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.

Introduction to Sri Lanka

4 Nights

Colombo Sri Lanka

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.

From £558pp
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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.
  • Day 1 - Colombo/Habarana
  • Day 2 - Habarana/Sigiriya/Polonnaruwa
  • Day 3 - Habarana/Kandy
  • Day 4 - Kandy/Nuwara Eliya
  • Day 5 - Nuwara Eliya/Colombo
  • Additional Information

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

Meals Included: Dinner
Accomodation

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.

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

Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner
Accomodation

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.

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner
Accomodation

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.

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

Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner
Accomodation

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.

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

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