Historical buildings housing national museums and art galleries blend with contemporary commercial buildings in this intriguing city. Fort lies in the heart of colonial Colombo which occupies the now vanished Portuguese defences. Further down the coast lies Mount Lavinia, an attractive leafy beachside suburb. East of Colombo lies Kenlaniya Raja Maha Vihara, Colombo’s most important Buddhist shrine with strikingly modern murals depicting Buddha’s three legendary visits to the island. Continuing east, lies Adam’s Peak, Sri Lanka’s sacred mountain where legend relates that Buddha himself left a footprint on the summit.
Recommended accommodation
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The River House, by Taru Villas
The River House was the first Sri Lankan owned hotel to feature in Condé Nast Traveller’s exclusive annual ‘Hot List' and it is obvious why with an idyllic setting on a wildlife-filled estuary on the south-west coast.
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Galle Face Regency
Established in 1864 and known today as the colonial Grand Dame of Columbo, this wonderful, central hotel has retained its charming old world glamour
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CASA Colombo
The unconventional CASA Colombo blends charming mosaic floors and Moorish architecture of a magnificent 200 year old mansion with chic design.
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The Park Street Hotel
A 250 year old colonial bungalow and the adjoining warehouses that were once used for storage have been transformed into a charming and friendly 12 room boutique hotel.
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Reef Villa
Reef Villa combines the colonial romance and grandeur of the Raj with the exotic beauty and tranquillity of Sri Lanka.
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The Wallawwa
Nestled amongst three acres of magnificent manicured gardens The Wallawwa is easily accessible yet entirely secluded – a luxury private hideaway.
Sample itinerary
DAYS 1 – 3 Cultural Triangle
After spending the first night on a working estate, drive from Kandanagedara to the Cultural Triangle via Pinnawela, visting Sigirya, Polonnaruwa & Anuradhapura
DAY 4 Kandy
Transfer to Kandy via Dambulla Cave temples & the Spice Gardens.
DAYS 5 – 6 Hill Country
After a city tour of Kandy, drive to Hatton & enjoy two days in the Hill Country, visiting tea estates & relaxing in old colonial luxury
DAYS 7 – 8 Yala
Drive from Hatton to Yala for a two day safari, one can expect to see elephant & leopard among other wildlife
DAYS 9 – 11 South Coast
Transfer to the south coast visiting the turtle beach at Tangalle, Galle Fort, temples, gardens & local villages
DAYS 12 – 14 West Coast Beaches
Unwind on the beach in Bentota before travelling back to Colombo for some shopping prior to departure
Please call us for a bespoke itinerary and quotation
