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Day 1 |
Depart UK to begin your Sri Lanka Grand Tour! |
Day 2
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Arrive Colombo airport and greeted by your dedicated
Tikalanka Tours chauffeur guide. Short transfer to the beach
at Waikkal on the west coast. Night stay at Waikkal.
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Day 3 |
At leisure. Night stay at Waikkal.
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Day 4 |
At leisure. Night stay at Waikkal.
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Day 5 |
Leave Waikkal and drive up into the island's Cultural Triangle.
Stop off at Yapahuwa ('Fire Rock'), one of the Ephemeral Capitals of Sri Lanka,
which has great views over the area and a well-preserved steep ornamental staircase
(famous for one of its lion's appearing on the Rs 10 note). Continue north to
Anuradhapura, the first capital of ancient Lanka
in the 3rd century BC. Night stay at Anuradhapura.
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Day 6 |
After a leisurely morning, head to the hilltop temple of
Mihintale,
the cradle of Buddhism in
Sri Lanka, and enjoy a walking tour of this historic site.
Night stay at Anuradhapura.
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Day 7 |
Continue round the Cultural Triangle to Polonnaruwa,
visiting the magnificent 12-m high standing Aukana Buddha on the way. Night stay at Polonnaruwa.
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Day 8 |
Visit the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa for a tour of its historic
temples and exquisitely carved statues. In the afternoon, enjoy a jeep safari
in Minneriya National Park to see
elephants and a spectacular array of Sri Lankan bird life. Night stay at Sigiriya.
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Day 9 |
At leisure. Night stay at Sigiriya.
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Day 10 |
Early morning ascent of the rock fortress of Sigiriya
to view the surrounding
countryside at dawn - a very special experience indeed. Tour of Sigiriya's
rock palace and ornamental gardens before continuing on to
Sri Lanka's finest cave temples at Dambulla.
After lunch, drive to the third and final point of the Cultural Triangle - Kandy.
In the early evening, enjoy a performance of the famous
Kandyan Dancers and Drummers, with a fire-walking finale.
Night stay at Kandy.
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Day 11 |
Morning walking tour of Kandy,
taking in the Buddhist monasteries and Hindu devales, the lake,
and the municipal market. In the afternoon, visit the beautifully kept and well presented Peradeniya
Botanic Gardens on the outskirts of Kandy before experiencing the evening's Buddhist puja
(blessing ceremony) at the Temple of the Tooth, Sri Lanka's most revered religious relic.
Night stay at Kandy.
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Day 12 |
Leisurely drive from Kandy to Dalhousie, passing spectacular
mountain scenery and through Sri Lankan 'jungle'
on your way to Adam's Peak. Night stay at
convenient but basic accommodation at
the start of the pilgrimage trail to sacred Sri Pada (Adam's Peak).
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Day 13 |
Very early morning (02.00!) wake-up call for your
1000-metre,
4800-step ascent of Adam's Peak,
which normally takes 3-4 hours to complete.
An awe-inspiring sunrise producing the famous
spectacle known as the 'Shadow of the Peak'
is your reward. A well-deserved
Sri Lankan breakfast awaits your return
at the guesthouse before
heading off to Nuwara
Eliya, the highest town in Sri Lanka at 1900 m above sea level,
where you can spend a restful afternoon
in the capital of the Hill Country. Night
stay at Nuwara Eliya. |
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Day 14 |
Early
morning trek through the heath and forest
of
Horton
Plains National Park in time to see the
spectacular views at World's End before the
cloud sets in. Drive to Ella
for a relaxing day in the cool mountain air
of Ella Gap. Night stay at Ella. |
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Day 15 |
Free
day relaxing or gently trekking at Ella, a well-deserved respite in your
Sri Lanka holiday after an active couple of days trekking. Night
stay at Ella.
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Day 16 |
Leave the Hill Country
and drop 1000m to the southern plain below. Drive on to Yala for a late
afternoon's jeep safari in
Yala
West National Park, Sri Lanka's principal wildlife reserve. Night stay at Yala.
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Day 17 |
An early morning jeep safari in Yala
West National Park to see elephants and the elusive
leopard (hopefully!) is followed by a picturesque
drive along the southern coastline to the
quiet tropical beach at Mirissa.
Relax under the palms or take a dip in the
Indian Ocean.
Night stay at Mirissa. |
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Day 18 |
At leisure. Night stay at Mirissa.
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Day 19 |
At leisure. Night stay at Mirissa.
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Day 20 |
Continue along the southern coastline to Galle
for a tour of the Old Dutch Fort,
a World Heritage Site. Amble around the ramparts and stroll through the Arab Quarter.
Night stay at Galle.
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Day 21 |
A leisurely drive north along the west coast to Negombo, via Colombo.
Night stay at Airport. |
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Day 22 |
Depart Colombo airport with grand ideas for your next Sri Lanka holiday! |
