Grand Tour of Sri Lanka

Overnight flight to Colombo, Sri Lanka

Your holiday begins at London Heathrow, where you meet the Tour Manager ready for a direct overnight flight to Colombo. Sri Lanka is separated from India by just 22 miles of the Palk Strait and boasts a rich culture and heritage of its own, with endless sandy beaches, delicious food and lush jungles adorned with ancient temples.

Welcome to historic Colombo

Touching down at Bandaranaike International Airport, you are transferred to your five-star hotel in Colombo overlooking the banks of Beira Lake. This afternoon and early evening are free to unwind and acclimatise. This evening, travel to a local restaurant recreating a traditional Sri Lankan village around an ancient banyan tree for a buffet of authentic local cuisine.

Meals: Dinner

Uncovering Sri Lanka's capital

After breakfast, join an expert local guide for a sightseeing tour of Colombo: the Colombo National Museum, the Gangaramaya Temple and Independence Square. Free time over lunch. In the afternoon, travel into the 'Cultural Triangle' to Habarana, a charming hotel set beside a tranquil lake surrounded by forest.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Sigiriya's ancient Lion Rock Fortress

Visit the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya fortress rising 600 feet from the jungle, built by King Kashyapa I in the 5th century. Option to climb the stairs or explore the royal palace and gardens at ground level. After lunch at the hotel, transfer to Polonnaruwa to explore the archaeological remains of this medieval city including carved rock temples, towering statues and vast stupas.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The sacred cave temples of Dambulla

Coach journey to Kandy with a stop at the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temples, home to over 150 Buddha statues and murals depicting the various stages of his life, along with statues of Hindu deities. Continue to Kandy, stopping en route for an independent lunch. Check in to the hotel overlooking the Mahaweli River.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Kandy and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth

After breakfast, visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens with more than 4,000 types of flora. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy a guided tour of Kandy including the city's market square and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, said to hold one of Buddha's actual teeth.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The charming 'tea train' to Nanu Oya

Transfer to Peradeniya railway station for a journey on the scenic 'tea train', climbing into the central highlands through mountainous slopes, bridges and tunnels. Packed lunch provided. Views of lush forests, vast tea plantations and cascading waterfalls. Arrive in Nanu Oya and transfer to the five-star hotel near Nuwara Eliya, known as 'Little England'.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tea-picking and tasting at a working plantation

Travel to Ramboda for a tour of a tea plantation and factory. Discover different types of world-renowned tea, try picking tea leaves, and enjoy a tasting on the terrace. Free time for independent lunch at the tea plantation restaurant. Return to the hotel for a luxurious high tea in the afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Demodara by scenic rail and on to Tissamaharama

Board a train to Demodara through dramatic scenery of misty mountains and cascading waterfalls. Highlights include the iconic Nine Arches Bridge near Ella, a curved viaduct standing at nearly 100 feet tall. Continue by coach to Tissamaharama, stopping en route for an independent lunch. Check in to the hotel, perfectly placed for exploring Yala National Park.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Looking for leopards at Yala National Park

Rise early for a sunrise Jeep safari in Yala National Park, searching for elephants, wild boar, crocodiles and the elusive leopard, plus over 200 species of birds. Late breakfast back at the hotel. Return to the park in the afternoon for a second safari, with Yala boasting the largest concentration of leopards in Asia.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Along the coast to the colonial town of Galle

Travel along the south coast to the historic port city of Galle for a guided walking tour of the well-preserved Portuguese and Dutch fortress, charming narrow lanes and colonial-era architecture. Free time to explore independently and enjoy lunch. Continue up the west coast to Beruwala and check in to a luxurious five-star hotel overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Unwinding by the Indian Ocean

A free day at leisure in Beruwala. Options include swimming in the warm Indian Ocean, relaxing on the beach, visiting the Balinese-inspired wellness centre, strolling along the golden sands, sampling fresh seafood, or exploring nearby Aluthgama with its markets and souvenir shops.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Free time in tropical Beruwala

A free day with optional excursions available (payable locally). Options include a whale-watching trip from Mirissa Harbour (known for blue whales, sperm whales and other marine life), a visit to a turtle hatchery with baby turtle release programme, or a boat ride along the Madu River through mangroves and cinnamon trees.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Return to Colombo for dinner with a view

Leisurely morning before returning to Colombo. Free time to explore the Pettah Floating Market or shop near the old Dutch Market. This evening, dinner at the revolving restaurant atop the Colombo Lotus Tower – the tallest building in Sri Lanka – with spectacular 360° views of the city.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Homeward bound

Depart the hotel with a packed breakfast for the short journey to the airport, then a direct flight back to the UK, arriving at London Heathrow this evening.

Meals: Breakfast