For centuries a magnet from around the world for its gems, pearls, spices and tea, Sri Lanka boasts as many secrets as treasures, many revealed on a Byroads Travel Secrets of Sri Lanka 13-day tour.Designed for small groups and led by Byroads Travel’s Steve Mortimer, who with 30 years’ experience has visited more than 100 countries, the tour (running from 15 – 27 March 2018) begins in the capital Colombo and covers such sought-after sights as the cave temples at Dumbulla and the ancient ruins at Polonnaruwa, not forgetting the spectacular rock citadel at Sigiriya.The tour then passes through the scenic Knuckles Range to the old Sinhalese capital at Kandy; the breathtaking highlands at Nuwara Eliya, in the heart of the tea growing industry; scenic hill town Ella; the tallest Buddha statue in the world; and Ude Walawe National Park, Sri Lanka’s premier elephant reserve.The tour also covers the much-celebrated south coast and its beaches and resorts, the highlight being Galle, a perennial favourite among many, before returning to Colombo.The tour, limited to 16 passengers, is priced from USD $3695 per person, twin share (about AUD $4860). Return air fares from Australia are extra.
