STUNNING SRI LANKA

Sail away with Glow to the stunning Sri Lanka, also known as the ‘Island of Serendipity’. This country is filled with romantic landscapes, ancient monuments, high mountains, tropical forests, gushing waterfalls and lots of animals like wild elephants, leopards, sea turtles, dolphins and whales! Have a read through our eleven day journey where you will meet the beautiful people of this magical land and feel the full force of mother nature.
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Day 01 – 3rd March 2024
20:40 Flight departs from London Heathrow
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Day 02 – 4th March 2024
Arrival in Colombo – Radisson Hotel Colombo Hotel
We will arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and welcomed by our local guide with flower garlands, traditional Sri Lankan drummers and dancers. You will then be transferred to the Radisson Hotel Colombo Hotel where you will be greeted at check-in with a welcome drink. This evening you have time to unwind and relax after your long flight.
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Day 03 – 5th March 2024
Colombo / Kandy – Amaya Hills Hotel
After breakfast, we will check-out and head to the Fort Railway Station where you will embark on a scenic train ride to Kandy. This is a great introduction to the magnificent land of Sri Lanka.
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Kandy is Sri Lanka’s second largest city. It is considered by some, as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka and was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988. The city is surrounded by a beautiful tropical rainforest with monkeys running around in the wild.
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Upon your arrival at the Kandy train station, your designated driver will be waiting to greet you and transfer you to the Amaya Hills Hotel. This afternoon will be at leisure where you can enjoy a dip in the pool and enjoy the spa. This evening, you will step out onto the hotel terrace, where the magnificent mountains become your awe-inspiring backdrop, as you relish a dining experience like no other!
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Day 04 – 6th March
City Tour / Udawatta Forest Reserve – Amaya Hills Hotel
After breakfast we will visit the Temple of the Tooth (the sacred tooth of the Buddha), which is a famous pilgrimage site for millions. Afterwards we will have a stroll around the city and visit the local market.
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This afternoon we will explore the enchanting Udawatta Forest Reserve, the sanctuary is steeped in rich history with tales of long ago whispered through the rustling leaves. Once a forbidden forest strictly reserved for royalty, this sanctuary is one of the main Kandy tourist attractions for nature lovers. This evening you will enjoy a delightful dinner at the hotel.
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Day 05 – 7th March
Kandy / Matale / Dambulla – Amaya Lake Hotel
After breakfast, we will be escorted on a walk through the lush Spice Garden where we will enjoy a short 10 minute relaxing shoulder massage. Afterwards we will continue our journey to Sigiriya to check-in to the Amaya Lake Hotel.
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Mid afternoon we will head to the Minneriya National Park for a 4×4 jeep safari to see the most spectacular wildlife event in Sri Lanka which is known as the ‘Gathering’. During the dry season animals congregate around the one remaining large reservoir. At any one time, it is possible to witness up to 300 to 400 elephants gather around the much needed watering hole.
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We will then head back to the hotel where you can unwind and enjoy a delicious dinner this evening.
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Day 06 – 8th March
Dambulla / Sigiriya Rock Citadel / Polonnaruwa / Dambulla – Amaya Lake Hotel
After breakfast, this morning starts with an exciting and adventurous climb up to the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Sigiriya is home to the famous “Fortress in the Sky”, known as a contender for the eighth wonder of the world. At its summit are the foundations of what was once a great and sumptuous palace, including a garden complete with a swimming pool.
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After our visit, we will then head to explore the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa on bicycles! The ancient city of Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. It comprises of the Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas and the monumental ruins of the fabulous garden-city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century.
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Once you return to the hotel, the remainder of the day will be at your leisure. You have the option to pamper yourself at the spa and indulge in some well-deserved relaxation and rejuvenation. This evening we will be enjoying a sumptuous dinner at the hotel.
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Day 07 – 9th March
Dambulla / Galle – Radisson Blu Resort Galle Hotel
After breakfast, you will head toward (5 hour journey) the south coast of the island to enjoy the beach! We will stop over at Waters Edge Colombo for lunch and continue the journey on the freeway. On arrival at the Radisson Blu Resort Galle Hotel, we will enjoy the evening at leisure with dinner served at the hotel.
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Day 08 – 10th March
Galle / Mirissa / Galle – Radisson Blu Resort Galle Hotel
With a packed breakfast in hand, you will departure the hotel at 6.30am for an exciting whale watching adventure. When whales are sighted guests are invited to the bow and upper decks for the best viewing of these incredible creatures.
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After enjoying the whales, we head towards Weligama Bay, where the yacht anchors near the Snake and the Taprobane Islands – a lovely setting to enjoy swimming and lunch.
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Returning early afternoon, you will have the rest of the day to yourself, where you can unwind and enjoy your leisure time. In the evening, dinner will be served at the hotel’s restaurant.
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Day 09 – 11th March
Galle / Bentota – Citrus Waskaduwa Hotel
After a leisurely breakfast, we will check out and we will continue your journey to Bentota. En route to Bentota we will visit the Meethiyagoda Moonstone Mine and a Turtle Hatchery.
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The Meethiyagoda Moonstone Mine is famous for its precious gems and moonstone. It is believed by the villagers that this piece of land, around an acre in extent is blessed by the moon. At Meethiyagoda, you can see or even go down into the deep, narrow shafts from which the stones are mined.
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Then we vist the Turtle Hatchery. Although October to April is the main laying season, some eggs (mostly green turtles) can be found throughout the year. The hatchery buries the eggs in sand, with only about one in 1,000 turtles survive to maturity!… it is so important to help mother nature and her fight for survival.
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We will check into the Citrus Waskaduwa Hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Dinner will be served at the hotel.
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Day 10 – 12th March
Bentota – Citrus Waskaduwa Hotel
You have a full day at leisure to enjoy the beach, shopping or visit local attractions. This evening, a delightful dinner is included at the hotel.
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Day 11 – 13th March
Bentota / Negombo – Goldi Sands Hotel
After breakfast, the  morning is at your leisure. This afternoon, we will be transferred to Negombo to stay at the Goldi Sands Hotel, the rest of the evening is at leisure, you may like to take a stroll and experience the town of Negombo on foot. The town is full of small restaurants worth exploring to enjoy international or local cuisine alongside a local beer.
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Day 12 – 14th March
Depart from Negombo to Airport
After breakfast, your transfer will arrive to take you to the airport for your homeward flight arriving back at 19:10 LHR.
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Included 

• Return flights from Heathrow with Sri Lankan Airlines
• Meet and greet upon arrival at airport
• Glow Host Pascale Souchon throughout
• English-speaking national guide accompanied with English-speaking driver
• 10 nights half-board basis at hotels listed;
  5th-8th Mar 2024 – Breakfast / Dinner
  9th Mar 2024 – Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  10th-12th Mar 2024 – Breakfast / Dinner
  13th-14th Mar 2024 – Breakfast
• All transfers and excursions on air-conditioned coaches
• Train fare (air-conditioned carriage on availability)
• Sight-seeing; Kandy, Temple of the Tooth Relic, Udawatta Forest Reserve, Spice Garden, Minneriya National Park, Sigiriya Rock, Polonnaruwa Ruin City by Bicycle, Whale Watching, Turtle Hatchery, Moonstone Mine
• Mineral water 500ml – two bottles per person per day during all transfers
• All current government taxes