Simply Sri Lanka

It may be pocket-sized but there’s plenty to see in Sri Lanka! After checking in to your hotel, Negombo is waiting for you.  Hang at the beach or watch local fisherman hauling in lobsters and crabs. You might check out the fish market then grab a fresh seafood meal for dinner – it’s up to you.

Stay: Negombo, Amora Lagoon

Hit the road after breakfast this morning – the Dambulla Cave Temple awaits. It’s one of the country’s most impressive temples, with five caves filled with ancient statues, paintings and artwork. This afternoon you’ll arrive in Habarana, located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. Enjoy a chat with fellow travellers during tonight’s dinner.

Stay: Three nights, Habarana Village by Cinnamon

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Welcome to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, where you’ll be guided throughout the World Heritage-listed ruins. Be sure to wear your walking shoes – there’s a lot to tick off, including the Royal Palace, the Quadrangle and the Gal Vihara group of Buddha statues. When your tour is complete, either transfer back to Habarana or join an optional safari in Minneriya National Park (must be booked on tour). Just quietly, you won’t want to miss this one – Minneriya is said to be home to the world’s largest gathering of Asian elephants.

• Breakfast
• Dinner

HOT TIP!

With a wealth of ancient sites, Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle – which includes Habarana – is a great place to ride a bike. You can hire one from your hotel and spend the afternoon pedalling at your leisure.

Fuel up for today’s discovery – a three-hour easy walk through the village of Hiriwaduna. Start along a man-made reservoir, keeping your eyes peeled for birds, butterflies and crocs. Watch villagers fishing and washing clothes at the edge of the water, then enjoy local cuisine during lunch and a cooking demonstration. It’s back to your hotel for some much-deserved R&R. Or, choose an optional evening climb of Sigiriya (must be booked on tour).

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Onwards to Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings. Get your bearings with a drive around the lake. Dive into local life in Kandy Town and the bazaar, and visit the Kandyan Arts & Crafts Industrial Centre and a gem museum. Then, prepare for tonight’s adventures – a visit to the Temple of The Buddha’s Tooth followed by a cultural dance performance.

Stay: Cinnamon Citadel Kandy

• Breakfast
• Dinner

HOT TIP!

Since you’re in the heart of tea country, treat yourself to High Tea in the manicured gardens at the Grand Hotel. Sip on a selection of fine Sri Lankan teas accompanied by dainty finger food.

Sri Lanka is synonymous with tea and today you’ll get the full experience. Amid cool, misty hillsides carpeted in lush greenery, you’ll tour a Ceylon tea factory and enjoy the perfect cup. With the heavenly scent imprinted in your memory, it’s off to Nuwara Eliya for the evening.

Stay: Nuwara Eliya, Heaven Seven Hotel

• Breakfast
• Dinner

HOT TIP!

Visit the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project and learn how the centre is increasing hatching rates. If you’re lucky, you might get to witness a baby turtle release.

You’ve tasted the tea. Now for Sri Lanka’s spectacular beaches. Enjoy the drive towards the southern coast on your way to Kosgoda. You have nothing planned, so why not plonk yourself on the beach or by the pool with a good book and call it a day?

Stay: Two nights, Kosgoda, The Habitat Hotel

• Breakfast
• Dinner

HOT TIP!

While in Galle, grab a seat at the rooftop bar at Flag Rock – views of the old town, lighthouse and ocean are as epic as the cocktails.

There’s still time to laze around on the beaches, but before that Galle is calling. Here, the historic Portuguese and Dutch architecture feels somewhat unexpected in the tropical setting. Walk through the fort, see the lighthouse and browse the huge range of souvenirs at the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex. This is certainly a unique place. Back in Kosgoda, why not relax on the beach or by the pool with a cocktail in hand?

• Breakfast
• Dinner