To avoid any confusion, we work with the universal and inclusive Rainbow symbol in the context of its deep significance within most cultures and traditions worldwide. All are most welcome under our “Rainbow Umbrella” and we welcome you all with open arms….
This itinerary has been carefully designed to give you a taste of the exciting, endless possibilities and can be tailored to suit your exact preferences.
Drive Time – Approximately 55 Minutes
Accommodation – Maniumpathy Boutique Hotel
Meal Basis – Bed and Breakfast
Arrive in Sri Lanka in the style you deserve, greeted by your Personal English Speaking Chauffeur guide and transferred directly to your private colonial manor Bungalow in the heart of Colombo.
Sri Lanka’s modern commercial capital, Colombo combines colonial and contemporary architecture along its bustling streets, from the English-style cricket green, to the grand Independence Hall, to sunset views from the Galle Face Hotel terrace.
Accommodation – Maniumpathy Boutique Hotel
Meal Basis – Bed and Breakfast
Today, your chauffeur guide will introduce you to some of Colombo’s curious sites such as the old city of Fort, the Hindu Temple at Sea Street, Dutch Church at Wolfendal and a peek at the island’s premier cultural institution; the Colombo National Museum. Learn about the history of the nation, its people and be mesmerized by the large collection of artifacts and specimens related to the nation’s cultural and natural heritage. Don’t miss the crown jewels and throne of the last King of Kandy! Perhaps if time permits walk along streets of Green Path to witness talented young Sri Lankan artists and their artwork on display as they put up an impromptu open-air art show.
In the evening embark on a taste-bud tingling culinary tour starting at the busy Galle Face Green seaside promenade. Try Isso wade prawn fritters, Achcharu pickles and fragrant tandoori chicken; tuk-tuk to The Old Dutch Hospital for some of Sri Lanka’s finest tea and delicious pol roti Kottu; finish with traditional jaggery sweets. You could also tour the city and take a peek at the many eateries and cafes sampling an array of ‘short eats’!
Drive Time – Approximately 4 ½ hour drive
Accommodation – Water Garden Resort, Sigiriya
Meal Basis – Bed and Breakfast
Set off from coastal Colombo to experience the inland delights of Sri Lanka. Your journey will take you along a picturesque route passing rice paddy fields to the town of Kurunegala. Look out for the towering Lord Buddha statue upon a rock, which from far is the town’s landmark! Enroute you will visit the Millennium Elephant Foundation (MEF) a family run non-government organization dedicated to improving the welfare of domestic elephants. Spend a few hours with an elephant expert and animal rights activist who will give you the unique opportunity to meet, walk with, and bathe the elephants!
After lunch, continue to the town of Sigiriya, within the country’s rich cultural triangle. Late afternoon, mount the mesmerizing rock fortress of Sigiriya – a 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky”. Rising vividly from the central plains, this mysterious rocky outcrop is perhaps Sri Lanka’s most theatrical sight. Enjoy the climb up to the fortress with the antics of the local monkeys to amuse you and the art and architecture on every level to reward your climb.
Late evening check in to your lavish and private dwelling and relax for the day with a refreshing cocktail and your own plunge pool.
Drive Time – Approximately 3 ½ hour drive
Accommodation – Water Garden Resort, Sigiriya
Meal Basis – Bed and Breakfast
If you’re taking more of a cultural route on your adventures – the UNESCO world heritage sites of Dambulla’s famed rock temples and the ‘Medieval City of Polonnaruwa’ is an ideal introduction!
Despite its commercial air, Dambulla’s rock cave temple remains an important must visit site. Inside the caves around the golden temple are paintings and statues strewn all over, all related to the life of Gautama Buddha, his life and events. Do take a glimpse of some paintings and structures sculpted for historic gods and goddesses of Vishnu, Ganesha and Demon—Mara.
In the afternoon learn about the better kept ruins of ancient Ceylon – the UNESCO World Heritage City of Polonnaruwa; home to the Sinhalese kings and queens of old. Take a walking tour of the ruins which includes a visit to Lankathilaka, Thuparamaya, Royal Palace, Rankoth Vehera and Gal Viharaya. If you need to take a break don’t fret and make sure that you stop off at many of the coconut and drink points. All these stops will have a batch of fresh coconuts on the ice to chop open for you to drink!
If you haven’t gotten your fill of wildlife, we also suggest you embark on a slow and scenic catamaran ride along the Polonnaruwa Lake, one of the best locations for bird watching and sometimes elephants flock by the edges of the lake in search of water during hot and dry months. En-route, stop at a village home for “Plain Tea” with Treacle and “Helapa”, a traditional Sri Lankan snack that can refresh you.
Drive Time – Approximately 3 hour drive
Accommodation – Theva Residency
Meal Basis – Bed and Breakfast
Today you will be taken to the to the Hill capital of Kandy; a countryside hamlet with cool breezes, leafy green landscapes and misty mountains gathered around a mesmerizing lake.
En route, break your journey at the Spice gardens in Matale to see how Ceylon spices are manufactured and learn the merits and health properties of herbs, spices and plants including cocoa, cloves, coriander, coffee, nutmeg, pepper, vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, aloe vera and henna. We also recommend you break the journey at the Matale Heritage centre to witness your first hand art and craft products made by the village ladies which help their empowerment.
Spend the evening at your leisure, exploring the charming streets of Kandy or try your hand at different 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
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!
Accommodation – Theva Residency
Meal Basis – Bed and Breakfast
Awake early and follow the sound of the drums to pay a visit to the Temple of the Tooth. Join the Buddhists who, dressed in all white, offer puja while catching a glimpse of the great sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. The gold-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth holds Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist artifact – a tooth of Lord Buddha. During ‘puja’ (offerings or prayers), the protected chamber housing the same is open to worshipers and visitors.
Further, the visit to temple needs to be planned carefully. If you are interested in living in real traditions, daily service/Pooja is ideal to take part in. The Tooth Relic chamber would be opened during puja times where flowers and other offerings are being made while drummers at the lower hall continue their drumming performance.
Pick a flower from the flower market in the city square and offer it to the Temple of the tooth along with a lit oil lamp for good fortune and peace.
Kandy is a city of arts from batiks to dance performances to frescoes hidden within its temples; the city tends to both attract and produce an eccentric bunch of artisans! Spend an hour or two at an exclusive artist’s studio to discuss art, philosophy and music with one of the most fascinating characters you’ll meet on this trip. Along with over welcoming glasses of fresh juice, your experience allows you to have an intimate glimpse into his life and work, and discuss the work with the artist within his own private and creative world.
End the evening by embarking on 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.
Drive Time – Approx. 5 ½ hour ride
Accommodation – Dream Cliff Resort
Meal Basis – Bed and Breakfast
After a lovely breakfast, you will travel further south into the verdant green hills of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful and magic region – the Hill Country – proceeding to the quiet town of Haputale.
A ride by local train is the way to see this country best and is a highlight of any Sri Lankan visit. With its cool air, magnificent waterfalls, and thriving tea culture, the enchanting allure of these hills must to be seen to believe. ‘Clicketty-clack’ through dark tunnels on winding tracks, past tea bushes trimmed by regular picking that look like green sculptures stretching up and down the misty hills as far as the eye can see. While on board you will encounter food vendors with their offerings of “short eats” and local musicians who will serenade you for a few rupees. Don’t forget to try some street food in the train which is mostly freshly cut pineapple slices or deep fried vades!
In the next two days nestle in the perfect hill climate of Beragala; a hidden treasure located in the highlands of Sri Lanka near Haputale and Ella. This serene village is nestled in a valley peering straight through the Beragala Gap to the plain nearly 1,000m below! Apart from the mesmerizing natural views, take a peek at the hilly countryside of Haputale which is perfect for walks, through tea plantations, waterfalls, ancient temples and artifacts. Your luxury retreat in the next two days offers a very scenic vantage point with a bird-eye view of the surrounding mountain ranges.
Accommodation – Dream Cliff Resort
Meal Basis – Bed and Breakfast
Take a diverse observation to the Ceylon tea culture by visiting the Amba Tea Estate; small organic farm that specializes in a scale production of hand-rolled tea! Commence a tour of the tea estate by 11.00 am; visit the tea factory and learn of artisanal tea making, experience tea tasting (from green teas to lemon grass and black teas) and take a peek at the range of artisan teas, coffee, cinnamon and lemongrass growing side by side. Be sure to purchase some tea from the estate itself!
Alternatively discover the mountain ranges and tea plantations, trek or mountain bike across spectaculars view to the next, relish a cold shower in a waterfall followed by the world’s premium cup of tea or zip-line over the hills or stop to admire the cascading Ravana Ella waterfalls and the iconic Demodara Nine Arch Bridge in Ella.
Drive Time – Approx. 5 hour drive
Accommodation – Rock Villa, Bentota
Meal Basis – Bed and Breakfast
After a couple of civilized days in the tea country, you may be ready to explore the island’s sun and surf. You’ve waited long enough! Today you will descend the hills and head south to the dry-zone and into the decadent, white sand beaches of Bentota; situated by the sluggish sweep of the Bentota River, rich in the protected mangroves, and the ribbon of golden sand that makes up Bentota Beach which is a glorious holiday sun-and-fun playground. The small town of Bentota has a raucous fish market, local handicraft shops, beach side restaurants and the railway where the passing trains can sometimes interrupt the otherwise calm atmosphere of the charming beachside town.
Check into your enchanting 170 year-old Walawwa (Heritage House) in a dream beach setting. In the next few days, relax and enjoy an un-crowded stretch of coastline, the nearby nesting turtles and a vibrant audible birdlife – luxury at your fingertips and every sunset at your doorstep.
Accommodation – Rock Villa, Bentota
Meal Basis – Bed and Breakfast
In the next two days if you wish to step out, the country home and architectural garden ‘Lunuganga’ of a renowned architect, Geoffrey Bawa, is nearby and well worth a visit for an alfresco lunch. You could also take a serene boat ride down the beautiful Madu River, a wetland inlet spreading over 900 hectares. Journey past massive mangrove forests, glide under the canopy of the forest tunnels and take in the unique biodiversity that boasts of hundreds of birds, plants, fish and animals. For the more adventurous – the thrill of water sports on the Bentota Lagoon is a must!
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. Explore on foot, an endlessly exotic old trading port blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, stylish cafes, quirky boutiques, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions and museums, impeccably restored hotels and cafes serving yummy food and cold beer. 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 feast or hot hoppers! You could also tap into your artistic side by learning ways of painting a traditional Sri Lankan mask with the help of a renowned artist.
Alternatively, why not treat yourself with a long luxurious day on the beach? You could visit the beaches of Hikkaduwa and snorkel among the corals or else you can also visit the secret beaches of Delawella and Hiriketiya to have a truly memorable beach experience.
Drive Time – Approx. 2 hour drive
Though it will be difficult to say goodbye, all good things come to an end. Your chauffeur guide will return you by way of a scenic drive to the international airport for your departing flight and a safe journey home.
Learn more about the luxurious properties available for your trip.
Maniumpathy is a stately house, which has been home to five generations of a family originating in Jaffna. During its history spanning over a century, it has evolved at the hands of the different members of the family who have lived there.
Water Garden Sigiriya has ushered in a new chapter of dynamic and novel experiences in unsurpassed luxury. It is a unique boutique hotel in Sigiriya Sri Lanka that gives convenient access to the Cultural Triangle.
Rock Villa is an enchanting, 170 year-old Walauwa (Heritage House) in a dream beach setting amid 2.5 acres of tropical garden, coconut palms towering overhead, frangipani scenting the air.
