Sri Lankan Discovery

This morning, you will head inland. The journey will take approximately 4hrs. Long journeys are typical of travel in Sri Lanka -the area you will cover is vast, so this journey will allow you to become accustomed to road travel in Sri Lanka. On arrival, you'll have time to settle into your hotel.

In the evening, you will join a local fishermen on their catamarans and watch while they cast and retrieve their nets. Gliding along the lake which is dotted by lush lily pads and vibrant water lilies while the sun sets and casts a crimson hue over the area is a magical experience. The birdlife at this time of day is also fantastic.

In the so-called ‘dry zone,’ north of the hill country is an area of fascinating lost cities. Here stand many Buddhist ruins dating from over a thousand years ago. A must on any trip to this area is a visit to the impressive ruins of 1000-year-old Polonnaruwa, a vast imperial city which became the capital of the occupying south Indian Chola dynasty, before being finally abandoned in 1288. UNESCO-sponsored restoration has carefully recreated the immense complex of temples, palaces and remarkable Buddhist sculptures. This is one of the best places to learn more about Buddhism, one of Asia’s most important religions, which even today guides a whole section of Sinhalese society in their day to day lives. Hotel - 3 nights (Bx2)

This morning you visit the Dambulla Cave Temples to learn about its fascinating history. The Sinhalese King, Valagam Bahu, took refuge here when he was ousted from his capital. He transformed the five caves of this granite outcrop into a rock temple, decorated by statues of Buddha and frescoes, some of which are over 2000 years old. The steep 150m ascent to the top of the rock rewards you with more magnificent views.

You then travel southward along the main trunk road to Sri Lanka’s second city, Kandy, a journey of around two hours. You'll pass through a fertile spice-growing area and plantations where coffee, cacao and rubber are cultivated before finally arriving in Kandy.

You will have most of the afternoon free to explore at your leisure. Visit Peradeniya, if you wish, home of Sri Lanka’s premier Botanical Gardens. The gardens are home to a massive weeping fig tree (Ficus benjamina), a packed orchid house and some of the few specimens of the rare Coco de Mer coconut tree. In all there are 4000 labelled species of plants and trees and a visit makes an entertaining couple of hours.

Alternatively, there is plenty of free time to wander alone and discover Kandy's quiet corners. Take a walk around the lake to enjoy the lovely views or take a nature walk in nearby Udawattakele Sanctuary, a mini tropical rainforest. Others may prefer to explore some of the many other temples that dot the area. Hotel - 2 nights (B)

NB. If you choose to do any of the above activities in your free time, they will be at your own cost. 

From Kandy you take a train that twists and turns through the lush hills, stopping at small village stations and as you climb higher, passing through the green ranks of tea bushes which cover the higher hillsides on the way to Hatton. This is a real authentic Sri Lankan experience - you may have to stand for most of the journey and depending on the time of year, conditions may feel a little cramped, however, there'll be great views and it'll be a really insightful experience. For those who feel this may not be for them, there may be a support vehicle available for the journey - please discuss this with your group leader.

The topography changes as you continue your journey by road and soon you are passing through the very heart of the tea growing area. The old British hill station of Nuwara Eliya (sometimes referred to as the Garden City), standing in the lee of the island’s highest mountain, Pidurutalagala (2524m), feels curiously familiar due to its colonial houses, well-tended lawns and neat, colourful gardens. On arrival here, you have the rest of the day free to explore this charming town. Hotel - 1 night (B)

This morning, you set off on your way down out of the mountains, making a short stop along the way at Ella. You have a spectacular view through the Ella Gap where on a clear day it is said you can see as far as the coast. Just below this you see the Rawana Ella Falls, where the water leaps down the mountainside making it Sri Lanka’s wildest-looking waterfall.

On your journey you will visit the Elephant Transit Home at Udawalawe National Park. Run by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation and set-up in 1995, it provides shelter for orphaned or abandoned baby elephants, releasing them to the wild when they are strong enough to survive in their natural habitat. You will visit the Elephant Transit Home at feeding time (the only time visits are allowed) and see the elephants from a viewing deck approximately 10m away – a great chance to learn more about Sri Lanka’s national animal.

You'll continue your drive for approximately 2hrs to Tissahamarama in south east Sri Lanka; only half an hour from Yala National Park. The following morning you'll have some free time to relax before heading to Yala for an afternoon jeep safari. The park has an amazing array of animal and birdlife; herds of wild elephant, macaque and larger monkeys, leopard, spotted deer and crocodile. Yala is the National Park with the highest population density of leopard in Sri Lanka. No promises, but if you keep your eyes peeled you may be lucky enough to spot this elusive creature. Hotel - 2 nights (Bx2)

This morning you transfer to Galle. The journey takes you along the coast and gives you yet another perspective as you travel north, catching glimpses of the Indian Ocean through swaying palm trees, passing rural villages and busy resorts.

On your arrival in Galle, there should be a little time to explore the famous Dutch Fort. Rightly declared a World Heritage Site in 1988, the old fort area contains houses, lovely churches and other imposing buildings, and was once a hub of activity on the island. It is a joy to explore the now quiet back streets of this colonial city and be transported back in time as you marvel at the magnificent buildings where the Dutch, Portuguese and British once traded spices.

You'll continue back up the coast to your hotel near the airport. As this is your last evening, your Group Leader will no doubt organise a traditional ‘last supper’. Hotel - 1 night (B)