Through Rolling Tea Hills to Tranquil Bays
Itinerary
- Itinerary:Colombo - Kandy - Adam's Peak - Nuwara Eliya - Haputale - Yala National Park - Tangalle - Galle - Colombo
- Duration:14 days / 13 nights (flexible)
- Price:From £ 1,840.- per person (excluding flights)
Days 1-3 – At home in the curry kitchen
Get a real taste of Sri Lanka during this comfortable homestay experience, where you can learn to cook up a storm at home in the curry kitchen. You’ll stay in your own private room and after a good night’s sleep, explore the local area before heading to the market to do the shopping for your lunch. Learn the secrets to making an authentic curry and how to use herbs to enhance the flavour. Delicious!
Days 3-4 – Adam’s Peak
Leaving Kandy, you’ll travel by private car past thundering waterfalls and dense forests and after roughly three hours, you’ll reach your accommodation near Adam’s Peak.
Watch the sunrise atop mighty Adam’s Peak, ascending the 5,500 steps in time see the sun’s rays peek over the misty horizon. This unforgettable trip will make you feel like you’re on top of the world as you join a pilgrimage dating back centuries. You’ll check into a cosy hotel in the rural town of Maskeliya, before rising early to join a mix of excited locals and travellers at the base of the mountain.
You’ll follow a twinkling pathway of lights which seem to wind their way high into the clouds, and there are around 5,500 steps to navigate. After 2-4 hours, when you reach the peak, you’ll be rewarded with magical views of the golden sunrise burning through the morning mist, illuminating the valleys below. After descending, you can have a little rest in your hotel before continuing your journey.
Days 4-5 – Tea hills and winding trails
After your Adam’s Peak climb is over you’ll travel by private car towards Nuwara Eliya, which should take about 2 hours.
With the unmistakable air of a quintessential English town, Nuwara Eliya is affectionately known as ‘Little England’ and it won’t take you long to see why. Colonial style buildings, rose scented flower gardens, red telephone boxes and even a church, all surrounded by a blanket of rolling tea plantations; this is a totally different side of Sri Lanka. You’ll stay in a centrally located hotel right in the heart of the country. Watch tea pickers in the fields, visit an old English tea factory and walk along the picturesque plateau at Horton Plains to take in the sweeping views of World’s End.
Days 5-7 – Explore the mountains of Haputale
Next, you’ll travel from the hills of Nuwara Eliya to the mountains of Haputale. This journey can be done by car or local train. Let your travel specialist know your preference. Haputale is surrounded by forest covered hills and lush green tea plantations. It’s a peaceful, picturesque spot that’s surprisingly off the main tourist radar, and not as busy as the nearby town of Ella.
During your stay you’ll learn all about tea production with a visit to the Dambatenne Tea Factory, one of the most well-known tea producers in Sri Lanka. In a nearby village, you’ll help prepare a traditional meal from local produce in an outdoor kitchen, which you can then enjoy.
Days 7-8 – The wild heart of Yala National Park
Next, you’ll drive towards Yala National Park stopping off en route at the Elephant Transit Home where injured babies and orphans are cared for. Today your travel time will be roughly 4.5 hours.
Yala National Park is one of the most famous National Parks in Sri Lanka. During this trip, you’ll head out on a jeep safari where you can spot a kaleidoscope of colourful birds, monkeys, crocodiles, buffaloes and of course, elephants. If you’re really lucky, you might even spot a leopard sneaking past, so make sure you have your camera ready! After an exciting day of wildlife spotting, you’ll head back to your simple yet unique accommodation, located on the edge of the park. Your comfortable tent comes equipped with a bed, toilet and sink! In the evening, you can fall asleep to the sounds of the wild- an experience to make your Sri Lanka wildlife trip complete!
Days 8-11 – Cosy cabana at paradise beach
Next, you’ll head towards Tangalle, making a stop at the nearby Tissa Kataragama Temple; an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. Your driving time today will be roughly 3 hours.
Spend a few days at the quiet beach resort of Tangalle. You’ll find pretty bays, quiet palm fringed sands and tropical lagoons; perfect for relaxation. Stay in a cosy bungalow in a picturesque palm grove, wake up to views of the Indian Ocean from your veranda and enjoy a famous ayurvedic massage.
Days 11-13 – Uncover Galle’s colonial past
Next, its time to travel to the colonial jewel of the south coast, Galle, where the influences of the Portuguese and the Dutch can easily be seen. The journey should take around 2,5 hours.
A beautifully preserved historic port, Galle is well known for its Dutch, Portuguese and British heritage and its iconic Dutch fort cutting into the Ocean. You will stay in a charming colonial-style hotel right in the heart of the old quarter, with cafes and restaurants on your doorstep. Galle is well-known for its emerging art scene, so why not pop into a few galleries and art shops?
Next day, enjoy a walk through the old city with the local guide who will tell you all bout Galle’s cultural heritage and colonial past. In your free time, wander around the town, sample local delicacies and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere! Over the weekend, head over to the Flea Market – with pop-up stalls, cafes and live music it’s a great place to visit!
Days 13-14 – Just one more thing…in Colombo!
Next, its time to travel back to Colombo and the journey time today is around 2.5 hours.
The time has come to explore the colonial capital of Sri Lanka. With its strategic location on the east-west trade route, Colombo has grown into a vibrant capital city with a mix of modern life and colonial buildings from the English, Portuguese and Dutch periods. During this trip, you’ll enjoy a city tour, Sri Lanka style, in one of the colourful tuk-tuks and spend the night in a stylish hotel in Colombo. The city itself probably won’t be the highlight of your holiday, but it’s an interesting and convenient way to end your Sri Lankan adventure if you’re flying early the following day.
It’s time to wave goodbye to the tear-drop island and your driver will take you to the airport in time for your international flight home.
