Sensational Sri Lanka
PRIVATE TOUR see page 7
15nt privately escorted tour from £ 2799pp
Negombo
Sri Lanka- Tour
Trincomalee Koneswaram temple Ella
Sensational Sri Lanka
15nt privately escorted tour by air-conditioned car
fantastic insight into Sri Lanka with a personal guide • stunning scenery • beach stay included
Trincomalee
DAY 1 Fly to Colombo
DAY 2 Colombo
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure to relax.
DAY 3 Colombo
This morning is yours to relax or explore as you wish. Later this afternoon step out on a personalised“ Old Colombo” Walking tour, which allows you to experience the amazing architecture left behind by the Dutch and British.
DAY 4 Colombo / Yala National Park
Drive to Yala National Park. On your first safari this afternoon keep watch for elephant, boar, buffalo, bear, leopard, deer and crocodile along with large flocks of migratory and indigenous birds( approx 3½ hours drive).
DAY 5 Yala National Park
Rise early for a jeep safari in the hope of spotting more amazing wildlife. The rest of the day is at leisure or you can take an optional excursion to Bundala National Park( at extra expense), which is home to over 197 species of birds including large flocks of greater flamingoes.
DAY 6 Yala National Park / Ella
Drive to Ella this morning and later visit Nine Arch Bridge by tuk tuk. Lying amidst thick jungle and tea plantations, this viaduct is a stunning sight and one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in Sri Lanka( approx 2 hours drive).
DAY 7 Ella
Depart early for Bambaragala Pathna, a popular hiking spot, to watch the sunrise. It’ s a relaxing uphill walk under the shady trees to the viewpoint where you’ re rewarded with stunning views. This afternoon visit scenic Little Adam’ s Peak, for walks amid lush tea plantations and waterfalls.
DAY 8 Ella / Kandy
Morning visit to Halpe Watte tea plantation and factory to learn how tea is manufactured and graded before tasting a cup of pure Ceylon tea. Next is Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An evening city tour includes Kandy Lake, the town, bazaar, and gem museum. You’ ll also visit the Temple of the Tooth and see a cultural show( approx 4½ hours drive).
DAY 9 Kandy / Sigiriya, Habarana or Dambulla
Set off this morning for the Cultural Triangle stopping enroute in Dambulla, a hub treasured by many kings since the 1st century. Visit the incredible Dambulla Rock Temple which houses five cave temples with exquisite paintings and 150 statues of Lord Buddha. Travel onwards to Sigiriya or Habarana( approx 4 hours drive).
DAY 10 Sigiriya, Habarana or Dambulla / Polonnaruwa
A tour highlight as you visit 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the extensive gardens that ring the base, see worldrenowned frescos and if so inclined it’ s a 600 feet climb to the top. Later, drive to Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site( approx 1½ hours). See the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya- four colossal statues carved from granite, the Lotus Bath, and Audience Hall.
DAY 11 Sigiriya, Habarana or Dambulla
At leisure or you can take an optional excursion to Minneriya National Park for a jeep safari( from £ 69).
DAY 12 Sigiriya, Habarana or Dambulla / Trincomalee
Depart this morning for the East coast resort of Trincomalee, which sits on one of the world’ s finest natural harbours and has miles of unspoiled beaches( see page 208).
DAYS 13-15 Trincomalee Unwind beside the hotel pool or on the gorgeous beach.
DAY 16 Trincomalee / Negombo
Morning departure for Negombo( approx 6 hours drive). On arrival you are free to relax.
DAY 17 Negombo / Colombo Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Negombo Colombo
Dambulla
Habarana Sigiriya
Kandy
SRI LANKA
Ella
Yala NP
Colombo 2nts | Yala National Park 2nts | Ella 2nts Kandy 1nt | Sigiriya, Habarana or Dambulla 3nts Trincomalee 4nts | Negombo 1nt
What you need to know:
Daily departures all year although east coast weather is best April-October *.
3-5H hotels on days 2-11; 4H Trinco Blu by Cinnamon, Trincomalee( days 12-15) or upgrade to 5H UGA Bay at Passikudah from £ 129. Alternatively, 4 or 5H hotels available throughout or boutique properties.
Breakfast. Half board in Yala National Park.
The price shown includes international flights from the UK, private transfers, accommodation, private sightseeing as outlined and services of an English speaking guide.
Note: Extensions available in all destinations. En route sightseeing and scenic, winding roads mean some journeys take several hours. Air taxis are available for some routes( at extra expense), cutting times considerably( sometimes by up to 6 hours) especially on day 16. * The tour can also include south and south west coast beaches which affects the order of the tour. Please ask for details.
visit your local travel agent or call 08444 937 444 • www. premierholidays. co. uk Sri Lanka 199