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Marvel at magnificent temples, see the World Heritage Rock Fortress at Sigiriya, search for elephants and other wild animals at Yala National Park, discover the fascinating caves at Dambulla and explore the ruined cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.
Spend Christmas Day in Sri Lanka's gorgeous tea country, Nuwara Eliya, where you'll take part in an exclusive tea plantation experience wearing a traditional, handmade silk saree dress which you'll get to take home as a memento. After a delicious Christmas lunch, you'll head to the colonial era Grand Hotel for High Tea in their beautiful gardens - the perfect way to spend Christmas Day.
Our Christmas in Sri Lanka tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
Spend Christmas morning at a beautiful tea plantation plucking the leaves and tasting the produce dressed in a handmade silk saree
On Christmas afternoon, visit the iconic Grand Hotel to enjoy High Tea in their beautiful gardens
Visit Udawalawe's Elephant Sanctuary and participate in curd making
Explore the UNESCO-listed historic ruins atop this 600ft rock and admire the fabulous views below
Tour the wonderful conservation project at Kosgada, where a specialist turtle hatchery works tirelessly to protect Sri Lanka's native sea turtle species, and meet its residents.
Enjoy two opportunities to spot wildlife with a morning and afternoon safari in Yala National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for sloth bear, hyena and the elusive leopard!
A journey to remember as you travel through misty pine forests and lush tea plantations, over the nine arch bridge on one of the world's most scenic train routes.
This tour is suitable for those who have a reasonable amount of time to travel and are interested in seeing the main cities and scenic areas of Sri Lanka. This tour incorporates travelling on land throughout which will give you beautiful scenes of the Sri Lankan countryside.
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where you have the day at leisure to settle-in, relax and enjoy your surroundings.
After breakfast you will travel to Dambulla, visiting Sigiriya rock fortress late this afternoon. This impressive rock, the landmark of Sri Lanka, is thought of as the eighth wonder of the world, amongst the locals. Enjoy magnificent views, rock decorated in colourful frescos and beautiful gardens when you summit.
Today you visit Hiriwaduna for a local village experience, from a catamaran ride on the lake, a tuk tuk trip to a local home, learning to prepare an authentic dish. Next is Polonnaruwa an ancient city, where the impressive stone culture recalls an inspired past.
Set off for Anuradhapura, exploring this magnificent ancient city on foot. Visit the massive Buddhist shrines, splendid palaces, parks and pavilions of this sacred city, dating back to the 5th century BC.
This morning you will be taken to visit the most popular religious cultural site, Dambulla Cave Temple. En-route to Kandy stop at the spice garden in Matale, boasting incredible views of the Aluvihare Mountains. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic followed by an amazing cultural dance show in the evening.
After breakfast take a boat ride on Kandy Lake, giving you breathtaking views of the picturesque city, and from where you can observe a variety of bird species such as the Indian cormorants, wood storks and pelicans. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your hotel before heading out this evening for a walk in Udawattekele rainforest.
Today after breakfast you will be taken to Nuwara Eliya by train, travelling along what is known as one of the most picturesque journeys in the world. Travel through tea plantations, lush forests as you ascend into the mist of the hillside. Relax in the afternoon before the Christmas Eve festivities begin.
Merry Christmas! Start the day with a visit to a tea plantation dressed in handmade, traditional silk sarees amongst the locals. Return to the hotel for the Christmas celebrations with a scrumptious Christmas lunch and lots of celebrations, followed later with High Tea in the beautiful gardens of the Grand Hotel, the perfect way to end off this magical Christmas Day.
After breakfast proceed to Yala, with a stop at Udawalawe Elephant Sanctuary before participate in the process of curd making. Though buffalo curd is a quintessential favourite in the Sri Lankan pantry, its arduous journey, from teat to table, is often unheeded. Enjoy a fresh sip of milk after trying your hand milking a buffalo and end this experience by relishing a fresh pot of curd sweetened with treacle.
Early morning, and later this afternoon, you will be taken for a jeep safari at Yala National park, where you will embark on an adventure safari through the park.
Head towards Hikkaduwa, where you will enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
After breakfast you will be visiting Galle Fort, set on the peninsula within the walled remains of a fortress. Walk to the lighthouse on its perimeter and visit the Old Dutch Church with its tombstone covered floor before a stroll along the Rampart.
A visit to the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery is a must. Travel to the Hatchery, visiting a cinnamon plantation on the way, Learn all there is to know about the uses and benefits of cinnamon and try your hand with the tools of the trade in an Ambalama. Go on to witness the exceptional sight at the Turtle Hatchery and see the eggs hatching or the turtles being returned to the sea, moving towards the water as they flap their tiny flippers.
After breakfast return to Colombo for a tour around this amazing city. Enjoy the celebrations of New Year's Eve with a dinner at the hotel.
Spend New Year's Day at leisure, discovering the many gems of Colombo.
Any time before your flight is free to further explore the vibrant city of Colombo independently. Later, transfer to the airport to board your onward flight home.
We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.
Places Visited: UK - Colombo (1N) - Dambulla (3N) - Kandy (2N) - Nuwara Eliya (2N) - Yala National Park (2N) - Hikkaduwa (3N) - Colombo (2N) - UK
All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.
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Departures for Solo travellers only are available for this tour on selected
dates.
In addition to being for solos only these departures feature smaller group sizes, free
airport lounge access and complimentary cocktails on arrival.
There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.
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