Sri Lanka Package Tour- Culture 8 Days

YOUR SRI LANKA HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE -

Colonial Splendour, a Hot Cup of Tea & the Trumpet of an Elephant! – 10 days

THE ISLE OF SERENDIDITY

This extraordinary island set in the Indian Ocean, off the south eastern tip of India, has thousands of years of diverse culture. Still a predominantly Buddhist country, it also has strong Hindu, Christian and Muslim communities. Incredibly fertile and a great producer of exotic fruits and it was for centuries the spice producer of the world famous for its Cinnamon & Pepper. It is now best known for its tea plantations established by the British in the cooler, misty and incredibly picturesque hill country. With a strong cultural past that now offers over 7 UN World Heritage sites, Sri Lanka was once one of the richest countries in Asia. In more recent times it has not developed at the dramatic pace of its neighbours’ in the region adding to its charm and character. The relative lack of development and gentle island pace make Sri Lanka the perfect destination for those looking for a varied and stimulating holiday. Although not known for Golf, believe it or not Sri Lanka has four world class golf courses and what more could one ask for but to have them all in a tropical paradise. Once you have played here you will realize that Sri Lanka’s golf courses are one of the world’s best kept secrets.

Whether you are just coming for the golf or whether you wish to combine it with some of Sri Lanka’s incredible sites and destinations. From a long weekend to a 14 day holiday our team will create an experience that you will never forget and that will leave you only wanting to come back for more. Our “Hole in One!” experience will give you an idea of the diversity of what the island and its golfing secrets has to offer.

YOUR HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE WILL TAKE YOU TO:


	Wallawwa or Horathopala
	Hatton – Tea Country
	Nuwara Eliya
	Buttala
	Yala National Park
	Galle
	Colombo

OUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO:


1.	Ride an elephant - it will make you feel like Asian royalty
2.	Join in a game of cricket - the cricket-mad locals are always happy for an extra pair of hands
3.	Trail your morning tea to its source in Sri Lanka's highlands - drink Sri Lanka’s finest tea and roam through the lush tea estates
4.	Stop on the side of the road to quench your thirst with a King Coconut (Tambili) and eat a hopper from a local street stall
5.	Fly high in a hot air balloon over the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress and enjoy a champagne breakfast!
6.	Go on Safari and see leopards, elephants, wild bear, crocodile, deer, birds
7.	Get up close and personal with the world’s largest mammal – The Blue Whale
8.	Immerse yourself in the Esala Perahera in Kandy – a colourful festival involving huge processions of glittering elephants, dancers and drummers
9.	Eat the freshest chilli crab with your feet in the sand under the stars by the Indian Ocean
10.	Gem shopping – find that perfect semi precious stone to remind you of Sri Lanka forever
11.	Bicycle around the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa

Day	Destination / Drive time	Accommodation Details	Activities & Highlights	Optional Experiences	Supplements
1	Negombo (Kutogoda) (15 mins)	The Wallawwa (Half Board) - 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.	Horathopala Estate (Half Board) – Boutique Hotel Maha Camera – Master Bedroom This option will add an additional 1 ½ hours drive time. Let’s discuss.

2	Dickoya - Tea Country (4 hours) Or (5 hours via the elephant orphanage)	Ceylon Tea Trails (Full Board) – Boutique Hotel Luxury Room – Castlereagh Bungalow	Arrive in time for a superb three course lunch overlooking the beautiful Castlereagh Lake. Put your walking shoes on and stride out into the picturesque tea country. It is right at your doorstep – with so many incredible walks from 20 minutes to 4 hours. The choice is yours. Enjoy the best cream tea in Sri Lanka and perhaps play a spot of croquet!	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!	Ceylon Tea Trails (Full Board) - Boutique Hotel Garden Suite (Palmer Suite) – Castlereagh Bungalow

3	Dickoya – Tea Country	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 #2: 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

4	Buttala via Nuwara Eliya (5 hours)	Galapita (Half Board) - Luxury Mud Huts	Train journeys in Sri Lanka are an absolute must. Take the most magical train journey through Sri Lanka’s tea country with prime seats in the observation carriage. A fabulous way to see Sri Lanka’s hill villages, tea country and see the daily lives of the local people. Tea Trails will pack you up with a delicious picnic. Depart from Hatton Railway station and arrive at Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya’s railway station). (2 hour train journey) Rug up as you are now in cooler climbs – 6,500ft. No better way to introduce yourself to what was labeled “Little England” than to have afternoon tea on the verandah of the British Colonial Hill Club built in 1876 – it is a huge part of Sri Lanka’s history. Arrive at Galapita in time for dinner – we just love their delicious organic vegetable curries.	No time today for anything else. You need to keep moving!

5	Yala via Katagarama (3 hours)	Kulu Safari’s (Full Board) – Stylish Tented Camp	Spend the morning swinging in a hammock listening to the sound of the river with a good book or for the more active go gem panning in Galapita’s river. The river is filled with semi precious stones such as garnets and quartz. Many a guest has departed with some superb stones and headed straight to the jewelers to have them cut and polished. Try your luck! Early lunch – more of those delicious organic vegetable curries. A quick stop in Katagarama – Sri Lanka’s holiest city and home to thousands of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims in August each year. Onto Yala now!

6	Yala National Park	Kulu Safari’s (Full Board) – Stylish Tented Camp	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 #3: Pack your own head torch!

7	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.

8	Galle (4 hours)	Kahanda Kanda (Bed & Breakfast) – Boutique Hotel The Mango Suite	Kahanda Kanda (KK) is 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 #4: 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.	Feel like something really special - treat yourself to one of KK’s amazing dinners in a secret location. You will feel like royalty.	Kahanda Kanda (Bed & Breakfast) – Boutique Hotel The Peacock Suite

9	Galle	Kahanda Kanda (Bed & Breakfast) – Boutique Hotel The Mango Suite	It is your last day before you head home. Choose to simply relax by the magnificent infinity pool at KK, head to the beach or choose from one of the many other activities on offer. Visit KK’s community project the Tittagala Temple Sunday School. Take a moment to be responsible and offset your carbon footprint from your holiday in Sri Lanka. KK has its own Analog Forestry programme on Koggala Lake where you can purchase trees and even help plant them. Top Tip #5: Ask the owner George Cooper to tell you his family history.	Fancy learning how to make your very own Rice & Curry. The chefs at KK will give you a 3 hour private cooking class! Take a bike ride through the local villages, past temples, rice paddies and low land tea estates. Meet the local tailor, carpenter and have a cup of tea in the home of KK’s tea pluckers.

10	Airport (4 ½ hours)	Homeward bound! Or perhaps you would like to stay on and continue exploring our incredible island. Some time on the beach or how about exploring our incredible Cultural Triangle? We can tailor make an experience of a life time that you will never forget. Do 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 #6: Prepare for your long journey with a fantastic foot or back massage at Foot Rub. Up, up and away!

LET THE PICTURES DO THE TALKING

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