Circle Sri Lanka

Circle Sri Lanka

Bliss out beachside in Mirissa, Learn the secrets of Sri Lankan cuisine in Bandarawela, Shop up a storm in Colombo, Walk the ramparts of Galle, Witness elephants bathing in the river in Kandy, Visit the sacred Bo Tree in Anuradhapura, Feast on fresh seafood on Negombo beach, Work up a sweat trekking to Sigiriya rock, Cycle through the ancient Polonnaruwa ruins

A jewel in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is jam-packed with ancient sites, fascinating culture, beautiful wilderness and idyllic beaches. From ancient Anuradhapura city and the well-preserved Polonnaruwa ruins, to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the impressive Sigiriya rock fortress, Sri Lankan culture spans more than 2,000 years and still remains vibrant and alive today. Trek through lush tea plantations, indulge in seafood feasts in quaint fishing villages and dip your toes in the calm, clear waters of Mirissa beach on this all-encompassing adventure for those seeking a unique travel experience.

You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 5.30PM. If your flight arrives after this time we recommend that you consider booking a night's accommodation prior to the trip so you can ensure you are able to attend this meeting. We will be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all details on hand to provide to your leader. Your group leader will leave a note at reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. If you are going to be late please inform the hotel reception. Your leader will leave details for your late arrival on where and when to meet.

Check-in time at our joining point hotel is after 12 pm. Early check-in is not guaranteed, however if you arrive early, luggage storage is available. Speak to the hotel reception on arrival.

Those who arrive early can get into the spirit of the seaside of Sri Lanka by observing the local fishing craft and feasting on fresh seafood. Negombo town is a historically interesting and busy commercial centre. The surrounding countryside with its network of canals is a fascinating slice of Sri Lankan rural life and is best explored by bicycle - the hotel can help you arrange the hire of a bike.

Accommodation

Our drive today (in a private vehicle) is via Chilaw a small town with fantastic local fish markets (approx. 7 hours including breaks).

Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka's most extensive and important ancient city. Ruled by Sinhalese kings for over 2,500 years as the country's first capital, the city rose to its glittering greatness over 2,200 years ago and fell to invading southern Indians several times over the next 1,000 years. The set of ruins is now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We start our guided bicycle tour of the ancient city at the central and sacred old Bo Tree, a spiritual reminder of the beginnings of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the inspiration for Anuradhapura's great buildings. The Bo tree was grown from a cutting of the original tree in Bodhgaya under which Buddha gained enlightenment. The ruins themselves are spread over quite an area, some in woodland settings and others appearing park-like with columns and old ponds dotted about.

There are several museums with a range of interesting and amusing exhibits and there is the possibility of an optional visit to Miihintale, the sacred birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

Our drive today (in a private vehicle) is via Chilaw a small town with fantastic local fish markets (approx. 7 hours including breaks).

Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka's most extensive and important ancient city. Ruled by Sinhalese kings for over 2,500 years as the country's first capital, the city rose to its glittering greatness over 2,200 years ago and fell to invading southern Indians several times over the next 1,000 years. The set of ruins is now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We start our guided bicycle tour of the ancient city at the central and sacred old Bo Tree, a spiritual reminder of the beginnings of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the inspiration for Anuradhapura's great buildings. The Bo tree was grown from a cutting of the original tree in Bodhgaya under which Buddha gained enlightenment. The ruins themselves are spread over quite an area, some in woodland settings and others appearing park-like with columns and old ponds dotted about.

There are several museums with a range of interesting and amusing exhibits and there is the possibility of an optional visit to Miihintale, the sacred birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

The journey to Polonnaruwa by local bus takes approx. 4.5 hours.

Polonnaruwa was the capital of the Indian Chola Dynasty after Anuradhapura was conquered in the late 10th Century. The ruins are close together and are generally in much better repair than those at Anuradhapura. Cycling amid the remains of 1000-year-old Polonnaruwa is the best way to get around.

We cycle and visit more beautiful palaces, temples and stupas, but the highlights have to be the massive stone Buddhas - the 14m high graceful granite carved reclining Buddha is a famous Sri Lankan image and represents the zenith of Sinhalese rock carving. We visit the well laid-out museum, which has scale models of many of the buildings to show how they would have existed in their time.

Included Activities

Accommodation

In the afternoon there is also an option to visit to a nearby wildlife reserve and with some luck spot wild elephants.

The drive to Dambulla is by local bus and takes approx. 2.5 hours. It is then a further 20 minutes to Sigiriya

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

Situated among the hills, Kandy is Sri Lanka's culture capital and the country's second-largest city. At 500m high, the city has a pleasant climate and is surrounded by lush green countryside. The city has a wonderful atmosphere with a picturesque lake, old shops, a bustling market and some great restaurants. Here we see an evening performance of the famed Kandyan dancers and fire-walkers, before a evening visit to the octagonal Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth Relic) where we may also experience drumming and chanting rituals of the white-clad pilgrims who come to worship at Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist site. In Kandy there is also a National Museum, monasteries, scenic walks around town and the botanical gardens are among the best in Asia.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

Situated among the hills, Kandy is Sri Lanka's culture capital and the country's second-largest city. At 500m high, the city has a pleasant climate and is surrounded by lush green countryside. The city has a wonderful atmosphere with a picturesque lake, old shops, a bustling market and some great restaurants. Here we see an evening performance of the famed Kandyan dancers and fire-walkers, before a evening visit to the octagonal Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth Relic) where we may also experience drumming and chanting rituals of the white-clad pilgrims who come to worship at Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist site. In Kandy there is also a National Museum, monasteries, scenic walks around town and the botanical gardens are among the best in Asia.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

Our stunning journey to the highlands is by train (approx. 7 hours). On arrival in Bandarawela we are invited into a local home for a cooking demonstration to learn the secrets of traditional Sri Lankan food before enjoying the delicious meal.

We stay in a simple but pleasant guesthouse located in a quiet part of town.

On day 9 we set off by local bus (approx. 45 minutes) to the starting point for our walk through picturesque tea plantations and small Tamil villages (approx 6.5 hours).

Tonight we stay in a local tea plantations managers bungalow, of which we have a multi share sleeping arrangement between 3 rooms and shared bathroom facility. All bedding and meals are provided and although conditions are basic this accommodation often proves to be one of the highlights.

On day 10 we set off for some more walking (approx. 4.5 hours) to explore more of the beautiful surrounds of Sri Lanka's Hill Country, enjoying the chance to meet the curious friendly children and tea pickers alike. We stay overnight in Haputale in a guesthouse. On a clear day you can see the ocean from here!The walks require good walking shoes as the 'track' is often just rocks under shrubs and if there has been rain it can get muddy. You do need to be fit because although the walk is not too demanding, it can be difficult walking on rough and unsteady ground. If you do not feel that you are able to complete these walks you will be able to take an option to either stay in Bandarawela for an extra night, or if you dont wish to complete the second days walk to Haputale your group leader will be able to organise a transport alternative. These options would be at your own cost.

Included Activities

Accommodation

Our stunning journey to the highlands is by train (approx. 7 hours). On arrival in Bandarawela we are invited into a local home for a cooking demonstration to learn the secrets of traditional Sri Lankan food before enjoying the delicious meal.

We stay in a simple but pleasant guesthouse located in a quiet part of town.

On day 9 we set off by local bus (approx. 45 minutes) to the starting point for our walk through picturesque tea plantations and small Tamil villages (approx 6.5 hours).

Tonight we stay in a local tea plantations managers bungalow, of which we have a multi share sleeping arrangement between 3 rooms and shared bathroom facility. All bedding and meals are provided and although conditions are basic this accommodation often proves to be one of the highlights.

On day 10 we set off for some more walking (approx. 4.5 hours) to explore more of the beautiful surrounds of Sri Lanka's Hill Country, enjoying the chance to meet the curious friendly children and tea pickers alike. We stay overnight in Haputale in a guesthouse. On a clear day you can see the ocean from here!The walks require good walking shoes as the 'track' is often just rocks under shrubs and if there has been rain it can get muddy. You do need to be fit because although the walk is not too demanding, it can be difficult walking on rough and unsteady ground. If you do not feel that you are able to complete these walks you will be able to take an option to either stay in Bandarawela for an extra night, or if you dont wish to complete the second days walk to Haputale your group leader will be able to organise a transport alternative. These options would be at your own cost.

Included Activities

Accommodation

Our stunning journey to the highlands is by train (approx. 7 hours). On arrival in Bandarawela we are invited into a local home for a cooking demonstration to learn the secrets of traditional Sri Lankan food before enjoying the delicious meal.

We stay in a simple but pleasant guesthouse located in a quiet part of town.

On day 9 we set off by local bus (approx. 45 minutes) to the starting point for our walk through picturesque tea plantations and small Tamil villages (approx 6.5 hours).

Tonight we stay in a local tea plantations managers bungalow, of which we have a multi share sleeping arrangement between 3 rooms and shared bathroom facility. All bedding and meals are provided and although conditions are basic this accommodation often proves to be one of the highlights.

On day 10 we set off for some more walking (approx. 4.5 hours) to explore more of the beautiful surrounds of Sri Lanka's Hill Country, enjoying the chance to meet the curious friendly children and tea pickers alike. We stay overnight in Haputale in a guesthouse. On a clear day you can see the ocean from here!The walks require good walking shoes as the 'track' is often just rocks under shrubs and if there has been rain it can get muddy. You do need to be fit because although the walk is not too demanding, it can be difficult walking on rough and unsteady ground. If you do not feel that you are able to complete these walks you will be able to take an option to either stay in Bandarawela for an extra night, or if you dont wish to complete the second days walk to Haputale your group leader will be able to organise a transport alternative. These options would be at your own cost.

Included Activities

Accommodation

Before we reach the beach, we visit a Tea Factory and take a guided tour to learn about the industry, manufacture and finally some tea tasting. We also have a unique chance to visit a Hindu Temple and observe a morning prayer. We then set off south bound for the coast but en route we stop at the Uda Walawe National Park to experience feeding time for baby orphaned elephants. The aim of the organisation is to rehabilitate and protect both injured and orphaned elephants until they are fit and strong enough to be released to the wild - a very special stop and a worthy organisation to support.

Driving further along the beautiful Sri Lankan South Coast by private bus brings us to the beautiful beach of Mirissa (approx 7 hours). We base ourselves here for two days of serious relaxation, with our comfortable accommodation just meters from the water. The beach is a long curve of sand and has lovely calm clear waters for swimming - the sunsets are great too. This is a paradise that you won't want to leave! Consider taking a bicycle ride or tuk tuk to nearby Weligama where colourful fishing boats should have just brought back their loads of fresh fish to sell along the shore of the sandy bay. You may also come across the local cottage industry of ladies making gorgeous lace products.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

Before we reach the beach, we visit a Tea Factory and take a guided tour to learn about the industry, manufacture and finally some tea tasting. We also have a unique chance to visit a Hindu Temple and observe a morning prayer. We then set off south bound for the coast but en route we stop at the Uda Walawe National Park to experience feeding time for baby orphaned elephants. The aim of the organisation is to rehabilitate and protect both injured and orphaned elephants until they are fit and strong enough to be released to the wild - a very special stop and a worthy organisation to support.

Driving further along the beautiful Sri Lankan South Coast by private bus brings us to the beautiful beach of Mirissa (approx 7 hours). We base ourselves here for two days of serious relaxation, with our comfortable accommodation just meters from the water. The beach is a long curve of sand and has lovely calm clear waters for swimming - the sunsets are great too. This is a paradise that you won't want to leave! Consider taking a bicycle ride or tuk tuk to nearby Weligama where colourful fishing boats should have just brought back their loads of fresh fish to sell along the shore of the sandy bay. You may also come across the local cottage industry of ladies making gorgeous lace products.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

We set off again by private bus further along the south coast, and on the way may be able to stop for a photo opportunity of the famous stilt fishermen casting their lines from their traditional poles. We come to the colonial port town of Galle (approx. 1 hour), home to an impressive World Heritage-listed Dutch fort with extensive walls containing many interesting old buildings. In the evening we take a walk around the historical fort and watch the sunset from the ramparts. The Portuguese, the Dutch and the British have all used the natural harbour as their port. Galle is now going through a major rejuvenation with many old properties being renovated and converted to boutique hotels and restaurants.

Please note: Galle and Mirissa were severely damaged by the December 2004 Tsunami. Project work still continues to repair the lives and homes of thousands of people in the area. In Galle we stay inside the fort itself, in a 250 year old Dutch Villa that even has a courtyard garden, that has been converted into a guesthouse. Although facilities are basic the atmosphere is warm with great hospitality offered by the local family who will prepare us dinner tonight.

Accommodation

We travel to Colombo on the train, catching our final glimpses of the beautiful Sri Lankan coastline before we roll into Colombo (approx. 3 hours). Upon arrival we set off for a walk via the bustling Petta bazaar, independence square, parliament, past the national museum, before finishing at a shopping opportunity for a good cause at the Barefoot fair trade store where you can find a collection of handicrafts from around the area supporting small cottage industry's.

There are no activities planned for day 15 and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. Additional accommodation is available at the hotel and is best booked at the time of booking your trip.

Accommodation

We travel to Colombo on the train, catching our final glimpses of the beautiful Sri Lankan coastline before we roll into Colombo (approx. 3 hours). Upon arrival we set off for a walk via the bustling Petta bazaar, independence square, parliament, past the national museum, before finishing at a shopping opportunity for a good cause at the Barefoot fair trade store where you can find a collection of handicrafts from around the area supporting small cottage industry's.

There are no activities planned for day 15 and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. Additional accommodation is available at the hotel and is best booked at the time of booking your trip.

Accommodation

@variation

Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner