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 local fishermen on their catamarans and watch while they cast out their nets and haul in their catch. 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.

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. You disembark at Nawalapitiya and continue by road to Kitulgala.

Located amidst thick forest on Sri Lanka’s second-longest river, the Kelani, Kitulgala was once renowned as the location used for filming ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’; today however it is rapidly developing a reputation as something of an adventure centre. The area offers you a variety of optional activities such as walks in the surrounding forests and white water rafting and you have a free afternoon to participate in some of them. Resthouse / Basic hotel - 1 night (B)

Very early this morning, before any hint of light, you set out on foot for Adam's Peak - a beautiful place of great importance. There are many legends associated with the mountain; it is believed to be where Adam first set foot on earth, or is called Samanalakande, the ‘butterfly mountain’, where butterflies go to die; another name is Sri Pada - sacred footprint.

You begin your climb at about 2:00am on a steep but largely stepped pathway. The peak (sacred to Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims) is one of Sri Lanka’s main centres of pilgrimage. The object of pilgrimage to the summit (2260m) is to witness the giant footprint of the Buddha, Adam or Lord Shiva - covered by a huge stone slab, in which has been carved another footprint.

Teahouses and resting-places line the route to shelter weary pilgrims and the walk is lit by a string of lights that snake up the mountainside, though a head-torch is useful. At a fairly relaxed pace you should reach the summit by dawn and as the first rays of light pour over the holy mountain the view is breathtaking. But Adam’s Peak saves its real marvel for a few minutes after dawn when the perfect and eerie shadow of the peak, cast by the sun on the clouds below, is chased back into the mountain’s base by the rising sun. After your descent there’s time for a shower and breakfast in a local guesthouse before you drive on to Nuwara Eliya.  Note: Anyone choosing not to climb the peak may spend the night at the guesthouse in Maskeliya. The timing of departure the following morning will also be dictated by the return of those climbing the mountain.

The topography changes as you drive from Adam’s Peak and soon you are passing through the very heart of the tea growing area. You'll stop on the way for a refreshing cup of tea at a factory where you can see every step of the tea making process from bush to cup.

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. Hotel - 1 night (B)

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)