| Day |
Destination / Drive time |
Accommodation Details |
Activities & Highlights |
Optional Experiences |
Supplements |
| 1 |
Negombo (Kutogoda)
(15 mins) |
The Wallawwa
(Bed & Breakfast Basis) - Boutique
Hotel
Garden Suite |
Ayubowan - you have arrived!
On the way from the airport stop for a delicious
Tambili (King Coconut) to quench your thirst
and rehydrate after a long flight.
Plunge yourself into the refreshing pool and
spend the afternoon relaxing with a good book
and a cup of Ceylon tea in the beautiful
gardens of this superb colonial manor house.
A good night sleep in a seriously comfortable
bed – you will think you are floating! |
You have just arrived so we suggest
you take it easy today. After all it is
your holiday!
Top Tip #1: Treat yourself to a
massage at the hotel’s ‘Z’ Spa. Try the
signature massage which is perfect for
assisting you overcome your jetlag. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2 |
Sigiriya
(4 ½ hours plus
stopping time) |
Jetwing Vil Uyana
(Half Board) – Boutique Hotel
Paddy Dwelling Room #104 |
Let’s set off to the Cultural Triangle.
First stop and a chance to stretch your legs at
Kadjugama, the Cashew Nut town of Sri Lanka.
Purchase some of Sri Lanka’s finest nuts. A
great gift for someone back at home or to keep
as a snack whilst travelling around the island.
If it’s your dream to feed an elephant then you
must not miss Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage –
home to many abandoned or injured elephants.
It is one of Sri Lanka’s most visited sites.
Our guests love it!
Discover Arankele – a 6th century archeological
site that is famous for its ancient walking
meditation platforms & meditation caves set in
a magical forested hillside.
Arrive in time for delicious Rice & Curry and
retire to your balcony with a good book and a
cup of Ceylon tea.
|
Already plenty to do so no time for
extra excursions today.
Top Tip #2:
Learn the word ‘Estuti’ - it means
thank you in Sinhalese and can go
along way in pleasing the locals.
Top Tip #3:
Don’t leave coins as tips – it’s
considered ‘beggar money’ and can
insult any Sri Lankan. |
Treat yourself to:
Jetwing Vil Uyana
(Half Board) – Boutique Hotel
Forest Dwelling Room #139
You will have your own
swimming pool!
Click here for more information
Supplement ;
US$ 66 per room per night
Or
The Heritance Kandalama Hotel
(Half Board) – 5 star
Suite – Sigiriya Wing
Reduction ;
US$ 60 per room per night |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 3 |
Sigiriya to
Polonnawura
(2 ½ hours return) |
Jetwing Vil Uyana
(Half Board) – Boutique Hotel
Paddy Dwelling Room #104 |
Climb to the top of the UN World Heritage Site
of Sigiriya at 7am. An ancient rock fortress
from the 5th Century. Amazing views of the
Cultural Triangle!
Medirigiriya – 7th century Vatadage temple a
top a rocky point.
Polonnaruwa is a UN World Heritage Site and
was the Capital of Sri Lanka from 11th - 13th
Centuries. It contains some splendid and
spectacular statues.
Before exploring we suggest stopping for a
light lunch at the Polonnaruwa Rest House. It is
superbly located on Sri Lanka’s largest man
made lake and is famous for hosting Britain’s
Queen Elizabeth in 1954.
Soak in the surroundings of Vil Uyana. |
When exploring Polonnaruwa take a
bicycle and your very own guide and
cycle through the ancient city of
Polonnaruwa. A great way to see it!
US$15 per person
Top Tip #4: Pay the extra US$5 to
take a ‘pump man’ with you whilst
cycling around Polonnaruwa. You may
end up with a flat tyre and he will sort
you out in no time at all.
Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park
to see wild elephants. Home to the
largest gathering of elephants in the
world. Don’t miss it!
(It’s seasonal from Aug – Oct)
US$ 30 per person
|
Jetwing Vil Uyana
(Half Board) – Boutique Hotel
Paddy Dwelling Room #104 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 4 |
Sigiriya–
Anuradhapura
(2 ½ hours return) |
Jetwing Vil Uyana
(Half Board) – Boutique Hotel
Paddy Dwelling Room #104 |
See the 5th century B.C Aukana Buddha. The
most magnificent & most well preserved
ancient image in Sri Lanka.
Visit our most extensive & important ancient
city of Anuradhapura from 4th century B.C.
Stop of at the 7th century Mahakandarawa
stone bridge situated a midst a forest.
Visit the local village temple and get an inside
into Buddhism from the head monk. |
Early morning hot air balloon ride over
Sigiryia! An incredible experience with
a champagne breakfast. You will never
forget it.
US$220 per person
An elephant ride - it will make you feel
like Asian royalty US$ 20 per person |
Go on spoil yourself if you have
not done so already!
Jetwing Vil Uyana
(Half Board) – Boutique Hotel
Paddy Dwelling Room #104 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 5 |
Kandy
(3 hours) |
The Kandy House
(Bed & Breakfast Basis)
Admiral Super Deluxe Gallery “amazing colonial splendor”
(Dinner will be A LA Carte and
payable direct by the clients)
The Kandy House
(Bed & Breakfast Basis)
Admiral Super Deluxe Gallery |
Discover the Dambulla Caves Rock Temple
dated from First Century B.C.
Visit an exotic Spice Garden in Matale where
you can be treated to a garden tour and
cooking demonstration to understand the taste
and aroma of the world famous spices. It is
quite touristy however everyone learns
something and most love it.
For lunch we will stop at Aluwihare Kitchens
and The Matale Heritage Centre. Eat delicious
home cooked Rice & Curry in the centre’s
restaurant which supports over 35 villagers.
Get an insight into the incredible work of Ena
De Silva – one of Sri Lanka’s prominent Batik
artists who started the centre.
Arrive into the last stronghold of Sinhala Kings
& UN World Heritage Site – the Hill Country
capital of Kandy.
Head straight to the superbly renovated 200
year old manor house ‘The Kandy House’ -
Once the home of the King’s Chief Minister. |
Already plenty to do so no time for
extra excursions today.
Top Tip #5: At the Kandy House ask for the
Manager Mendis to make you an
Arrack Sour. They are the best cocktail
in Sri Lanka. |
Villa Rosa
(Half Board) – Boutique Hotel
Room #3 with amazing views
“incredible views”
Reduction ;
US$ 150 per room per night
Hotel Theva
(Half Board) – Boutique Hotel
Superior Room
Reduction ;
US$ 30 per room per night
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 6 |
Kandy |
The Kandy House
(Bed & Breakfast Basis)
Admiral Super Deluxe Gallery |
Explore the city’s Temple of the Sacred Tooth
Relic.
Wander around the lake and the streets of
Kandy getting a feel for this wonderful city. For
those interested in shopping for gems,
antiques, clothes and leather use our shopping
guide and explore the local markets and shops.
Either return to The Kandy House for lunch and
an afternoon of relaxation or else visit the
beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens and see its
treasures of tropical flora. Keep an eye out for
the amazing fig tree!
Top Tip #6: Fancy having a new suit made or
one of your favourite outfits copied. Then you
must visit Mr. Hamy’s shop in Kandy, named
after Hinni Appuhamy who trained in Saville
Row, London. He only opens by
appointment and has been making fabulous
bespoke suits for three generations. His
grandson Sunil carries on the tradition and
continues to supply the English cricket team
as well as clients from all around the world. |
Kandy excursions:
Gem Museum & Factory tour
Art & Craft Village
Private Performance of Kandyan
dancing and drumming
For anyone interested in wonderful
architecture we recommend you visit
The Trinity College Chapel – a
Kandyan pavilion open on three
sides featuring murals painted by
renowned Ceylon artist David
Paynter. It is the only church (built
circa 1800) with no walls.
If you decide to stay in Kandy for
lunch we suggest for the more
adventurous an authentic lunch with
traditional Rice & Curry at the Olde
Empire Hotel, a UN Conserved
Designated Building. Ask to sit upstairs
for a great view over the lake!
OR
For those that would prefer to have a
picnic in the beautiful botanical
gardens The Kandy House will pack
you up with the most delicious lunch.
Just let us know and we will arrange
this for you.
|
Villa Rosa
(Half Board) – Boutique Hotel
Room #3 with amazing views
“incredible views”
Hotel Theva
(Half Board) – Boutique Hotel
Superior Room |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 7 |
Dickoya - Tea Country
(via Train 4 hours) |
Ceylon Tea Trails
(Full Board) – Boutique Hotel
Luxury Room – Castlereagh
Bungalow |
Spend the morning seeing how Ceylon tea is
made and learn the art of becoming a
discerning tea taster with the Master himself,
Andrew Taylor – a descendent of James Taylor
who planted the first tea seed in Sri Lanka in
1867.
Visit the nearby Warleigh Church built in 1878
by early British planters. It is situated in one of
the most stunning locations.
Wander through the tea gardens and visit the
local tea pluckers creche that is supported by
Ceylon Tea Trails and the MJF Foundation.
|
Take a walk from Castlereagh
Bungalow to Norwood Bungalow (2 ½
to 3 hours gentle walk).
We recommend taking a guide with
you and one of Tea Trail’s delicious
picnics. There are so many magical
picnic spots along the way and believe
me you will not go hungry! Their
picnics are seriously gourmet.
Top Tip #7: If you have been out
walking you will love nothing more
than to slip into a hot bath. We
recommend you try one of TeaTrails
healing tea baths! |
Ceylon Tea Trails
(Full Board) - Boutique Hotel
Garden Suite (Palmer Suite) –
Castlereagh Bungalow |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 8 |
Dickoya – Tea
Country
(via Train 4 hours) |
Ceylon Tea Trails
(Full Board) – Boutique Hotel
Luxury Room – Castlereagh
Bungalow |
Spend the morning seeing how Ceylon tea is
made and learn the art of becoming a
discerning tea taster with the Master himself,
Andrew Taylor – a descendent of James Taylor
who planted the first tea seed in Sri Lanka in
1867.
Visit the nearby Warleigh Church built in 1878
by early British planters. It is situated in one of
the most stunning locations.
Wander through the tea gardens and visit the
local tea pluckers creche that is supported by
Ceylon Tea Trails and the MJF Foundation.
|
Take a walk from Castlereagh
Bungalow to Norwood Bungalow (2 ½
to 3 hours gentle walk).
We recommend taking a guide with
you and one of Tea Trail’s delicious
picnics. There are so many magical
picnic spots along the way and believe
me you will not go hungry! Their
picnics are seriously gourmet.
Top Tip #6: If you have been out
walking you will love nothing more
than to slip into a hot bath. We
recommend you try one of TeaTrails
healing tea baths! |
Ceylon Tea Trails
(Full Board) - Boutique Hotel
Garden Suite (Palmer Suite) –
Castlereagh Bungalow |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 9 |
Yala National Park |
Kulu Safari’s
(Full Board) – Stylish Tented Camp |
It is time to fly – escape the crazy roads of Sri
Lanka and see the magnificent country from
the air in Deccan Aviations Helicopter. Get to
your destination in just 1 hour (versus 9 hours
driving).
This is the most incredible experience and
worth every single dollar and cent!
It’s Safari time! Leopard, elephant, crocodiles,
bears, deer, amazing birds….they are all here
in Yala National Park.
Kulu Safari’s is undoubtedly one of the most
memorable experiences in Sri Lanka. Your
guides and trackers are some of the best on
the island. You will dine under the stars, sleep
in total comfort and even be treated to hot and
cold showers!
|
Top Tip #8: Pack your own head torch
for your camping experience! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 10 |
Yala National Park |
Kulu Safari’s
(Full Board) – Stylish Tented Camp
|
More safari’s in the morning and evening.
Swim in the ocean, see incredible birds and
relax into camp life.
Top Tip #8: The locals call leopard “Kotiya” .
Keep an ear out and even an eye. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 11 |
Tangalle
(4 hours) |
Kadju House
(Full Board) – Boutique Hotel
Suite |
A night in sheer luxury listening to the sound of
the waves of the Indian Ocean.
Enjoy the most delicious Rice & Curries cooked
using fruits grown in the Kadju House garden
and superb seafood from the local area.
|
Top Tip #9: If you love swimming in
the surf or would like to have a go at
boogie boarding, Seenimodera Beach
where Kadju House is located is the
best beach in Sri Lanka for this. Work
up an appetite in the surf! |
Amanwella
(Accommodation on Room Only
basis) – Luxury Hotel
Ocean Suite
Supplement ;
US$ 25 per room per night
(Meals will be on a la carte
basis)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 12 |
Galle
(2 hours) |
Kahanda Kanda
(Bed & Breakfast) – Boutique Hotel
The Mango Suite
|
Early morning go down to the beach and assist
the fisherman with their difficult task of pulling
the net. It’s not easy, and will require you to
work as a team but the catch will make it very
rewarding.
Stop off at Dondra – Sri Lanka’s southern tip
and visit the oldest stone building in Sri Lanka.
Dondra was formerly home to a great temple
dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. In 1588 the
Portuguese destroyed all temples except for
this one. Learn more about its colourful history
when you visit.
Arrive at Kahanda Kanda (KK) an award
winning boutique hotel that will only leave you
wanting more. It is definitely one of our
favourite hidden treasures of Sri Lanka and the
food is superb.
In the afternoon wander on the ramparts and
through the streets of the UN World Heritage
Site – Galle Fort. Considered one of the best
examples of a living fortified city built by
Europeans in South and South East Asia.
There is so much to discover and it is best to
do it on foot. Use our map as well as our
shopping & eating guide to discover the best of
this Fort. Your guide will also assist you.
|
Top Tip #6: For those wanting to
purchase a Sri Lankan gem there are
some great jewelers in Galle Fort. See
our shopping list of who we
recommend. |
Amangalla
(Accommodation on Room Only
basis) - Luxury Hotel
Suite
Supplement ;
US$ 30 per room per night
(Meals will be on a la carte
basis) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 13 |
Galle |
Galle Face Hotel
(Bed & Breakfast)
Oceanic Suite – Regency Wing |
Stop off at Lunuganga – the country residence
of Sri Lanka’s world renowned architect
Geoffrey Bawa. Set on 15 acreas of Italian
inspired garden and surrounded by lake it is
one of the most beautiful gardens in Asia.
Welcome to the big city of Colombo. First stop
is lunch & shopping at Barefoot
Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple & Simamalaka
Shrine designed by Sri Lanka’s leading architect
Geoffrey Bawa.
Sunset Cocktails on the checker board of the
Galle Face Hotel - Asia’s oldest hotel located on
the Indian Ocean in the centre of Colombo.
Be there by 5.45pm to catch the sunset.
Superb dinner at Sri Lanka’s most stylish
restaurant Gallery Café – once the office of the
world renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa.
Top Tip #11: Try the Prawn Curry at Gallery
Café and remember to keep room for dessert.
The Chocolate Nemesis is to die for!
|
We recommend stopping on the
roadside at Kalutara and purchasing
our favourite tropical fruit –
Mangosteens – they are exquisite. If
you have not already tried one you
absolutely must!
For those interested in shopping we
suggest that you visit some of our
favourite shops such as Paradise
Road, Rithihi for beautiful sari’s and
shawls, Odel for an amazing
assortment of cheap branded clothing
made for the export market and Jewel
Qudsi for those wanting to do some
gem shopping. |
Amangalla
(Accommodation on Room Only
basis)
- Luxury Hotel
Suite |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 14 |
Galle to Colombo
(3 ½ hours) |
Galle Face Hotel
(Bed & Breakfast)
Oceanic Suite – Regency Wing
|
Stop off at Lunuganga – the country residence
of Sri Lanka’s world renowned architect
Geoffrey Bawa. Set on 15 acreas of Italian
inspired garden and surrounded by lake it is
one of the most beautiful gardens in Asia.
Welcome to the big city of Colombo. First stop
is lunch & shopping at Barefoot
Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple & Simamalaka
Shrine designed by Sri Lanka’s leading architect
Geoffrey Bawa.
Sunset Cocktails on the checker board of the
Galle Face Hotel - Asia’s oldest hotel located on
the Indian Ocean in the centre of Colombo.
Be there by 5.45pm to catch the sunset.
Superb dinner at Sri Lanka’s most stylish
restaurant Gallery Café – once the office of the
world renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa.
Top Tip #12: Try the Prawn Curry at Gallery
Café and remember to keep room for dessert.
The Chocolate Nemesis is to die for!
|
We recommend stopping on the
roadside at Kalutara and purchasing
our favourite tropical fruit –
Mangosteens – they are exquisite. If
you have not already tried one you
absolutely must!
For those interested in shopping we
suggest that you visit some of our
favourite shops such as Paradise
Road, Rithihi for beautiful sari’s and
shawls, Odel for an amazing
assortment of cheap branded clothing
made for the export market and Jewel
Qudsi for those wanting to do some
gem shopping. |
Treat yourself to an upgrade:
The Park Street Hotel
(Bed & breakfast) – Boutique
Hotel
The Beghum Suite which boasts
its own large terrace and private
garden
Supplement ;
US$ 265 per room per night
The Park Street Hotel
(Bed & breakfast) – Boutique
Hotel
Deluxe Room
Supplement ;
US$ 36 per room per night |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 15 |
Colombo to Airport
(40 minutes) |
Homeward bound!
Or perhaps you would like to stay on
a little bit longer in some of these
locations?
We can tailor make an experience of
a life time that you will never forget.
Just let us know! |
Its time to leave the isle of Serendipity!
Stop for your last Tambili on the way to the
airport!
|
Fancy your last bit of shopping – enjoy
the Duty Free shops at the airport.
We love Odel and Stone & String.
Top Tip #13: Prepare for your long
journey with a fantastic foot or back
massage at Foot Rub for only US$10 –
US$15. A good way to spend your last
lot of Sri Lankan Rupees.
Up, up and away! |
Amanwella
(Accommodation on Room Only
basis) – Luxury Hotel
Ocean Suite
Supplement ;
US$ 25 per room per night
(Meals will be on a la carte
basis)
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|