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Sri Lanka by Air

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Venture deep into the heart of Sri Lanka on this phenomenal journey which conveniently links key sites and attractions by air, avoiding long drives.

Sri Lanka, Indian Subcontinent
11 days from AU$13,440pp (low season)
Private

Venture deep into the heart of Sri Lanka on this phenomenal journey which conveniently links key sites and attractions by air, avoiding long drives. Explore the monkey-filled ruins of Polonnaruwa and climb to the ancient citadel of Sigiriya. Be astounded by Kandy’s Temple of the Sacred Tooth. Trace a fascinating history from the 1st-century BC Dambulla Cave Temple to the colonial streets of Galle. Head out on safari in search of leopard and elephant, and experience the life of a tea planter as you train through the Central Highlands to a traditional planter’s bungalow. At the end of each day, find sanctuary in the most wondrous accommodation, whether inside the walls of an historic fort or the wilds of Yala National Park.

Journey Highlights

Climb to the ancient citadel of Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Marvel at the spiritual temple caves of Dambulla
Explore the ruined temples and palaces of Polonnaruwa
Step inside the Temple of the Sacred Tooth
Escape to your own exclusive tea planter’s bungalow, via a scenic train in the Central Highlands
Search for Sri Lankan leopards on safari
Stay in a lux hotel within the walls of the historic Galle fort

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Colombo

Ayubowan and welcome to Sri Lanka. Enjoy a private transfer to your luxury boutique accommodation, a 200-year-old restored manor house. Take time at leisure to settle in and relax.

The Wallawwa

Day 2: Negombo – Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya

After breakfast, fly to Sigiriya and drive to your luxury hotel. Spend time enjoying a soak in your private plunge pool or taking advantage of the property’s many other facilities.

This afternoon, journey to the well-preserved ruins of Sri Lanka’s medieval capital and UNESCO World Heritage site, Polonnaruwa. The past is brought vividly to life as you explore the tombs, temples, stupas and immense reclining Buddha carved into the rock. Polonnaruwa also boasts ruins of ancient palaces, intricately carved moon stones and royal baths. For a different perspective you can opt to explore the city by bicycle.

Water Garden Sigiriya | Meals: B

Day 3: Sigiriya

Early this morning journey to the magnificent rock-top fortress of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through picturesque water gardens and climb past the ancient and colossal Lion’s Paws to a steep winding 200-metre staircase. Legend has it that the entry to the fortress was through the mouth of the lion, however over time this collapsed leaving only the paws. Upon reaching the summit admire 360-degree breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle and hills. Descend slowly admiring the mirror wall and famous Sigiriya frescoes and return to the hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Water Garden Sigiriya | Meals: B

Day 4: Sigiriya – Dambulla – Kandy

Rise early for a hot air balloon ride (additional charge Nov – April only). Witness the sun rise over Kandalama, Dambulla Cave Temple and the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, spotting wild elephant and water buffalo in the untouched wilderness. Indulge in a champagne toast before returning to your hotel for breakfast.

Continue to Kandy, last capital of the Sri Lankan kings. Along the way, pause at Dambulla, Sri Lanka’s greatest cave-temple complex and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the rock walls and ceilings covered in extraordinary artworks and frescoes, and seek out some of the hundreds of statues of Buddha, Hindu kings and deities within.

Arrive in Kandy and check in to your boutique accommodation. This afternoon, visit the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth, said to house one of Buddha’s teeth. Stay to witness an auspicious offering to the Sacred Tooth Relic — an unforgettable ritual of drums, incense and chanting. Or, choose to be entertained by traditional music and dance at a Kandyan Cultural Show, after which you may meet the dancers for a photo.

Kings Pavilion | Meals: B

Day 5: Kandy – Central Highlands

Today, you’ll ride one of the most scenic railways in the world through the Central Highlands to the hill station of Hatton. Roll past the emerald tea estates that blanket the mountains and breathe in the unmistakable aroma of pure Ceylon tea. Find your home at Ceylon Tea Trails, a cluster of colonial-era planters’ bungalows beautifully restored with period furnishings. With your own housekeeper, chef and butlers, you’ll certainly feel like an honoured guest.

Ceylon Tea Trails | Meals: BLD

Day 6: Central Highlands

Enter the wonderful world of tea country on a morning tour. Learn all about the tea-making process from the fields to the factory, and sample prized beverages during a special high tea. Your host will take you through the entire process: from drying to segmenting, all the way to packing and distributing.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure wandering the scenic trails between bungalows. This is the ideal setting for trekking and biking against the breathtaking backdrop of mountains, lakes and waterfalls (additional charge). Make sure you spend some time at Tea Trails as well: lounge in the garden, kayak on the lake, play a game of croquet, take a dip in the pool or simply curl up beside the fireplace in the panelled library with a good book.

Ceylon Tea Trails | Meals: BLD

Day 7: Central Highlands – Yala National Park

Take off from Castlereagh Reservoir and fly to Hambantota. Continue overland to your camp located on the border of Yala National Park, on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Embark on an evening safari drive and discover why this wildlife park is a haven for nature lovers. Led by your expert tracker snap memorable photos of magnificent animals, including leopard, sloth bear and elephant, in their natural habitat.

Return to the camp for sundowners followed by dinner.

Wild Coast Tented Lodge | Meals: BLD

Day 8: Yala National Park

Rise early for a morning game drive, and see the park come to life with animals and birdlife. As well as the thriving leopard and elephant populations, keep your eyes open for herds of spotted deer, wild boar, wild buffalo, langur, crocodile and peacock, and over 200 bird species.

Return to camp for breakfast and a day at leisure, before another thrilling safari drive at dusk.

Wild Coast Tented Lodge | Meals: BLD

Day 9: Yala National Park – Galle

Experience a glimpse into local life on a visit to a nearby cattle farm and rice paddy fields. Then, leave the wilds behind and head along the southern coast to Galle.

Settle into your hotel before a tour of the historic city. Discover a unique blend of Lankan and colonial influences in this UNESCO-listed city; uncover the fascinating architectural legacies of Portuguese and Dutch settlers alongside traditional Sri Lankan structures. Stroll through the Galle Fort and learn about the Dutch East India Company, which operated from within. Visit the Maritime Museum, the Old Dutch Reformed Church, Sun and Moon bastions, and more. As sunset approaches, climb the ramparts and sip a refreshing cup of Ceylon tea — or something stronger — with magnificent views.

Return to your hotel within the walls of the famous historic fort and enjoy a sundowner.

Amangalla | Meals: B

Day 10: Galle

Spend your day exploring at your own pace. Let your guide show you the sights. Perhaps go whale and dolphin watching on a private speed boat; explore the fascinating villages surrounding Galle on a guided bicycle tour; or relax on the beach at Unawatuna (additional charges).

Amangalla | Meals: B

Day 11: Galle – Depart Colombo

With your Sri Lankan adventure at an end, take a private transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Meals: B

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Depending on your preferred dates and arrangements, final pricing will vary from low season to peak season travel.

Please call A&K on 1300 851 800, send us a booking enquiry to book this journey or contact your travel agent.

India, Sri Lanka, Nepal & Bhutan
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Sri Lanka by Air

Venture deep into the heart of Sri Lanka on this phenomenal journey which conveniently links key sites and attractions by air, avoiding long drives.

Journey Overview

Journey Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Colombo

Day 2: Negombo – Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya

Day 3: Sigiriya

Day 4: Sigiriya – Dambulla – Kandy

Day 5: Kandy – Central Highlands

Day 6: Central Highlands

Day 7: Central Highlands – Yala National Park

Day 8: Yala National Park

Day 9: Yala National Park – Galle

Day 10: Galle

Day 11: Galle – Depart Colombo

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