A perfect mid-year holiday for those travellers looking for a beach stay, sunshine and to escape winter in Australia. This itinerary has been planned to maximise the weather and coastal conditions in Sri Lanka – timed to give you a boost of sunshine and a beach stay in Sri Lanka on the east coast where conditions are best during the middle of the year. Sri Lankan Mid-Year Escape includes sightseeing at some of the country’s top locations, unique and authentic activities and time to enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches and coastline in the east of the country. A gently paced itinerary featuring some of our favourite hotels and 5 nights along the coast to ensure you have the chance to relax and soak up the sun. Along the way discover Sri Lanka with gentle village walks and cycling tours; learn to cook authentic Sri Lankan dishes and see the skills of traditional craftspeople; take boat and jeep safaris to discover Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and wildlife and marvel at the impressive sights of Sigiriya and Kandy.
Families with children of all ages, friends travelling together and couples travelling between May to November. Perfect for a sunny escape during Melbourne’s winter school holidays!
Welcome to Sri Lanka! You will be met and transferred to your accommodation in Makandura.
A gentle start to your Sri Lankan holiday. This morning you will have the opportunity to discover the daily lives of locals with a gentle walk or a cycle through the lush tropical landscape. Return the smiles (as you would get plenty) and enjoy a cup of tea to acknowledge the hospitality of locals you meet along the way. Later this morning drive to the Cultural Triangle and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Rise early this morning to visit the 5th century BC marvel, the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Arguably Sri Lanka’s top attraction, Sigiriya is one of the country’s eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. Wonder through the water gardens and spend time absorbing and enjoying the panoramic views from the summit. Return to your accommodation. You have the entire afternoon at leisure.
This morning drive to the north east coast of Sri Lanka to begin your beach stay. Check-in to your beach-front hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure to enjoy the coast, some sunshine and swimming.
Entire day at leisure today. Your vehicle and driver guide are available to explore the surrounding area or enjoy the beach and the facilities at your hotel.
Discover the port city of Trincomalee today with our unique city tour. Known to locals as ‘Trinco’ this gentle city tour will introduce you to a local barber and identity, see how spices are ground and sold to make the flavours that are found in Sri Lankan cuisine and visit a Hindu temple and the old fort. In the afternoon, return to your accommodation and spend the afternoon at leisure.
Today you will move further south along Sri Lanka’s east coast where you will discover pristine white sandy beaches at your doorstep. Enjoy two more days along the coast.
A day full of indulgences and leisure. Enjoy the comforts of your hotel and the coast. Your vehicle and driver guide are at your disposal.
Leave the coast behind you and head to Gal Oya National Park, one of the country’s lesser-known national parks and the only park in the country where you can take a safari by boat. Here you will stay at a beautiful eco lodge with an enthusiastic and knowledge team of wildlife experts. In the afternoon enjoy a gentle guided nature walk with a naturalist from the lodge.
Rise early this morning for a boat safari with a naturalist, search for swimming elephants and enjoy a picnic breakfast on the banks of the reservoir. Return to your accommodation and spend late morning/early afternoon at leisure. Later in the afternoon take a jeep safari to see herds of elephants turning up at the waterholes.
Depart for Kandy, the last stronghold of the ancient kings of the Kandyan Kingdom. Visit a remote village where the age-old tradition of weaving is still continued and see their colourful textiles on wooden handlooms. Later, explore the much revered Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and take a leisurely walk to explore the city of Kandy.
Put your culinary skills to the test today with a hands-on cooking class. Taste the unique flavours of Kandyan cuisine and learn the art of making it in a local home, followed by lunch. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Today drive to Colombo International airport for your departing flight.
"We thoroughly enjoyed our 10-day tour of Sri Lanka from start to finish. The travel itinerary, hotel accommodation and tour guide were outstanding. This tour introduced us to a wide range of places and activities which showcased the diversity of culture and land throughout this vibrant country." Mr & Mrs Brewer – September 2018
Prices are indicative only & subject to change.
Prices are indicative only & subject to change.
Additional inclusions may vary from private tour to private tour. A full list of inclusions and exclusions will be provided with each individual enquiry/quote.