YOUR ITINERARY - AT A GLANCE 10 DAYS | 1 COUNTRY | 9 BREAKFASTS | 2 LUNCHES | 6 DINNERS | 13 INCLUDED EXPERIENCES
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DAY 1 WELCOME TO SRI LANKA. Welcome to Sri Lanka. On arrival, you'll be picked up and transferred to your luxury hotel, the Taj Samudra, Colombo. A contemporary building situated on the seafront, it provides an idyllic ambience at sunset.
Unwind and rejuvenate before meeting your fellow travellers and Travel Director at 19:00 for a Welcome Dinner with drinks. (DW) Hotel Taj Samudra, Colombo. | Contemporary
DAY 2 EXPLORE COLOMBO. đ&#x;‘ In the morning, head on a leisurely walking tour of Colombo with Mark Forbes, a photographer and wildlife enthusiast, and discover the hidden treasures this city has to offer. Journey through a myriad of buildings that date back from 17th century and were erected mainly during the Dutch & British rule. Visit Pettah Market, where locals head to pick up fresh fruit and vegetables, garments and jewellery. This market place is older than the buildings around it and an area best explored with a local. ★ Later, head out to explore old Colombo town by Tuk-Tuk. Cruise the city streets whilst watching the sun lower over the Indian ocean and the city lights come alive for an evening of buzzing activity. (B) (D)
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DAY 3 ¡ RELAXED START WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE. After breakfast, begin your journey to Wilpattu National Park. On arrival, check into your luxury safari camp located on the border of the park, a quintessential glamping experience and satisfying blend of comfort and nature. Enjoy relaxing in your spacious living room, with views of the lush, green jungle just steps away. In the evening, explore the park by jeep safari in search for Sri Lanka's big four — leopards, elephants, sloth bear and deer. (B) (L) (D) Mahoora Safari Camp, Wilpattu National Park. | Contemporary
DAY 4 JUNGLE SAFARI. Today you will enjoy a full day of journeying through the jungle. (B) (L) (D)
DAY 5 WILPATTU TO SIGIRIYA. In the morning head south making your way to Sigiriya. ★ Stop at Anuradhapura complex temple, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka. Sprawling with a rich collection of archaeological wonders, you'll have the opportunity to explore its ruins with your Travel Director. đ&#x;‘ After, meet a practising Buddhist and embark on a guided walking tour through Ritigala's jungle-enveloped paths. Hear tales and secrets of the forest dwelling monks, a monastic community, who once inhabited the monastic reserve, devoting their lives to living simply in the forest. (B) (D)  Hotel Aliya Resort and Spa, Sigiriya. | Contemporary
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DAY 6 EXPLORING SIGIRIYA’S ANCIENT KINGDOM.
Explore Sigiriya with Insight Choice. Choose between climbing Sigiriya Rock or a visit to Sigiriya Botanical Gardens. Later, visit the historic city of Polonnaruwa by tuk-tuk, the second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, where you will explore remains of ancient temples and tombs. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site before heading back to your hotel for dinner. (B) (D)
DAY 7 COLOURFUL CAVES AND RAINFORESTS. Today you'll visit the colourful Dambulla Caves. Also known as the Golden Temple caves, this World Heritage Site is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Stop at Matale Spice Garden, home to exotic plant species and spice trees, and find out how those spices are used in the preparation of local dishes. Later, arrive in Kandy. Once here you'll enjoy an evening of a cultural evening of drums and dance performance. (B) (D) Mahaweli Reach Hotel, Kandy. | Traditional
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DAY 8 ¡ RELAXED START TEA COUNTRY HILLS. ★ Visit the Sacred Tooth Relic. Located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy it is home to Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist relic, a tooth of Buddha. đ&#x;‘ Later visit Rahju, a local artist, at this contemporary art gallery. Enjoy a private viewing of his magnificent paintings and discuss his unique perspectives on life over a cup of tea. Continue to Nuawara Eliya, a green haven of tea plantations and tea gardens.
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In the evening, participate in a cooking demonstration, where you' ll learn to cook Sri Lankan and South Indian cuisine with a local chef before indulging in your hard work. (B) (D) Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya. | Historic
DAY 9 EXPLORING NUWARA ELIYA. Join an excursion to Horton Plains for a hike to World's End, where a stunning escarpment plunges 880 metres down to the jungle floor. Stand in awe and capture incredible views of the expansive plateau before mist and cloud obscure the scene. In the afternoon, you will be treated to a special experience when you visit a tea plantation and tea gardens. Walk in the plantation during plucking time and spend time with a tea plucker to learn about their life, before enjoying a tasting session with a tea expert. In the evening, toast to your travels with your new friends over a Celebration Dinner at your hotel. (B) (DW) DAY 10 GOODBYE COLOMBO. It's time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers as your journey comes to an end. You'll be driven back to Colombo airport for your onward flight. A stop will be made in Colombo for those extending their stay. (B)
ALL INCLUDED EXPERIENCES & DINING WORTH APPROXIMATELY R6303 Please see inside front cover for information key on dining, travel styles and itinerary icons.
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