itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT BANDARANAIKE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND TRANSFER TO KOTUGODA
On arrival at the airport you will be met by a chauffeur and make the brief 20-30 minute transfer to your hotel in Kotugoda. Spend a night at the Wallawwa hotel, a delightful property with well-manicured gardens and a lovely pool.
Accommodation: The Wallawwa Hotel, Kotugoda
DAY 2: TRANSFER FROM KOTUGODA TO HABARANA IN SRI LANKA’S ‘CULTURAL TRIANGLE’
Enjoy the scenic 4 ½ hour transfer through meandering roads and villages to the Cultural Triangle. Steeped in ancient history, this area is home to the remnants of powerful ancient cities established thousands of years ago by Sri Lanka’s many kings, with plenty of temples and holy sites to observe en route. Arrive for a two night stay in the Cultural Triangle. In the cool of the evening, enjoy an informative, privately-guided excursion to the impressive Sigiriya. Note that it’s a steep 1 ½ – 2 ½ hour climb to the top (depending on walking speed), Light clothing, sun cream, and a hat are recommended. Return to the hotel in time for dinner.
Accommodation: Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana
Driving Time: 4 ½ hours
DAY 3: A DAY EXPLORING THE CULTURAL TRIANGLE WITH A VISIT TO POLONNARUWA
Spend the morning enjoying a privately-guided tour around Polonnaruwa. This once thriving religious and commercial centre boasts ruins, statues and stupas rising majestically out of the dense jungle, and houses an informative archaeological museum. Explore the site by vehicle or on foot, and do come prepared for the heat. Enjoy lunch at the historical Lake House on the shores of Pakarama Reservoir, followed by a 1 ½ to 2 hour game drive through either Minneriya, Eco, or Kaudulla National Park, depending on the season of your visit. Return to Cinnamon Lodge for a second comfortable night’s rest.
Accommodation: Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana
DAY 4: TRANSFER FROM HABARANA TO KANDY, WITH A VISIT TO DAMBULLA EN ROUTE
Today begins with a guided visit to the ancient Buddhist cave temples of Dambulla, Sri Lanka’s largest and best preserved rock cave complex complete with ancient Buddhist statues and paintings. Due to its religious status, visitors should cover knees and shoulders (shawls are provided). Leaving Dambulla, the 2 ½ hour journey to the Buddhist pilgrimage city of Kandy passes by the popular Matale spice gardens. Arrive for a two night stay in the stylish Colonial Suite at the Elephant Stables boutique hotel, an historic property set in the hills above Kandy, with spectacular mountain views and an infinity pool. Spend the afternoon at leisure, relaxing in the gardens and enjoying the stunning panorama before dinner is served.
Accommodation: Elephant Stables, Kandy
Driving Time: 2 ½ hour
DAY 5: EXCURSIONS TO PERADENIYA BOTANICAL GARDENS AND KANDY CITY
This morning, enjoy a private, leisurely 1 ½ hour guided walk around the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, accompanied by a botanist. Do remember to bring a hat and sun cream, as well as a camera! Lunch is at the Empire Café, followed by a 1 hour walking tour of the bustling markets and streets of vibrant Kandy town, a UNESCO world heritage site and gateway to the ‘Tea Country’. Afterwards, enjoy a refreshing cup of tea at the historic Queens Hotel. Before dinner, visit the Buddhist Temple of the Tooth, renowned for housing the relic of the tooth of Buddha, and as such a sacred destination for pilgrims for thousands of years. Dinner is served back at the hotel.
Accommodation: Elephant Stables, Kandy
DAY 6: SCENIC TRAIN TRANSFER FROM KANDY TO HATTON IN THE ‘TEA COUNTRY’
After breakfast, depart from Kandy and embark on a scenic 3 hour train ride into Sri Lanka’s ‘Tea Country’. Climbing to 2,000 metres above sea level, this atmospheric journey reveals majestic mountain peaks and cascading waterfalls, lush, emerald tea plantations, and aromatic cyprus and eucalyptus woodlands. The climate here is cooler and more temperate, so dress accordingly, and bring a camera and money for a drink or snack as the train does not have a restaurant carriage. Arrive for a two night stay in nearby Dickoya, in a spacious suite at Mandira Dickoya Bungalow, a colonial guesthouse set on a tea plantation, with superb mountain views. After a welcome lunch, spend the afternoon at leisure getting to know the surrounding area. Explore the numerous hiking trails around the property, and perhaps take an excursion to the nearby Hindu temple at Kovil or to the beautiful old church at Warleigh. Enjoy a rest and dinner back at the guesthouse.
Accommodation: Mandira Dickoya Bungalow, Dickoya
Driving Time: 3 hour train journey
DAY 7: VISIT TO NORWOOD TEA FACTORY
After a tranquil, alfresco breakfast, head for a private excursion to the Norwood Tea Estate and Factory, which has been growing and manufacturing tea for over a century. Guided by a tea planter, witness tea plucking first hand, and learn about the production methods that go into our daily 'cuppa'. If you are in luck, you will see the original machines in action, many of which are still going strong after a hundred years. Finally, enjoy the experience of a traditional tea tasting session, where use of the time honoured spittoon is optional! Lunch will be served back at the guesthouse, after which you are free to spend the afternoon at leisure exploring the local surroundings and wonderful scenery, before returning for dinner.
Accommodation: Mandira Dickoya Bungalow, Dickoya
DAY 8: TRANSFER FROM DICKOYA TO YALA
Today, bid a fond farewell to Tea Country and transfer to Yala on Sri Lanka’s South coast. Your chauffeur will be happy to make a number of rest stops along this incredibly scenic 6 hour route. Yala is Sri Lanka’s most visited National Park, its varying terrain spanning lush jungle, grasslands, rocky crags, and secluded beaches. The region’s impressive diversity of wildlife boasts one of the world’s highest leopard densities, along with crocodile, buffalo, seasonal elephant, wild boar, and monkey. On arrival at Yala, check into the eco-friendly four star Cinnamon Wild resort for a two night stay in the property's atmospheric jungle chalets. Enjoy an optional evening game drive into nearby Yala National Park, followed by a relaxing dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Accommodation: Cinnamon Wild, Yala
Driving Time: 6-7 hours
DAY 9: GUIDED GAME DRIVE IN YALA NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy a fascinating 3 hour private game drive with an experienced guide in renowned Yala National Park, home to 44 species of mammal plus phenomenal birdlife including peacocks, hoopoes and bee eaters. Game drives take place either morning or evening; the morning drive leaves at 5.30 am, and a packed breakfast will be provided. Alternatively, the evening drive departs at approximately 3.30 pm. Wear cool, light clothing, hats and sunscreen. This is a wonderful excursion for keen photographers and wildlife lovers of all ages. Return to Cinnamon Wild for dinner in the main restaurant.
Accommodation: Cinnamon Wild, Yala
DAY 10: TRANSFER FROM YALA TO GALLE
Departing from Yala, enjoy the 3 ½ hour coastal drive west to the historic port of Galle. En route, catch a glimpse of traditional fishermen at Weligama, perched on stilts in the sea. Sri Lanka’s oldest city, Galle has played host to Chinese, Arab, Persian, and Indian traders over the centuries, along with Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonialists. Today it is a thriving hub of European and Arabic culture, boasting art galleries, literary events and a host of shops and restaurants within its atmospheric, cobblestoned alleyways. The 17th century Galle Fort is a renowned UNESCO world heritage site. Check into Fort Printers, an intimate boutique hotel, located in the heart of Galle Fort, where you will occupy two charming suites for two nights. Later that day, join in a traditional Kolam mask making workshop, led by a local artist. In the evening, choose between dining at the hotel or in one of the many recommended restaurants nearby.
Accommodation: Fort Printers, Galle
Driving Time: 3 ½ hours
DAY 11: TRADITIONAL COOKERY CLASS AND EVENING WALK AROUND GALLE FORT
Today’s activities are based in and around Galle. After breakfast, try out your culinary skills in a traditional Sri Lankan cookery class. After a trip to the local market to purchase ingredients, take a short boat trip to a local chef’s home. Here, learn the secrets of Sri Lankan cuisine whilst preparing a delicious lunch: eight unique dishes such as lentil dahl (parippu), caramelised aubergine (brinjal pahi), and coconut and chilli salad (pol sambola). Aprons are not provided, so we recommend wearing cool clothing that can get dirty if necessary. Later in the afternoon, head out on a 2 hour guided walk around Galle Fort. Learn about the history of this iconic settlement which has attracted traders and travellers from around the globe. Remember to wear light clothing, and bring a hat and water. For dinner, choose from one of the local restaurants, or opt to dine back at the hotel.
Accommodation: Fort Printers, Galle
DAY 12: TRANSFER FROM GALLE TO BENTOTA ON SRI LANKA’S WEST COAST
After checking out of Fort Printers, it is a 1 ½ hour journey to the golden sands and glorious waters of Bentota. On arrival, check into Club Villa where you will spend the next two nights in two comfortable rooms. This tranquil boutique hotel was originally built as a beachside retreat by renowned late Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Enjoy a fun afternoon on the beach or simply relaxing in the hotel’s beautiful gardens and pool. Dinner will be served in the hotel’s main restaurant.
Accommodation: Club Villa, Bentota
Driving Time: 1 ½ hours
DAY 13: DAY AT LEISURE IN BENTOTA
Enjoy a day of relaxation and recreation on Bentota’s superb sands. There is a great choice of water based activities available, including swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling, canoeing, jet skiing, rubber dingy rafting, and banana boat rides. Sailing is available, and lessons can be arranged. Keen anglers can enjoy river or deep sea fishing, whilst the less energetic can enjoy a relaxing river cruise. Or take an excursion to the beautiful estate at Lunuganga, or to the acclaimed Brief Gardens. After an indulgent day, relax over dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Accommodation: Club Villa, Bentota
DAY 14: TRANSFER FROM BENTOTA TO BANDARANAIKE AIRPORT FOR DEPARTURE
Today make the 2 hour transfer from Bentota to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, in time for your onward journey.
Driving Time: 2 hours
