Sri Lanka: Hidden Treasures of the Sacred Island (Christmas Departure)

The tour starts this afternoon at the hotel in Negombo, the closest coastal town to Colombo Airport. In the evening we can enjoy a welcome dinner as we unwind with beautiful sunset views and ocean breezes.

After breakfast this morning we depart Negombo and drive north to Wilpattu National Park, the largest national park in Sri Lanka, stopping en route at a Kaffir Village. This afternoon we will go on a safari in the park following dirt tracks through mostly dry, dense forest, stopping at watering holes and lakes. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna including leopard, elephant, sloth bear, mongoose, buffalo, crocodiles and a myriad of birdlife. We then will enjoy an al fresco dinner at our tented camp, where there will also be the chance to go on a night walk in search of nocturnal wildlife.

An hour’s drive takes us to Anuradhapura, the first capital of Sri Lanka, dating to the 5th century BC, and the most celebrated of Sri Lanka's ancient ruined cities. We will explore the widespread site which includes the first temple to be built in the island, the largest stupa on the island and the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree - which was planted from a sapling taken from the original tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Continuing to Dambulla, our next stop is at the sacred Buddhist caves, a UNESCO World Heritage setting and an important pilgrimage site that is home to a staggering collection of temples and statues that date back to the 1st century BC. We end the day at our hotel where we will spend the next two nights.

We make use of the morning’s cooler temperature and begin the day summitting Sigiriya’s famous “Lion Rock”. Built during the 5th century and one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions, the fortress sits on top of the imposing granite monolith of Lion Rock, some 200 metres above the surrounding countryside. Accessed by way of a steep staircase, from its lofty heights the 360 degree views out across the lush landscapes are truly spectacular. This afternoon we learn more about rural life on a village walk, followed by tea and snacks provided by a welcoming family in their home. Our final stop of the day is at the Sam Popham Arboretum, a sanctuary for native flora and fauna in the area, including an endangered sub-species of the grey slender loris. We will plant a native tree in the arboretum before going on a night walk in search of the loris.
The walk to Lion Rock is a moderate/hard walk due to the amount of stairs required to reach the top. Generally the walk will take 4-4.5hrs

An early start today sees us heading for the UNESCO setting of Polonnaruwa, the country’s old medieval capital. The ruins of the ancient city lie on the eastern shores of Topa Wewa Lake and a chance to explore it by bicycle provides a unique insight into its once great past. Following an early lunch, we continue on towards the Maduruoya National Park, where we can enjoy a three-hour jeep safari. Home to a variety of fabulous wildlife, this less-visited park is best known for its herds of Asian elephant. We will then transfer to our hotel in Mahiyanganaya for the evening.

This morning, we head to Dambana village - home to the last remaining indigenous tribe in Sri Lanka. There, we will spend some time with the local Vedda chief, learning more about the traditions and history of Sri Lanka’s indigenous people and enjoying a walk around the village and surrounding area. This afternoon we journey into the highlands and Knuckles Forest Reserve, where we will settle into our hotel for the evening.

We will spend the morning hiking through the picturesque landscapes of Knuckles Forest Reserve. Beginning in the remote village of Pitawala, we will be able to observe day to day life, visit the village temple and enjoy a cup of tea and snacks in a local house. The 4-hour trail will take us past paddy fields, beautiful landscapes and water streams. This afternoon sees us setting off for the nearby city of Kandy, the last capital of the ancient Sri Lankan kings, and one of the country’s cultural and spiritual gems.
The walk today is of a moderate level with a distance of approximately 6km.

After breakfast we will visit the revered Temple of the Tooth, home to Buddha’s left canine, before heading to a local market to pick up some items for our cooking lesson. We will be invited into a local house for a cooking lesson in order to discover the key spices and ingredients that make up Sri Lanka’s delicious cuisine. After sampling our tasty creations, we have some free time to relax or explore Kandy. Why not visit the immaculately kept botanical garden or go shopping for souvenirs or perhaps enjoy an Ayurvedic massage.

We will leave Kandy this morning to visit a village that specialises in the production of traditional drums. The artisans have been crafting Sri Lankan drums, used in religious and cultural ceremonies, for generations, and will show us the different stages of the creative process. We will then drive to Nuwara Eliya, the British colonial capital of the Hill Country. The cooler climes of this area, at the foot of Sri Lanka’s highest peak (2,524m), are a welcome retreat. Along the way we will have a tea experience to try the world famous "Ceylon Tea". The evening is free to walk through town or relax at the hotel.

Leaving early, we’ll head next for the misty grasslands of Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka’s highest and most isolated plateau. Armed with a packed breakfast, we’ll climb through a landscape of giant eucalyptus trees, reaching the park in time to walk to World’s End before the encroaching mist obscures the views below. Returning to the vehicles around mid-morning, we’ll then set off for Belihuloya, from where we’ll cycle or walk to a local natural swimming spot. We return to the hotel in time for tea at our hill country retreat.
The walk today is of a moderate level and is approximately a 9.5km loop. Generally the walk will take 4-4.5hrs

Following breakfast within the wonderful surrounding of nature, we start our drive towards Udawalawe; the Land of Elephants. We will arrive at the hotel for lunchtime, and then have some leisure time before departing on our afternoon game drive in Udawalawe National Park. The park is home to approximately 500 Asian elephants and is famous for the ability to view these large roaming herds throughout the year. The elephants usually gather to feed and bathe by the waterholes dotted around the park. Alongside the elephants, Udawalawe is home to many water buffalo, water monitor lizards, sambar deer, and monkeys. Uadawalawe is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, who will be treated to a huge variety and number of bird species.

This morning we visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transfer Home; a facility within Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka that was established in 1995 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation. Its primary objective is to rehabilitate orphaned and sick elephant calves for ultimate release back into the wild. Viewing of the feeding time is at a safe distance behind a barrier where you can watch the elephants ambling along behind a keeper, into the compound where they will be fed milk through plastic hoses with funnels attached. As you can imagine the elephants jostle and play and become impatient stamping and trumpeting for their milk. Hundreds of elephants have been cared for an rehabilitated at ETH and it is a lively and fun experience for spectators. We then say goodbye to the elephants and head towards the soutern coast. Our hotel is situated in the village of Ahangama - the perfect tranquil spot to unwind towards the end of our journey.

A free morning provides an opportunity to relax around the hotel. This afternoon has then been set aside to visit the historic trading port of Galle, home to the largest European fortress left in Asia. Colonised by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it is still infused with a graceful charm and a wealth of ageing colonial buildings. After our tour we will have our final dinner in this historic setting.

Driving back along the coast to Colombo this morning, we will arrive in the Sri Lankan capital mid-morning where the tour officially ends. Those on the suggested group flights will be transferred directly to Colombo Airport.