Essence of Sri Lanka
13 Nights & 14 Days
This holiday is designed to cover some of the Sri Lanka’s must-see attractions including the cultural triangle and around Kandy, authentic tea-centric experiences in the highlands, guided safaris for wildlife viewing in Yala and some guided walks to explore Sri Lanka’s colonial heritage around Galle and Colombo. culinary class on Sri Lankan cuisine is also offered in Ulagalla, where you can get hand’s on and learn how to prepare an authentic rice and curry. The emphasis will be on personally guided experiences and stays in some of Sri Lanka’s leading boutique hotels and tented game camps.
Day 01
Horathapola Estate, Kuliyapitiya
Deluxe Room – H/B Basis
On arrival, you will be met by your chauffeur guide and travel to The Horathapola Estate in Kuliyapitiya where you will spend the remainder of the day to unwind and relax. A bullock cart ride and a guided tour of a fully functional coconut estate can be included upon request during your stay here
Ulagalla Resort, Thirapanne
Ulagalla Villa – H/B Basis
After breakfast, leave for the Ulagalla Resort in Thirapanne. In the afternoon, visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Visit the palace ruins of King Kassapa which was constructed on top of a massive 200 meter high rock surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, frescoes of half-naked women and other structures
Day 02
Day 03
Ulagalla Resort, Thirapanne
Ulagalla Villa – H/B Basis
This morning, go on a guided tour of Ulagalla’s organic herb and vegetable garden, during which you can hand-pick fresh, juicy ingredients for your lunch. End your walk with a visit to the traditional hearth kitchen, where the herbs and vegetables you’ve selected will be transformed into delicious Sri Lankan dishes especially for you.
In the late afternoon, visit Minneriya National Park to visit ‘The Gathering of Elephants’, ranked among the world’s top wildlife spectacles
Day 04
Ulagalla Resort, Thirapanne
Ulagalla Villa – H/B Basis
Spend the day exploring Anuradhapura, the island’s first capital between 5th century BC and 11th century AD. You also have the option of visiting the sacred rock in Mihintale, which is widely known as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
Day 05
The Kandy House, Kandy
Deluxe Room – H/B Basis
Morning, leave for Kandy stopping en-route first at the Dambulla Cave Temple and then at a local Spice Garden near Matale, where you can also enjoy a Sri Lankan rice and curry lunch. Upon arrival in Kandy, check-in at The Kandy House. In the late afternoon, attend a cultural dance show
Day 06
The Kandy House, Kandy
Deluxe Room – H/B Basis
Morning, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, regarded among the best in Asia. Spend the remainder of the day exploring Kandy which will include a visit to the Hantana Tea Museum and a guided walk around the town exploring the Kandy lake and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Day 07
Ceylon Tea Trails, Hatton
Luxury Room – All Inclusive Basis
Morning, leave for Hatton and check-in at Ceylon Tea Trails, an old colonial tea bungalow turned into a glamorous tea-centric boutique hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure
Day 08
Ceylon Tea Trails, Hatton
Luxury Room – All Inclusive Basis
Morning, go on the Tea Experience, conducted by the resident tea planter at the resort, who will demonstrate the age-old tea making process Remainder of the day at leisure. You have the option of going on guided scenic nature walks and cycle rides
Day 09
Leopard Trails, Yala
Luxury Tent - All Inclusive Basis
Morning, travel to Leopard Trails in Yala stopping en-route at Buduruwagala, a hidden gem of an archeological site near Wellawaya comprising of seven large precisely cut rock sculptures which are believed to date back to the 10th century AD. Afternoon, go on a guided safari to Yala National Park, where you can encounter a variety of wildlife including Leopard, Sloth Bear, Asian Elephant, Mugger Crocodile, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Jackal and over 300 species of birds
Day 10
Up, Up and AwayLeopard Trails, Yala
Luxury Tent - All Inclusive Basis
Early morning and afternoon safaris to Yala National Park. You also have the option to do guided bush walks, bird watching tours or an excursion to the Sithulpahuwa temple, from where you can get panoramic views of Yala and its jungle surroundings
Day 11
Mosvold Villa, Ahangama
Deluxe Room – B&B Basis
After breakfast, leave for Matara, where you can stopover briefly to visit the Star Fort and the Dutch Fort. Afterwards, proceed to the Mosvold Villa in Ahangama close to where you can also see Sri Lanka’s iconic stilt fishermen, which are found only in this region
Day 12
Mosvold Villa, Ahangama
Deluxe Room – B&B Basis
Morning, explore the 17th century Dutch built Galle Fort. The Main Gate built by the British in the 19th century and the old gate which is inscribed with the Dutch East India Company’s coat of arms, the18th century built Clock Tower, Meeran Jumma Mosque and the nearby Lighthouse, the Anglican All Saints Church and the Dutch-reformed Church are well worth a visit. For those who have more time to explore the region, then a visit to the National Maritime Architecture Museum which was formerly a Dutch warehouse where ship’s provisions and valuable cargo were stored. The Galle National Museum which displays a collection of archaeological artefacts recovered from the south of the island is also worth a visit. Afternoon at leisure by the beach
Day 13
The Tintagel, Colombo
Executive Suite – B&B Basis
Morning, leave for Colombo and check-in at The Tintagel, which is the ancestral property of the Bandaranaike’s, a powerful family dynasty which produced two of Sri Lanka’s prime ministers and a president, which was turned into a boutique hotel in 2005. Spend the day exploring Colombo, which is an open and attractive city with a fascinating mix of 19th and 20th century colonial buildings, and more recent modern architecture. Some of the main sites covered during your guided city tour of the capital includes the Galle Face Green, Old Parliament, Gangaraamaya Temple, Beira Lake, Viharamahadevi Park and Independence Square.
In the afternoon, go on the Colombo City Walk, which takes you to the heart of the city and is an area lined with old colonial buildings from the periods of Dutch and British rule
Day 14
BIA, Katunayeke
Today, you will be dropped off at the Bandaranaike International Airport