AN EXPERT
Overview of Your Adventure
Exciting journey across Sri Lanka
Sheer luxury and relaxation awaits you in this special tailor-made holiday with beaches and authentic experiences in Ceylon.
14 Nights | 15 Days
Drive Time – Approximately 25 minutes
Accommodation – The Wallawwa (Garden Suite)
Meal Basis – Bed & Breakfast basis
Arrive in Sri Lanka in the style you deserve, greeted by your chauffeur guide and transferred directly to your exclusive colonial manor house. Start your journey at a luxurious setting nestled amongst the magnificently manicured gardens.
Stretch back with a drink in your hand and your feet in the hideaway pool to shake off the jetlag and adjust to the new time zone. Watch the sunset over the coconut trees and marvel at its rich pinks and ambers while you relax and prepare yourself for the exciting days ahead.
Accommodation – The Wallawwa (Garden Suite)
Meal Basis – Bed & Breakfast basis
This morning you will be enlightened by a Toddy Tapping and Tasting experience. You will be taken to the estate, where you will be able to see toddy tappers busy collecting fresh toddy. Afterwards there will be a chance to taste freshly collected toddy accompanied by local snacks, Pol Roti and Coconut Sambol!
Take an evening drive to Negombo to visit the vibrant, bustling fish market. You will find yummy freshly made food, seashell ornaments, creamy ice creams, batik beachwear and many more surprises while walking the streets. Your perfect beach day can be ended with a delicious seafood feast, prepared with the fisher family or there is a line of decent restaurants you could try!
Drive Time – Approximately 4 ½ hour drive
Accommodation – Jetwing Vil Uyana, Sigiriya (Marsh Dwelling with Pool)
Meal Basis – Bed & Breakfast basis
Set off from coastal Negombo to experience the inland delights of the island. Your journey will take you along a picturesque route passing rice paddy fields.
En route you can visit the Millennium elephant foundation where you can get up close and personal with the few resident elephants there and take a walk and bathe them whilst they relax.
Highlights:
After checking into the hotel, take an exhilarating afternoon jeep safari with the company of an expert naturalist guide to the Minneriya or neighboring Kaudullah National Park. In the dry season, more than 300 elephants converge on the retreating waters of the Minneriya Tank. This massive meeting of elephants – popularly known as ‘The Gathering’ takes place where these gentle giants travel to drink, eat, socialize and search for mates. While you are waiting, ask your driver if he/she can roll back the canvas top so that you can stand up for a better view of the 40 to 50 beautiful, wild and free herds of elephants hanging out in the plains. You might even spot a few adorable baby elephants who will mostly be surrounded by the rest of the herd.
We also suggest you take a quiet evening walk on the Loris Night Trail at Jetwing Vil Uyana; the walk takes you through the streams and bamboo bridges of lush forest eco-system to the Loris Information Centre and Conservation Site!
Drive Time – Approximately 3 ½ hour drive
Accommodation – Jetwing Vil Uyana, Sigiriya (Marsh Dwelling with Pool)
Meal Basis – Bed & Breakfast basis
A hike to Pidurangala, especially in the early morning can be a more memorable experience. A climb of 20 minutes will be well rewarded with the majestic view of Sigiriya Lion’s rock, picturesque lakes, greenery and land vistas.
If you’re taking more of a cultural route on your adventures – the UNESCO World Heritage City of Polonnaruwa is the ideal introduction! A thriving commercial and religious centre some 800 years ago, Polonnaruwa was a home to the Sinhalese kings and queens of old. Without a doubt, the best way to explore the ancient city is by bicycle. You’ll meander through stupas, ancient palaces, step wells, temples, Buddha statues, coconut pit stops and more.
Highlights:
Enjoy a slow, lethargic and scenic catamaran ride along the Polonnaruwa Lake, one of the best locations for bird watching, sometimes elephants flock by the edges of the lake in search of water during hot and dry months.
You can have a special candlelit dinner up in the hotel tree house for an incredibly memorable end to the day!
Drive Time – Approximately 2 ½ hour drive
Accommodation – King’s Pavilion (Junior Suite)
Meal Basis – Bed & Breakfast basis
Today you will be taken to the to the Hill capital of Kandy; a countryside hamlet with cool breeze, leafy green landscapes and misty mountains gathered around the lake.
A visit to Temple of Tooth is a must if you are in Kandy. The golden-roofed ancient royal palace complex houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Buddha. Do not forget to buy some nicely scented flowers and scented sticks for few rupees that you can offer to Lord Buddha and light a lamp with some coconut oil.
In the evening, we suggest you take a small hike to the Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue located atop of the Bahirawa Kanda hill which can be seen from the entire city of Kandy that sprawls out before it! It is best to visit at sunset, when the city is bathed in a golden glow as the sun drops behind the mountains in the distance.
Accommodation – King’s Pavilion
Room type – Junior Suite (Junior Suite)
Meal Basis – Bed & Breakfast basis
Today take an exciting walk around Kandy town trying street food of local delicacies. Start the trip with some exotic fruits in the Kandy market and learn about the various regional vegetables and their uses. Head to the women’s co-operative for some authentic snacks that you’d only get to try if you knew someone’s grandmother! When you walk down the market towards the station, you will pass small shops with handcrafts, wood ornaments that you will want to stop and check. Finally end the walk with some curd and treacle to cool you down!
Highlights:
Visit the Botanical Garden in Kandy where people of all ages gather, especially at the weekends. The garden is famous for its countless (4000+) species of plants and trees. Wander around the massive garden, take a towel and relax in the grass or sip a drink at one of the cafes!
In the evening, perhaps you can unwind at the Royal Bar: an atmospheric bar with a lovely central courtyard and a wonderful upper balcony-terrace. This colonial building offers many choices for a malt whisky or cool draught beer!
Train Time – Approximately 2 hour train ride
Drive Time –Approximately 45 minutes’ drive
Accommodation – Ceylon Tea Trails (Garden Suite)
Meal Basis – All-Inclusive Basis
Hop on board the morning TRAIN and journey through the Tea Carpets of Ceylon to Hatton. The slow descend through the tea fields and hill country side with its winding tracks and misty panoramas, offers an unmatched perspective and wonderful experience.
Find yourself surrounded by rolling green hills all circling the calm Castlereagh Lake. Follow the trail of five cozy luxury colonial bungalows restored from the time of the Raj. You will be greeted by your very own personal butler who will attend to you throughout your stay as well as the executive chef with whom you can plan your dining options!
In the evening, indulge in a signature culinary experience of a tea infused dinner! Earl grey Cured fresh salmon, Moroccan Mint tea crusted lamb cutlet and Vanilla Panna cotta with minted fresh fruits are a few of the delicacies for the palate of any Gourmet.
Accommodation – Ceylon Tea Trails (Garden Suite)
Meal Basis – All-Inclusive Basis
Explore the lush tea fields & visit a century old factory for a gentle education in the art of Ceylon Tea. The resident Tea Planter will passionately delve into all aspects of tea from a look back to the early days of planting, to the manufacturing process, to how flavors are created to suit various palates!
The ideal way to experience the tea country is taking a great biking experience or enjoying magnificent views of tea-carpeted mountains as you paddle along the Castlereagh Lake in hi-spec kayaks!
Don’t forget to sample the positively divine scones with fresh cream at the daily high tea!
Drive Time – Approx. 7 hour drive
Accommodation – Wild Coast Tented Lodge (Cocoon Suite with Pool)
Meal Basis – All-Inclusive Basis
Begin the somewhat long drive stopping en route at the village of Ella – which offers breathtaking views of the waterfalls and mountains and which has many small quaint cafes to have lunch from.
After checking into your luxury safari accommodation, experience your wildlife adventure in the jungles of Yala. Yala is Sri Lanka’s most famous national park and best explored in a jeep. Forming an area of scrub, light forest, grassy plains and brackish lagoons, it’s very rich in wildlife and you’re virtually certain to encounter elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes, deer, hares, peacocks and monkeys. If lucky you might also see the elusive leopards and relaxed sloth bears!
Sprawled across the island’s Deep South bordering the Yala National Park – Wild Coast Tented Lodge is the newest addition to the collection of high-end hotels. Retreat to its luxurious campsite inspired by the natural colors and shapes found in the area. With some good luck you will witness all these creatures and more over an evening jeep safari (3.00pm – 6.00pm) accompanied by a naturalist guide.
Accommodation –Wild Coast Tented Lodge (Cocoon Suite with Pool)
Meal Basis – All-Inclusive Basis
Get accustomed to a tremendously amusing experience by witnessing the ins and outs of a dairy farm and take part in learning how to make the curd. Dust off this Sri Lankan traditional experience by finally relishing on a fresh pot of curd sweetened with treacle!
Continue your wildlife voyages over an evening jeep safari (3.00pm – 6.00pm) accompanied by a naturalist guide. Yala is Sri Lanka’s most famous national park. Forming a total area of 1268 sq km of scrub, light forest, grassy plains and brackish lagoons, it’s very rich in wildlife and you’re virtually certain to encounter elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes and monkeys. If lucky you might see the leopards and sloth bears as well!
Drive Time – Approx. 3.5 hour drive
Accommodation – Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle (Premier Ocean Room)
Meal Basis – Bed and Breakfast Basis
One of Sri Lanka’s charms is that how in a short time you will pass from the hills to the meandering rivers, past the farms and then to the idyllic Southern coast of Tangalle.
Soak up the sun on the fine sand, take a dip in the glittering sea or relax under the shade of the trees. The curved, white, sandy spacious beaches of Tangalle make it a great haven for whale watching and the best place for spotting turtles. Alternatively stay in Tangalle town, eat some enticing seafood or indulge in a 20 minute drive to the Hummanaya Blowhole where you can witness the power of the sea waves spew through a natural- like chimney.
Accommodation – Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle (Premier Ocean Room)
Meal Basis – Bed and Breakfast Basis
Tangalle has many water sports activities such as surfing and diving however, kayaking through the Tangalle lagoon allows you to explore the exotic wildlife residing in the mangroves. There are many little water ways running through the mangroves where you can take in the tropical beauty, and witness exotic birds and fish, as well as the occasional monitor lizard laying on the banks of the lagoon.
In the evening, we suggest you take a rewarding hike to witness a beautiful sunset from the rocks of the ‘Mukirigala Temple’; an ancient Buddhist temple nestled away in a coconut grove and perched atop a 205m natural rock!
Drive Time – Approx. 1.5 hour drive
Accommodation – Aditya Resort, Rathgama (Sagara Ocean Suite)
Meal Basis – Bed and Breakfast Basis
Drive southward towards the Southern Coast of the island to Galle.
En route you can stop at a white virgin tea estate to see how silver tipped ‘untouched’ tea is made with a complimentary piece of cake with your cuppa. You can also head to the Cinnamon Island by boat and see the process of the cinnamon plant being made into the spice which is loved globally.
Upon arrival, no visit to the island is complete without visiting the picturesque Galle city which is a perfect combination of blue ocean, history and culture. More interestingly, Galle is a living world heritage site that you can explore by a leisurely walk in the afternoon. Inside the Galle Fort, you can walk along the little streets and enjoy world old charm while visiting the line of boutique shops, cafes serving yummy food and cold beer!
Accommodation – Aditya Resort, Rathgama (Sagara Ocean Suite)
Meal Basis – Bed and Breakfast Basis
If you haven’t gotten your fill of wildlife, set off on an early morning expedition to encounter the activity of Whales and Dolphin watching. As you set off on the boat cruise, listen to the cacophony of tunes created by spinner dolphins, travelling in pods. Don’t forget your camera to catch their tails flip. (Seasonal Activity from Nov – April)
For those adventures enthusiasts we recommend you cycle through Galle Fort’s sleepy, cobblestone streets into its neighboring villages and markets to experience the quiet, peaceful lifestyle in the southern coast.
For those food enthusiasts we recommend learning to prepare a delicious meal whether it’s a biryani, a seafood kottu or hot hoppers!
You could also tap into your artistic side by learning to paint a traditional Sri Lankan mask with the help of a renowned artist. Learn much about these masks that are ingrained in Sri Lankan culture and the painting methods!
Drive Time – Approximately 2.5 hour drive
Enriched in the cultural and wildlife adventures, we bid you farewell as your Chauffeur Guide transfers you to the Airport to meet your departure flight home.
