Sri Lanka Unveiled

Overview

Your holiday includes:

• Experiences in 15 destinations
• Locally inspired dining – a total of 30 meals
• Freedom of Choice inclusions in four locations
• Explore six World Heritage sites including the atmospheric streets of Galle and the ancient capitals of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura
• Search for wildlife including elephants and leopards on jeep safaris in two of Sri Lanka’s finest national parks
• Meet with an expert for a talk on the architect Geoffrey Bawa and learn about his influence throughout Sri Lanka
• Join your Uga Ulagalla’s head chef for a talk on spices and a cooking demonstration, after which you will delight in a sumptuous Sri Lankan dinner
• Learn everything there is to know about kite-flying, a passion of Sri Lankans, before crafting your own in a hands-on workshop

Itinerary

Departures from February - November 2025

 

Day 1 - Arrive Colombo

Welcome to Sri Lanka. On arrival, be transferred to your five-star hotel in the heart of the capital, Colombo. Unwind in comfort overlooking the Indian Ocean and Beira Lake, and enjoy the day at leisure with freedom to explore this fabulous city.

Stay: Two Nights, Hilton Colombo

Day 2 - Colombo 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Meet with an expert for a talk on the architect Geoffrey Bawa and learn about his influence throughout Sri Lanka.

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After breakfast, enjoy a visit to Number 11, the Geoffrey Bawa Residence, an architectural marvel which houses a private art and artefact collection of the late architect. Enjoy your Signature Experience while dining at the serene Gallery Cafe restaurant for lunch, which was the former office of Bawa. Return to your hotel for some time at leisure. Later, set out on a walking tour through Colombo’s bustling heritage region. Stroll through the streets and hear the stories of many iconic buildings, before hopping in a tuk tuk to the lively Pettah Market. Tonight, delight in a welcome dinner at the Ceylon Curry Club where you will feast on a selection of traditional Sri Lankan dishes prepared with a Western twist.

Day 3 - Colombo, Wilpattu National Park, Anuradhapura

Set out on the road to the wildlife-rich Wilpattu National Park. On arrival, enjoy lunch before embarking on an exciting game drive. Spotted deer, barking deer, wild boars and buffaloes freely roam here, while you may be fortunate enough to spot Sri Lankan sloth bears or the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. Birders are also in for a treat, with owls, eagles, storks, ibises, Asian openbills and kingfishers among the incredible range of birdlife in the park. Following your safari, be transferred to your luxury boutique hotel where you will enjoy dinner before retiring to your pool villa featuring panoramic views of the lush surrounds.

Stay: Two Nights, Anuradhapura, Uga Ulagalla

Day 4 - Anuradhapura 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Join your resort’s head chef for a talk on spices and a cooking demonstration, after which you will delight in a sumptuous range of Sri Lankan curries and condiments for dinner.

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Today is set aside for an exploration of the World Heritage-listed ancient city of Anuradhapura. Visit the imposing dome-shaped stupas of Ruwanweliseya – believed to have been completed in 140BC – and Jethawanaramaya – one of the tallest structures of the ancient world. Next you’ll admire the Samadhi Buddha Statue and see the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree often considered the world’s oldest human-planted tree. Later, return to your hotel for an afternoon of leisure. This evening, enjoy your Signature Experience.

Day 5 - Anuradhapura, Trincomalee 

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

The choice is yours this morning. You can rise early for a serene kayak adventure at dawn, paddling past waterlilies and egrets, or you might prefer to take a bike tour of the local village of Athungama. You can also choose to take a nature walk on the lookout for the more than 120 species of bird which call the area home alongside monkeys, mongooses and a diverse range of reptiles.

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Choose your sightseeing experiences this morning. This afternoon, transfer to the scenic east coast and arrive in your beautiful hotel, where you’ll savour a delectable BBQ seafood dinner on the beach tonight.

Stay: Two Nights, Trincomalee, Uga Jungle Beach

Day 6 - Trincomalee  

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Learn everything there is to know about kite-flying, a passion of Sri Lankans, before crafting your own in a hands-on workshop. Then it's time to see your creations soar above you on the serene beach.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Today you can explore Trincomalee your way. You might like to take an historical tour of the city with its ancient ruins, temples and colonial forts, or you can take a spiritual tour, delving into the Hindu faith with the aid of a spiritual guide. Alternatively, set out to the scenic Pigeon Island Marine National Park and reveal the kaleidoscopic world beneath the surface as you snorkel among the more than 100 species of coral and 300 species of reef fish which call the park home.

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After breakfast, enjoy your chosen activity. Later this afternoon, take part in your Signature Experience.

Day 7 - Trincomalee, Polonnaruwa, Habarana 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Sit down to a charming lakeside sundowner and arak tasting, a popular local spirit made from fermented sap of coconut flowers or sugar cane.

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This morning you’ll journey to the remarkable ancient city of Polonnaruwa. The World Heritage Site is home to many ancient palaces, intricately carved moon stones, royal baths and the magnificent Hal Vihara, which features impressive rock carvings of Buddha. After lunch overlooking the vast human-made reservoir of Parakrama Samudra, be transferred to your luxury hotel in Habarana. Tonight, enjoy a Signature Experience as the sun sets.

Stay: Two Nights, Cinnamon Lodge Habarana

Day 8 - Habarana, Sigiriya, Minneriya National Park 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Arise early for your sunrise walk to the top of the iconic World Heritage-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Stop to admire the colourful frescoes, ascend through the impressive Lion’s Paw and stroll among the atmospheric ruins of this former citadel as the sun rises, offering spectacular views.

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Your Signature Experience starts early before returning to the hotel for breakfast. This afternoon, set out on a game drive in Minneriya National Park, home to one of the largest gatherings of Asian elephants. Keep your eyes peeled for the gentle giants, who share the park with a vast array of wildlife including deer, water buffaloes and endemic purple-faced langurs and toque macaques among many others. Later, return to your hotel, where dinner awaits this evening.

Day 9 - Habarana, Dambulla, Kandy

Set off for the remarkable Dambulla Cave Temple, a vast and beautifully reserved cave complex dating to the first century BC. The World Heritage-listed site is one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist monasteries, featuring spectacular ceiling paintings and more than 150 buddha statues. Continue your journey and stop off at a local batik artisans home for a Sri Lankan lunch of string hoppers. Journey on to Kandy, where you’ll visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Arguably the country’s most important Buddhist shrine, the temple is home to a heavily tooth of Buddha. Soak up the sounds of the drums and breathe in the fragrant incense as the resident monks perform their rituals.

Stay: Two Nights, Kandy, Earls Regency Hotel

Day 10 - Kandy  

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Witness a private performance of traditional dance accompanied by music before sitting down to a delicious five-course dinner at your hotel.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Today you can take a cultural tour of three of Kandy’s most important ancient temples; Gadaladeniya, Lankathilake and Embakke Devalaya. Alternatively, you can take a hands-on gem identification and cutting experience with an expert gemmologist or learn how to craft elephant caparisons for the Kandy Esala Perahera cultural pageant.

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Enjoy the activity of your choice today. Later, return to your hotel for a Signature Experience.

Day 11 - Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Wellawaya 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Accompanied by your expert botanist, take a fascinating stroll through the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya. Gain firsthand insight into some of the 4000 species at the gardens, including the colourful collection of more than 300 species of orchids.

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Begin today with a Signature Experience. After, set off through the picturesque central highlands, to Sri Lanka’s tea country. In Nuwara Eliya, sit down at the iconic Grand Hotel for an unforgettable high tea lunch. Later, continue to your luxury accommodation in Wellawaya.

Stay: Two Nights, Wellawaya, Jetwing Kaduruketha

Day 12 - Wellawaya, Ella 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Be expertly guided through an artisanal tea experience where you can see the entire production process from farm to teacup at the stunning Amba Tea Estate. Learn how each tea is individually crafted using extensive traditional methods including hand rolling.

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Today you’re set for a fascinating Signature Experience, arriving in style by local tuk tuk. After lunch at the organic farmhouse, return to your hotel and relax at your leisure this evening.

Day 13 - Wellawaya, Buduruwagala, Tangalle  

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Visit a Buddhist temple where you’ll be able to witness the monks’ traditional almsgiving ritual, followed by simple vegetarian lunch on the temple premises.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

For dinner tonight, savour a range of international dishes at Journeys, or feast on Italian cuisine at Il Mare.

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After breakfast, head to the ancient temple of Buduruwagala with its amazing stone carvings. Continue further south to Ramba Viharaya for a Signature Experience. Later, be guided to your hotel, where your dining options await you for dinner this evening.

Stay: Two Nights, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort

Day 14 - Tangalle, Galle

This morning, head to the fortified seaside city of Galle. Embark on an enthralling guided walking tour of Galle Fort, a World Heritage Site originally built by the Portuguese in the 16th century before being further fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century. Explore the extensive fort’s highlights including the Dutch Reformed Church, Galle Lighthouse – Sri Lanka’s oldest lighthouse – and Moon Bastion overlooking the beautiful Indian ocean. Tonight, toast your extraordinary journey with a Sri Lankan farewell dinner at the hotel’s Verala restaurant.

Day 15 - Depart Tangalle

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast as you’re transferred to Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward flight.