Let your senses be teased by the exciting variety of spectacular wildlife, fascinating history, lush scenery and exotic spices that combine to make Sri Lanka a magical destination. Having delved into the ancient history of this fascinating country with visits to cave temples, huge rock fortresses and vibrant towns, discover the age-old art of tea picking and admire animals, great and small, up close.

• Travelling - 1
  

  Fly to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

• Colombo Calling - 2
  

  Your first experience of Colombo, the vibrant capital, will be on our guided walking tour of the city which will introduce you to beautiful Buddhist and Hindu temples, the historic Wolfendhal Church, Independence Square and more. Your Tour Guide will also take you to the renowned Odel Shopping Center and you will have plenty of opportunities to buy handicrafts and jewellery throughout your holiday.

• Watch baby elephants being bottle fed - 3
  

  The sight of elephants making their way slowly but gracefully to play in the river at Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is one that will stay with you forever. You will have plenty of opportunity to get up close and personal to these majestic animals – make sure you don’t miss out on the twice-daily feeding of the baby elephants. The orphanage is home to more than 60 elephants of all ages, and it is clear to see that they are the priority. There are no elephant rides here, just a natural environment where the orphaned and injured elephants can roam free.

• Gaze in awe at mighty Sigiriya - 3
  

  Rising majestically from the jungle floor, the unique and ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress has to be seen to be believed. You’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time as you wander around the water gardens that surround the base of the 200m-high rock, see brightly coloured and the incredibly well preserved frescoes and the mirror wall, once so shiny the king would watch his reflection as he passed. As you near the summit, you’ll come to the impressive Lion Gate. At one time, the stairway led through the jaws of a lion, but all that remains now are two giant clawed paws. Give yourself plenty of time to take in the views from the top of the rock.

• Find yourself at one with nature - 4
  

  As you walk through the dense vegetation on your morning jungle trek, your Specialist Guide will introduce you to some of the obvious and less obvious inhabitants. The animals you see on your jeep safari this afternoon will be easier to spot. The Minneriya Tank watering hole is always a hive of activity for animals such as elephants, deer and a colourful array of birds, all of whom flock to its waters. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive leopard who hides amidst the scrubland.

• Reminders of a long-gone era - 5
  

  The ancient man-made reservoirs of Polonnaruwa are a sight to behold, as is the entire medieval city they once supported. Wandering around the well preserved monuments, temples and rock carvings gives you an insight into what life must have been like here a thousand years ago when Polonnaruwa was the prosperous capital city.

• Visit centuries old cave temples - 6
  

  As dawn breaks, the bird life of Kandalama Lake awakens with an incredible chorus that’s simply unmissable. Equally impressive are the Dambulla Cave Temples which offer a tranquil haven for the preservation of ancient Sri Lankan art. Located at the base of a very ordinary-looking rock you’ll find the ornate entrance to the five caves, now shrines, which house centuries-old paintings, statues and over 150 images of Buddha. The aroma of Sri Lanka’s famous spices is never far away, especially at the Matale Spice Gardens, where you can learn about their origins.

• Journey into the hills by train - 7
  

  The exotic city of Kandy exudes an aura of grandeur with its impressive royal palace, botanic gardens and the famous temple housing the Tooth Relic of Buddha. Sights of a different kind await as you leave the city behind and head into the countryside by train. Sit back and enjoy the view from your window as you pass stunning streams, waterfalls and tea plantations.

• Try your hand at tea leaf picking - 7
  

  The picturesque hill resort of Nuwara Eliya is situated at the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, surrounded by lush green valleys carpeted with tea plantations and English-style country residences. The moment you see the many local women with their colourful saris and baskets on their backs picking the leaves by hand, you’re reminded of the very natural origins of England’s favourite brew. Learn the ancient art of picking tea, then have a go yourself.

• Out of the ordinary - 8
  

  The vast and unique Horton Plains are home to some of Sri Lanka’s most unusual wildlife, from bear monkeys to giant squirrels and barking deer. The cool climate is refreshing and ideal for walking.

• Seeing is believing on safari - 9
  

  Discover more of the delights of Nuwara Eliya with a tour of the city, before experiencing the stunning contrast of Yala National Park. Elephant and leopard frequent the undulating terrain here, and there will be an atmosphere of excitement as you anticipate your first sighting of these majestic beasts in their natural surroundings. As well as these larger mammals, Yala is also home to a menagerie of other animals, from sloth bears and wild boar, to monkeys and crocodiles. If you are a fan of wildlife programmes, the chances are you’ll have seen Yala on television as it’s been the setting for many documentaries, but being there in person is an altogether different experience.

• Hidden delights - 10
  

  After another thrilling jeep safari this morning, explore the delights of little-known Kataragama.

• Colourful coral and tiny turtles - 11
  

  You could be forgiven for thinking you were in Holland as you explore the fortified city of Galle’s narrow alleys lined with houses, churches and monuments that are reminders of Dutch colonial rule in the 17th and 18th centuries. The natural world beckons as we head up the coast to the popular beach resort of Hikkaduwa. Glimpse the magical underwater world from aboard a glass-bottom boat or get even closer to the beautiful yet endangered coral gardens and shoals of fish by taking to the water with your snorkel. Also endangered but protected are Sri Lanka’s many turtles. Their shells and eggs are both highly desirable on the black market. However, people like Dudley Perera, the owner of the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, are working very hard to counteract this and a visit to his hatchery is something you will never forget.

• Travelling - 12
  

  Fly back to the UK.

Accommodation

• Galle Face Colombo or Ramada, Colombo (4-Star) - 2 Nights
• Hotel Sigiriya, Sigiriya (4-Star) - 3 Nights
• Chaaya Citadel, Kandy (4-Star) - 1 Night
• Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya (4-Star) - 2 Nights
• Priyankara Hotel, Yala (3-Star) - 2 Nights

Occasionally it may be necessary to use alternative hotels of the same standard.

• Flights are scheduled services of
• Flights depart at 12:00 am and return at 8:15 pm

Includes

Not Included