Sri Lanka Holidays - Classic Cultural Tour – 14 nights
About this holiday:
This 'Classic Cultural Tour' takes you deep back into history.
You will gain a better understanding of the island’s
remarkably rich cultural and religious history that dates
back 2,500 years. The itinerary is designed to uncover lesser
known, but still entrancing remains of Sri Lanka’s cultural
past. Of course, we are able to tinker with this itinerary
and add an extra night here and there or even add a different
hotel inorder to suit your needs.
Holiday highlights
• Ruined cities of ancient kingdoms
• Rock fortresses and hilltop palaces
• Serene Buddhist cave temples
• An elephant safari
• Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth
• Train through tea-growing highlands
• Walking in Horton Plains
• Galle’s UNESCO-protected Fort
• Bentota’s Brief Garden
Itinerary:
Day 1: Upon arriving in Sri Lanka, transfer to Horathapola
Estate, a small planter’s house set in a fruit and spice
estate a short 45-minute drive from the airport. This planter’s
bungalow is an ideal haven for acclimatising to Sri Lanka’s
tropical climes and rejuvenating after the long flight.
Accommodation profile: Horathopala
is a small five-bedroom British planter's bungalow that was
built in the 1920's. The building design follows the traditional
architectural style of columns and verandahs. Ancestral antique
furniture, including four-poster beds lined with handmade lace,
gives a glimpse of this idyllic Planter’s lifestyle.
Surrounded by well-clipped lawns and breathtaking hardwood trees,
ample bird song and butterflies, all contribute to a calm and
peaceful atmosphere that can be best enjoyed just relaxing in
a Planter’s chair in the verandah with a good book and
a cup of tea.
The estate, which produces coconut, mango, pineapple and spices,
is still run by the Fernando family, Javanah and Pia, who add
a friendly, laid-back but efficient air. The Sri Lankan rice
and curries cooked in traditional clay pots over a firewood
flame are mouth-wateringly delicious with many of the ingredients
grown on the state.
Day 2 & 3: Your destination this morning is Yapahuwa, described
by the Insight Guide to Sri Lanka as "one of the great
architectural wonders of the island.” Climb an impressive
staircase, decorated by murals and guarded by lions, to what
remains of the palace. If time permits visit Sasseruwa, an ancient
cave monastery possessing a striking Buddha statue. Then onward
to Aukana, where the Buddha stands 42 feet high.
It is the best preserved statue in Sri Lanka. As night falls,
proceed to Anuradhapura and check in at Palm Gardens. Early
next morning, if you wish, you can climb 1,840 steps, high above
the palm trees, with the pilgrims to the summit of Mihantale
rock. Minihtale is the cradle of Buddhism. The pagodas and monastic
cave dwellings are more easily experienced. Thereafter, visit
the fabulous 'Mahakanadarawa' stone bridge, which dates back
to the 7th century and is situated in the midst of the forest.
After lunch drive to Anuradhapura: the royal capital of 113
ancient kings and once the greatest monastic city of the world.
It served as Sri Lanka's capital for around 1,400 years until
Polonnaruwa took over in 1073. Archaeologists in the 18th century
felt they were discovering a lost city, and you will understand
why as you gaze upon the remains of the palaces, statues and
pleasure gardens. Back to Palm Garden Village for the night.
Accommodation profile:Palm Garden Village
has the air of a colonial club, but one with
a relaxed and enlightened feel. It was built in traditional
colonial style in the late 1990s and stands in a large park,
with villas immersed in the greenery. This botanical garden
is well stocked with flowers, spices, and fruit. Often elephants,
buffaloes, and deer wander out of the forest to drink at the
adjacent lake, which was renovated by the hotel. Palm Garden’s
profusion of bird life also holds particular appeal for Ornithologists.
Day 4 & 5: Your first target today is the Kalaweva, one of the
massive reservoirs built by King Dhatusena. Afterwards, proceed
to Ritigala and climb through the nature reserve to a monastic
complex. This visit will give you a satisfying feel of nature
as well as history and an appreciation of the great Hindu legend
of Ramayana.
After a late lunch at Habarana Lodge hotel, drive to Deer Park,
a beautiful boutique-style hotel set in dry jungle on the banks
of the Giritale reservoir. After breakfast, the next day, leave
for Medirigiriya. This is another impressive cultural site off
the tourist trail.
The remains of this temple are the finest in the island. Lunch
at the Polonnaruwa Rest House, where Queen Elizabeth II stayed
for one night when she visited Ceylon in 1954. After visiting
Polannaruwa museum, the afternoon is given over to an exploration
of Polannaruwa itself, the famous medieval capital. Here, the
tourists rightly flock, and you may wish to enhance your visit
by exploring the remains, spread two square miles, by bicycle.
Accommodation profile: Not all
development spoils a landscape. The Deer Park is a true luxury
eco resort, subtly enhancing the beauty of its surroundings.
It has a tranquil, natural feel, with the sound of birdsong
and rushing waterfalls.
Since being taken over by Angsana Resorts & Spa, one of
Asia’s leading boutique and contemporary hotel chains,
the entire property has undergone a chic, major refurbishment
with considerable care taken over interior design. The result
is chic, contemporary, exotic and peaceful retreat - a perfect
place to unwind and relax away from the outside world.
Day 6:
Rise early the next day and head towards Sigiriya. The Sigiriya
Rock is another of Sri Lanka's UNESCO world heritage sites and
no matter how often you climb to the summit of this one-time
fortress of the murderous, maverick, yet brilliant Sinhalese
king, Kassapa, the pleasure barely diminishes.
Many scholars believe that Kassapa sought to rule as a God-king.
About two hours can happily be spent walking through its water
gardens, and then up the steep steps - either hewn out of the
rock or on circular iron staircases - past the frescoes probably
depicting some of Kassapa's many wives. You will be in no rush
to abandon the spectacular views at the summit. A few minutes
drive and you can rest and unwind at the Sigiriya Village Hotel.
Accommodation profile:Sigiriya Village
is a jungle retreat conveniently located only a few minutes
away from the Sigiriya rock and offers 120 cabanas-style accommodation
with private verandahs, which blends successfully with its charming
rural setting. The gigantic Sirigiriya rock looms over the treetops,
a sight not to be missed especially at sunset whilst relaxing
by the poolside.
Day 7 & 8:
After breakfast, visit Dambulla’s serene Buddhist cave
Temples. Drive through the Knuckles mountain range to Kandy,
capital of the hill country. Check into the Mahaweli Reach Hotel
where you will be spending two nights. Kandy, officially a city,
but more a lakeside hill town has so much appeal. Visit a gem
museum and see how precious gems are cut, polished and set into
intricate pieces of jewellery. Kandy's age-old Botanical gardens,
with its orchid collection and formally laid-out trees, is also
a delight. Lunch is available at the garden cafeteria under
the trees on the lawn. After lunch, visit the British cemetery,
where the tombs include that of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator
of Sherlock Holmes, and look in at the Archaeological Museum.
Most important is a visit to the Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known
as the Temple of the Tooth where a sacred tooth relic of the
Lord Buddha is enshrined.
Accommodation
profile:This original ancestral home of the
Panabokke family now is one of Kandy’s finest hotels located
along side the Mahaweli River. The family still manages and
lives in the Mahaweli Reach hotel itself, providing a personal
touch and maintaining the aristocratic Kandyan heritage. The
family is closely associated with the Temple of the tooth and
will be able to arrange special visits and give added information.
Mahaweli Reach has 115 modern, carpeted a/c rooms with all the
conveniences.
Day 9:
Train travel often adds a sense of history and Sri Lanka is
no exception. You have the option to wind through the mountain
scenery, studded with tea plantations, en route to Nuwara Eliya
by train, leaving your driver to transport your luggage by car.
This most famous of Sri Lanka's hill stations, more than 6,000ft
above sea level, is nicknamed Little England, although it has
more of a feel of the West of Scotland. Check in at St. Andrews
Hotel, a resting point with a strong sense of history. Accommodation profile: This stately
Tudor-style colonial mansion, built in the latter part of the
19th century, preserves the feel of a bygone age. Standing alongside
imposing pine trees, it has a rather stern exterior. But inside
is a world of open fires, candlelit dinners and a well-stocked
wine cellar. Many of the 52 rooms, including 12 suites or family
rooms, have quaint period furniture. All have attached bathrooms.
Each room offers a view of the distant mountains and lush vegetation-clad
hills.
Day 10 & 11:
Even the most enthusiastic culture-seeker may be in need of
a relaxing start to the day. Lie in if you prefer, but you have
the option of rising early, armed with picnic breakfast packets,
and being driven to Horton's Plains for a trek amid the wild
scenery of this mountain plateau. Visit the famous viewpoint
at World's End and watch out for Sambur deer, and a profusion
of endemic bird life. After lunch back at St. Andrews Hotel,
you start on your onward journey. Visit the Ella Rest House
and the Rawana Waterfalls before the road dives steeply to Haputale,
one of the favourite haunts of the tea millionaire Sir Thomas
Lipton. Check into Kelbourne Cottages and spend your time here
savouring the magnificent views.
Accommodation profile: On a ridge
close to Haputale, blessed by one of the most breathtaking vistas
that Sri Lanka can offer, stands the Kelbourne Cottages. On
a clear day, majestic views south and east can stretch for more
than 50 miles. The cottages date from the turn of the 19th/20th
century and each comes with cozy furnishings, books and magazines,
and TV, as well as a chef to prepare meals at any time of day.
Here is a chance to unwind in the serene hill country and prepare
for the following days winding downhill journey to the South
Coast.
Day 12 & 13: long drive southeast takes
you via Matara to Galle. On the way, it is advisable not to
miss Hituwalena Cave, just off the main road at Balangoda, this
time not Buddhist, but a Muslim holy place which is said to
possess an underground cave that runs all the way to Mecca.
Galle is your final destination. Check into the newly refurbished
Galle Fort Hotel for two days relaxation. The world heritage
site of Galle’s Dutch Fort, with its well-preserved ramparts
overlooking the cricket ground, and lighthouse staring into
the Indian Ocean, deserves a day’s exploration. The architecture
and the lifestyle within this fortified south-coat town, is
enjoying a wave of popularity with artists, painters and a sprinkling
of property developers who just fancy renovating a wonderful
old properties within the walls of the Fort.
Accommodation profile: The renovation
of Galle Fort Hotel is a triumph. The hotel evokes a subtle
sense of colonial grandeur, skillfully updated for the modern
age. The inner courtyard, with a tiny garden and 10-metre swimming
pool, offers a tranquil and exclusive area for guests. But a
sense of history does not mean that the Galle Fort’s guests
will gather dust; far from it. The small bar-cum-verandah cafe
is becoming a favoured meeting point, with the two Australian
owners encouraging a convivial atmosphere where intelligent
opinions are to be shared, not hidden. be shared, not hidden.
An exciting restaurant offers classic Asian-Western dishes.
The friendly staff will ensure a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Day 14: You travel on to the capital,
Colombo, after breakfast. En route enjoy the breathtaking views
of the West Coast beaches. Next stop is Brief Garden in Kalawila,
an enchanting garden and undulating landscape of paddies and
scattered villages on a hillside designed by Bevis Bawa, the
brother of Geoffrey, Sri Lanka’s most revered architect.
Travel on to Mount Lavinia located just south of the Capital,
Colombo. Explore Mt. Lavinia and the city of Colombo including
a bit of shopping and a meal at one of the many interesting
restaurants. We suggest a final dinner at the Gallery Café,
which is one of Asia’s most atmospheric and relaxing restaurants.
Accommodation profile: The Mt.
Lavinia Hotel, which is in the southern fringe of Colombo, is
a characterful beachside hotel of great tradition. It was famously
once the sprawling mansion of a British governor general in
Colonial times. It has modern amenities along with the old-world
charm. Situated just 12 km outside the city centre, it is also
a convenient base to explore Colombo.
Day 15: Depart in good time for your flight
back home.
Cost: TBC
Package price includes:
•
14 night’s BB accommodation on twin-sharing
basis • Airconditioned car and
English-speaking driver for tour and transfers • First-class train tickets
from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya • Entrance fees: Yapahuwa,
Aukana, Anuradhapura, Mihintale, Sasaruwa, Ritigala,
Dambulla Cave Temples, Sigiriya Rock, Polonnaruwa,
Temple of the
Tooth, Brief Garden • Entrance and jeep hire
for Horton Plains.
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This 'Classic Cultural Tour' takes you deep back into history.
You will gain a better understanding of the island’s
remarkably rich cultural and religious history that dates
back 2,500 years. The itinerary is designed to uncover lesser
known, but still entrancing remains of Sri Lanka’s cultural
past. Of course, we are able to tinker with this itinerary
and add an extra night here and there or even add a different
hotel inorder to suit your needs.
