Colonial Treasures Tour (8d/7n)

This special Sri Lanka Colonial Tour is aimed at the connoisseur of high-end living and architectural beauty of the colonial era. While visiting Sri Lanka's major sights you will be staying at authentic colonial hotels, lovingly restored to their former glory. Enjoy the luxury and splendor of the "old days".

Enjoy this week long burst of the best of culture, history, natural beauty and colonial hotels that Sri Lanka has to offer. You will experience the island in all its diversity – from ancient rock fortresses and temples, to incredible national parks, century-old reservoirs teeming with birdlife, the sacred city of Kandy and the tea country dotted with colorful towns and villages.

All our Sri Lanka Colonial Tours can be easily combined with each other, allowing you the flexibility to choose the perfect arrangement.
Additionally the tours can be to added to one of our Holiday or Hotel/Villa Packages.
Transportation is by limousine or mini van, air conditioned and fully insured to guarantee the maximum safety of the traveler. 
Our experienced Chauffeur / Guides are fully licensed and they leave no question unanswered.
If you have any questions and/or need to customization, please contact us or use the "Notes" field in the form below.

Day 1 : From the airport proceed Colombo, Sri Lanka's biggest city is a colorful and bustling place offering an array of sights, tastes and experiences. You will visit the Hindu temple with elaborate stone carvings, the Dutch Church dating back to 1749, the historic Devatgahaha Mosque and the Gangarama Temple on Beira Lake. Overnight at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo.
A masterpiece boasting graceful Victorian Architecture, Galle Face Hotel, Colombo continues to attract royalty, world leaders and celebrities to this sanctuary of perfect serenity in a bustling city. With an impressive arched façade that overlooks a kilometre-long stretch of lawn called the Galle Face Green, the hotel borrowed its name from this charming Colombo promenade way back in 1864.

Day 2 : After breakfast start journey to Kandy, visiting the Pinawella Elephant Orphanage on the way. Kandy is Sri Lanka's last royal kingdom and is a World Heritage site. The city tour will take you to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a magnificent golden roofed temple, Kandy Museum, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, bazzars and gem & jewellery shops.
In the evening be escorted to a performance of the energetic traditional Kandyan Cultural Dance show, accompanied by tumultuous drumming and climaxes with the amazing fire-walking show. Overnight in Hotel Suisse in Kandy.
Steeped in history, the Hotel Suisse has a charm of its own that catches the atmosphere of Kandy’s past glory, with more characters than most of its modern counterparts. In the Seventeenth century, it was the residence of the Chief Minister of the Royal Granary. However, in 1818, this property was acquired by the British and occupied by an Officer of ‘Haramby House’ and was sold to a Swiss Lady, Madam Burdayron, who ran it as a guesthouse. This, then was the beginning of the present Hotel Suisse. Another interesting factor is that during the Second World War from 1943 to 1945, Hotel Suisse was used as the Headquarters of the South East Asia Command, under the Command of Lord Louis Mountbatten, the Supreme Allied Commander.

Day 3 : Today you will travel to Dambulla and Sigiriya. Dambulla is a vast isolated rock mass, which houses a rock temple (formerly caves). Some of its frescoes are over 2,000 years old – and there is a colossal figure of the recumbent Buddha caved out of the rock, some 14 meters long.
After lunch and small rest is time to climb the Sigiriya Fortress.This rock fortress was a royal citadel for more than 18 years. In a sheltered pocket, approached by a spiral stairway, are the famous frescoes. The summit of the rock, with an area of nearly one hectare, was the site of the old palace – the outer wall of which was built on the very brink of the precipice. The UNESCO-sponsored Central Cultural Fund has restored Sigiriya’s 5th century Water Gardens to be former glory.
Overnight in Hotel Suisse in Kandy.

Day 4 : Travel to Nuwara Eliya after breakfast to discover the hill country of Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya is at the heart of the southern hill country, Sri Lanka’s highest town and a favorite hill station during British colonial period. It is renowned for its perennial spring-like climate, carpets of lush green tea, 18 hole golf course, the colonial architecture, Victoria Park and more. Travel from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya by train is optional.
Overnight at the Hotel Grand in Nuwara Eliya.
It may be the 21st century, but colonial splendor still reigns in all its past glory at the Grand Hotel. Built in 1891, this was the palatial residence of the former Governor of Sri Lanka, Sir Edward Barnes; today we offer the ultimate in comfort and the best of traditions from the ‘good old days’ to all who seek the charms of our famed hill country landmark.

Day 5 : First watch the magnificent views of Ella valley and the Rawana waterfall. After a stop at the Wellawaya Pottery Manufactory you will continue to the Yala National Park. Afternoon Jeep safari were you can watch leopards, elephants, bears, thousand of local and migrant birds in the wild. Just to name a few.
After the safari you will proceed to Tangalle and stay overnight at Coco Tangalla Villa.
Coco Tangalla is a 6-bedroomed black and white colonial villa, with stunning sea views. The interiors are stylishly decorated with a mixture of modern furniture and period antiques, local art, with infusions of color and exotic fabrics. The living and dining areas introduce some art deco features. All to create warm and informal rooms to relax.
The infinity edge swimming pool is located just a few steps below the main house overlooking the Indian Ocean. The large ambalama sits alongside the house, with spectacular sea views, and is ideal for lounging on huge cushions, being served meals or retreating with a good book.

Day 6 : After breakfast you will proceed along the beautiful south coastal line to Thalpe, well known for their pristine clean beaches, but close enough to the all attractions of Galle.
Overnight in Era Beach Hotel in Thalpe.

Day 7 : A little haven of perfect peace and quiet intimacy is yours to discover at Era Beach. A truly one of a kind hotel in the Galle area with beautiful views and a serene ambience, the sprawling colonial style residence of Era Beach originally designed by a protégé of Sri Lanka’s renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. Throughout its expanse – in the architecture and in choice of furniture and fittings, a strong Dutch influence prevails, giving you a glimpse of a historic past.

Day 8 : Proceed to the airport or your next destination in Sri Lanka. End of tour.

For our Sri Lanka Hotel or Villa Packages please click here

* please note that the mentioned hotels are subject to availability.

Online Reservation / Quote request

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