Sri Lanka in Style

Sri Lanka is a teardrop shaped island brimming with green landscapes, ancient treasures and a large dose of friendly tropical warmth – be it weather, smiles, sunshine or palm-fringed beaches. Enjoying beautiful green interiors, taking in ancient sights, staying on a colonial tea plantation, immersing yourself in the Buddhist spirituality at temples and shrines or visiting historic coastal towns such as Galle is but a smidgen of what Sri Lanka offers. Its national parks offer innumerable opportunities for wildlife-spotting. Amazing opportunities to see leopards in the wild, colourful bird life, or whales off the coast. The beaches are stunning, and the cuisine is a fusion of Portuguese, Dutch, British, Malay and Indian influences. Hoppers, Kottu rotti, Jaffna crab curry, Lamprais, coconut sambal and the country’s staple food – rice along with fragrant curries are the highlights of Sri Lankan Cuisine. Added to all this culture, Sri Lanka offers amazing value for money and a relaxed, friendly vibe. These are but a few of the reasons as to why Sri Lanka is a hit.
  • Climb the rock fortress of Sigiriya
  • Stay in a colonial-style tea planter’s bungalow
  • Explore the old town of Galle Fort
  • Relax by the beautiful beach in Bentota
DAY 01
Colombo
Buddha Statues in Colombo
Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be met and greeted by the Steuart Holidays Chauffeur guide and will be transferred to Colombo.

Colombo is a bustling city and has a long history as a port on ancient east-west trade routes and was ruled successively by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. That heritage is reflected in its spicy cuisine as well as its architecture, mixing colonial buildings with high-rises and shopping malls which make it an interesting place to explore.

Overnight stay in Colombo.
DAY 02
Habarana
Sigiriya from the Entrance Road
After breakfast, check out and leave Sri Lanka's capital for arguably its most magnificent site: the rock-top fortress of Sigiriya. It's a scenic drive through the countryside. Habarana is one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka with its incredible lake and land vistas.

Overnight stay in Habarana.
DAY 03
Sigiriya Rock Fortress - Dambulla Cave Temple
Cave Temple in Dambulla
After breakfast, proceed to Sigiriya. In the fifth century, King Kashyapa built a palace atop a plug of volcanic rock sticking out of the jungle; the ruins can still be seen after an exhilarating climb, via staircases and ancient frescoes. After drinking in the views, visit the nearby Dambulla Cave Temple, first-century BC caverns crammed with over 150 Buddha images.

Overnight stay in Habarana.
DAY 04
Polonnaruwa - Minneriya National Park
Ancient Ruins in Polonnaruwa
After breakfast, proceed to Polonnaruwa to explore the well-preserved ruins of the island's medieval capital. There are hundreds of ancient structures here, from tombs and temples to stupas and an immense reclining Buddha, carved directly into the rock.

Afterwards, proceed to the Minneriya National Park for a jeep safari. Minneriya is home to the largest gathering of Asian elephants in the world.

Overnight stay in Habarana.
DAY 05
Kandy
Royal Botanical Garden in Kandy
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Kandy. Nestled in verdant-green hill country, Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings. It is now the island's cultural heart.

Overnight stay in Kandy.
DAY 06
Kandy City Tour - Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Royal Botanical Garden in Kandy
Home to graceful colonial buildings, unique music and dance, the island's most sacred shrine and a refreshing highland location, Kandy is easy to like. Begin with a trip to the Peradeniya Botanical Garden (don't miss the enormous orchid collection), then explore Kandy's lakeshore, surrounding hills, markets, arts centres and museums. Finish with an evening visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Overnight stay in Kandy.
DAY 07
Train ride through the hill country - Nuwara Eliya
Girl On the Train in Kandy
After breakfast, check out and ride the rails to Hatton, cutting through prime tea country – a riot of leafy green spreads from the train windows. Train rides through the hill country of Sri Lanka are considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Proceed to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka's very own 'Little England'.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
DAY 08
Nuwara Eliya
Tree Fields in Nuwara Eliya
Head out into tea country, by car or on foot – you have a car and a guide at your disposal so your day is up to you. You can also venture a little further afield, perhaps making the pilgrimage up sacred Adam's Peak (one of Buddha's foot-prints is said to reside on top) or enjoy a round of golf in cool, colonial-era Nuwara Eliya.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
DAY 09
Galle
Lighthouse in Galle Fort
After breakfast, check out and proceed along the South West coast to Galle, passing many small fishing villages and beaches. Galle is a city with a colourful history and a Dutch colonial feel.

Overnight stay in Galle.
DAY 10
Galle Fort / Whale Watching
Dolphin Watching in Sri Lanka
Take further leisurely strolls around the fort, stopping to try local snacks and peering inside the imposing churches. You could also take a cycling tour of the surrounding coast or, between November and April, sail out on a whale-watching trip – humpback and blue whales might be seen.

Overnight stay in Galle.
DAY 11
Bentota
Beach Views of a Sri Lankan Beach
A short drive up the coast leads to Bentota, which is blessed with lovely beaches and sweeping bays. Set on the shore, make one of the many glorious beach resorts, your home for the next three nights.

Overnight stay in Bentota.
DAY 12-13
Bentota
Beach Views of a Sri Lankan Beach
Melt into Sri Lankan beach-life. Dip in the sea and pool, book a massage, dine on exquisite curries and tamarind martinis. If you're feeling more energetic, there are water sports aplenty. If you visit a nearby turtle hatchery, you can see the young rescued turtles and maybe even help release them into the sea.

Overnight stay in Bentota.
DAY 14
Departure
Beach Views of a Sri Lankan Beach
After breakfast, check out and leave for the airport to meet your departure flight.
Sigiriya from the Pidurangala
Sigiriya
Ancient Ruins in Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa
Bakers Falls in Horton Place
Nuwara Eliya
Temple of Tooth Relic Kandy
Kandy
Women Dressed in Traditional Kandyan Saree
Temple of the Tooth
The Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a temple in the city of Kandy in Sri Lanka. It was built within the royal palace complex which houses the only surviving relic of Buddha, a tooth, which is venerated by Buddhists.
Habarana
Boasting of an accessible position in the district of Anuradhapura, Habarana provides to be the ideal base for your excursions.
Lighthouse in Dondra
Galle
Cave Temple in Dambulla
Dambulla
According to chronicles, Dambulla was initially referred to as Jambukola or Jambukolalena. The most significant area of the city are the Dambulla Caves.
Night View of the Colombo City
Colombo
Buddha Statues in Colombo
Gangaramaya Temple
Placed in the centre of the Beira Lake, its serene atmosphere complete with Buddha statues erected alongside its pathway.