Jewels of Sri Lanka - Manchester

'Ayubowan' and a warm welcome to Sri Lanka. This ancient greeting, more than just a hello, is a wish for a life filled with well-being, a cultural embrace symbolising the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality and signifying unity, the connection between the modern-day country and its ancient roots. On this special tour, we discover the varied beauty of Sri Lanka, from rainforests and national parks, filled with spectacular wildlife to ancient ruins and stunning temples of important cultural significance. Experience unforgettable jeep safaris to see wild animals in their natural habitat, see elephants bathing and spot the elusive leopard! Boat and tractor rides take us closer to the heart of village culture, as we interact with locals, gaining insight into rural working and domestic life and the deeply woven values and traditions. Unearth a haven of colour and fragrance in exquisite botanical gardens, find out more about the medicinal uses of plants on a visit to a spice garden, and enjoy a delicious cup of tea after a tour of a lush tea plantation.What's Included?
Includes- Return in-direct flights to Columbo- Airport taxes & luggage allowance (one piece of checked-in hold luggage per person)- Airport transfers in Sri Lanka- 9 nights in hotels as specified in Sri Lanka (JG3, JG3+ & JG4 rating) on an all-inclusive basis:- Welcome drink & refreshing cold towel on arrival- Breakfast, lunch & dinner- Free bar (including beer, wine, soft drinks & a selection of spirits)- Two bottles of water per person, per day- Porterage- Excursions to Minneriya National Park, Sevanagama Village, Dambulla Temple, Matale Spice Gardens, Royal Botanical Gardens, Temple of Tooth, Nuwara Eliya tea plantation & Galle Dutch Fort- Guided city tour of Colombo- Cultural dance show- Game drive at Yala National Park- Services of a local Tour ManagerOptional excursion to Madu River - Sold in resort

Itinerary
ItineraryDay 1 - DepartureWe depart the UK for our overnight flight to Sri Lanka.Day 2 - Arrival & Guided city tour of ColomboWe fly into Colombo and transfer to the Colombo Courtyard Hotel, by Marriott, where a warm welcome awaits, along with a welcome drink and refreshing cold towel.In the late afternoon, after settling in at the hotel, we enjoy a guided city tour of Colombo, the largest city and former administrative capital of Sri Lanka. A vibrant city, with a mixture of modern life and remnants of a bygone colonial era, Colombo is home to many historical landmarks and contemporary architecture, showcasing a rich cultural heritage. Due to its large harbour and strategic position along the East-Western trade routes, Colombo was known to ancient traders 2,000 years ago but was only made capital when Sri Lanka was ceded to the British Empire in 1815. Our tour takes us to Colombo's historical, religious and commercial sites, including the historic and bustling Fort and Pettah, the elite residential Cinnamon Gardens and the Galle Face Green, as well as a drive by the newly opened Lotus Tower.Later, at the hotel, we enjoy a welcome dinner - a chance to relax and get to know the other group members.Day 3 - Dambulla & Minneriya National ParkAfter breakfast, we check out of the hotel and head to the town of Dambulla, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After check-in at the Tropical Life hotel, we enjoy lunch in the main restaurant before setting off for our jeep safari at the Minneriya National Park.Famous for its large wild herds of elephants, which congregate on the edge of rivers and reservoirs to bathe and socialise, this park is one of the best in Sri Lanka to see these wild giants in their element, as our jeep takes us close to the herd for a better view of this beautiful sight. A mixed forest of 8,890 hectares, the park is overflowing with evergreen shrubs and consists of grasslands, marshes and deep woods. This vast range of ecosystems supports incredible biodiversity, creating a wildlife refuge - the Ceylon fish owl and sea eagle are among the bird species you may spot. The park is home to leopards, deer, sloth bears and monkeys, including the purple-faced langur and macaques.Later, we return to the hotel and have the rest of the evening to spend at leisure and enjoy dinner.Day 4 - Sevanagama Village Tour & PolonnaruwaImmerse yourself in the beauty of Sri Lanka's rural life with today's unique excursions, on which we discover stunning natural sites, and diverse wildlife and gain insight into the rural lifestyle of the people who live here.We begin our tour of Sevanagama Village with a breathtaking catamaran ride across the serene lakeside. Admire stunning views, spot various species of birds and animals and appreciate the craftsmanship of the boatmen, as they create exquisite welcome garlands from water lily flowers. Next, a manual tractor ride transports us into the heart of traditional and rural village life, as we explore a vibrant flower garden, see how seasonal crops are harvested and visit a Montessori village kindergarten. We join the village farmers on a nature trail through lush paddy fields, vegetable gardens, and papaya plantations, leading to a traditional mud house and gain further insight into conventional domestic life, as the local farming families teach us how to prepare authentic meals, such as Pol Roti with Pol Sambol, a Sri Lankan flatbread. After our demonstration, we enjoy a delicious lunch before a memorable tuk-tuk ride through the Sevanagama village.We then head to the country's second capital, Polonnaruwa. Built in the 11th and 12th centuries, this World Heritage Site showcases ruins of the Royal Palace and the Gal Viharaya, where three splendid statues of the Buddha rest in upright, sedentary and recumbent postures, carved out of rock. There's so much to see, from the Audience Hall, notable for its frieze of elephants and fine lion carvings, Nelum Pokuna - the Lotus pond, the 12th century Polonnaruwa statue and Parakrama Samudra Lake, built by King Parakramabahu the Great.Later, we travel back to our hotel and enjoy our evening meal.Day 5 - Dambulla Temple, Matale spice garden & KandyAfter breakfast, we check out of our hotel and begin our journey to Kandy, stopping en route to visit Dambulla Cave Temple. 2,100 years old, this temple holds a unique atmosphere and has been treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.C. Today, it is a Sri Lankan icon and houses exceptional drawings in five magnificently constructed cave temples, flanking the main golden temple of Dambulla. Exquisite paintings cover the cave walls, that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha with the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold, which today houses an important junction in the country's economic and cultural uplifting.We continue our drive to Kandy, stopping on the way at a spice garden in Matale. Here we see these plants growing in their natural habitat and learn how they are used in traditional medicine and local cuisine. Once we arrive in Kandy, we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before checking in at the Topaz Hotel, where we spend the rest of the day at leisure.Please note: to reach Dambulla Caves, there is a short, but fairly steep incline with steps.Day 6 - Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Kandy & the Temple of ToothThis morning, we enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and then visit Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Elegant and spacious, Sri Lanka's largest garden is 147 acres and home to over 4,000 different species of plants, including beautiful orchids, ferns and palms. The 10,000 or so mature trees, many tropical timbers, gently sway like lofty giants, creating a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. Highlights of the collection include the Giant Bamboo of Burma, which rapidly grows 30 centimetres a day and can reach a height of 40 meters.In Kandy, we stop for lunch at a local restaurant and continue to the Temple of Tooth. Considered the foremost sacred place of worship in the Buddhist world, the temple guards one of Lord Buddha's teeth, preserved in a gold casket, resting on a beautiful solid gold lotus flower and encased in jewelled caskets upon a throne.A stroll across the city, cradled by mountains among misty hills, takes us to the centre of Kandy. The spiritual heart of Sri Lanka, the city is a unique blend of nature and luxury, where a shiny shopping complex sits alongside a peaceful central lake. Explore the marketplace, locally known as a bazaar and the arts centre, as well as a gem museum and lapidary, ahead of a refreshing coconut drink from one of the many colourful fruit stands in the market.Day 7 - Tea Plantation & Nuwara EliyaAfter breakfast, we check out of our hotel and journey to Nuwara Eliya, stopping en route to visit one of Kandy's tea plantations. Ceylon tea is perhaps the most famous tea in the world and as the most important export of Sri Lanka, there's lots to discover here. Go behind the scenes of this world-renowned produce, as we meet the people who pick it and learn about their lives, walk through the tea plantations, visit a processing factory, and enjoy a delicious cup straight from where it's made.Nuwara Eliya, meaning 'the city of dawn,' sits at the highest elevation (about 2000m above sea level) in Sri Lanka and its tallest peak, Piduruthalagala, can be seen from here. The city, known as 'Little England', was established by the British in the 19th century and today thrives as a popular holiday resort for locals and tourists, due to its cool climate and quaint feel. We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before check-in at Heaven Seven Nuwara Eliya, with the rest of the day to spend at leisure.Day 8 - Yala National Park SafariWe enjoy breakfast before leaving for Yala. On arrival at the Elephant Reach Hotel, we settle in and have lunch here.Later in the afternoon, when wild animals become active and search for food, we set off for a 4WD jeep wildlife safari into the national park. We explore many wondrous sites today and try to catch a glimpse of the magnificent yet elusive leopard. Wild boar, deer, elephants, bears, peacocks, flamingos and many more animals roam freely as nature intended, while elephants gather at waterholes to drink and bathe their young.We return to the hotel for our evening meal and enjoy time at leisure.Day 9 - Galle Dutch Fort & BentotaAfter breakfast at the hotel, we check out and leave for Bentota, with an en-route visit to Galle Dutch Fort. The picturesque town of Galle was the centre of Dutch rule in the 17th century and its history is depicted in the majestic Fort. The city is one of the best-preserved colonial-era locations in Southeast Asia and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk on the old ramparts and admire the amazing views of the sea or shop for souvenirs and traditional crafts at the boutiques. After some exploring, we stop for lunch at a local restaurant and continue to Bentota, where we check in at the Ekho Surf Hotel. We spend the evening at leisure and enjoy our dinner.Day 10 - Optional cruise on Madu RiverToday, you can choose to have a day at leisure or join us on a discovery of the Madu River.On the Madu River cruise, we witness the timeless natural rhythms of rural life and stop to watch local farmers go about their daily work of cinnamon planting and coconut leaf weaving. We journey through an eco-reserve, considered a breeding ground for many endangered species of plants and animals. An ornithologist's paradise, this wetland has approximately forty-six species of birds, including fourteen aquatic varieties. Watch out for the water monitors, kingfishers, eagles, monkeys and colourful butterflies!This evening, we gather for our farewell dinner.Day 10We check out of our hotel and transfer to the airport for our flight home.Hotel
Colombo Courtyard Hotel, ColomboJG3+ ratingDesigned with comfort in mind, this boutique hotel offers well-appointed rooms with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, smart TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, minibar, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. The hotel features a bar, restaurant, plunge pool, a cosy library and the Amber spa with sauna and steam room (spa treatments are available at an extra cost). Try a signature cocktail at the Loft bar or enjoy tapas at the Amber poolside.Tropical Life Resort & Spa, DambullaJG3+ ratingSituated in the heart of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, the Tropical Life Resort & Spa overlooks the iconic Dambulla Cave temple, surrounded by large, landscaped gardens with flowering plants. Guests are welcome to enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, bar with seating area and gym. The luxurious contemporary bedrooms are elegantly designed and offer a flat-screen TV, minibar, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and complimentary toiletries.Topaz Hotel, KandyJG3+ ratingThe Topaz Hotel stands on the highest point of Sri Lanka's hill capital and offers a secluded stay within the regal city of Kandy. Rooms feature panoramic views of green mountains and the surrounding countryside and include a mini bar, tea and coffee-making amenities, TV, free Wi-Fi and luxury bathroom products. The Tamarind restaurant serves authentic cuisine, while the chic rooftop Orchid Lounge offers scenic outdoor dining.Heaven Seven Hotel, Nuwara EliyaJG3 ratingNestled among the picturesque hills of Nuwara Eiya, the Heaven Seven Hotel offers a tranquil stay, with spectacular views. Rooms are modern, comfortable, and elegantly furnished. They feature a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee-making facilities and free Wi-Fi. The restaurant offers a varied menu, from vibrant Sri Lankan flavours to international delights.Elephant Reach Hotel, YalaJG3+ ratingThe Elephant Reach Hotel combines authentic Sri Lankan hospitality with luxury. Tranquil bedrooms offer a flat-screen TV, minibar, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, tea and coffee-making facilities and complimentary toiletries. Guests can enjoy Tusks restaurant, which serves up a new take on traditional Sri Lankan favourites and indulge in custom-ordered cocktails or wine under star-draped skies at the Pool Bar.Ekho Surf, BentotaJG4 ratingThe EKHO Surf sits along a spectacular stretch of white sandy beach, offering an immersive, luxurious experience and the ideal location to enjoy glorious views while listening to the gentle waves of the Indian Ocean. Rooms feature modern amenities, including air-conditioning, tea and coffee-making facilities, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and complimentary toiletries. The main restaurant, L'héritage, offers indoor and outdoor 'Alfresco' style dining while the seafood restaurant Fruits De Mer is set by the poolside.Hotel RatingJG3 ratingHotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.JG3+ ratingJG3+ hotels typically enjoy higher levels of satisfaction on both online hotel rating sites and our own customer satisfaction surveys and may enjoy superior locations close to resort attractions or surrounded by spectacular scenery.JG4 ratingAccommodation in our JG4 category is of an even higher standard, typically offering a wide range of facilities and services. Bedrooms are designed to make your stay the most comfortable possible and the staff provide a service that reflects the detail and quality. You can also expect higher standards of food and beverages.