This is a suggested itinerary. Dates, stops & activities are all flexible.
14 Days: Colombo - Wilpattu National Park - Anuradhapura - Trincomalee - Sigiriya - Kandy - Kitulgala
Activities: elephant safaris, nature walks, Buddhist and colonial history, Sri Lankan culture, beach time, snorkelling or whale spotting, hiking, village life, whitewater rafting
Day 1: Arrive at Colombo airport, where you will be met by your private chauffeur guide who will accompany you throughout the holiday. Drive a short way to a small family-run bed and breakfast for your first taste of Sri Lankan hospitality.
Day 2: Depart at 07:30 to drive north to Wilpattu, stopping along the way at a typical Sri Lankan fishing village and marketplace in Chilaw. Wilpattu is Sri Lanka’s largest national park with unique sand rimmed natural lakes known as “villus” which attract all kinds of wildlife. After lunch, head out on a 4 x 4 jeep safari. (B)
Day 3: Today starts with an early morning (05:45) half day safari into the park, if you're lucky you may spot leopards and sloth bears. In the late afternoon, take an optional tractor ride through the fields to join local villagers at a wild swimming spot, then head out with the hotel's naturalist guide on an evening nature walk to find the elusive slow loris. (B)
Day 4: Rise early again if you decide to do an extra game drive (not included), then continue to explore the ancient ruined capital of Anuradhapura in the afternoon. (B)
Days 5-6: Travel east to Trincomalee, home to white sandy beaches, coral islands and shimmering blue seas. These days are free to relax and from April to September, the seas are at their best. (B)
Day 7: Today you can bask in the sun and go snorkelling on a private boat to discover the magnificent marine life of Pigeon Island National Park. Alternatively, go on a whale and dolphin spotting trip - a thrilling experience for kids and adults too. (B)
Day 8: Spend a couple of hours exploring Fort Frederick and the famous Koneshvaram Hindu temple, perched on a high rocky promontory surrounded by sea. Rest of the day free to relax. (B)
Day 9: After a leisurely breakfast, head on to Sigiriya, the centre of Sri Lanka's culture triangle. Spend the afternoon exploring the ancient rock fortress and enjoy a beautiful sunset vista as you descend. (B)
Day 10: Start early with an optional sunrise hike up Pidurangala Rock, then visit a hidden away nearby community to learn about village life, traditional farming and enjoy lunch prepared by a local family. Back to the hotel to freshen up, before finishing the day with an afternoon elephant safari at Minneriya National Park. (B/L)
Day 11: Check out and drive to hill-country capital of Kandy, where you will take a walk in the botanical gardens and visit the Temple of the Tooth, one of Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist sites. In the evening enjoy a private Kandayan dance performance, culminating with a dramatic fire walking show. (B)
Day 12: Continue to your last stop, the rustic Borderlands riverside camp, dropping in at a tea museum to learn about the history of this crucial crop. (B/D)
Day 13: Your holiday finishes in style with a morning white water rafting and the option to try another adventure activity such as hiking, biking, rafting or kayaking. (B)
Day 14: Sadly it's time to say goodbye as you are transferred to the airport in time for your onwards flight. (B)
Prices from: £1599 per person
Services included: hotels on shared room basis, meals, transfers and activities as mentioned, entry fees, English speaking guide, 24 hour assistance
Services not included: flights, drinks, tips and personal expenses.
Note: stops can be extended, added or cut - just ask us!
