Our first morning starts with a journey from the beachside resorts of Negombo or Colombo to the last Kingdom of Sri Lanka and the start of our Ceylon experience in Kandy. On our journey we visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a home where orphaned elephants and raised to health. We arrive in Kandy in the afternoon and have time to explore the last Kingdom at your leisure.
Hotel: Cinnamon Citadel or The Kandy House
Meals: Dinner
As Sri Lanka’s last kingdom, Kandy resisted both the Portuguese and Dutch before falling to the British empire in 1815. The capital of each kingdom before Kandy protected the Buddha’s tooth relic within the palace complex. As the last kingdom, Kandy remains home to the Buddha tooth relic, a most precious and sacred site in Sri Lanka. We explore the Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy’s most visited site, during morning offerings before the crowds become too intense.
The afternoon and evening are open to guests to discover some of the British contribution to the region or the remains of the Kingdom of Kandy. Colonial experiences include visiting a tea museum and having lunch in the nearby botanical gardens. Historical experiences include exploring the rainforest above Kandy and viewing the ancient town from the hills above. Whatever your adventure, your guide will help you to get the most out of your visit to Kandy.
Hotel: Cinnamon Citadel or The Kandy House
Meals: Breakfast.
Train travel in Sri Lanka is one of the best ways to get off road and see parts of the countryside that are inaccessible by car. Our Sri Lanka train journey takes place on one of the most scenic sections of railroad in Asia: the line between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. Our day starts on the outskirts of Kandy, from where we climb 1,300m into the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country. Although we travel less than 100km, the four-hour journey takes in some breathtaking scenery that can only be seen from the rails. Riding in second class, we feel the temperature drop with fresh burst of air flowing freely through open windows. The train weaves its way along hillsides covered in tea plantations towards Sri Lanka’s high tea country. On arrival in Nuwra Eliya, guests have the afternoon to explore the small colonial town or organise their own adventure in what we think is one of the most beautiful parts of Sri Lanka.
Hotel: Jetwing St. Andrews or Heritance Tea Factory
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We slow the pace down and relax in what was once the destination for the colonial empire’s Ceylon tea trails. The name Ceylon was given to Sri Lanka while the British controlled the country, which is why Sri Lankan tea is often called Ceylon tea. We find out the British influence remains strong to this day as we explore one of the finest tea plantations Sri Lanka has to offer in Nuwara Eliya. During the day, we visit Lovers Leap, explore the Pedro tea estate and enjoy a high tea. To experience the life of a local, there is an opportunity to pick your own tea leaves and discover the effort that goes into making the perfect cup of tea.
Hotel: Jetwing St. Andrews or Heritance Tea Factory
Meals: Breakfast, High Tea, Dinner
Horton Plains National Park is the destination of today’s trip for our early morning hike to World’s End. Once the hunting grounds for the elite, these plains are now a national park perched over 2,100m above sea level. Hiking to World’s End takes us across grassland plateau and through jungle to the breathtaking precipice dropping 1,200m to the valley below. The view extends to tiny towns surrounded by tea plantations. On clear days, you can see Sri Lanka’s south coast from here. Heading back, we pause at the beautiful Bakers Falls before descending to the town of Haputale and once again riding the railway back to Nuwara Eliya. If you feel like relaxing, grab a book and watch the day go by in this relaxing little village.
Hotel: Jetwing St. Andrews or Heritance Tea Factory
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Although the tour program of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle is complete, your trip doesn’t need to end just yet. For those wishing to explore Nuwara Eliya or the surrounding high country further, we can arrange add-on accommodation. Return transport to Colombo is provided by private car if required. For those who wish to experience the Sri Lankan railways again we can also add a rail transfer to Colombo.
Meals: Breakfast.
