Classic Sri Lanka

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Anuradhapura

One of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks, Sigiriya Rock is a sight to behold, towering 200 metres above the surrounding jungle. Formed from magma of an extinct volcano, the fortress was created over 1500 years ago by King Kashyapa and is considered one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, discover the vast history of the plateau at the onsite museum before making the climb up the vertiginous staircases to the summit passing impressive frescoes and the famed Mirror Wall and colossal Lions Platform as you go. From the top, explore the ruins of the ancient civilisation through the remnants of the palace and vast gardens and soak up the panoramic vistas of the jungle covered central plains.

Good to know
For the most pleasurable experience we recommend organising this excursion first thing in the morning or after 4pm to avoid the heat of the day. While suitable for all, the climb to the summit requires a good degree of physical fitness.

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Dambulla Cave Temple

Anuradhapura

A fantastic stopping off point when travelling between Habarana or Kandalama and Kandy, the famous cave complexes of Dambulla are a haven for those interested in Sri Lanka’s rich history. Dating back to the first Century BC, this ancient cave temple has been a pilgrimage for Buddhists and Hindus for 22 centuries and is still a place of holy importance to this day. There are over 80 documented caves at the site, but with around an hour to explore, this excursion will guide you through the major highlights which are spread over just five of them. Adorned with statues of Gautama Buddha and ornate ceiling paintings, the iconic temple is brimming with artefacts depicting the island’s glorious past and is not to be missed.

• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience
• Available for guests on a car and driver itinerary staying in Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Habarana, Kandalama, Kandy and Passikudah hotels
• Available as a day trip for guests staying at hotels in Negombo

Good to know
Legs and shoulders must be covered, and shoes will need to be removed when exploring the temples.

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Anuradhapura Kingdom Ruins

Anuradhapura

Dating back as far as 377BC, this ancient kingdom is an essential stop on any tour of Sri Lanka. Established as the first capital city of the island by King Pandukabhaya, it survived 119 successive kings for over 1500 years before becoming one of the world’s most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Regarded as the cradle of Buddhism, the sacred site is home to a vast network of temples and monasteries which can be explored at leisure during this four-hour tour. Discover the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree which is said to have grown from a cutting from the tree in India under which Buddha attained enlightenment, marvel at the preservation of the Twin Ponds and soak up the impressive history at the onsite museum housed within one of the ancient monasteries which is filled with ornate trinkets dating back to the pre-Christian era.

• Duration: half day
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience
• Available for guests on a car and driver itinerary staying in Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Habarana, Kandalama and Sigiriya hotels

Good to know
Legs and shoulders must be covered, and shoes will need to be removed when exploring the temples.

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Minneriya Jeep Safari

Anuradhapura

If observing elephants in their natural habitat is on your to do list while in Sri Lanka, Minneriya National Park should be top of your list. While elephants can be spotted all year round in huge numbers, during the dry season, between April and October, the park plays host to one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world: The Great Elephant Gathering. As the Minneriya Tank dries up and gives way to a lush grass plain, 300 or more elephants gather in the late afternoon to feed offering visitors an unforgettable spectacle. Home to a host of other wildlife from two endemic monkey species to the Sri Lankan Sloth Bear, the endangered Grey Slender Loris and elusive Sri Lankan Leopard can also occasionally be spotted.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 3pm to 6pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience
• Available for guests on a car and driver itinerary staying in Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Habarana, Kandalama and Kandy

Good to know
Depending on the time of year, guests may be taken to the Hurulu Eco-park (Jan to May) or Kandulla National Park (Nov to Dec) as elephant migrations interchange between all three parks.

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Kandy’s Highlights

Sri Lanka

Whether time is of the essence or you’re after an introduction to this vibrant city that’s brimming with history and culture, this half day excursion will ensure you don’t miss any of Kandy’s major attractions. Discover one of Buddhism’s most sacred shrines at the golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth, where the relic tooth of Buddha is housed and explore the spectacular Royal Palace complex – the perfect backdrop for some holiday snaps.

Dating back to 1821, finish your trip with a meander through the delightful Royal Botanical Garden where you’ll find over 100 endemic plants before exploring the rest of the city at leisure or returning to your hotel to unwind.

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Ceylon Tea Tour & High Tea at the Heritance Tea Factory

Kandy & Nuwara Eliya

Whether you’re a budding tea connoisseur, a self-professed health enthusiast or you’re simply searching for a unique way to spend the day, the Ceylon Tea Tour is an absolute must. This immersive ‘bud to cup’ experience offers an authentic insight into the origins of Ceylon Tea, including an educational journey into its neverending health benefits. You’ll also pluck your very own tea leaves right at the source before having them processed, all set to take home and enjoy. Savour the distinctive yet calming notes of this floral black tea as you enjoy a round of tea tasting with a trained tea taster before heading on a guided tour around the plantation. To round things off, at the end of the day, an irresistible high tea will be ready and waiting for you to tuck in. Wrap your taste buds around freshly-brewed Ceylon tea, neatly cut sandwiches and an assortment of delectable cakes and bakes before heading back with a full tummy and a heart full of fond memories.

• Duration: 1.5 hours

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Ultimate Ella

Sri Lanka

Embark on a full day excursion visiting the highlights of Ella. Rise early in the morning and get your hiking boots on for a trek up Adam's Peak, one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful natural landmarks. The hiking level ranges from moderate to hard, but by no means are you expected to complete it if you feel like you don’t want to. This will be followed by a visit to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge; be sure to have your camera at the ready in case you see a train passing over this famous bridge. Then, you'll head to the stunning Ravana Falls and see the Dhowa Temple, before taking a ride on the Flying Ravana Zip Line. This double wire zip line, stretching over half a kilometre, means you can ride in pairs and have a bird's-eye view of the breathtaking landscapes. After this adrenaline-pumping activity, you'll end the day with your feet up poolside with a cocktail in hand at the Ravana Pool Club. Get your dose of fun and serenity with the Ibiza vibes of this pool club, which perfectly overlooks the mountain views of Ella. After 3 hours soaking up the unique surroundings, you'll then be driven back to your hotel.

• Duration: Full Day

Good to know
You'll need comfortable shoes, and wear trousers or shorts for the zipline, and swimwear/sunscreen and shades for the pool club.

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Scenic Train Journey - Nuwara Eliya to Ella

Kandy & Nuwara Eliya

The rail journey between Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya station) and Ella is arguably the most beautiful stretch of the Kandy-to-Hill-Country journey. For a few hours, the iconic train winds its way up through tea plantations and fruit farms on the way into the beautiful town of Ella.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 3.45pm to 6.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Good to know
The train journey is based on tickets in the best available class, air-conditioned carriage, where available. It includes lunch or high tea depending on journey time (after the rail journey at a local restaurant), taxes and service charges.

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Yala 3-hour Jeep Safari

Yala & Udawalawe

If you’re short on time or simply want to add in a safari trip while staying in a resort along the serene southern coast, this three-hour excursion is just the ticket. With your own private guide, it won’t be long before you’re spotting herds of elephants walking across the grassy plains and buffaloes and deer cooling off by a watering hole. Spot monkeys playing in the treetops, crocodiles popping up for air and eagles soaring in the sky above – the park is teeming with life. With one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, Yala is a prime location to encounter these elusive creatures in their natural habitat and bird enthusiasts won’t be disappointed either with a huge collection of migratory and endemic species to spot.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 6am to 9am or 3pm to 6pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round except September to mid-October
• Private experience
• Available for guests on a car and driver itinerary staying in Hambantota, Tangalle, Udawalawe and Yala
• Available for guests staying at hotels in Yala, Udawalawe, Tangalle and Hambantota

Good to know
If not staying in close vicinity to the national park, we’d recommend the afternoon excursion due to the early start of the morning option.

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