Ancient Buddhist Capitals

Overnight direct flight to Colombo.

Upon arrival into Colombo you will be met by your driver and transferred by road to Horathapola Estate, a small family run guest house and working coconut plantation, located about an hour from the airport. Stay 1 night. (Dinner)

After breakfast drive to Dambulla in the Cultural Triangle and stay 4 nights at the Heritance Kandalama which located on the banks of Kandalama Lake. Rest of day at leisure. (Breakfast).

Early morning start to visit Anuradhapura. Dating back to 6th century BC, this is regarded as the cradle of ancient Sihala civilization and is close to the temple complex of Mihintale where Buddhism first originated on the island. Anuradhapura's monuments and gleaming white dagobas rise out of the jungle and show a very advanced ancient civilization. It boasts the oldest dams in the world and the sacred Bo tree, the oldest historically documented tree in the world. (Breakfast).

In the morning visit nearby Sigiriya. Enjoy a wonderful climb to this magnificent rock fortress built in the 5th century AD and rising over 500 feet, with its frescoes of bare breasted maidens painted in brilliant colours on the rock. The view from the very top will provide you with a lasting memory of Sri Lanka. (Breakfast).

In the morning visit Polonnaruwa an ancient city with a unique irrigation complex, ruins of palaces and the king's council chambers. Also found here are the Royal Citadel, Royal Pavilions and Relic Houses lavished with moonstones, guard stones and sculptured writings as well as exquisite statues of Buddha. If you wish we can arrange a jeep safari in nearby Minneriya National Park where you can see wild elephants roaming. (Breakfast).

Morning departure to Kandy. On arrival check into your hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. In the evening visit the Temple of the Tooth which houses the most sacred relic in Sri Lanka, a fragment of the Buddha's tooth. Stay 2 nights at Villa Rosa. (Breakfast).

This morning visit the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage which is home to around 60 elephants. Later continue to visit the Peradenyia Royal Botanical Gardens which are considered to have one of the most valuable collections of plants in the world. (Breakfast).

This afternoon your driver will drop you off at the train station where you will board the scenic hill country steam train which will take you through some stunning countryside all the way to Nanu Oya in the heart of the tea country. Continue to Nuwara Eliya and stay 2 nights at The Tea Factory. (Breakfast).

The entire day is at your own leisure. You may decide to take a walk through the local plantations and villages or visit a local tea factory. (Breakfast).

After breakfast drive to the old Dutch fort city of Galle. The drive down to Galle is immencely scenic with amazing views across the mountains and valleys of the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary. Stay 5 nights at The Lighthouse Resort and Spa. (Breakfast).

At leisure in Galle. A walk around the ramparts of the city's fort is a must whilst there. (Breakfast).

Transfer by road to Colombo in good time to board you flight home. (Breakfast).