07 Kandy – Nuwara Eliya (Drive)

After breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya. En route visit a tea plantation and a tea factory. At the tea factory witness the process of manufacture of tea from plucking of the green leaves to packeting of the processed tea. Set in the heart of Tea Country, situated 1890 meters above sea level, this beautiful town of Nuwara Eliya is where the British succeeded in creating an English countryside with homes in styles from Georgian to Queen Anne with well kept lawns with hedges. On arrival in Nuwara Eliya commence a sightseeing tour of the city. Visit the Nuwara Eliya Town, Market place, Golf Course, (one of the finest 18 holes Golf Courses in Asia) the Hill Club, and drive around this hill station viewing Lake Gregory.

 

Dinner and Overnight stay at a hotel in Nuwara Eliya

Day 08 Nuwara Eliya – Horton Plains – Nuwara Eliya

After an early breakfast at hotel leave for Horton Plains, the highest plateau in the country. It is one of the very important National parks in Sri Lanka especially for its topographical variations. It has unique vegetation and is famous for many rare and endemic highland birds. The most awesome physical feature of the Horton Plains is the escarpment that falls 880 meters to the lowlands of the southern region of the island. Aptly known as the ‘World’s End’ the view from the precipice of the countryside below towards the south coast is spectacular. Dawn or early morning is the best time for observing it. On completion, return to Nuwara Eliya.

 

Dinner and Overnight stay at a hotel in Nuwara Eliya

Day 09 Nuwara Eliya – Yala (Drive)

After breakfast proceed to Yala in the south of Sri Lanka. En route visit Rawana Waterfalls, a sight to behold with a scenic backdrop of mountains and valleys. It is featured in the Rawana mythology, where Sita is said to have bathed from this waterfall while she was in captivity. On arrival in Yala, check in at the hotel.

 

Dinner and Overnight stay at a Hotel in Yala

Day 10 Yala

After breakfast commence a jeep safari in the Yala National Park by private jeep accompanied by a tracker. Yala National Park one of Sri Lanka’s premier eco tourist destinations is renowned for its variety of wildlife notably its many elephants. It is also home to the spotted deer, sambar, wild buffalo, sloth bear, jackal, mongoose and crocodiles. The peacock, is easily the most famous of the birds in this park. Yala has a high concentration of leopards although seeing these nocturnal carnivores still requires some luck.

 

Dinner and Overnight stay at a hotel in Yala

Day 11 Yala – Bentota (Drive)

After breakfast leave for Bentota, a tourist resort in the south with the most beautiful, wide and sandy beaches En route visit Galle Places of interest in Galle are a Dutch Church, the Natural Harbour, the Dutch Cultural Museum and the National Maritime Museum. On arrival in Bentota, check in at the hotel.

 

After a short break visit the great church and national maritime museum.

 

Dinner and Overnight stay at a hotel in Bentota .

Day 12 Bentota

Full day at Leisure

 

Dinner and Overnight stay at a hotel in Bentota

Day 13 Bentota – Colombo (Drive)

Today you are transferred to Colombo Airport to board Flight for Onward Journey

For the price of the Tour kindly fill out the Price Request Form and submit it to us.

Our Expert Team will get back to you within 12 – 24 Hours with the complete day to day detailed itinerary, tour price, tour Inclusions and a full accommodation list.

Alternatively, you may call us on 01753 577330 and we would be happy to assist you with any further enquiries you may have.

Our holiday itineraries are planned with utmost care. In case you wish to modify any part of the Itinerary, our experts will help you to meet your requirements.

Tailormade Journey is a Specialist for Private Individual Holidays. All our Holidays are Fully Protected Under ATOL 9967.

All the tours are tailored as per our clients requirements and you may choose your own date of departure from the United Kingdom, your own choice of hotels and your own duration of travel.

Kindly Fill the Price Request Form and do mention all your requirements e.g type of hotels ( 3 , 4 , 5 Star ) , Departure Airport , etc in the Comment Box in the form and Submit.

Please do not forget to give us your correct e-mail address and your contact telephone number.


The Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel is situated on Nuwara Eliya Hill, adjacent to the Nuwar Eliya Golf Course. Surrounded by tropical greenery and enjoying cool climates, it features 2 restaurants, a shopping arcade and a gym. Rooms at Grand Hotel are equipped with heating. Each room has satellite TV, a mini fridge, and tea/coffee making facilities. The private bathroom offers a hot shower and a hairdryer. Guests can relax in the sauna, or play a round of golf. Other facilities include a 24-hour reception and a business centre. Laundry services are available. International dishes are served at Barnes Hall, while Grand Indian Restaurant offers specialities from North and South India.

Heritance Tea Factory

Heritance Tea Factory offers colonial-style rooms with views of the surrounding tea plantations and hills. It features a luxurious spa, tea-picking tours and a restaurant set in a train carriage. Cosy guestrooms come with a minibar, cable TV and free organic tea leaves. The en suite bathroom is fitted with a bathtub and a rain shower. Guests can work out at a fitness room or go for a tea plantation nature walk. Massage and other treatments are offered at the Misty Mountain Spa. Billiards and mini golf facilities are available. Dinning on Wheels Restaurant features Western and European meals. Kenmare Restaurant serves a selection of Eastern and Western dishes.

Bentota Beach by Cinnamon

Bentota Beach by Cinnamon is 2 minutes walk from the beach. Located along Bentota River, Bentota Beach Hotel offers rooms with scenic views. It provides 3 dining options, a spectacular outdoor pool and exciting activities like elephant rides, archery and watersports. The Bentota Hotel is a 10-minute drive from the Sea Turtle Hatchery and the Brief Garden. It takes 2.5 hours by car from the hotel to Bandaranaike International Airport. The luxurious guestrooms are spacious and fitted with colourful wall decorations and beddings. They have private balconies and are equipped with a minibar, an in-room safe and cable TV. Recreational activities are endless at the hotel. It has floodlit tennis courts, squash courts, billiard tables and a water sport centre, where guests can try wind surfing, jet ski and diving. For a more relaxing afternoon, Azmaara Spa’s professional therapists offer customised massages and treatments.

Avani Bentota Resort & Spa

Avani Bentota Resort & Spa is 2 minutes walk from the beach. Capturing the essence of a Dutch seaside village, Avani Bentota Resort & Spa is located along Bentota Beach in Southern Sri Lanka. Tropical and laidback, it offers 2 outdoor pools and free parking. Avani Bentota Resort & Spa is 99 km from Bandaranaike International Airport. Colombo City is 66 km away. Rooms at this designer hotel feature modern décor and flat-screen cable TVs. Each is equipped with a DVD player and hot shower facilities. A private balcony overlooks the natural scenery. Guests may relax with a massage at the spa or enjoy board games like chess and carom. Water sports like diving and snorkelling are available at the beach.

Vivanta by Taj Bentota

Vivanta by Taj Bentota is located in Sri Lanka's Galle District, offering breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Pampering spa services, an outdoor pool and 5 dining options are provided. Vivanta’s well-lit rooms come equipped with a minibar and tea/coffee maker. It provides a cable TV and safety deposit boxes. Private balconies have outdoor seating areas and overlook the sea. Vivanta by Taj Bentota is 60 km from South Colombo. It is approximately 90 km from Bandaranaike International Airport. Guests can enjoy a workout at the fitness centre or take an elephant ride by the beach. The hotel also provides a business centre and room service. The Palms 24-hour restaurant serves international cuisine, while authentic Chinese food is offered at Oriental Pavilion. Other dining options include fresh seafood at the open-air S.H.A.C.K., fine dining at Sea View and cocktails at the hotel's 2 bars.

Jetwing Yala

Spread across 38 acres of land, Jetwing Yala features an outdoor pool, a business centre and luxurious rooms located on the borders of Yala National Park. Operating a 24-hour front desk, it provides free parking and offers complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the property. Fitted with parquet flooring and four-poster beds, spacious air-conditioned rooms are furnished with a wardrobe, in-room safe, a flat-screen cable TV and sofa seating area. Iron, minibar and tea/coffee making facilities are also included. The large en suite bathroom comes equipped with a hairdryer and hot/cold shower. At Jetwing Yala, guests can indulge in a pampering massage at the spa or approach the tour desk for sightseeing and travel arrangements. Luggage storage, laundry and child care services are available for convenience. The property houses a restaurant, The Dining Room, serving delectable Sri Lankan and Asian cuisine.

Cinnamon Wild Yala

Cinnamon Wild Yala is 5-minute drive from the famous Yala National Park. It boasts chalets with private balconies and free Wi-Fi. It features an outdoor pool and a restaurant. Nestled in the south of Sri Lanka, the property is a 6-hour drive from Bandaranaike International Airport. It is located in Kirinda, a village well-known for its wildlife. Chalets offer spectacular views of the beach or jungle. They are decorated with local artcrafts and feature air-conditioning, cable TV and a minibar. All chalets come with private bathroom facilities. Enjoying a prime location, Cinnamon Wild Yala's restaurant provides beautiful landscapes and serves Asian and Western dishes. Meals can also be enjoyed in the privacy of guests’ rooms.

Earl’s Regency Hotel

Earl's Regency Hotel is a luxurious 5-star hotel located a 5-minute drive from Kandy Railway Station. It offers spacious accommodation with a spa, an outdoor pool and free parking. Free Wi-Fi is available in the main lobby and Mount Batten Lounge & Spice Bar. Air-conditioned guestrooms offer views of the surrounding mountainous countryside. Each room is equipped with a minibar, tea/coffee making facilities and a TV with satellite channels. The hotel’s spa offers a range of massage treatments, and has both wet and dry sauna. Other facilities include courts for tennis and badminton. Day trips and activities such as cycling and trekking can be arranged upon request. Far Pavilion Restaurant offers a buffet spread of eastern and western dishes. Coffee Shop Restaurant is open 24-hours. There are also 2 other bars offering refreshing beverages. Kandy Temple of the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, which overlooks Kandy Lake, is a 15-minute drive away. Peradeniya Botanical Gardens is a 10-minute drive from Hotel Earl’s Regency.

Cinnamon Citadel Kandy

Cinnamon Citadel Kandy offers a spectacular outdoor pool. It has a spa and well-appointed rooms. Air-conditioned rooms feature spacious interiors with fine beddings and furnishings. Each room is equipped with a minibar, tea/coffee making facilities and a TV with cable channels. Panorama Restaurant boasts an international menu, and continental dishes can be found at the Cafe C. The Lounge is an excellent venue to enjoy refreshing beverages and light snacks. Guests can enjoy a leisurely swim at the outdoor pool. Free Wi-Fi is provided on site. The hotel’s tour desk can help organise trips to popular attractions such as the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Cinnamon Citadel Kandy is located a 20-minute drive from the famous Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha site.

Habarana Village by Cinnamon

Habarana Village by Cinnamon  is a 15-minute drive from Minneriya National Park. The hotel features an outdoor pool and facilities for tennis, volleyball and badminton. Habarana Village by Cinnamon  is an hour’s drive from Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Driving from Bandaranaike International Airport takes 6 hours. Featuring wooden furniture, the air-conditioned rooms at Habarana Village by Cinnamon come with private terraces. Each room has a TV with cable channels, a safety deposit box, and tea/coffee making facilities. Azmaara Spa provides a range of treatments, from massages to manicures and pedicures. The hotel offers tours such as hiking in the Ritigala jungle or riding an ox cart in Hiriwadunna. El Hena Restaurant features buffet spreads with Asian and Western dishes, while Panthaliya Coffee Shop serves snacks and hot beverages. Refreshments are available at the pool bar.

Cinnamon Lodge Habarana

Located amidst green forests, the Cinnamon Lodge Habarana offers air-conditioned rooms with a private balcony. The hotel boasts a large outdoor pool, a butterfly garden and 3 dining options. Rooms at Habarana Cinnamon Lodge feature a comfortable seating area with a sofa. They are furnished with cable TV, a minibar and a personal safe. A tea/coffee maker is provided. Guests at the Cinnamon Habarana can unwind at Azmaara Spa, work a sweat on the tennis court, or enjoy a game of billiards. The hotel offers butler service and babysitting. Restaurant Ehala offers buffets with international and themed dishes, while The Lotus caters Western culinary delights and local contemporary cuisine. Beverages can be enjoyed at cafe Veranda or bar Tuskers. Cinnamon Lodge Habarana is a 25-minute drive away from Minneriya National Park.

Ramada Colombo

Ramada Colombo is located in Sri Lanka, a 5-minute walk from Colombo Fort Railway Station. The hotel offers an outdoor pool, 2 restaurants and a bar. Free parking is available. The air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a minibar, cable TV and coffee/tea maker. Private bathrooms and a personal safe are provided. The hotel features a business centre, room service and laundry services. Guests can book excursions at the tour desk. The hotel’s bar has a pool table.  This property is 3 minutes walk from the beach.

OZO Colombo

OZO Colombo is centrally located just 1.3 km away from Bambalapitiya Railway Station. Welcoming guests with an outdoor swimming pool and a buffet-style restaurant, this luxurious property is also equipped with free Wi-Fi access at all areas. Housed in a modern building, the accommodation is only 1.6 km away from Barefoot Gallery and 1.9 km from the British Council. Bandaranaike International Airport is 33 km away and airport shuttle services can be arranged. Offering ample natural sunlight and sweeping sea views in some rooms, stylish guestrooms come fitted with a minibar, air conditioning and carpeted flooring. The contemporary en suite bathrooms feature bath amenities and a hairdryer. Refreshing workouts can be enjoyed at the fitness centre. Guests staying at OZO Colombo can also utilize the meeting facilities. A 24-hour front desk can assist with car rentals and free parking facilities.

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