Tour description
Relax in the tropics
We’ll meet up at the quiet beach resort of Marawila which is an excellent location to get used to the tropics. There we’ll take a relaxing boat-trip to see coconut palm plantations and watch the Toddy tappers as they work on the top of the palms to gather the sap used to produce arrack, the local brew.Ancient cave temples
On day 3 we’ll proceed across the lush inlands to Polonnaruwa, stopping at the ancient cave temples of Dambulla which house some of the world's most magnificent Buddhist monuments. We’ll stay three nights in a beautifully-situated hotel not far from this historic city which has numerous monuments best explored on a hired bicycle. You can also go fishing in a catamaran on the nearby lake! On day 4 you may choose to make an early-morning visit to the spectacular rock fortress of Sigiriya, also called the ‘Lion Mountain’ and where two massive lion's paws guard the entrance.Tooth Temple in Kandy
On day 6 we’ll drive down the central highlands to Kandy, the cultural capital of the country visit a spice plantation where pepper, cinnamon, cloves, cocoa and ginger are cultivated. Here, deep in tea-growing country, we’ll see the Tooth Temple of Lord Buddha which is revered by the Singhalese people and the splendid botanical gardens of Peradeniya. Late in the evening enjoy the Kandyan Cultural Dance performance complete with fire eating and fire walking. You can also visit the elephant orphanage at Pinnawela to enjoy an elephant ride or help to bathe an elephant if you wish!Along the tea plantations
On day 9, moving into the mountains, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery, tea factory & plantations and waterfalls. We’ll make our way to Nuwara Eliya the historic British colony, where you will spend the night. The next day we’ll take the train to Bandarawela, a lovely journey with panoramic views of glorious mountain scenery. There you can take a pleasant walk through the tea plantations located at the foot of the mountains and say hello to the friendly tea-pickers whose bright clothing makes them look like delightfully exotic butterflies. Why not visit the Horton Plains National Park which can be arranged locally.Jeep safaris among the wild
We’ll spend the night in a luxurious tent camp where you’ll have the option to book a Jeep safari into the Udawalawe National Park. We’ll spend the next two days in Tissamaharama, visiting the pilgrimage town of Kataragama, and you’ll be able to take another Jeep safari to either the Yala or Bundala National Parks where the elephants, buffalo, crocodiles and birds are a feast for the eye.Hire a bike!
On day 15 we’ll continue to the fun coastal resort of Hikkaduwa, situated on the south west coast where the beach offers truly beautiful sunsets and a continuous sea breeze. You may wish to book a boat trip to the inland lagoons or hire a bicycle to see the paddy-fields & country side. On day 18 we’ll leave for Negombo, which has a lively market and great restaurants. Here you’ll have time for some last-minute souvenir-hunting before we pack our bags and say our farewells on day 19.