Introduction to Sri Lanka


4 nights

£3785

Introductions
Image

Introduction to Sri Lanka

The perfect introduction to Sri Lanka, this 4 night private taster tour takes in some of the key sites including Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla Rock Caves, Kandy and a tea plantation with an option to add on a beach extension at the end or beginning.


4 nights

from £3785

Description

Perfect for those on a first time trip to Sri Lanka and wanting to see some of the key highlights. This tour takes in Kandy's magnificent temples, a tea plantation and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Rock Caves and Polonnaruwa. Customers can add on a relaxing beach break in Sri Lanka or Maldives before or after their tour.

Highlights
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sigiriya Rock Fortress
  • Marvel at the medieval Polonnaruwa dating back to the 12th century with its temples, statues and tombs
  • See Dambulla rock caves - a former Buddhist monastery
  • Visit a spice plantation.
  • Enjoy a city tour in Kandy.
  • Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic of the Buddha in Kandy.
  • Watch a cultural show in Kandy and visit the Royal Botonical Gardens.
  • Enjoy a scenic drive passing waterfalls
  • Visit a working Tea Plantation and a Tea Factory.
  • City tour in Nuwara Eliya.
  • City tour in Colombo.
Additional Information

Tour departs daily from Colombo.

What’s Included:

  • Four nights’ accommodation and meals as specified.
  • Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and driver guide.
  • Entrance fees to sites detailed.
  • Pick up from Colombo airport and drop off at Colombo city (transfers to airport straight after your tour, or drop off at beach hotel between will be at an extra charge).
  • Bottle of water per person per day.

Your tour price does not include:

  • International flights.
  • Transfer to beach hotel or back to the airport after your tour.
  • Tipping and other miscellaneous personal expenses.
  • Lunches.
  • Special camera and video permits.
  • Accommodation on day 5 for guests wanting to extend their stay.

Safety measures:-

  • The vehicle will be sanitized daily.
  • Driver will wear a PPE kit (a new kit will be provided daily).
  • Each guests will receive a personal sanitization kit which includes:-
    • 2 x 50ml bottles of hand sanitizer
    • 25 x 3 ply surgical masks
    • 25 x surgical gloves
Pricing
Dec 2024
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Description

Colombo/Habarana

Arrive at Colombo where you will be met by your chauffeur / guide and enjoy a scenic transfer to Habarana passing paddy fields and rubber plantations on the way.

Accommodation:
Standard: Habarana Village by Cinnamon (Superior Room) or similar
Premium: Cinnamon Lodge (Superior Room) or similar

Travel time approximately 4.5 hours

Habarana Village by Cinnamon

Habarana Village by Cinnamon is where serenity lies across the lush forested land that borders the stunning lake. Experience rustic barefoot type elegance here, which is designed to reflect the rural environs and simplicity of village life.

Meals Included: Dinner

DESTINATION

Habarana Sri Lanka

A holiday to Habarana in itself is of little interest to most tourists. It has a decent spread of relatively upmarket accommodation, making it a convenient base from which to visit any of the Cultural Triangle’s major sights.  For some of the best elephant spotting in Sri Lanka, Habarana is also a convenient point of departure for trips to the Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks.

For some of the best elephant spotting in Sri Lanka, Habarana is also a convenient point of departure for trips to the Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks. The only really interesting attraction in Habarana is the fine Habarana Lake which is encircled by a small footpath around which it’s possible to walk in 90min or so. You can also take an elephant ride by the lake and elsewhere.

 image

Holidays to Sri Lanka are filled with adventures through the diverse range of habitats available on the island. Explore the open plains of Uda Walawe National Park to view wandering elephants and the occasional sneaking leopard. Sri Lankan holidays offer endless opportunities to watch schools of brightly coloured fish swimming through the clear blue waters, nesting turtles, rock pigeons, dozens of species of vibrantly coloured birds, breaching whales and even elephants. While on holiday in Sri Lanka, be sure to visit the Sinharaja Forest Reserve to see the last spread of undisturbed forest in the country. There are 22 villages located on the outskirts of the trees and there’s a wide range of flora and fauna to explore in the greenery of the Sri Lankan forest. While exploring the countryside, you may even run into a scenic waterfall.

 image

If you’re looking for an adventure that exhilarates your palate as well as your eyes, holidays in Sri Lanka are the way to go. Sri Lankan cuisine is known for being heavily endowed with aromatic, exotic spices. Once a stop on the spice-trading route, Sri Lanka holds true to its roots, making your holiday an experience for your taste buds. The main ingredients you’ll find while eating on your Sri Lankan holiday are rice, curry and coconut. You will never taste better or fresher coconut than what is on offer while on holiday in Sri Lanka. Be sure to also try some of the short eats which are snacks that can be purchased from street vendors. The island has been heavily influenced by the colonial powers that once ruled its shores. The countryside was previously covered in heavy jungle until the British cleared it away to plant tea crops. If you want to learn more about the history of tea on the island and how it’s produced, be sure to visit the Ceylon Tea Museum or take a tour at the Dambatenne Tea Factory and then enjoy a cup of locally produced tea. Your Sri Lanka holiday won’t be complete without a tour to the all-female run Euphoria Spice and Herbal farm.

 image

Sri Lanka holidays provide the perfect opportunity to relax and find a little serenity on one of the many beaches along the wide range of coastline offered by the small island state. One of the benefits of the climate in Sri Lanka is that there’s always sun somewhere on the island. You can find the perfect beach during your Sri Lankan holiday regardless of whether you’re looking to relax, to surf massive waves or to enjoy a drink, some dancing and music. Some of the famed Sri Lankan beaches are Arugum Bay, Mirissa beach, Hikkaduwa beach and Nilaveli beach. You might also want to visit the Galle Face Green, which is a long stretch of lawn that faces the ocean and was once used by the Dutch so that they could shoot their cannons with a clear view of the enemy. Whether your holiday to Sri Lanka is for a romantic getaway, a honeymoon, an adventure for exploring a new place or a beachside escape to catch some waves, you rest assured that you will not be disappointed. Sri Lanka offers a range of accommodation, from the humblest hostel to resort-style hotels with all the amenities included.

 image

Sri Lanka is also a great place to explore the extended history of religion and culture. Your holidays to Sri Lanka can include tours to any of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, explorations of religious ruins and temples, or to see the colonial architecture of the buildings left from the rule of the Dutch and the British. The Anuradhapura Ruins are full of crumbling temples, old brick towers and ancient pools which make it an archaeological and architectural wonder. The ruins are not completely dead as some of the temples are still considered holy and have devotees who keep them alive. If you’re interested in seeing some colonial architecture on your Sri Lankan holidays, be sure to visit the Old City Hall which was built by the British in 1865 and is now outfitted with ghoulishly lit wax figurines of the original councillors of 1906.

 image

The best time of year to visit for holidays in Sri Lanka if you want to see the entire country is April and September. These two months offer the best weather throughout the entire country. Throughout Sri Lanka you can expect humidity to be above 50 per cent year-round, reaching 90 per cent during the monsoon seasons. Peak season in Sri Lanka is considered to be from December to mid-April when the weather will average 30 degrees. This is the best time of the year to discover the beaches of Sri Lanka. Keep in mind that travel expenses and room rates will be highest at this peak time of year. If you’re holiday takes you to Sri Lanka in March or April, be sure to find out when the New Year will be. The celebrations include elephant races, coconut games and pillow fights.

 image

Though Sri Lanka does have monsoon seasons, the weather is often unpredictable. You can expect rains during the dry season and days with clear blue skies during the rainy season. The rains in Sri Lanka normally fall sharp and fast, often dropping a number of inches in just a few minutes. Even while traveling during the monsoon season, showers will not last all day. With rainfalls coming down so quickly, it’s important to be aware of localized flooding. Local floods can derail travel plans so try to be flexible if traveling during the monsoon seasons. The benefit of holidays in Sri Lanka during the non-peak season is that you can enjoy the benefit of lower travel costs and cheaper hotel costs.

Itinerary Stops
Location
  • Description
  • Hotel
  • Destination
  • Map
Description

Habarana/Sigiriya/Polonnaruwa

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sigiriya Rock Fortress, where King Kasyapa built his capital city and his brightly decorated palace. The site gets its nickname Lion Rock as the old stairway to the top of the rock led through the mouth of a crouching lion but today only the huge paws remain giving an indication of how big the lion's head must have been. Afterwards you will head to a Batik workshop to see the craft of handmade Batik. The afternoon takes you to the medieval city and UNESCO World Heritage site of Polonnaruwa, with its impressive remains of statues, temples and tombs from the 12th Century. Breakfast and Dinner are included at your hotel.

Accommodation:
Standard: Habarana Village (Superior Room) or similar
Premium: Cinnamon Lodge (Superior Room) or similar

Habarana Village by Cinnamon

Habarana Village by Cinnamon is where serenity lies across the lush forested land that borders the stunning lake. Experience rustic barefoot type elegance here, which is designed to reflect the rural environs and simplicity of village life.

Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

DESTINATION

Habarana Sri Lanka

A holiday to Habarana in itself is of little interest to most tourists. It has a decent spread of relatively upmarket accommodation, making it a convenient base from which to visit any of the Cultural Triangle’s major sights.  For some of the best elephant spotting in Sri Lanka, Habarana is also a convenient point of departure for trips to the Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks.

For some of the best elephant spotting in Sri Lanka, Habarana is also a convenient point of departure for trips to the Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks. The only really interesting attraction in Habarana is the fine Habarana Lake which is encircled by a small footpath around which it’s possible to walk in 90min or so. You can also take an elephant ride by the lake and elsewhere.

 image

Holidays to Sri Lanka are filled with adventures through the diverse range of habitats available on the island. Explore the open plains of Uda Walawe National Park to view wandering elephants and the occasional sneaking leopard. Sri Lankan holidays offer endless opportunities to watch schools of brightly coloured fish swimming through the clear blue waters, nesting turtles, rock pigeons, dozens of species of vibrantly coloured birds, breaching whales and even elephants. While on holiday in Sri Lanka, be sure to visit the Sinharaja Forest Reserve to see the last spread of undisturbed forest in the country. There are 22 villages located on the outskirts of the trees and there’s a wide range of flora and fauna to explore in the greenery of the Sri Lankan forest. While exploring the countryside, you may even run into a scenic waterfall.

 image

If you’re looking for an adventure that exhilarates your palate as well as your eyes, holidays in Sri Lanka are the way to go. Sri Lankan cuisine is known for being heavily endowed with aromatic, exotic spices. Once a stop on the spice-trading route, Sri Lanka holds true to its roots, making your holiday an experience for your taste buds. The main ingredients you’ll find while eating on your Sri Lankan holiday are rice, curry and coconut. You will never taste better or fresher coconut than what is on offer while on holiday in Sri Lanka. Be sure to also try some of the short eats which are snacks that can be purchased from street vendors. The island has been heavily influenced by the colonial powers that once ruled its shores. The countryside was previously covered in heavy jungle until the British cleared it away to plant tea crops. If you want to learn more about the history of tea on the island and how it’s produced, be sure to visit the Ceylon Tea Museum or take a tour at the Dambatenne Tea Factory and then enjoy a cup of locally produced tea. Your Sri Lanka holiday won’t be complete without a tour to the all-female run Euphoria Spice and Herbal farm.

 image

Sri Lanka holidays provide the perfect opportunity to relax and find a little serenity on one of the many beaches along the wide range of coastline offered by the small island state. One of the benefits of the climate in Sri Lanka is that there’s always sun somewhere on the island. You can find the perfect beach during your Sri Lankan holiday regardless of whether you’re looking to relax, to surf massive waves or to enjoy a drink, some dancing and music. Some of the famed Sri Lankan beaches are Arugum Bay, Mirissa beach, Hikkaduwa beach and Nilaveli beach. You might also want to visit the Galle Face Green, which is a long stretch of lawn that faces the ocean and was once used by the Dutch so that they could shoot their cannons with a clear view of the enemy. Whether your holiday to Sri Lanka is for a romantic getaway, a honeymoon, an adventure for exploring a new place or a beachside escape to catch some waves, you rest assured that you will not be disappointed. Sri Lanka offers a range of accommodation, from the humblest hostel to resort-style hotels with all the amenities included.

 image

Sri Lanka is also a great place to explore the extended history of religion and culture. Your holidays to Sri Lanka can include tours to any of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, explorations of religious ruins and temples, or to see the colonial architecture of the buildings left from the rule of the Dutch and the British. The Anuradhapura Ruins are full of crumbling temples, old brick towers and ancient pools which make it an archaeological and architectural wonder. The ruins are not completely dead as some of the temples are still considered holy and have devotees who keep them alive. If you’re interested in seeing some colonial architecture on your Sri Lankan holidays, be sure to visit the Old City Hall which was built by the British in 1865 and is now outfitted with ghoulishly lit wax figurines of the original councillors of 1906.

 image

The best time of year to visit for holidays in Sri Lanka if you want to see the entire country is April and September. These two months offer the best weather throughout the entire country. Throughout Sri Lanka you can expect humidity to be above 50 per cent year-round, reaching 90 per cent during the monsoon seasons. Peak season in Sri Lanka is considered to be from December to mid-April when the weather will average 30 degrees. This is the best time of the year to discover the beaches of Sri Lanka. Keep in mind that travel expenses and room rates will be highest at this peak time of year. If you’re holiday takes you to Sri Lanka in March or April, be sure to find out when the New Year will be. The celebrations include elephant races, coconut games and pillow fights.

 image

Though Sri Lanka does have monsoon seasons, the weather is often unpredictable. You can expect rains during the dry season and days with clear blue skies during the rainy season. The rains in Sri Lanka normally fall sharp and fast, often dropping a number of inches in just a few minutes. Even while traveling during the monsoon season, showers will not last all day. With rainfalls coming down so quickly, it’s important to be aware of localized flooding. Local floods can derail travel plans so try to be flexible if traveling during the monsoon seasons. The benefit of holidays in Sri Lanka during the non-peak season is that you can enjoy the benefit of lower travel costs and cheaper hotel costs.

Itinerary Stops
Location
  • Description
  • Hotel
  • Destination
  • Map
Description

Habarana/Kandy

Depart to Kandy with an en-route excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dambulla Rock Caves. This series of caves are cut into a granite outcrop that’s 160 metres high, from here the views of the surrounding countryside are outstanding. It was used as a Buddhist monastery and is very decorative with many ornate murals and statues inside. Next you head to a Spice Garden to see spices growing in their naturaral habitat and learn of their use in Sri Lankan cuisine. The afternoon includes a sightseiingtour of Kandy including a visit to the much revered Temple of the Tooth Relic of the Buddha, a visit to a bazaar and a Gem Lapidary where you might want to buy a personalised gem or jewellery. This evening enjoy a cultural show with a display of several ancient and modern dance forms and drum rhythms. Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Accommodation:
Standard: OZO Kandy (Superior Room) or similar
Premium: Earls Regency (Deluxe Room) or similar

Travel time approximately 3.5 hours.

Radisson Hotel Kandy

Radisson Hotel Kandy welcomes you to the heart of Kandy. Our convenient location is ideal for business and leisure with plenty of attractions nearby. Relax in one of our 122 stylish rooms, each equipped with thoughtful and modern amenities to ensure your stay is a comfortable one. Make sure you visit iconic attractions such as Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) or the peaceful Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Everything you need is at your fingertips, including dining options at our on-site restaurant and rooftop bar, meeting spaces, pool and fitness center.

Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

DESTINATION

Kandy Sri Lanka

Hidden away amid precipitous green hills at the heart of the island, a holiday to  takes you to Sri Lanka’s second city and its undisputed cultural capital. Home to the Temple of the Tooth, the country’s most important religious shrine, you will also be able to experience and the Esala Perahera during your holiday in Kandy- Sri Lanka’s most exuberant festival.

Home to the Temple of the Tooth, the country’s most important religious shrine, you will also be able to experience and the Esala Perahera during your holiday in Kandy- Sri Lanka’s most exuberant festival. Even after the rest of Sri Lanka had fallen to the Portuguese and Dutch, the Kingdom of Kandy clung onto its freedom. This resulted in the area preserving its unique customs and culture, and these live on today in the city’s unique dance, architecture and music.

Maintaining a somewhat aristocratic air with its graceful old Kandyan and colonial buildings, pleasantly temperate climate and scenic highland setting, modern Kandy has begun to sprawl considerably. The twisted topography of the surrounding hills and the lake at its centre ensure that the city hasn’t yet overwhelmed its scenic setting.

 image

Holidays to Sri Lanka are filled with adventures through the diverse range of habitats available on the island. Explore the open plains of Uda Walawe National Park to view wandering elephants and the occasional sneaking leopard. Sri Lankan holidays offer endless opportunities to watch schools of brightly coloured fish swimming through the clear blue waters, nesting turtles, rock pigeons, dozens of species of vibrantly coloured birds, breaching whales and even elephants. While on holiday in Sri Lanka, be sure to visit the Sinharaja Forest Reserve to see the last spread of undisturbed forest in the country. There are 22 villages located on the outskirts of the trees and there’s a wide range of flora and fauna to explore in the greenery of the Sri Lankan forest. While exploring the countryside, you may even run into a scenic waterfall.

 image

If you’re looking for an adventure that exhilarates your palate as well as your eyes, holidays in Sri Lanka are the way to go. Sri Lankan cuisine is known for being heavily endowed with aromatic, exotic spices. Once a stop on the spice-trading route, Sri Lanka holds true to its roots, making your holiday an experience for your taste buds. The main ingredients you’ll find while eating on your Sri Lankan holiday are rice, curry and coconut. You will never taste better or fresher coconut than what is on offer while on holiday in Sri Lanka. Be sure to also try some of the short eats which are snacks that can be purchased from street vendors. The island has been heavily influenced by the colonial powers that once ruled its shores. The countryside was previously covered in heavy jungle until the British cleared it away to plant tea crops. If you want to learn more about the history of tea on the island and how it’s produced, be sure to visit the Ceylon Tea Museum or take a tour at the Dambatenne Tea Factory and then enjoy a cup of locally produced tea. Your Sri Lanka holiday won’t be complete without a tour to the all-female run Euphoria Spice and Herbal farm.

 image

Sri Lanka holidays provide the perfect opportunity to relax and find a little serenity on one of the many beaches along the wide range of coastline offered by the small island state. One of the benefits of the climate in Sri Lanka is that there’s always sun somewhere on the island. You can find the perfect beach during your Sri Lankan holiday regardless of whether you’re looking to relax, to surf massive waves or to enjoy a drink, some dancing and music. Some of the famed Sri Lankan beaches are Arugum Bay, Mirissa beach, Hikkaduwa beach and Nilaveli beach. You might also want to visit the Galle Face Green, which is a long stretch of lawn that faces the ocean and was once used by the Dutch so that they could shoot their cannons with a clear view of the enemy. Whether your holiday to Sri Lanka is for a romantic getaway, a honeymoon, an adventure for exploring a new place or a beachside escape to catch some waves, you rest assured that you will not be disappointed. Sri Lanka offers a range of accommodation, from the humblest hostel to resort-style hotels with all the amenities included.

 image

The best time of year to visit for holidays in Sri Lanka if you want to see the entire country is April and September. These two months offer the best weather throughout the entire country. Throughout Sri Lanka you can expect humidity to be above 50 per cent year-round, reaching 90 per cent during the monsoon seasons. Peak season in Sri Lanka is considered to be from December to mid-April when the weather will average 30 degrees. This is the best time of the year to discover the beaches of Sri Lanka. Keep in mind that travel expenses and room rates will be highest at this peak time of year. If you’re holiday takes you to Sri Lanka in March or April, be sure to find out when the New Year will be. The celebrations include elephant races, coconut games and pillow fights.

 image

Though Sri Lanka does have monsoon seasons, the weather is often unpredictable. You can expect rains during the dry season and days with clear blue skies during the rainy season. The rains in Sri Lanka normally fall sharp and fast, often dropping a number of inches in just a few minutes. Even while traveling during the monsoon season, showers will not last all day. With rainfalls coming down so quickly, it’s important to be aware of localized flooding. Local floods can derail travel plans so try to be flexible if traveling during the monsoon seasons. The benefit of holidays in Sri Lanka during the non-peak season is that you can enjoy the benefit of lower travel costs and cheaper hotel costs.

Itinerary Stops
Location
  • Description
  • Hotel
  • Destination
  • Map
Description

Kandy/Nuwara Eliya

Ater breakfast, visit the Royal Botanical Gardensin Kandy, a lush 47 acres featuring 300 species of orchids and a variety of tropical birds. Followed by a scenic mountain climb passing waterfalls to Nuwara Eliya, a dense forest area with fantastic wildlife. Here you will see that the red or green roofed plantation bungalows, country style homes and hotels with manicured flower gardens, a fine 18 hole golf course and a racecourse give this town a decidely British feel. Onwards to a working tea plantation and a factory to watch the process of turning the green leaf into the familiar final tea product. Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Accommodation:
Standard: Jetwing St Andrews (Superior Room) or similar
Premium: Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya (Deluxe Room)or similar

Jetwing St. Andrew's

Surrounded by mist swathed mountains in the centre of Sri Lanka, sits the hill capital Nuwara Eliya. Hotels and guest houses from the rustic to the grandiose dot the slopes and hide in lush green plantations. Tucked away, down its own little lane, close to the heart of town yet away from the bustle is the quaint old mansion of Jetwing St. Andrew’s.

Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

DESTINATION

Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka

Established by the British in the nineteenth century and often referred to as little England. Nuwara Eliya has a British Country feel to the area with its Tudor style hotels and pretty gardens and golf course. With a cooler climate make sure you pack some warmer clothes and enjoy the Sri Lankan tea after a days visit to a working tea plantation.

Itinerary Stops
Location
  • Description
  • Hotel
  • Destination
  • Map
Description

Nuwara Eliya/Colombo

Enjoy a scenic drive followed by a city tour of the fascinating city of Colombo including visits to the Commercial, Residential and Bazaar areas. Colombo has long been the traditional gateway to the Orient and the original traders and settlers. Here you will see the influences left behind by the the Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch and the British in the churches and monuments, names and religions, costumes and also food. This is where your tour will end.

Please note that you cannot fly home the same day, as the tour ends in Colombo late afternoon. You must book a night in Colombo at the end of your tour before leaving Sri Lanka, or book a beach break in Sri Lanka if you want to extend your stay.

Travel time  approximately 5.5 hours.

DESTINATION

Colombo Sri Lanka

Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, is a melting pot of cultures, religions and traditions. Located on the west coast of the island, this bustling city has a rich history that dates back to the 16th century, making it one of the oldest port cities in the world. Today, Colombo is a popular travel destination that offers a unique blend of modern and traditional experiences to visitors.

One of the most iconic landmarks in Colombo is Galle Face Green, a long stretch of green grass facing the Indian Ocean. This is the perfect spot to relax, picnic and enjoy the sea breeze, especially in the evenings when it is lit up with colorful lights. Another must-visit attraction is the Pettah Market, a bustling bazaar that sells everything from textiles and spices to electronics and souvenirs. It's a great place to experience the local culture, haggle for goods, and taste some of the delicious street food on offer.

For those interested in history and architecture, Colombo has a number of colonial-era buildings, including the Old Dutch Hospital, the Dutch Museum and the National Museum of Colombo, which is home to an impressive collection of ancient artifacts, including Buddhist sculptures and coins from the country's former kingdoms. The Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Hindu Temple, also known as the Colombo Ganesh Temple, is another architectural wonder and an important place of worship for Sri Lanka's Hindu community.

Aside from its rich history and cultural offerings, Colombo is also known for its beaches. Mount Lavinia, located just a few kilometers away from the city center, is a popular beach destination, with golden sand and clear blue waters. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, or indulge in water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, and kite-surfing.

For those seeking a more spiritual experience, Colombo has several temples and religious sites to visit. The Gangaramaya Temple, one of the city's most famous Buddhist temples, is a stunning piece of architecture, with its intricate carvings, sculptures and paintings. Another popular religious site is the Kelaniya Temple, which is believed to have been visited by Lord Buddha himself.

In conclusion, Colombo offers a fascinating mix of history, culture, architecture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal travel destination for those seeking a unique and memorable experience. Whether you're interested in exploring the city's rich cultural heritage, relaxing on its pristine beaches, or discovering its modern amenities, Colombo is sure to leave you with lasting memories.

Yet Colombo is fast becoming a destination as part of Sri Lanka holiday itinerary. Since the 25-year civil war ended in 2009, Colombo has been experience a transformation. The checkpoints have come down and trendy new lounge bars have become the new image of this increasingly cosmopolitan outlook. With its laid-back island ambience, colonial buildings, palm trees, and a smattering of modern office blocks, this colourful city on the Indian Ocean offers an experience not to be missed.

 image

Sri Lanka is a small island off of the south-eastern coast of India. With its location, Sri Lanka enjoys a climate perfect for year round holidays. Even if it’s raining on one part of the island, it’s probably sunny on the other coast. Holidays in Sri Lanka will be filled with visits to at least a few of the islands eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Whether exploring ruins, hiking natural wonders, fighting crowds at Colombo’s bazaar district or just lazing on the beach, your Sri Lanka holiday will be picturesque and memorable.

 image

Holidays to Sri Lanka are filled with adventures through the diverse range of habitats available on the island. Explore the open plains of Uda Walawe National Park to view wandering elephants and the occasional sneaking leopard. Sri Lankan holidays offer endless opportunities to watch schools of brightly coloured fish swimming through the clear blue waters, nesting turtles, rock pigeons, dozens of species of vibrantly coloured birds, breaching whales and even elephants. While on holiday in Sri Lanka, be sure to visit the Sinharaja Forest Reserve to see the last spread of undisturbed forest in the country. There are 22 villages located on the outskirts of the trees and there’s a wide range of flora and fauna to explore in the greenery of the Sri Lankan forest. While exploring the countryside, you may even run into a scenic waterfall.

 image

Sri Lanka is also a great place to explore the extended history of religion and culture. Your holidays to Sri Lanka can include tours to any of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, explorations of religious ruins and temples, or to see the colonial architecture of the buildings left from the rule of the Dutch and the British. The Anuradhapura Ruins are full of crumbling temples, old brick towers and ancient pools which make it an archaeological and architectural wonder. The ruins are not completely dead as some of the temples are still considered holy and have devotees who keep them alive. If you’re interested in seeing some colonial architecture on your Sri Lankan holidays, be sure to visit the Old City Hall which was built by the British in 1865 and is now outfitted with ghoulishly lit wax figurines of the original councillors of 1906.

 image

The best time of year to visit for holidays in Sri Lanka if you want to see the entire country is April and September. These two months offer the best weather throughout the entire country. Throughout Sri Lanka you can expect humidity to be above 50 per cent year-round, reaching 90 per cent during the monsoon seasons. Peak season in Sri Lanka is considered to be from December to mid-April when the weather will average 30 degrees. This is the best time of the year to discover the beaches of Sri Lanka. Keep in mind that travel expenses and room rates will be highest at this peak time of year. If you’re holiday takes you to Sri Lanka in March or April, be sure to find out when the New Year will be. The celebrations include elephant races, coconut games and pillow fights.

 image

Though Sri Lanka does have monsoon seasons, the weather is often unpredictable. You can expect rains during the dry season and days with clear blue skies during the rainy season. The rains in Sri Lanka normally fall sharp and fast, often dropping a number of inches in just a few minutes. Even while traveling during the monsoon season, showers will not last all day. With rainfalls coming down so quickly, it’s important to be aware of localized flooding. Local floods can derail travel plans so try to be flexible if traveling during the monsoon seasons. The benefit of holidays in Sri Lanka during the non-peak season is that you can enjoy the benefit of lower travel costs and cheaper hotel costs.

Itinerary Stops
Location
  • Description
  • Destination
  • Map

The perfect introduction to Sri Lanka, this 4 night private taster tour takes in some of the key sites including Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla Rock Caves, Kandy and a tea plantation with an option to add on a beach extension at the end

Overview Offer Page
Amy Dudley

Amydudley@ite.travel

07851874239

The perfect introduction to Sri Lanka, this 4 night private taster tour takes in some of the key sites including Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla Rock Caves, Kandy and a tea plantation with an option to add on a beach extension at the end

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Overview

Overview
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Day 1

Habarana Sri Lanka
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Day 2

Habarana Sri Lanka
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Day 3

Kandy Sri Lanka
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Day 4

Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka
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Day 5

Colombo Sri Lanka