The Best of Sri Lanka

Days 1-2: UK – Colombo

Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your overnight flight to Colombo. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and the rest of the day is free to spend at your leisure.

Day 3: Colombo - Habarana

Your morning tour includes a visit to the fort built by the Portuguese. From your coach, you’ll also view the buzzing Pettah bazaar district, where the streets are crammed with stalls and shops. Continue your journey to Habarana, in the heart of the island, where you’ll stay for three nights.

Day 4: Anuradhapura – Hiriwadunna Village

Head to Anuradhapura, ruled by the Sinhalese Kings for over 1,000 years. Star attractions include ancient Buddhist shrines, dagobas (bell-shaped memorials) and pokunas (stone water tanks). You’ll also visit the sacred 2,000-year-old Sri Maha Bodi tree. Later, visit Hiriwadunna, a typical Sri Lankan village, for an introduction to local culture and indigenous farming practices.

Day 5: Sigiriya

Adventure awaits you this morning in Sigiriya, a 182m-high rock plateau on which a 5th-century ruler built a fortress and palace. The spectacular ‘lion rock’ fortress stands majestically over the green jungle. This afternoon you’re free to relax.

Day 6:  Dambulla - Kandy

Today’s tour takes in the serene Golden Temple at Dambulla, a home for Buddhist monks since 3 BC. Over the 22 centuries, the five natural caves that make up this sacred pilgrimage site have been decorated with brilliant murals and exceptional sculptures. Take your time to explore and marvel at the rock-hewn Buddha. Then, stop at a spice garden before reaching Kandy, last capital of the ancient kings, which nestles among low hills looped by the Mahaweli River.

Day 7: Royal Botanical Gardens – Temple of the Tooth

This morning’s tour reveals the Royal Botanical Gardens, where you can admire stunning flora and fauna. After a chance to relax, head out again to watch Kandyan dancers perform the enchanting national dance of Sri Lanka, a feast for your eyes and ears! You’ll continue your journey to the royal palace complex, for a visit to the sacred Temple of the Tooth. The temple houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha.

Day 8: Nuwara Eliya

Today, make tracks for Nuwara Eliya, home of Ceylon tea. It was built during the 19th century in the style of an old English country town, with some local twists. Victorian- and Tudor-style homes line the pretty lake, and tuk-tuks can be found parked beside a red phone box. 

Day 9: Elephant Transit Home - Yala

Your journey continues to the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe. Unlike many other sanctuaries, this home rehabilitates orphaned and injured elephants until they’re strong and old enough to be released back into the wild. Continue on to Yala, on the south coast of the island and one of Sri Lanka’s most famous national parks.

Day 10: Yala National Park

Rise early for your safari in Sri Lanka’s best-known national park, in search of the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. Even if you fail to catch a glimpse of this majestic predator, there’s plenty more to see, including elephants, buffalo, monkeys, deer and crocodiles.

Day 11: Galle - Beruwala

The Old Town of Galle, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in southern Asia. The Portuguese first took control of the city in the early 16th century and began the fortification process, only to surrender it to the Dutch East India Company around 150 years later. The Dutch built substantial ramparts and walls, which are still standing today. Following your short tour, head up the coast to Beruwala.

Day 12: Colombo - UK

Transfer to Colombo Airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.