Hotel: The Kingsbury Hotel - Colombo or Similar
Welcome to Sri Lanka!
On arrival into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), you will be met by our local representative and your group will be transferred to your hotel.
Check in and relax, ready to start touring in the morning.
Day 2 - Colombo to Galle
Hotel: Radisson Blu Resort Galle or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning after breakfast, we'll head south towards Galle, with a brief Colombo sightseeing tour on the way. Colombo offers a blend of modern western and Sri Lankan elements, we'll drive past some of the commercial capital's sites including Old Parliament, President’s House, Galle Face Green, ViharamahaDevi Park, and Independence Square.
There will be time for you to disembark the coach and visit the uniquely stunning Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (entry not included).
We will also visit the Colombo National Museum. This charming museum takes visitors on a fascinating journey through Sri Lankan history. Housed in a stunning neo-Baroque building, which was specifically constructed by William Henry Gregory, Governor of Ceylon, in 1877, the museum boasts a gleaming white façade. As you make your way through the various rooms, you'll encounter exhibits dedicated to each of Sri Lanka's historical kingdoms. Informational display boards provide intriguing insights, such as the meaning behind the mudras (gestures and poses) depicted in Sri Lanka's Buddha statues.
Then, in Balapitiya, we take a boat trip on the Madu River to visit 64 scattered islands, including Cinnamon Island, where we learn about cinnamon production. Sri Lanka is the world's largest producer of pure cinnamon.
Inspiring Highlights
- Colombo National Museum
- Madu River
- Cinnamon Island
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
Day 3 - Galle
Hotel: Radisson Blu Resort Galle or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today after breakfast, set out on a tour of the Galle Fort and its Fortifications. This is a city that exudes an essence with a perfect blend of past and present. Declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1988, the presence of Portuguese, Dutch and English is very evident in the fascinating architectural styles of the Galle Fort.
Return to the hotel for the rest of the day at leisure, where lunch and dinner will be at the hotel.
Inspiring Highlights
Day 4 – Galle to Yala National Park
Hotel: Jetwing Yala or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning after breakfast, we leave for Yala National Park.
On arrival, spend your afternoon on a guided game drive exploring the dynamic wildlife and the most luxuriant plant life in Yala National Park. Being one of the largest parks in Sri Lanka, it is the ideal place to sight the rare leopard!
Enjoy dinner at the hotel in the evening.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
Day 5 - Yala National Park to Nuwara Eliya
Hotel: The Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning will be an early start, where you’ll enjoy another safari in the Yala National Park by jeep to spot the diverse wildlife which calls the park home.
After, we leave Yala and make a stop in Ella to witness the beautiful sceneries from Ella Gap and the picturesque waterfalls. We continue the journey to Nuwara Eliya. Often referred to as ‘Little England’, this genteel highland community does have a rose-tinted, vaguely British-country-village feel to it, with its colonial-era bungalows.
On arrival, check in to your Inspiring Stay for the next two nights, the incredible Grand Hotel. It may be the 21st century, but colonial splendour still reigns 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 we offer the ultimate in comfort to all who seek the charms of this famed hill country landmark. The incredible Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya, an enduring icon in this tranquil town perched on a mountain ridge overlooking lush green countryside in tea country. Oozing colonial charm, the hotel began life in the early 19th century as the stately holiday home of the fifth Governor of Ceylon. It’s since evolved over the centuries to retain a romantic, old-world ambience alongside modern comforts. In an enviable location, there are elegant, well-appointed rooms, magnificent gardens and an array of hotel amenities and activities including music therapy, yoga and more. The Grand Hotel is also renowned for its traditional afternoon tea, a quintessential British tradition which you’ll experience on this tour.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Inspiring Highlights
- Yala National ParK
- Ella Gap
- Nuwara Eliya & The Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Day 6 - Nuwara Eliya
Hotel: The Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you will have a leisurely morning.
In the afternoon you will visit a tea plantation and factory. Here you will enjoy an absolute tea experience, taking you from the moment young tea leaves are plucked to being processed in the factory to make a steaming cup of tea. If you are interested, the tea factory is the best place to purchase high quality tea.
This afternoon, enjoy an Inspiring Taste at probably the most talked of outlet in Nuwara Eliya, the Grand Tea Lounge. Here we enjoy an iconic High Tea at the Grand Hotel.
Dinner this evening will be enjoyed at your hotel.
Inspiring Highlights
- Grand Tea Lounge
- Tea Plantation
Day 7 - Nuwara Eliya to Kandy
Hotel: Earl’s Regency - Kandy or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning after an early breakfast, depart for Kandy on a famous train journey, said to be one of the most scenic and beautiful in the world. Apart from the breathtaking sceneries of the tea country and picturesque waterfalls, it is a chance for you to mingle with local people.
Discover the rich history of Kandy, once known as Senkadagala, during its time as the Hill Capital from 1514-1815 AD. Named a UNESCO heritage site in 1988, Kandy boasts a beautiful lake, historic temples like the Temple of the Tooth Relic, and well-preserved ruins of the royal palaces.
Enjoy some free time upon arrival in Kandy during the afternoon, before a dinner at a local restaurant with the rest of your group.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Day 8 - Kandy
Hotel: Earl’s Regency - Kandy or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, explore the beautiful city of Kandy with an included Tuk Tuk and Bazaar tour, followed by a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Relax in the afternoon with a stroll around the picturesque Kandy Lake.
In the evening, enjoy a spectacular Sri Lankan Cultural Performance, followed by a visit to the revered Temple of Tooth, home to a sacred relic of the Buddha and its guardian elephants.
This evening have dinner with your group, and enjoy some relaxation time.
Inspiring Highlights
- Kandy Lake
- Temple of the Tooth
Day 9 – Kandy to Minneriya National Park to Sigiriya
Hotel: Sigiriya Jungles or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today after a early breakfast, depart for Sigiriya.
Enroute, enjoy a private jeep safari at Minneriya National Park. Located in the districts of Matale and Polonnaruwa and bordered by the 'Mahaweli' and 'Amban' rivers, this park stretches an impressive 36,948 hectares. It was declared a National park in 1984, making it the only one in the Central Province. It's a paradise for nature lovers and one of the best places to observe elephants.
Continue to Sigiriya for check-in around lunch time.
This evening enjoy an Inspiring Taste with some sundowner pre-dinner Arrack (a local cocktail) or something else to suit your tastes with some canapes, followed by dinner at your hotel.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Day 10 – Sigiriya to Sigiriya Rock Fortress to Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya
Hotel: Sigiriya Jungles or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning will be an early start, where we'll climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress (also known as Lion's Rock) - an extraordinary artistic complex dating back to 477-498 AD. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has become a global attraction due to its unique architecture.
For lunch, participate in an Inspiring Taste cooking demonstration where you'll learn to prepare Sri Lankan rice and curry (5-6 curries). Savour your meal while overlooking the beautiful gardens.
In the afternoon, we'll take a sightseeing tour of Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital city of Sri Lanka (1017-1235 AD). Polonnaruwa was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 after the fall of Anuradhapura.
In the evening enjoy a cocktail and dinner at your hotel.
Inspiring Highlights
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Polonnaruwa
Day 11 - Sigiriya to Dambulla to Sigiriya
Hotel: SigiriyaJungles or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the morning at your leisure, then in the afternoon, explore the impressive Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. This UNESCO heritage site dates back to the 3rd Century BC and boasts 157 statues and extraordinary paintings covering a vast 2100m2 area, making it the most impressive cave complex in Sri Lanka. It's truly a masterpiece worth experiencing.
Enjoy dinner at your hotel tonight.
Inspiring Highlights
- Golden Temple of Dambulla
Day 12 - Sigiriya to Chilaw
Hotel: Anantaya Resort and Spa Chilaw or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we make for the coastal town of Chilaw to finish off our time in Sri Lanka relaxing near the crystal waters of the Indian Ocean. Chilaw is well known for the three 'C's' - Crabs, Coconuts and Coreas.
Day 13 - Chilaw
Hotel: Anantaya Resort and Spa Chilaw or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Spend the day relaxing at the beach or by the pool.
Day 14 - Chilaw to Colombo
Meals: Breakfast
Unfortunately, today marks the end of your incredible tour through Sri Lanka. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the Colombo airport to board your flight home.
You will have access to your hotel room until 8pm..
Special Information
Please note that if you choose to book post-tour accommodation, it will be in Chilaw.
A group departure transfer from Chilaw to Colombo Airport is provided for those departing after 6pm on departure date. If your international flight out of Colombo is due to depart before 6pm on the last day of the tour, please book the additional hotel to airport transfer add-on.
