On arrival in Colombo’s international airport you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your beachside resort. On arrival you receive a soothing reflexology session before enjoying a welcome dinner.
Hotel: Jetwing Sea, Negombo
Meals: Dinner
Enjoy a Sri Lankan breakfast, complete with egg hoppers at the resort before departing for Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. We take a tour of a local village, ride a bullock cart and take a catamaran across the lake and participate in local cooking demonstrations. After enjoying an organic lunch at a local farmers house we arrive at our accommodation for the evening, Galkadawala Forest.
This unique property considers that tourism should be a means of renewing abandoned environments which once supported cultural heritage. In these circumstances, the vitality of the owners value systems combined with the tranquil balance of our lives could be shared with guests who seek their hospitality. It is only then that the experiences you seek for which they travel to distant lands, may be truly fulfilled. Guests can enjoy bathing in the village lake and relaxing under the trees in the evening.
Hotel: Galkadawala Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
We recharge our energy with an early nutritious breakfast before climbing Pidurangala Rock. Monks have lived in the caves in the Pidurangala area on and off for over 2,500 years. The area came into prominence when Kasyapa, the King who built the famous Sigiriya rock fortress, moved the monks living around Sigiriya Rock to a newly refurbished monastery at Pidurangala. The views from the top of the climb across the countryside to Sigiriya provide a unique perspective of the Sri Lankan landscape.
In the evening you have the opportunity to visit the nearby Ritigala Monastery before enjoying dinner and relaxing back at the tranquil Galkadawala Forest Lodge.
Hotel: Galkadawala Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Our journey today takes us towards Eastern Sri Lanka’s coastline in Trincomalee. Along the journey we visit hot water springs near Kanniya which locals believe to have healing powers. On arrival in Trincomalee we visit the Hindi Koneswaram Temple and the breathtaking Lovers Leap. Ravana’s Cleft, as the Hindi’s call it has several histories surrounding its name that your guide will explain, however the 350ft drop into the sea below features heavily in all stories. In the afternoon you can explore the city of Trincomalee, including it’s beach lined bays, historic buildings and local markets.
Hotel: Amaranthe Bay Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Located 1km off the coastline of Sri Lanka, Pigeon Island is a snorkelling paradise. The shallow reefs make snorkelling just as exciting as diving as you swim with a variety of fish off the island shores. May to August provide the calmest seas and best conditions for snorkelling and other marine activities. During this period an optional whale watching excursion can be arranged. While in Trincomalee we can cycle across the local countryside, a splended way to see the landscape slowly and visit Marble beach. History buffs may appreciate a visit to the Trincomalee war cemetery and those seeking to embrace the local fishing culture can go fishing with the locals.
Hotel: Amaranthe Bay Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Our journey today explores Polonnaruwa as we trace the steps of kings across ancient ruins. The ruins we explore today make it easy to imagine how the palaces once rose into the sky. We wander ruins of palaces, shrines and temples of the old capital of Sri Lanka. Exploring can build up an appetite, so we visit a local home turned restaurant to experience some authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. We enjoy the local food against a scenic backdrop of farms and rice fields. We continue our journey along the east of Sri Lanka, arriving at Gal Oya in the afternoon.
Our home for the next two nights is Gal Oya Lodge, which is much more than just a Sri Lankan ecolodge. The lodge’s philosophy of bringing you closer to nature and protecting the local environment lies at the heart of the design. The concept lives in every detail, from the undisturbed lush forest of the mountain site to the natural materials, such as cajan, wood and illuk, used to create the bungalows. An innovative, fresh and healthy dinner, featuring home grown herbs and vegetables, and produce from neighbouring village farmers ends our day.
Hotel: Gal Oya Lodge, Galgamuwa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The morning begins with a climb of Monkey Mountain. The region surrounding the lodge is less developed than much of Sri Lanka today. The early morning views after a two hour hike to the summit span across the local jungles. These jungles are home to Sri Lanka’s dwindling indigenous communities, which we visit tomorrow. After a well deserved breakfast back at the lodge, we explore the Gal Oya National Park by either a jeep safari or a boat safari journey.
Gal Oya is the only national park in Sri Lanka that animals can be viewed from the water, making this a unique experience in Sri Lanka. This park is home to a resident elephant herd and other large animals including buffalo, deer, boar and the elusive leopard. Crocodiles also frequent the waters as do over 150 species of birds. After the safari, guests can relax by the pool of the eco lodge before enjoying another locally prepared dinner.
Hotel: Gal Oya Lodge, Galgamuwa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We visit a rural village of the indigenous Vedda people of Sri Lanka to learn about people who are the earliest inhabitants of the country. Inhabitants from before the Sinhalese from India, this minority community in Sri Lanka is in threat of extinction. Later in the day we travel towards Bandarawela. Due to the higher altitude, this town hosts a milder climate. Surrounded by dense, lush forests which are perfect for eco tourism activities by locals and international visitors alike.
Our accommodation for the evening is at Bandarawela Hotel. This colonial bungalow features rooms decorated in traditional style, delectable cuisine, renowned facilities. The surrounding panorama of misty mountains and the lovely bungalow exudes old world charm.
Hotel: Bandarawela Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
There is a charm that can only be experienced from a railway car navigating winding tracks of a local railway. This morning we catch a morning train to the tea countryside of Haputale. On arrival in Haputale we visit Adisham Bungalow (weekends and public holidays only) and take in the views from Lipton’s Seat. We discover how your morning cup of tea is prepared at the Dambethenne Tea Factory before descending to the southern coastal town of Mirissa.
Hotel: Casa Colombo Collection, Mirissa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Guests can enjoy a group yoga session to start the day at the local village yoga shala before returning to the luxury hotel to relax by the beach. Many water sports activities are available including local snorkelling or for the more adventurous, take to the waves to learn to surf. Your guide can provide local suggestions for the area if you feel like venturing further afield.
Hotel: Casa Colombo Collection, Mirissa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
