Duration(in days): 8
From: Colombo
To: Negombo
See more ideas for: Sri Lanka
With the comfort of your own private driver, this 8 day Sri Lankan Splendour itinerary is designed to introduce you to some of the most beautiful regions of Sri Lanka.
Your trip begins in the cultural capital, Kandy, home to the sacred ‘Temple of the Tooth’. Next you'll enjoy a short 4km trek through the Central Highlands, where you'll witness the stunning Knuckles Mountain Range, visit a tea plantation and the beautiful town of Nuwara Eliya. From tea country to leopard country, your next stops are Horton Plains and Yala National Park - where you'll have the opportunity to spot a buffalo, sloth and even the elusive leopard if you’re lucky!
On arrival in Sri Lanka, you'll be met at the airport by your private driver and driven to your hotel in Sigirya, about 3 hours away. Enjoy watching local life as you drive north before arriving and checking in for two nights.
This morning, you’ll travel to the rock fortress of Sigiriya, a 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky”. The ‘Lion rock’ of Sigirya is a citadel of immense beauty rising out of the jungle. At the base of the rock you’ll find a moat and extensive water gardens before climbing the steep stairs to the top, for unparalleled views over the surrounding forests. The majestic lion’s paw guards the stairway to the palace on the summit next to the frescoes of maidens that have survived in a sheltered area of the rock.
In the afternoon, you will head to Minneriya National Park where you will get to take a jeep safari. Minneriya is home to many animals including deer, sambar, leopards, sloth bear and elephants.
Tonight you will get to enjoy a Kandyan Cultural Show at the Kandyan Arts & Cultural Centre, featuring dancers, drummers and fire walkers.
High season in Sri Lanka runs from December to March and is when the Hill Country and West/South coast beaches are busiest and driest. The Maha monsoon season keeps the East, North and ancient cities wet at this time. April and September are the best option for those travelling countrywide with these months enjoying the best weather overall, New Year’s celebrations in mid-April can cause transport in particular to be busy so keep this in mind. Low season brings rain to the South and West coasts plus the Hill Country, weather is best at this time for travel to the North & East.
All of our itineraries are tailor-made to give you an idea of just some of what is possible; this means we can adjust as necessary to completely suit your needs! Let your travel consultant know how long you plan to spend away, what you like to do, what properties you like to stay in and an idea of your budget and we will do the rest!