A touring holiday of Sri Lanka is really the very best way to experience the diversity of this fascinating country . We have used our experience and local knowledge to hand-craft these suggested touring itineraries to give you a full flavour of the range of landscapes and experiences that make up Sri Lanka . In all cases you are met on arrival at Colombo airport by your personal English-speaking chauffeur guide who will accompany you on your journey around the island . You travel as your own party and you do not join a group with these tours . Use these suggested itineraries as they are , or let us adapt them to suit your own tastes .

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HIGHLIGHTS OF SRI LANKA

Polonnaruwa city ruins Sigiriya

6 NIGHTS / 7 DAYS

Colombo

Kandy Tea plantations

Nuwara Eliya

For those with limited time or for those who just want an introduction to the country , our Highlights of Sri Lanka tour visits the key places in the Cultural Triangle , Kandy and Tea Country and gives you an insight into this fascinating country . This tour could also be extended with some relaxation time on the beach .

Day 1 Arrive Colombo to Sigiriya Arrive in Colombo and meet your personal chauffeur guide who will be your travelling companion throughout your tour of Sri Lanka . You drive inland to the Cultural Triangle ( approximately 4.5 hours ’ drive ). The Cultural Triangle is a melting pot of heritage , culture and wildlife and home to half of Sri Lanka ’ s UNESCO World Heritage Sites .

Day 2 Visit Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa This morning you visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress . The 5th Century fortress is one of the island ’ s most awe-inspiring archaeological sites and is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder on the island . It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion statue that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace on the summit of the 600ft high rock . For two decades in the 5th Century AD , King Kashyapa set up his capital here at Sigiriya . His creation was a remarkable feat of engineering and a true work of art . To fully appreciate Sigiriya , it is worth climbing up the steep steps to the summit . In the afternoon , continue to Polonnaruwa . Passing through Minneriya National Park , it is likely that you will see wild elephants , sometimes in large herds . This is the site of the ‘ Elephant Gathering ’ between July and October ; where up to 300 elephants can be seen gathering around a tank in the late afternoon . Polonnaruwa is another World Heritage Site and contains the well-preserved monuments of the mediaeval capital of Sri Lanka , amongst undulating woodland . The well-preserved ruins tell a story of Buddhism , royalty , kinship , war , and power , and provide you with the opportunity to experience the grandeur of this period and marvel at the artistry of the island ’ s early craftsmen .

Day 3 Sigiriya to Kandy After breakfast , visit Dambulla , home to marvellous cave temples with walls covered by 21,000 sq ft of murals . This visit involves a 10-15 minute walk uphill with wonderful views at the top . The caves of Dambulla sheltered King Walagamba during his fourteen years of exile . Once he had regained his throne , he built the island ’ s most magnificent rock temples . Then head south towards Sri Lanka ’ s spectacular hill country . On the way , visit a famous spice garden and see some of the island ’ s best batiks at an authentic arts and crafts centre . Here you can have a rice and curry lunch to break up the 3 hour drive . Spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring Kandy , the royal capital of Hill Country . Optional : Evening of contemporary art .

Day 4 Kandy , Botanical Gardens , and Elephants Today you will have a number of excursions around Kandy , the last capital of the Sinhalese kingdom . Kandy remains an important cultural and spiritual centre and is a must see on your visit to Sri Lanka . The centre of town is close to a picturesque lake and has many antique and gemstone shops , a bustling market , and numerous restaurants . You will pay a visit to the Royal Botanical Garden at Peradeniya , Sri Lankan ’ s largest and finest garden . Originally established as a pleasure garden for Kanydan nobility , the British transformed it into

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