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Day 1 – London/Colombo
Fly London to Colombo with AirLanka overnight. |
Day 2 – Negombo
A day to relax on the sandy beaches of Negombo and one night at the medium-class Browns Hotel. (BD)
Day 3 – To Anuradhapura
We start with the medieval temple at Padeniya, and thence to the rock fortress of Yapahuwa with superb carvings and frescoes. Two nights at the splendid Palm Garden Village outside Anuradhapura. (BD)
Day 4 – Anuradhapura
Rivalling any of the world’s great ancient cities the ruins of palaces and temples scattered around the lakes and lanes stretch back more than two millennia. Anuradhapura is a revelation in stone. Among the dagobas we fi nd the world’s oldest historically recorded tree. There is a viewing platform by the lake where wild elephant are sometimes seen. (BD)
Day 5 – Aukana/Ritigala
We drive today to see the revered Aukana Buddha then explore the very remote but very atmospheric jungle ruins at Ritigala. Two nights at the fi ne lakeside Hotel Sudu Araliya in Polonnaruwa. (BD)
Day 6 – Polonnaruwa
Another full day as we explore the massive ruins of Polonnaruwa, the crumbling Palace complex, richly endowed Quadrangle, cathedral-like Lankatilaka, the beautiful frescoes in the Tivanka image house and the gloriously serene buddhas carved gigantically in coloured granite at Gal Vihara. Return to the hotel to watch the bird life on the lake. (BD)
Day 7 – Sigiriya/Dambulla/Aluvihara
This morning we head for the Hill Country via the great fortress of Sigiriya, the magnifi cent cave temples at Dambulla and the picturesque rock monastery of Aluvihara and three nights Kandy Hotel Topaz or similar. (BD)
Day 8 – Kandy
A leisurely day exploring the treasures of this relaxed and charming town including a visit to a puja offering at the gilded Temple of the Tooth with the famous Kandyan drummers and a stroll in the botanical gardens. (BD)
Day 9 – Degaldoruwa and Embekke
Today is another special day as we drive outside the city and into the stunningly beautiful hill country to visit some small and unforgettable temples before returning to the city and a cultural show tonight and a fi nal puja. (BD)
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Day 10 – To Colombo
Return to the coast and two nights at the wonderful colonial Mount Lavinia Hotel. (B)
Day 11 – Mount Lavinia
A free day to relax on the sandy beach or perhaps enjoy the bustling city centre. (B)
Day 12 – Colombo/London
Fly AirLanka from Colombo to London. (B)
Expert: Michael Ackroyd has travelled to Sri Lanka many times and knows the country and its people intimately both from the historical and modern perspective. |