You visit the amazing, 1st century cave temples of Dambulla, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a wonderful introduction to the Buddhist religion. Set in an immense granite outcrop and reached by a number of steps, this serie of five caves are richly adorned with remarkably preserved frescoes and over 150 Buddhist statues. In the caves’ semi-darkness, surrounded by the serene faces of dozens of beautifully painted statues, it’s not difficult to imagine the incredible sense of awe this sacred site held for generations of worshippers.

You stay two nights at the four-star Habarana Village Hotel by Cinnamon.

Day 4: Sigiriya Rock 
This morning you visit what for many will surely be the most memorable and fascinating monument in Sri Lanka: Sigiriya, or the ‘Lion Rock’, is a massive 600ft granite tower with sheer cliffs on all sides crowned by the remains of a 1,500 year old royal palace. The entire site is encircled by a moat and ramparts enclosing a variety of water gardens, the remains of numerous buildings and caves. As you approach Sigiriya rock, you see some of the finest ancient murals in the country – the ‘cloud maidens’ are found under a fold of rock and show in exquisite detail a procession of jewelled, beautifully dressed women bearing offerings of lilies and lotus flowers. Facing us is the imposing final entrance to the palace above: in ancient times the colossal head of a lion (hence ‘Lion Rock’) was built in brick and plaster, visitors entering through its mouth. Today, just the two front paws remain, their claws menacingly extended, still guarding the palace. It should be noted that there are numerous steps to the top of Sigiriya rock, but should pose no problem for those with normal mobility. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy our hotel’s pool and facilities.

Day 5: Kandy 
This morning you leave Sigiriya for Kandy. Sri Lanka is noted for its magnificent spices so en route we visit a fascinating garden where you see many indigenous plants such as pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon before arriving at Kandy, the country’s royal capital. You stay two nights with dinner at the four-star Cinnamon Citadel Hotel, beautifully located overlooking the scenic Mahaweli River and surrounded by peaceful forested hillsides. The hotel as a pool overlooking the river, with a colonnaded lobby, a charming bar and restaurant.

Kandy is famous for its traditional dancing and so this evening we experience a colourful and hugely skilful display of this ancient art.

Day 6: Kandy 
Kandy’s crowded and bustling streets teem with daily comings and goings: the many white-uniformed children returning from school and the myriad of shops. The centre is dominated by a beautiful lake and the fascinating Temple of the Tooth, said to hold Buddha’s tooth. This is Buddhism’s most sacred shrine on the island and during your visit (today or tomorrow morning), you may be lucky enough to witness one of the many ceremonies. You also visit the stunning Royal Botanical Gardens. Planted over 150 years and covering a huge 150 acres, the gardens hold thousands of plant species and some superb examples of mature tropical trees. Strolling through lawns, shady avenues and immaculately kept flower beds, we see exotic birds and the commemorative trees planted by Edward VII, George VI, Princess Anne and the Queen.

Day 7: Tea Estates 
Today you leave Kandy driving through increasingly mountainous scenery to Sri Lanka’s premier tea-growing areas. Winding ever upwards, the lush tropical jungle gives way to tall pine forests and then box-like tea bushes begin – few at first and then seemingly covering every fold of the landscape like a huge green carpet. You visit one of the best-known tea estates to see how our favourite drink is rolled, dried and graded, followed by a refreshing cup of Ceylon’s finest. Nuwara Eliya, the main hill station, is nearly 7,000 feet above sea level and called ‘Little England’ due to its spring-like climate, parks and golf course.

You stay at the four-star St Andrews Hotel, similar to an English manor house, originally the summer home of Sir Edward Barnes, a Governor of Ceylon. It is famed for its classic 19th century public rooms and lovely, English inspired flower beds and lawns. Even High Tea is served.

Day 8: Elephant Transit, Home & Yala
You say goodbye to Sri Lanka’s hill country this morning on your way to Yala National Park in the south of Sri Lanka.  At around midday you arrive at the Elephant Transit Home, supported by the UK’s Born Free Foundation, at Udawalawe National Park, where you’ll be able to watch young elephant orphans being given one of their daily feeds.

You stay two nights at the excellent four-star Jetwing Yala Hotel with dinner. The hotel is located just 4 kilometres outside the national park and features a pool, bar and restaurant, set in a stunning beach location.

Day 9: Yala National Park 
An early start this morning, accompanied by the unique sound of a tropical ‘dawn chorus’. As the morning mist disappears with the rising sun you explore the jungle and its incredible range of wildlife in 4×4 vehicles. The normally elusive leopard offers the Park’s most exciting game viewing and Yala has a high concentration of these big cats. They are the island’s top predator so are far less shy than elsewhere in the world. Yala is also known for its elephants, saltwater crocodiles, wild boar, sloth bears, monitor lizards and a huge variety of birdlife. After a late breakfast you can relax by the hotel’s pool before an optional second, early evening park drive.

Day 10: Kalutara
After breakfast you return to the west coast via a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle, with its imposing 16th century Dutch Fort.  In late afternoon you arrive to the five-star Anantara Kalutara Resort, a contemporary style hotel featuring local traditions.  Uniquely located on the south west Sri Lankan coast  where the Kalu Ganga River estuary lagoon meets the Indian Ocean set on a narrow peninsular with 360 degree ocean and lagoon views.

Day 11-12: Free Days 
Two whole days to take it easy at your hotel and enjoy the palm-shaded beach and pool.

Day 13: Return to the UK 
You transfer to the airport for the return flight, arriving home later the same day.

Departure Dates and Cost per Person 
18 Jan 2020: £1,979.00
30 Jan 2020: £1,979.00
03 Feb 2020: £2,299.00
10 Feb 2020: £1,979.00
17 Feb 2020: £1,979.00
26 Feb 202o: £1,979.00
09 Mar 2020: £1,979.00
23 Mar 2020: £1,949.00
13 Apr 2020: £2,137.00
04 May 2020: £1,749.00
01 Jun 2020: £1,499.00
17 Sep 2020: £1,799.00
20 Sep 2020: £1,799.00
05 Oct 2020: £1,889.00
22 Oct 2020: £1,939.00

Call us on 01543 258631 to check availability and book. Ask to speak to Sam who has visited Sri Lanka himself.