A short 9 night trip to the beautiful island of Sri Lanka.
The perfect introduction to Sri Lanka, this tour encompasses the very best of the island’s culture and includes stays in some of the country’s most stylish boutique properties.
Start your journey in the quiet corner of Negombo’s rural hinterland, just north of Colombo, with a stay at an award-winning country house hotel. The following day, depart for Sigiriya, renowned for its sacred rock fortress and intricate fresco paintings. Enjoy a spice-infused Sri Lankan lunch before heading on to the hillside retreat of Kandy, where you can enjoy a tuk-tuk city tour and explore the charming street markets. Take a scenic train journey to Hatton, a fabulous way to admire the tea country. You’ll then enjoy a stay at Ceylon Tea Trails, the world’s first tea bungalow resort, where you can unwind and observe life on a working Ceylon tea estate.
Itinerary highlights:
Visit the Ritigala Monastery archaeological site and reserve.
Participate in an alms-giving ceremony with a local family
Explore the Minneriya National Park
Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Enjoy a Sri Lankan meal at a private spice garden with a hands-on cooking demonstration.
Tour the city of Kandy in tuk tuks
Visit the house of a local dancing master.
Take a scenic train journey through tea country.
Visit the royal botanical gardens at Peradeniya.
Learn the story of Ceylon Tea at a tea factory
Explore the Colombo heritage area and Pettah districts with a local guide
Negombo
Take a short 15-minute transfer to Negombo for an overnight stay at The Wallawwa. This lovingly restored manor house is a welcome retreat for the travel-weary; take high tea on the lawn, slip into the shaded pool hidden away in the tropical gardens and revive mind and body at the signature spa. (Breakfast Included)
Sigiriya
Travel through rural villages and coconut groves to Sigiriya for a 3-night stay at Water Garden Sigiriya. From here, venture to the top of Sigiriya Rock, passing remarkable frescoes and carvings. The views of the surrounding landscape from its summit are well worth the effort – the best time of day is early morning when the forests, water gardens and shrines are shrouded in mist. Further experiences include exploring the ruins at Ritigala monastery, taking part in an alms-giving ceremony with a local family to a group of forest-dwelling monks, and a Minneriya National Park trip the chance to spot deer crocodiles and wild elephants. (Breakfast Included)
Kandy
En route to The Kandy House for a 2-night stay, stop to visit Alu Vihare rock temple with its numerous cave shrines, followed by a cooking class and lunch at a private spice garden. Arriving in Kandy, the best way to explore is a panoramic city tour via tuk-tuk and a guided walk through the markets. Here you can also learn about the origins of Kandyan dance with a visit to the home of a local dancing-master; and about Sri Lankan botany at Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, the largest on the island. (Breakfast)
Hatton
Journey through the tea country on a scenic train ride to Hatton for a 2-night stay at Ceylon Tea Trails, passing through dramatic landscapes including lush tea plantations, majestic peaks and rushing waterfalls. A stay here must include a tea factory visit to learn more about the famous Ceylon Tea and explore the area further on guided hikes or the complimentary mountain bikes. You can also receive a blessing at a Hindu Kovil. (Inclusive of all meals and drinks)
Colombo
Return to Colombo for an overnight stay at Residence by UGA. Spend time with resident host Mark Forbes as he takes you through the Colombo heritage area and Pettah districts, focusing on photography, architecture and history. Dinner at the Gallery Café or Ministry of Crab comes highly recommended. (Breakfast Included)
After your short boutique itinerary, you can fly back to the U.K or extend your stay for a few days at one of the beach resorts; a lot of clients choose to make use of the distance you have travelled and extend the holiday in the Maldives, the Maldive Islands are apx 1 hour 30 mins flying time from Colombo, so this makes a perfect twin-centre if wanted.
Please contact me directly; I have planned many itineraries to Sri Lanka over the years. Thus, I have an excellent way of obtaining the most from any trip.
