Wildlife, Ancient Capitals and Beaches
09 Nights & 10 Days
A 10 day holiday designed to include stays in iconic properties including tented camps, the iconic Geoffrey Bawa designed Heritance Kandalama with guided excursions for wildlife viewing, exploring the cultural triangle and ending with a beach stay on Sri Lanka’s east coast in Passekudah, famed for its turquoise blue waters and white sands.
Day 01
Jetwing Lagoon, Negombo
Bawa Room – H/B
Upon arrival, you will be met by your chauffeur guide and travel to the Jetwing Lagoon in Negombo, originally a Geoffrey Bawa designed property which overlooks the vast expanses of the Negombo lagoon. Remainder of the day at leisure to unwind and relax after your long flight. Upon request, you can go on a guided boat ride to explore the mangroves and wetlands in Muruhurajawela.
Day 03
Wilpattu Safari Camp, Wilpattu
Luxury Tent – A/
Full day safari at Wilpattu National Park for wildlife viewing. Close to 300 species of birds including a number of raptors, Asian Elephant, Mugger Crocodile, Jackal, Sambar, Spotted Deer and Barking Deer maybe encountered during your safari.
Wilpattu Safari Camp, Wilpattu
Luxury Tent – A/I
Morning, leave for The Wilpattu Safari Camp, where you will check-in for a bush lunch. In the afternoon, go on a guided safari to Wilpattu National Park, the island’s oldest and largest national park, and one of the most reliable locations in the country for viewing the majestic Leopard and the shaggy coated Sloth Bear.
Day 02
Morning, leave for Anuradhapura, the island’s first capital between 5th century BC and 11th century AD which has a number of iconic stupas, is home to the sacred Bo-tree and many other historical buildings. You also have the option of visiting the sacred rock in Minintale, which is widely known as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Afterwards, proceed to Heritance Kandalama, an award winning eco-resort designed by Geoffrey Bawa, which overlooks the Kandalama lake, the Dambulla Rock on one side and the Sigiriya Rock on the other.
Day 04
Heritance Kandalama, Dambulla
Deluxe Room – H/B
Day 05
Heritance Kandalama, Dambulla
Deluxe Room – H/B
Morning, climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. In the afternoon, go on a guided tour exploring the ancient archaeological sites in Polonnaruwa.
Day 06
Uga Bay, Passekudah
Beach Studio – H/B
Morning, leave for the Uga Bay in Passekudah on the island’s east coast, famed for its white sandy beaches and turquoise blue waters. Remainder of the day at leisure by the beach.
Day 07 - Day 09
Uga Bay, Passekudah
Beach Studio – H/B
Full day at leisure by the beach. A number of marine-based activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, angling and water sports such as jet skiing and banana boat rides can be arranged upon request. Alternatively, you may like to do a day excursion to the picturesque town of Batticaloa. The Old Dutch Fort, which is flanked by two old cannons and a gate on its eastern side which looks over the picturesque Batticaloa lagoon is one of the town’s main attractions. assing through the impressive Kallady bridge, which takes you over the lagoon, one can also see the local fishermen casting their nets. Their catch is bought in and traded daily at the local market, which is best visited in the morning and evenings when it is abuzz with activity.
Day 10
BIA, Katunayeke
Today, drive to Batticaloa from where you will fly directly to the Bandaranaike International Airport on a scheduled Cinnamon Air flight. Alternatively, if you’ve got a late evening flight, you can land in Colombo and spend the day sightseeing and shopping in the capital before leaving for the airport.