The Sri Lanka Travel Specialists
The Trinco Explorer is ideal for those travelling to Sri Lanka during the European summer from about May to September. During this time, the seas off Sri Lanka’s North East coast are in season and perfect for snorkelling, surfing and even whale and dolphin spotting. Visit the ancient kingdoms of Anuradhapura and Sigiriya where the ruins of two great cities bring history alive. Enjoy the white sandy beaches near Trincomalee. As always, the itinerary is flexible and Red Dot is happy to make changes to suit your needs.
Upon arriving in Sri Lanka, transfer to a convenient hotel close to the international airport. Relax and unwind after your flight, preparing yourself for the adventure ahead.
Explore the ruins of Anuradhapura – Sri Lanka’s first capital and once the greatest monastic city of the ancient world. Anuradhapura was a royal capital for more than 100 Sri Lankan kings, and was also home to thousands of monks from dozens of monasteries. Anuradhapura is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ancient Bo Tree, originally a branch of the Bo tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.
Immerse yourself in the life of Sri Lanka's east coast which houses some of the island's finest beaches – and that is quite an accolade. Take a boat ride to Pigeon Island, a breeding site for Blue Rock Pigeon and ideal location for half-day snorkelling excursions. A whale and dolphin spotting excursion into the deep seas is possible during the season when the waters are calm. Explore Trincomalee town. Visit Fort Frederick, first used by the Portuguese in 1624, followed by the Dutch and later by the British. At the northern tip of Fort Frederick is Swami Rock which drops 110 metres into the sea. The view of the natural harbour and the Indian Ocean is breath-taking.
Today you head back to the Cultural Triangle. Rise early the next day and climb Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most dramatic, inspiring and beautiful historical locations in the world. Worthy of being called the “eighth wonder of the world”, Sigiriya is Sri Lanka’s answer to the Taj Mahal and will astonish anyone with its outstandingly beautiful views, staggering engineering and peerless design.
A final night's stay convenient for the airport.
Jetwing Blue is a luxurious contemporary beach hotel in Negombo. Barely a trace of the old Blue Oceanic remains after an extensive refurbishment: the hotel is a light and airy hotel with a Mediterranean feel, only 20 minutes from the airport.
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. Often elephants, buffaloes, and deer wander out of the forest to drink at the adjacent lake, which was renovated by the hotel.
Nilaveli Beach Resort is a relaxed 16-room holiday retreat consisting of nine separate wooden cabanas on stilts, set right on the beach. It is secluded and peaceful but still an excellent location for excursions to Pigeon Island and Trincomalee.
Lake Lodge, a 12-room boutique hotel in the heart of the cultural triangle, is surrounded by the peaceful gentle hills of Kandalama, and the lake beyond. Accommodation is in six two-storey chalets, with balconies on the upper floor, opening out to picturesque jungle and mountains views
Casa Heliconia is an exquisite holiday retreat on a fruit and vegetable estate only 45 minutes from the airport. It consists of just two chalets, a swimming pool pavilion and a lounge pavilion, all of which are immersed in lush tropical gardens. Sister property of the acclaimed Kandy House.
Red Dot selects only the best accommodation in Sri Lanka, in its particular price range. Please suggest which of the three categories might most appeal to you. (You can tick more than one box).
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