


Sri Lanka
From £4,495
Summary
Small wonder that Sri Lanka is home to some of the finest World Heritage Sites, with landmark monuments and ancient ruined cities that still stand in homage to the island’s past civilisations and cultures, their unique artefacts and archaeological treasures. Join us on this trip of a lifetime as we learn more about one of the earliest great Buddhist kingdoms.
Tour highlights:
- Witness the unique ‘puja’ ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth
- Climb Kasyapa’s citadel of Sigiriya and enjoy unforgettable views
- Explore the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Enjoy a free day in Nuwara Eliya, a jewel of a hill station in the cool uplands
- Share the road with working elephants as you journey though tropical countryside
Book Now
Today's Price
£4,495
Benefit from this limited time offer:
- Pay a low deposit of £99, was £500.
Single supplement: £800
Includes flights
Keeping you safe on your next tour
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FREE 'Travel Safe' kits for every traveller
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COVID-19 insurance
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Enhanced Health and Safety audits
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Distanced seating on coaches
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'Get me home' service and private airport transfers
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COVID protocols at our hotels, and aboard our cruise ships
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Flexible balance payment date and COVID-friendly refund conditions
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COVID-testing and medical training for tour staff
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Constant monitoring and post-tour tracing
Meet your Experts
Prof. Bilinda Devage Nandadeva
Guide Lecturer
Professor Nandadeva, retired from the Fine Arts department of the University of Kelaniya after nearly 40 years, where he taught Art History and Historic Preservation.
Prof. Nilan Cooray
Guide Lecturer
Prof Cooray has over 25 years of extensive work experience in design and supervision of architectural conservation work, trained to Doctorate level.
Your itinerary
Day 1 - London - Colombo
We depart from London on an overnight flight to Colombo.

Day 2 - Colombo
Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel and take time to relax ahead of dinner this evening.

Hotel | Galle Face Hotel |
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Meals included | Dinner |
Galle Face Hotel
Built in 1864, this colonial-style hotel boasts a spa and saltwater swimming pool which faces out over the Indian Ocean. Located in the heart of Colombo, the hotel has two on-site restaurants where both local and international cuisine is served.
Most rooms have wooden flooring and include views over Colombo City, Galle Face Green or the Indian Ocean. They are equipped with a TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. A minibar and a personal safe are included.
Day 3 - Colombo
Our day begins at the Gothami Temple which houses beautiful wall paintings that intricately and vibrantly depict the life of Buddha. In the afternoon we visit the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, where, according to legend, the Buddha converted the earliest inhabitants of Lanka to Buddhism. This temple is also renowned for its richly decorated walls, which include amazing murals painted by two well-known modern artists, Solias Mendis and George Keyt.

Hotel | Galle Face Hotel |
---|---|
Meals included | All meals included |
Galle Face Hotel
Built in 1864, this colonial-style hotel boasts a spa and saltwater swimming pool which faces out over the Indian Ocean. Located in the heart of Colombo, the hotel has two on-site restaurants where both local and international cuisine is served.
Most rooms have wooden flooring and include views over Colombo City, Galle Face Green or the Indian Ocean. They are equipped with a TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. A minibar and a personal safe are included.
Day 4 - Colombo - Anuradhapura
We journey to Anuradhapura for lunch. This area boasts a wealth of evocative sites and, this afternoon, we pay a visit to Mihintale, which was the site of the island’s first Buddhist sermon and first conversion of a long line of kings.

Hotel | Palm Garden Village Hotel |
---|---|
Meals included | All meals included |
Palm Garden Village Hotel
The hotel is situated on a 50 acre plot of land that was originally used for chena cultivation. The land was devoid of trees and completely abandoned at the time of purchase on the early 1990's. Since then, a new forest has been created through hard work and patience. For the landscaping of the hotel, more then 500 big trees (about 20 feet high) were brought from the Jungle, with the permission of the Forest Department and replanted in the garden of the hotel.
Sri Lankan and international dining options can be enjoyed at the palm garden village hotel main restaurant & 24 hours in room dining.
Comfort, style and lavish accommodation units admits you at the Palm garden village hotel Anuradhapura. While there are 64 guest rooms including 16 deluxe and 48 standard rooms, all of which include air conditioning, minibar, safety deposit box, hairdryer, and tea and coffee making facilities.
Day 5 - Anuradhapura - Habarana
Our day begins at the ancient city of Anuradhapura, royal capital from the late 5th century BC, until it was sacked and burned by Chola Tamils in 993. The power of the Sinhalese kings was then transferred to Polonnaruwa. It will take us most of the day to examine the remains of 15 centuries of continuous occupation. As we stroll among the ancient buildings, we will be awed by the huge dimensions of the three dagobas of the oldest periods and charmed by the unique architecture and moonstone thresholds of its monasteries and temples. We also visit the site museum, which displays sculptures, bas-reliefs and other precious artefacts.

Hotel | Cinnamon Lodge Habarana |
---|---|
Meals included | All meals included |
Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
Situated amidst green forests, the hotel boasts a large outdoor swimming pool, a butterfly garden and different dining options. Restaurant Ehala offers buffets with international and themed dishes, while The Lotus caters western culinary delights and local contemporary cuisine.
All rooms include air conditioning, cable TV, a minibar, safe, tea and coffee making facilities, and a comfortable seating area.
Day 6 - Habarana
The story of King Kasyapa’s retreat to his palace, built 180 metres above the surrounding forest on the rock of Sigiriya, is filled with intrigue, murder, revenge and suicide. It took him seven years to build his citadel and its spectacular gardens, pools and pavilions, designed to blend with the natural landscape. This extraordinary complex is no less beautiful today than it was in the 5th century BC. We shall climb Kasyapa’s citadel slowly, stopping to enjoy the water garden terraces, the famous "Sigiriya maidens" painted in a rock gallery, the magnificent views and visit Sigiriya Archaeological Museum. After a full morning of activity, we have the afternoon at leisure.

Hotel | Cinnamon Lodge Habarana |
---|---|
Meals included | All meals included |
Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
Situated amidst green forests, the hotel boasts a large outdoor swimming pool, a butterfly garden and different dining options. Restaurant Ehala offers buffets with international and themed dishes, while The Lotus caters western culinary delights and local contemporary cuisine.
All rooms include air conditioning, cable TV, a minibar, safe, tea and coffee making facilities, and a comfortable seating area.
Day 7 - Habarana
We will spend the full day at the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa. A series of great builders – including Vijayabahu I (1055-1110), builder of the first Temple of the Tooth, and Parakramabahu (1153-86), who built a vast number of dams, reservoirs and canals. A tour of the new site museum will end this fabulous and interesting day.

Hotel | Cinnamon Lodge Habarana |
---|---|
Meals included | All meals included |
Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
Situated amidst green forests, the hotel boasts a large outdoor swimming pool, a butterfly garden and different dining options. Restaurant Ehala offers buffets with international and themed dishes, while The Lotus caters western culinary delights and local contemporary cuisine.
All rooms include air conditioning, cable TV, a minibar, safe, tea and coffee making facilities, and a comfortable seating area.
Day 8 - Habarana
This morning we will visit the huge Avukana Buddha, which stands at over 40 feet tall, and the massive 4th century BC reservoir at Kala Wewa, built by King Datusena in 307 BC. We then continue to the great Golden Temple of Dambulla. The easy ascent rewards us greatly as we will be able to stand before magnificent cave temples that are boldly decorated with paintings and effigies carved out of the living rock. The remainder of our afternoon will be spent at leisure. For those of us who have always wanted to see elephant in the wild there is the opportunity to take an optional safari this afternoon. Alternatively, you could choose to join a guided walk in the nearby nature reserve to study medicinal plants and wildlife.

Hotel | Cinnamon Lodge Habarana |
---|---|
Meals included | All meals included |
Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
Situated amidst green forests, the hotel boasts a large outdoor swimming pool, a butterfly garden and different dining options. Restaurant Ehala offers buffets with international and themed dishes, while The Lotus caters western culinary delights and local contemporary cuisine.
All rooms include air conditioning, cable TV, a minibar, safe, tea and coffee making facilities, and a comfortable seating area.
Day 9 - Habarana - Kandy
En route to Kandy we will stop to visit Aluvihare, the site where the Buddhist doctrine Tripitaka was finally written down on talipot palm leaves. After viewing the cave temple’s graphic depictions of what awaits sinners, we have arranged an informal discussion about Sri Lankan Buddhism with the chief monk of this important temple. We will also visit a spice garden and stop for lunch at a restaurant created by a popular folk artist. Touring continues in Kandy at the Anglican Cathedral. This evening we will visit the Temple of the Tooth at the time of the puja, or prayer offerings.

Hotel | Cinnamon Citadel Hotel Kandy |
---|---|
Meals included | All meals included |
Cinnamon Citadel Hotel Kandy
Cinnamon Citadel Kandy features an outdoor pool overlooking the Mahaweli Ganga River. It offers air conditioned rooms equipped with free WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities, a TV and a minibar
The Panorama Restaurant boasts an international menu, and continental dishes can be found at the Cafe C. The Lounge is an excellent venue to enjoy refreshing beverages and light snacks.
Day 10 - Kandy
Today begins at the three temples of the Kandyan era: Gadaladeniya Viharaya, with its strong southern Indian influences reminiscent of the Hindu art of Vijayanagar, Lankatilaka Viharaya, and finally Kataragama Devale, which is famed for its carved wooden pillars. We return to Kandy to visit a batik workshop and then have time at leisure ahead of meeting for dinner in the evening.

Hotel | Cinnamon Citadel Hotel Kandy |
---|---|
Meals included | All meals included |
Cinnamon Citadel Hotel Kandy
Cinnamon Citadel Kandy features an outdoor pool overlooking the Mahaweli Ganga River. It offers air conditioned rooms equipped with free WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities, a TV and a minibar
The Panorama Restaurant boasts an international menu, and continental dishes can be found at the Cafe C. The Lounge is an excellent venue to enjoy refreshing beverages and light snacks.
Day 11 - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya
We drive to Nuwara Eliya this morning and in the afternoon stop en route to sample some tea as part of a guided tour of the Labukelle Tea Estate.

Hotel | Araliya Green Hills Hotel |
---|---|
Meals included | All meals included |
Araliya Green Hills Hotel
Surrounded by lush greenery in the peaceful district of Nuwara Eliya, the Araliya Green Hills Hotel has an on-site spa and free WiFi throughout the property. Each room comes with a flat-screen TV, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities and a dressing table. Featuring a bathtub and free bath amenities, bathroom facilities are en suite.
Day 12 - Nuwara Eliya
Explore Nuwara Eliya at leisure with time to enjoy walks through the ‘tea capital’ in Victoria Park and Gregory’s Lake. Lunch is at the 19th century colonial Hill Club.

Hotel | Araliya Green Hills Hotel |
---|---|
Meals included | Breakfast, Dinner |
Araliya Green Hills Hotel
Surrounded by lush greenery in the peaceful district of Nuwara Eliya, the Araliya Green Hills Hotel has an on-site spa and free WiFi throughout the property. Each room comes with a flat-screen TV, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities and a dressing table. Featuring a bathtub and free bath amenities, bathroom facilities are en suite.
Day 13 - Nuwara Eliya - Bentota
We journey to Bentota, stopping en route at Mulkirigala Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple built on a 205-metre high rock. After lunch we join the southern express way just a short distance from the temple to continue our journey to Bentota.

Hotel | Cinnamon Bey Beruwala |
---|---|
Meals included | All meals included |
Cinnamon Bey Beruwala
The Cinnamon Bey Hotel is surrounded by coconut trees and vast green lawns, featuring an outdoor swimming pool and six different food and beverage options. A range of mezze and grills are served at the Arabic Mezz2 restaurant, while handmade ice cream, sorbets and frozen yogurts are available at I.C.E Ice Cream Emporium.
All rooms are air-conditioned and consist of a minibar, a safe and satellite TV. The private bathroom includes shower facilities and a hairdryer. You will also have access to the fitness studio and spa, which has a sauna and steam room.
Day 14 - Bentota
Today, we will visit the Martin Wikramasinghe Folk Museum for an excellent overview of traditional life in Sri Lanka. We continue with a visit to the fishing village of Weligama to see a Megalith carved with a figure identified as Kushta Raja, the ‘leper king’, and the Purvarama Monastery, whose image house is considered to be one of the jewels of Buddhist painting. In the afternoon we tour the historical centre of Galle, including its ramparts and fort, as well as the National Marine Museum and the Marine Archaeological Project. Before heading back to our hotel we have a short visit to Ambalangoda. Our farewell dinner this evening includes a performance of the Kolam Dance.

Hotel | Cinnamon Bey Beruwala |
---|---|
Meals included | All meals included |
Cinnamon Bey Beruwala
The Cinnamon Bey Hotel is surrounded by coconut trees and vast green lawns, featuring an outdoor swimming pool and six different food and beverage options. A range of mezze and grills are served at the Arabic Mezz2 restaurant, while handmade ice cream, sorbets and frozen yogurts are available at I.C.E Ice Cream Emporium.
All rooms are air-conditioned and consist of a minibar, a safe and satellite TV. The private bathroom includes shower facilities and a hairdryer. You will also have access to the fitness studio and spa, which has a sauna and steam room.
Day 15 - Colombo - London
We make our way back to Colombo to take our return flight back to London.

Meals included | Breakfast |
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Tour dates & prices
Included in your cost:
- Expert Guide Lecturer
- Professional Tour Manager
- Local travel aboard a private air-conditioned coach
- Accommodation
- Meals as per the itinerary, either two glasses of wine, two beers, or two soft drinks and tea or coffee with dinner
- Entries to all sites as per the itinerary
- All taxes & gratuities
- Field notes
Tour Departure | Tour ID | Departure date | Return Date | Guided by | Price | Deposit | Single Supp. | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7 May 2021 | ASRI210507 | 7 May 2021 (Friday) | 21 May 2021 (Friday) | Prof. Bilinda Devage Nandadeva Prof. Nilan Cooray | £4,495 (inc. flights) |
£99 |
£800 | Book Now |
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