Day 1 – Fly to Colombo

Today you will start your Sri Lankan adventure by flying to Colombo International Airport.

Day 2 – Colombo → Negombo

Arrive in Sri Lanka

“Ayubowan” & ‘’Vanakkam’’ Welcome to tropical paradise. You will be welcomed and greeted by your guide or an Earth Trip representative on arrival at the waiting area at Colombo International Airport. You will be transferred to your hotel in Negombo. Travel time approximately 20 minutes.

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Sri Lanka • Negombo & the Northwest

Goldi Sands

All rooms are stylishly decorated and equipped with every luxury you would want for an enjoyable stay.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 3 – Negombo  → Cultural Triangle – Dambulla

Today you will travel To Cultural Triangle Of Sri Lanka – approximately 3 hours.

Afternoon visit to Dambulla Cave Temples. Dambulla Golden Rock Cave Temple is a vast isolated rock mass 500ft high and a 1.6 km around the base. Here is found the impressive Rock Temple dating to the First Century BC. The caves of Dambulla sheltered the King Walagamba during his 14 years of exile from Anuradhapura. When he regained the throne he built the most magnificent of Rock Temples to be found on the Island. The complex consists of five caves with over 2000 sq. meters of painted walls and ceilings. It is the largest area of paintings found in the world. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site. In the first Cave is a recumbent image of the Buddha 14 metre long cut out of the Rock. There are images of deities associated with Buddhism all around. The frescoes on the ceiling date back to the 15th – 18th Centuries. In the Second Cave, the finest and the largest of all, there are 150 life-size statues of Gods from the Buddhist religion along with numerous images of the Buddha himself.

Mid-range

Sri Lanka • The Cultural Triangle

Aliya Resort & Spa

The Sigiriya hotel ‘Aliya’ is an authentic experience of the lifestyle of nearby villages in the Cultural Triangle.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 4 – Cultural Triangle – Polonnoruwa

Visit to ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

Polonnaruwa was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, and today it is one of the most beautiful centres of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and a UNESCO Heritage site. With its comparatively brief history and a dozen rules, it has far more complete preserved ruin than Anuradhapura. Visit the ancient ruins and Gal Vihara complex, where 3 gigantic Buddha’s statues are carved out of a single rock. You also will be able to see the toque macaque monkeys, found only in Sri Lanka.

Mid-range

Sri Lanka • The Cultural Triangle

Aliya Resort & Spa

The Sigiriya hotel ‘Aliya’ is an authentic experience of the lifestyle of nearby villages in the Cultural Triangle.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 5 – Cultural Triangle – Sigiriya → Kandy

Climb magnificent Sigiriya Rock and drive to Kandy. Approximately 2 hours.

In the morning you will visit Sigiriya which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is proposed to be the 8th wonder of the world. Sigiriya, a massive rock in the green scrub jungle, is perhaps the most memorable place for visitors to Sri Lanka. The site was known from ancient times as a hermitage for Buddhist monks. A well-planned monastic complex included caved temples, bathing pools, lovely ponds and Asia’s oldest surviving landscaped gardens. The “Lion stairway”, the “mirror wall” and the “water gardens” are its other highlights. The ruins of the capital built by the parricidal King Kassapa I (477–95) lie on the steep slopes and at the summit of a granite peak standing some 370 m high also known as ‘Lion’s Rock’, which dominates the jungle from all sides.

Afternoon drive to cultural capital of Sri Lanka – Kandy.

Mid-range

Sri Lanka • Kandy & the Knuckles Mountain Range

Amaya Hills

Enjoy luxurious living at one of the most sought-after Kandy hotels where stays are meant to be intimate yet inspiring.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 6 – Kandy – Peradeniya → Nuwara Eliya

Visit to Peradeniya botanical garden then drive to Nuwara Eliya. Approximately 3 hours.

After breakfast you will visit the Peradeniya botanical garden. The Royal Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya, near Kandy, were first established in the 14th century. Since British times, Peradeniya has become one of the finest botanical gardens in Asia. Before the British ruled the Kandyan Kingdom in 1815, the site at Peradeniya was a Royal Pleasure Garden, apparently being enjoyed by the last Queen of Kandy. This lush corner exists in the cradle of a deep bend in the wide and languid river of the Mahaweli and was formally established in 1821. Initially managed by Alexander Moon, the gardens started as little more than a coffee and cinnamon plantation.  Today, spread over sprawling 147 hectares, they are home to some 4,000 species from all corners of the earth. There is a pungent and fascinating spice garden which provides a fine introduction to the long-practiced medicinal science of Ayurveda and an exceptional orchid house sheltering some 300 varieties. A number of the wider pathways are tree-lined, including the classic “Avenue of Palms” which has the aesthetic power to transform a simple stroll into an event.

After the vist you will travel to Nuwara Eliya. As the road winds through the hills, you will pass picturesque waterfalls, tumbling down hillsides and vantage points, which afford views over a panorama of rugged hills stretching far into the distance. There are many viewpoints to stop by along the way.

Nuwara Eliya is often referred to as ‘Little England’.  Nuwara Eliya has a climate unlike anywhere else in Sri Lanka. Due to its high elevation, it offers a cooler and more invigorating climate than lower regions. Colonised by the British, the outskirts of Sri Lanka’s highest town, still retain their ‘ye olde worlde’ feel and many of the original hotels still retain their grandiose colonial style. Famous for its horse racing, Nuwara Eliya also boasts the impressive Golf Club which dates back to 1889. Stepping back in time when life was slightly more sedate, it is worthwhile visiting the Clubhouse to observe the photographs of life in Nuwara Eliya in years gone by. Rose gardens and abundant vegetable stalls crowd the sides of the road, whilst spectacular scenery will accompany you on the journey from Kandy.

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Sri Lanka • Nuwara Eliya & the Hill Country

The Plains Green

he Plains is able to provide you with one of the most comprehensive green-concept experiences in the country; it certainly is among the top accommodation facilities in Nuwara Eliya, and merges this with a novel sense of hill country hospitality, to ensure a memorable stay.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 7 – Nuwara Eliya → Horton Plains – Haputale

Visit to Horton Plains National Park and take train to Haputale at 13:30.

After an early breakfast, discover the Horton Plains National Park

Discover the Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka’s highest and most isolated plateau with an elevation of 2,134 metres. The scenery that can be seen from here is considered to be the finest view in Sri Lanka. Here you can follow bridle paths for about 4 hours through mystic cloud forests and Patna grassland to the “Worlds End” a sheer drop of 1050 metres. Lie on your stomach and peep over the ridge, the view when it is clear of mist is simply magnificent. Horton Plains National Park is home to rare flora and fauna; Sambar deer and elusive Bear monkey as well as many birds. Early morning, the Indian Ocean rims the horizon, 80 kilometres away. The name Horton Plains, was out of respect for the then British Governor of Sri Lanka, Sir Horton and the area was discovered by Sir Thomas Farr in the 1900s. This is one of world’s best nature tracks and nature lovers will enjoy this wide, patna-grass-covered plain and the Baker Falls.

At 13:30hrs you will experience of the most breathtaking train journeys for 2:00 hours. You will travel from Ohiya to Ella through tea plantations and rolling hills on a scenic train. This train journey is recorded in the Guinness Books of Records as one of the world best scenic train journeys. Your guide will pick you up at the Haputale Sration upon arrival at 15:30 hrs.

Mid-range

Sri Lanka • Nuwara Eliya & the Hill Country

Melheim Resort Haputale

It is nothing more than a perfect getaway destination taking you into the heavens of tranquillity surrounded by the spectacular views, rewarding you with satisfaction and fulfilment.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 8 – Haputale – Lipton Seat – Tea Plantations

Lipton Seat hike or drive and Tea experience.

After breakfast you will visit Lipton’s Seat and Dambatenne Tea Factory.

Lipton’s Seat is located on the top of Poonagala hill; this is quite literally the point from which the Scottish tea baron Thomas Lipton would often proudly survey his tea plantations. On a clear day it offers a spectacular view of the mountain ranges, lakes and valleys all the way to the southern coast. You can hike to the point through lush tea plantations or you can opt to drive up in comfort with your guide.

Visit to Dambatenne Tea Factory – it was built in 1890 by Sir Thomas Lipton himself, this colonial tea factory is still in operation today. The term “Ceylon Tea” was coined here, and Lipton’s Tea was founded and sold its first pound of tea from the precincts of this very factory. The factory tour is an education in the intricate processes involved in the fermentation, rolling, drying, cutting, sieving and grading of tea, and the comprehensive tour culminates with an authentic tea tasting experience. Please note it is closed on Sundays.

Mid-range

Sri Lanka • Nuwara Eliya & the Hill Country

Melheim Resort Haputale

It is nothing more than a perfect getaway destination taking you into the heavens of tranquillity surrounded by the spectacular views, rewarding you with satisfaction and fulfilment.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 9 – Haputale → Udawalawe

Visit to Elephant Transit Home  and jeep safari at Udawalwe National Park.

In the morning you will travel to Udawalawe National Park to visit the Elephant Transit Home and for jeep safari in the park. The Elephant Transit Home (ETH), where the orphan wild elephants are treated, raised and released back to the wild, is located at Udawalawe. You can observe how the elephants are taken care of, twice a day. The total number of orphaned elephants exceeds 40, of which most of them are calves and juveniles. When the animals become mature enough to live on their own, they are released back to the wild. Park authorities keep constant vigilance on the newly released animals, until they get used to the new life in the wild.

Afternoon jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park

An area of 31,800 hectares and surrounded by mountain ranges, the terrain of Udawalawe National Park is a mixture of grassland, shrub jungle, wild tea plantations and two important factors which make this park special – the large Udawalawe Reservoir and the Walewe River, which ensure a supply of water for the fauna within. Internationally renowned for its large herd of elephants, the park is also known for several species of deer, wild boar, wild buffalo, jackal and very rare sightings of leopards.

Superior

Sri Lanka • Galle & the South

Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort

The Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort, offering 4-star facilities, is the only hotel of its’ class in the area. This is an environmental friendly hotel is located next to Udawalawe National Park.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 10 – Udawalawe → Mirissa

Drive to coastal town of Mirissa. See Stilt Fisherman en-route and visit Galle Fort.

After breakfast you will travel to the South of the island stopping to the see the stilt fisherman on the way. Weligama literally translates as ‘sandy village’ and it has a long stretch of fine golden sand. Famous for its stilt fishermen, you can see this unique sight only in this part of Sri Lanka. No-one knows where, or even when this form of fishing originated, but it is an old tradition which lives on in this modern world. This ancient traditional method of fishing is one of the best sustainable practices to catch the fish. The stilt fisherman spend 2-4 hours sitting on a thin plank, hoping to catch one or two fish for their family’s lunch or dinner.

In the afternoon you will explore Galle’s Dutch Fort on foot with Zain, a knowledgeable local guide. The Fort is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and Southeast Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions. The Galle Fort is a UNESCO world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers. There are many boutique shops along the narrow streets of the Fort as well as antiques, art and craft shops. Other prominent landmarks in Galle include the natural harbour, the National Maritime Museum, St. Mary’s Cathedral founded by Jesuit priests, one of the main Shiva temples on the island. Galle offers a unique opportunity to create a visible demonstration of the conservation of its inheritance.

Superior

Sri Lanka • Galle & the South

Tri Lanka Hotel

Sri Lanka's first truly contemporary, sustainable luxury design hotel.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 11 – Mirissa → Galle → Ambalangoda

Morning Blue Whale watching  and afternoon Kalpa cookery experience.

You will have an early morning start in order to watch the Blue Whale; you will leave around 06:00am from your hotel to see the Blue Whales.

Mirissa is the most reliable site in the world for seeing the difficult and desired Blue Whale. It may also be the best place for seeing Sperm Whales too. Blue Whales are the largest animals to have ever lived on earth growing up to some 33 metres long, weighing up to 150-180 metric tons. They live individually or in very small pods or groups and frequently swim in pairs. Large Baleen Whales and Toothed Whales also come within sight of the shore. The calm ocean is abundant with krill which Blue Whales feed. From December through to April; there is an outstanding window of opportunity for observing Blue Whales and Sperm Whales close to the shore.

Afternoon enjoy a Sri Lankan traditional culinary experience for lunch or dinner (included). If you would like to participate, you can also learn to cook a few Sri Lankan dishes. You will visit a local family about 10 minutes away from Galle. When you arrive you will be welcomed, here you will learn how to prepare and cook Sri Lankan dishes. You will also discover how coconut milk is made, learn to crack open and scrape out your own coconut, and taste samples of each dish as you go along. The end product is a feast of 7 unique dishes served in a lotus or banana leaf which you can eat local-style with your fingers if you are up for the challenge. (If you like, you can buy the ingredients with your host in the Galle markets in the morning.)

Superior

Sri Lanka • Colombo & the West

R Degrees

Invite yourself over to R°, a luxury boutique villa nestled in the serene and beautiful landscape of Ambalangoda, right next to the Indian Ocean. Open your world to the warmth of the island and connect with your loved ones as you escape into a world of tranquillity and comfort.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 12 – Ambalangoda – Relax

Full day at leisure

Superior

Sri Lanka • Colombo & the West

R Degrees

Invite yourself over to R°, a luxury boutique villa nestled in the serene and beautiful landscape of Ambalangoda, right next to the Indian Ocean. Open your world to the warmth of the island and connect with your loved ones as you escape into a world of tranquillity and comfort.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 13 – Ambalangoda → Colombo

Travel to capital city of Colombo – tour.

After early breakfast you will travel to Colombo, you will have time for shopping as well.

Discover the sights of the capital of Sri Lanka, starting from Colombo Fort, Independent Square, Old Parliament, Pettah Bazaar and Galle Face. Colombo Fort is the business district of Sri Lanka with skyscrapers and big international hotels. The Fort was built by the Portuguese and partly by the Dutch, then the British later took control. In 1870, the British destroyed the Fort for urban development, and then they rebuilt some of the remaining buildings within it now.  Colombo Fort is home to the Fort Railway Station, the President’s House and the Presidential Gardens, a palatial neo-classical building which was originally the home of the British Governors and is now the residence of Sri Lanka’s President. The Lighthouse Clock Tower is situated in Chatham Street  and was commissioned by the wife of Governor Sir Henry Ward in the hope that it would teach the Ceylonese to be punctual. This area is good for shopping for tea, souvenirs, and for exchanging money.

Independence Square is known as one of the most prominent locations in Colombo. It is commonly used as a place where Sri Lankans come together in unison for significant national celebrations and cultural activities. The Independence Commemoration Hall is also used to host ceremonies that mark national unity. This unique and outstanding monument positioned in the heart of Sri Lanka’s commercial capital Colombo, commemorates the country’s independence from foreign rule. Sri Lanka gained independence on the 4th of February 1948 from the British who were the final colonial rulers of the country.

Opposite the Presidential Secretariat (old Parliament), is Galle Face. Here, every walk of life comes to relax and sit on the grass whilst watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean. Next to Galle Face is the grand Renaissance-style structure of Galle Face Hotel, South Asia’s leading Grande Dame, and the Galle Face Hotel is a testimony to both Sri Lanka’s colonial past and its independent present. You can enjoy the English high tea on the Victorian style veranda or sip a Martini facing the sea and enjoying the sunset.

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Sri Lanka • Colombo & the West

Steuart House

The Steuart by Citrus embodies the essence of true Scottish style. The Steuart offers guests exceptional local hospitality at this central location, making it an urban escape in the heart of the city.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 14- Colombo → Departure

You will be transferred to Colombo Airport to fly home. Travel time to the airport is approximately 30 minutes.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast