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Sri Lanka- Elephants, Leopards and A Private Island
Brief | Sigiriya | Kandy | Yala | Taprobane | Galle | Colombo | Options/Prices
This 13-day itinerary combines the cultural highlights
of Sri Lanka, a private island retreat with an eccentric history and a mobile camping safari through national parks with some of the highest densities of leopards in the world.
Day 1-3:You'll be met at the airport on arrival by our local representatives and whisked through immigration.
Here, you can choose to take up our option of spending a night or two at an eco-resort in Anamaduwa, which would only be a 2.5hour drive from Bandaranaike International Airport. Please enquire with us as to the costs of adding this option.
Alternatively,take a 4.5 hour transfer to the cultural triangle, staying at the Vil Uyana. The Vil Uyana is a magnificent hotel with a view onto Sigiriya.
Day 3-5:Kandy- The last royal capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy is also
the site of the Kandy Perahera, a colourful festival featuring elephant parades, Kandyan dancers and street festivities. Here you'll visit the Old Royal Palace compound- the concubines' quarters, the queen's chambers
and the armory. Intricate wooden carvings of 14th century shrines are also another highlight of Kandy. This being the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, you'll find some of Sri Lanka's
best artisans at work here, with products being available for purchase.
Day 5-7 Yala A place that would transport you to an
'Out of Africa' experience, this park is one of the best places in the world to catch sight of a leopard. The presence of fantail peacocks reminding you of your locality, Yala has a colourful history
that includes World War-time renegades and was once the ancient kingdom of Ruhuna.
Day 7-10:Taprobane
Set up by a self-styled count, this private island is accessible by wading through the water(waist-deep at high tide) or otherwise on the back of an elephant. With a full household of staff,
the rustic chic of this house is complimented by an infinity pool overlooking the ocean- a perfect spot for sundowners!
Day 10-12:Transfer today, to Galle.
Based at either the Tamarind Hill or The Fortress. While the cultural attraction is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Galle with its ramparts and a port that attracted merchants who came for its 'gold, silver, ivory, apes and peacocks', New Galle
by contrast, is its vibrant counterside with a lively expat community, chic cafes and a high concentration of boutique hotels that have placed Sri Lanka on the
Conde Nast traveller circuit.
Day 12-13:Drive back today to Colombo. Based at the Tintagel/ Park Street Colombo. Spend a day at leisure, possibly have tea at the Gallery Cafe and
prepare for your onward flight tomorrow.
Prices (Indicative
Only) USD2550, based on a minimum of 8 pax travelling.
The itinerary
could be tweaked to include other national parks in Sri Lanka, Taprobane
substituted for Geoffrey Bawa's 'Last House' an exclusive beach retreat
on Sri Lanka's coast or a few days in an eco-resort in the jungles of
Sri Lanka.
For a pdf version of
the itinerary:
A quirky introduction to
Sri Lanka, blending its
cultural highlights with
a leopard safari and an
eccentric private island
getaway.
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