Beach Stay in Bentota

Depart from the UK on an international flight to Colombo, travelling overnight.

Upon arrival in Colombo, you will be met by your driver and escorted to hotel in Bentota (approx. 1 hour 35 minutes’ drive) for you to explore your hotel facilities, enjoy a leisurely afternoon stroll along the picturesque sandy beach or simply relax by the huge palm-fringed pool with a delicious cocktail before dinner.

Today, your English-speaking guide and driver will introduce you to some of the iconic sites of Galle, the provincial capital and largest city on the picturesque southwest coast of Sri Lanka’s. Galle is a fortified old city founded by Portuguese colonists in the 16^th century; its stone sea walls encircle car-free streets making it a delight to explore on foot. You will visit some of the famous sites such as Galle Fort, the largest remaining fortress in Asia and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle Lighthouse as well as visit local markets, stylish boutiques and quaint cafes. This is an ideal opportunity to familiarise yourself with the area should you decide to visit on your own later into your holiday as well as give you a greater insight than you would gleam on your own, such as being shown the back streets and hidden gems that many visitors miss.   You will also be taken to a nearby Sea Turtle Hatchery to learn about the important conservation work they are undertaking in an effort to increase the survival rate of these incredible reptiles. If you are exceptionally lucky, you might even be given the opportunity to release a baby turtle into the ocean.

This is an idyllic location for those seeking paradise beach and pool relaxation, to sit amongst the palms and soak up the rays, whilst also having easy access to the many wonders this paradise island has to offer if you want to venture out of the hotel and explore. We can arrange additional day tours at your request and highly recommend: • A chauffeured drive inland to visit the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage (approx. 3.5-hour drive time, but with plenty of interesting and forever changing scenery on-route). Home to over 90 wild Asian elephants, this orphanage, nursery and captive breeding ground has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. In addition to the visiting the orphanage, in Pinnawela you can enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking the river whilst watching the elephants bathe, take ‘selfies’ close to these magnificent mammals and purchase traditional Sri Lankan souvenirs from the local market. • Experience a local train journey (approx. 2-hour) to visit Colombo, Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and largest city. Places to visit could include Independence Square – to see the national monument Independence Memorial Hall, Seema Malaka – the floating temple in the middle of Beira Lake, Gangaramaya Temple – one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo, Galle Face Green –an oceanfront urban park and great for people watching, The Red Mosque – one of the most unique looking mosques in Asia as well as enjoy the local markets, shops and restaurants. • Humpback & Blue Whales and Dolphin watching boat tours (seasonal) – for a possibility of seeing the magnificent creatures out in the ocean. • Mask Making Workshop is popular with youngsters, teens and adults alike. Masks are an important part of Sri Lankan culture and this 3-hour hands-on session teaches you the history and their various uses, before the host then assists you to design and carve your own Kolam Mask.

Sadly, all good things come to an end and today you will be driven back to Colombo (drive time approx. 1hour 35 minutes’ drive) for your return flight to the UK. *note:

• You will be travelling in a private airconditioned vehicle with your own chauffeur. This means that morning departure times are flexible each day, as is the amount of time you wish to spend at each site/activity. Your guide will advise on suitable travel times to avoid peak congestion and recommended the best time of day to ensure maximum enjoyment of the activity.

• All travel time to/from locations are quoted in the itinerary, but please understand that these are only approximate to give a general guide. You will discover that Sri Lankan roads (and their users) are quite unique and appear somewhat chaotic – and it’s not just pedestrians, cyclists, bikers, tuk-tuks, dogs, slow moving heavy goods and agricultural vehicles that cause congestion. Don’t be surprised if you see the occasional elephant, monkey, land-lizard or cattle strolling across the road too! Consequently, ‘we expect the unexpected’ and work on anticipate travel times based on 30-40 kms per hour.