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This classic journey around Sri Lanka is ideal for first time visitors as well as having many gems to discover for those returning several times. After a night to acclimatise outside Colombo, immerse yourself in the Cultural Triangle, staying in view of the majestic Sigirya Rock, on which your guide will accompany you as high as you are comfortable climbing. This is the perfect base to explore ancient Polonnaruwa, with its well preserved temples and palaces, considering the city is almost 1,000 years old; as well as the key Buddhist site of Dambulla Caves and the chance for a safari in Minneriya National Park.
Travelling south you will rise high into the country’s interior to stay among the picturesque tea plantations around Nuwara Eliya and Kandy, to learn the origins of Ceylon Tea; the scenic train journey between the two is one of Sri Lanka’s visual highlights. Galle in the south west is rich in colonial history, with its 17th century Portuguese fort, lighthouse and many spice warehouses and merchants’ mansions.
Your holiday ends with a relaxing beach stay, those around Bentota are the most convenient on the return journey to Colombo but please ask about other coastal destinations.
...when you travel with Kirker
The perfect blend of the past and present, this 18th century mansion in Galle Fort has served many purposes over the years, most recently as a famous printing press until eventually opening as a hotel.
A beautifully renovated country house hotel set between tropical gardens and immaculate lawns, The Wallawwa is a retreat from the centre of Colombo, just 15 minutes from the airport, making it the ideal place to start or finish your holiday.
At the southern end of Bentota, Saman Villas has a magnificient position on a rocky promontory dividing two long stretches of beach.
Set amongst natural lakes and waterways, with a design based on the paths leading up to nearby Sigirya Rocks, Water Gardens is a relaxing base for exploring the Cultural Triangle.
A short drive above Kandy, this early 20th century colonial mansion is built, as the name suggests, from local stone. Following a recent refurbishment, the two suites and three rooms are comfortable and bright, featuring specially commissioned local artwork.
Set amongst the stunning tea plantations, Stafford Bungalow is a heritage holiday home, initially built by pioneering Scottish planters in 1884, on the outskirts of Nuwara Eliya.
Our expert reservations team regularly travel to a wide range of destinations to explore new cities, visit hotels and to research museums, galleries and restaurants so that we can offer the most up-to-date advice and recommendations.
