We are delighted that so many guests are returning to Sri Lanka, one of our longest running tours, and our well established and very successful itinerary will again include a stay in Galle on the wonderful southern tip of this enchanting island.
Our tour commences in the capital city, COLOMBO, with 2 night's stay at the HILTON COLOMBO HOTEL, and a city tour is included here.
An interesting drive through the countryside and local villages will bring you to HABARANA where you will stay for 5 nights at CINNAMON LODGE, set in acres of grounds stretching down to a lake. This is a perfect setting for bird-watching. All rooms have air-conditioning, private bath/shower rooms and a balcony/terrace. There is an outstanding swimming pool, good restaurant and bar.
In addition to plenty of free time here, you will visit the impressive, ancient city of POLONNARUWA, Sri Lanka's medieval capital. Here you will see well-preserved shrines, temples, palaces and sculptures; SIGIRIYA - an enormous 600ft high rock-fortress with the famous frescoes of the 'Heavenly Maidens of Sigiriya'; and the great rock caves of DAMBULLA and PINNEWALA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE. On your last evening in Habarana we have included a safari in MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK.
Between Habarana and Kandy you will visit one of Sri Lanka's famous spice gardens and have lunch in a Plantation Bungalow set in lovely grounds. The Chaaya Citadel* *** at KANDY will be your base for the next 3 nights. This impressive hotel is in a tranquil location beside the MAHAWELI RIVER on the outskirts of Kandy. Here there will be time for optional river boat trips and shopping.A city tour and visits to the Botanical Gardens, Orchid House and World War II headquarters of Lord Mountbatten are included.
From Kandy, you will drive up into the beautiful hill country with its cool pure air to NUWARA ELIYA passing through many tea plantations and fertile areas where vegetables grow in abundance. You will stay for 2 nights at the old fashioned , colonial-style, Grand Hotel****. A visit will be made to a tea plantation/factory, including tea tasting and an afternoon boat ride.
Your journey will continue to the far southern tip of Sri Lanka where you will stay for 2 nights in GALLE, at the lighthouse hotel****. This elegant hotel sits on a rocky outcrop from which there are spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. While here you will have a city tour of Galle including a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the colonial DUTCH FORT.
From Galle your final stay for 4 nights will
be in WADDUWA at the BLUE WATER****. This hotel is ideally located on a beautiful stretch of coastline in lush, green coconut palm gardens with magnificent sea views.
All rooms have twin/double beds, en suite bath/shower rooms, air-conditioning, TV, telephone, minibar, safe and private balcony. There is a large swimming pool, tennis courts, other sports facilities and a fully-equipped gymnasium and spa. The hotel has a good main restaurant and also a 'fine-dining' restaurant and three bars. We have arranged for you to have a seafood dinner and also a special dinner on a traditional pontoon. While here an interesting tour to the HOUSE AND GARDENS OF BEVIS BAWA is included.
