Explore the wonder of Sri Lanka with a glimpse at the history and natural beauty it has to offer. Walk where kings once roamed and discover peace and tranquillity whilst you stroll through botanical gardens. Watch as orphaned elephants are fed and bathed and be amazed at the colourful Kandyan dancing and drumming performance.
Depart the UK with international economy flight to Colombo. We can also arrange departures from your local airport at no extra cost.
Upon your arrival at Colombo airport, you will be met by our representative and escorted to your hotel
Today, take a city tour of Colombo visiting Kelaniya Buddhist temple, believed to have been hallowed during the third and final visit of Lord Buddha to Sri Lanka, eight years after gaining enlightenment. The temple is also famous for its image of the reclining Buddha and paintings which depict important events in the life of the Buddha.
Then visit the commercial city center area known as the “Fort” built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. See the busy markets and bazaars of Pettah and visit the Hindu temple with magnificent stone carvings. Also visit the old Dutch church built in the 18th century and drive past the Town Hall, Independence Square and the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall to see the replica of Avukana Buddha.
After breakfast embark on your drive to Habarana in north central Sri Lanka.
En route visit Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage site situated on the banks of the historic Malvathu Oya River. Anuradhapura, an ancient city founded in the 05th century B.C., is home to the largest number of monuments of the great Sinhala civilisation. Visit the ancient royal palaces, shrines, dagobas and Sri Mahabodhi. Also visit the “Bodhi tree” which is over 2200 years old, grown from a branch of the tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
Afterwards continue your drive to Habarana.
After breakfast visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya Rock, built by King Kassapa in the 5th century AD. Today the rock is a treasure trove of rare art. In a pocket of the giant rock are the famous frescoes of the heavenly maidens of Sigiriya. Also called ‘the Lion Rock’ or the ‘Rock Fortress’ this citadel rises more than 1000 ft from the jungles below. If you wish to climb Sigiriya Rock, there are approx. 1200 steps and on an average it takes approx. 1.5 hrs to climb the rock (actual time varies from person to person).
Later embark on your scenic drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Polonnaruwa, the 2nd capital of Sinhala kings dating back to 11th & 12th century A.D. The entire landscape of the region is punctuated by huge man-made reservoirs, the most famous of which is the ‘Parakrama Samudra’. Numerous monuments are found in this city & ‘Gal Vihara’ complex is one of the best among them with fine sculptures of standing and seated Buddha. Also visit the Polonnaruwa museum here.
Return back to Habarana for overnight
After breakfast, embark on your drive to Kandy.
En route visit another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Rock Cave Temple of Dambulla, which dates back to the first century BC. The temple consists of a series of 5 caves of statues and paintings, including a 47 ft. long statue of Lord Buddha. This is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. (approx. 27 Kms / 45 Mins from Habarana)
Continue drive to Kandy, en-route visiting the Spice Garden at Matale.
After breakfast, explore the sacred city of Kandy, one of Sri Lanka’s 8 UNESCO World Heritage site.
Today we will visit the Temple of Tooth Relic of Buddha, located in the royal palace complex which houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Visitors are not allowed inside the inner chambers and cannot see the tooth relic.
Also visit Natha Devale, located in front of the Palace complex of Kandy. Natha Devale, built in the 14th century, is said to have been in existence even before the Tooth Relic was brought to Kandy.
This evening enjoy a cultural dance show to see the popular Kandyan dancing and drumming of Sri Lanka.
After breakfast embark on a drive to Colombo
En-route to Colombo, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, which are spread over 67 hectares of exquisite beauty and contain more than 4000 species of flora, a haven for Scientists and nature lovers.
Drive further to visit Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, set up by the Sri Lankan government to rehabilitate orphaned elephants. Spend some time at the orphanage, seeing elephants being fed and bathed by the orphanage staff (Open from 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m daily. Feeding times – 9.15 a.m., 1.15 p.m. 5.00 p.m. Bathing times – 10.00 a.m., 2.00 p.m., 4.00 p.m.).
Upon arrival in Colombo, check in at your hotel for overnight stay.
Today we goodbye to Sri Lanka and transfer to the airport for international economy flight back to UK.
5* Cinnamon Grand
The hotel brings together a curated city experience from fine dining to seafood markets, old English pubs to a Sri Lankan village the epitome of exquisite living; creating an eclectic mix for diverse tastes. In fact, every aspect of Cinnamon Grand Colombo, from our service to our amenities are all designed for grand experiences, fun moments and great memories.
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5* Cinnamon Lodge
A haven for the time traveller, the nature lover, the escapist, and the explorer, Cinnamon Lodge Habarana is a 5-star resort nestled in nature’s serenity right in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. A place that soothes the soul, rejuvenates the senses, and awakens the mind with heavy doses of nature’s tranquillity and centuries-old hospitality.
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5* Cinnamon Citadel
Fancy waking up to a picture-postcard view of a river, set against a backdrop of mountains shrouded in varying degrees of mist? Revelling in a soundtrack written and performed by Mother Nature herself? Then travelling back in time for a history lesson? That’s exactly what you’d get, and more, at the Cinnamon Citadel Kandy.
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