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Timeless Sri Lanka

Embark on a journey through the timeless beauty of Sri Lanka with our carefully curated 15-day tour. Starting in the vibrant city of Colombo, experience Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage at historic temples, indulge in breathtaking train journeys, and explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

From the serene tea estates of Madulkelle to the pristine wilderness of Gal Oya, witness the island’s diverse landscapes. Marvel at majestic elephants at Udawalawe, delve into the colonial charm of Galle, and unwind on the sun-kissed beaches of Kosgoda.

Enjoy luxurious accommodations, daily meals, and unforgettable moments, including scenic boat safaris, cultural dance rituals, and authentic Sri Lankan cookery demonstrations.

Overview

From $4,899

Itinerary & Map

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Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Meet your tour guide at the arrival lobby and transfer to the hotel in Colombo. 

Highlights: Gangaramaya Temple, Sundowners by the Sea

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Early evening, Visit the Gangaramaya Temple. It is one of the oldest and most culturally significant temples of the city. Founded in the late 19th century by a famous scholarly monk named Hakkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera, the temple functions today not only as a site of worship, but also as an institute for learning and as a cultural centre. The architecture of the Gangaramaya Temple displays a diverse mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian and Chinese design, and the building also accommodates a museum, library, residential hall and an educational hall. 

Unforgettable Moment: Later, enjoy a Sundowner by the sea at the Galle Face Hotel as you watch the sun dip below the horizon.

Highlights: Geoffrey Bawa’s Residence and Paradise Gallery Café

Breakfast at the hotel. 

This morning, we will visit Geoffrey Bawa’s Residence (Number 11). Geoffrey Bawa is an influential award-winning architect. One of his homes “house no 11” is considered an essay in architectural bricolage. The Sri Lankan Architect Geoffrey Bawa is regarded as having been one of the most important and influential Asian architects of the twentieth century. 

Later, Visit the Barefoot shop and enjoy some lunch in the timeless surroundings of the Paradise Road Gallery Café. 

(Optional): ‘The Story of Colombo.’ Later in the evening, walk around the colonial areas. Colombo is a cosmopolitan city that is influenced by multiple cultures, faiths, and traditions over the years. Within the heart of Colombo lies The Fort District and Pettah, a nerve centre that drives the city’s economy. Explore the heritage hub of Colombo Fort and the open-air supermarket of Pettah, learn about its history, its people, and its evolution to the vibrant, busy, heartbeat of modern Colombo’s commerce. You will also get the chance to sample interesting culinary delights along the way and taste a local beverage to wash it all down.

Highlight: Train Ride from Colombo to Kandy

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Early morning, enjoy the most scenic train journey from Colombo to Kandy. The train trip to Kandy is not only taken by tourists but by a multitude of locals themselves. This isn’t just a tourist attraction, it’s life for the people of Sri Lanka. The lush green hills are purely breathtaking. The train takes you high into the mountains, through dense forest & over bridges, through tunnels, local villages and beside smiling faces. 

On arrival to Kandy, your guide will pick you up to visit the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. This temple was originally built by the Kandyan Kings in 1595, to house and honour the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Attracting crowds of white-clad pilgrims bearing lotus flowers for means of worship, the Maligawa features a myriad of intricate carvings that speak volumes of the architectural values of Kandy. Today the City of Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in part because of the Temple of the Tooth Relic. 

Drive to Madulkele, check-in-to the lodge & relax for the remainder of the day.

Highlights: Madulkelle Tea Estate & Tea Factory, Optional Activities

Breakfast at the lodge.

This morning, we will visit the Madulkelle Tea Estate & Tea Factory. Experience visiting Madulkelle Hatale Tea factory, with the story of tea how it proceeds until the cup of tea. You could also experience tea picking with the estate community ladies that work in the field.

This afternoon, the choice is yours. You may select one Unforgettable Moment from any of the following:

  • Tea Tasting
  • Trekking Mini World’s End
  • Bird Watching
  • A Guided Visit to Madukelle
  • Community Tourism Visit
  • Half Day Trekking through Campbell Forest or a 
  • Group Yoga Session

 

Return to the lodge upon completion or spend the afternoon exploring the walking trail or simply enjoy the cool, misty highlands of Knuckles range. It’s an ideal location to rest and energise yourself away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

Breakfast at the lodge.

Leave Madulkelle for Gal Oya. 

On arrival check in to Wild Glamping Gal Oya and proceed for lunch. 

Nestled in a rural, scenic village near Gal Oya National Park, the rustic luxury of Wild Glamping Gal Oya is an authentic glamping adventure.

Spend the evening relaxing and enjoy the amenities.

Highlights: Gal Oya Boat Safari, Cultural Show 

Breakfast at the lodge.

Early this morning, do the Gal Oya boat safari.

A unique wildlife experience in Sri Lanka offers a different perspective as you cruise through Sri Lanka’s largest lake, the Senanayake Samudra, by boat for a wildlife safari. Man made in 1949, the reservoir is surrounded by the Gal Oya National Park and is the setting for the boat safari. See elephants from the lake as they gather close to the water to drink. The reservoir is also home to abundant birdlife, crocodiles, deer and more which can also be spotted during your safari. During the experience, you will stop for a snack and tea or coffee with a lovely panorama. 

Return to the lodge for lunch.

Unforgettable Moment: This evening, embark on a cultural odyssey as you delve into the enchanting traditions of the Vedda community, the island’s Indigenous people. Experience the mesmerising Kola Maduwa, a sacred dance ritual practiced by the Adivasi group. In this ancient ceremony, participants gather around a clay pot or koraha filled with coconut milk, invoking blessings from the Kukulapola Kiri Amma and Unapotha Kiri Amma. The dancers, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the Daul drum, move gracefully around the pot on a wooden stand called yahana. Led by the chief priest’s chants and mantras, the ceremony invites the spirits, or nayakun, to the yahana. Witness the awe-inspiring possession of the priest, as ancient traditions come to life, offering you a profound glimpse into the spiritual heritage of the Vedda community.

Breakfast at the lodge. 

We bid farewell to the savannah of Gal Oya for the lush fields of Wellawaya. 

En-route, have a quick stop at the Ella Gap. A stunning viewpoint that provides panoramic vistas of the coastal plains. The gap offers a remarkable sight where the lush greenery of Ella meets the lowlands, creating a picturesque landscape. 

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant in Ella (at your own expense).

Continue to Wellawaya and check into the hotel, set amidst rolling hills and paddy fields.

Highlights: Tuk-tuk ride to Lipton’s Seat, Train Ride from Haputale to Demodora 

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Unforgettable Moment: We transfer to Haputale and take a tuk-tuk ride up to Lipton’s Seat: a popular vantage point, from where Thomas Lipton would sit with a cup of tea in hand and proudly look over his estate. 

Afterwards, enjoy some Tea and a Picnic lunch. 

Later, drive to Haputale railway station to enjoy a scenic train journey from Haputale to Demodora. The train trip to Demodora is also taken by locals for their daily commute between the two cities. This isn’t just a tourist attraction, as you will be able to experience the lifestyle of the people in the Hill country during this journey. 

On arrival at Demodora, you will return to the hotel.

Highlights: Nil Diya Pokuna (Optional), Organic gardening & Cookery demonstration 

Breakfast at the hotel. 

(Optional): Setting out early is best to visit the Nil Diya Pokuna. It is an underwater pond situated in a cave tunnel complex which is believed to have been built by King Ravana. The pond lies 80 meters deep inside a mountain cave in Karandagolla. 

Return to the hotel upon completion of activity. 

Later, this morning participate an organic gardening & cookery demonstration. Follow the winding path through lush organic paddy fields and vegetable farms to a quaint mud hut nestled in the serene countryside. Step into a world where authentic Sri Lankan cuisine comes to life as the skilled chefs unveil age-old traditional cooking techniques in a captivating live demonstration. Enjoy the experience by indulging in the food you participated in making with the chef.

Highlights: Buduruwagala Temple, Elephant Transit Home, Galle City Tour 

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Transfer from Wellawaya for Udawalawa.

En-route, visit the ancient Buduruwagala Temple. The complex consists of seven statues and belongs to the Mahayana school of thought. The statues date back to the 10th century. The gigantic Buddha statue still bears traces of its original stuccoed robe, and a long streak of orange suggests it was once brightly painted. 

Unforgettable Moment: Continue to Udawalawa and visit the Elephant Transit Home. The primary purpose of the Elephant Transit Home is to rehabilitate and release isolated baby elephants to the wild. 

Lunch at a local restaurant in Udawalawa (at your own expense).

Continue to Galle and check into your hotel. 

Later in the day do the Galle City tour. 

Galle is a historical jewel to Sri Lanka, wonderful to explore on foot. Among the endlessly exotic old trading port blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions and museums the ancient Dutch Fort which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts the hearts of tourists and reverberates through travellers’ photos and captions. Stroll around the ancient city where you will find gourmet restaurants and coffee shops to relax and enjoy the sea breeze.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

A day at leisure to enjoy your hotel and take in more sights of Galle.

(Optional): Visit the Galle fishing & fruit market. The fish market offers a wide variety of local fish, including plenty of fresh fish such as tuna, swordfish, gar and snapper. Close to Galle Fort there is another fish market between the eastern wall and the sea. If you are interested in buying some fresh food to cook during your stay in Galle, this is the best place.

Highlights: Mask Museum, Galagoda Shailatharama Temple 

Breakfast at the hotel. 

We leave Galle for Kosgoda. 

En-route, visit the Mask Museum in Ambalangoda. 

As a traditional mask carving and mask dancing town, Ambalangoda is well known. The locals of Sri Lanka perform numerous fables with the use of these masks that are constructed using wood. 

Later, go to the Galagoda Shailatharama Temple by tuk-tuk. This temple is a hidden treasure consisting of stunning views. Reaching the top of the temple requires you to climb quite a few steps, but the effort is worth the climb. Karandeniya Temple houses beautifully sculpted statues of Lord Buddha with an accurate depiction of his 27 lives. With vibrant colours and large sized statues, the reclining Buddha creates a peaceful atmosphere in the temple. 

Highlights: Madu River Boat Safari and the One World Foundation

Breakfast at the hotel. 

This morning, a pleasurable Madu river boat safari. 

Traverse the intricate caverns formed by the thick mangrove forests; interspersed with bright open stretches of water. Learn more about mangroves and their positive effect on ecology. Get a chance to see crocodiles, water snakes, tree snakes and wild boars in their natural habitat. Watch the cormorants, storks and many other avian life hunts for their prey in the swift flow of the Madu River.

Unforgettable Moment: Later, visit the One World Foundation: a well-organised and specific educational project which has been setup to provide and promote education in Sri Lanka. The free education unit has been created to develop the education and vocational training and aims to develop the Physical, Mental, Educational and Social condition of children, adolescents and adults. They strive to provide circumstances and facilities on behalf of the formal education of children and build a generation with advanced professional skills for the necessity of the country, providing the apprentice and developing the skills for youth.

Unforgettable Moment: Farewell Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Spend the morning relaxing and enjoy all the amenities at the hotel. 

Late check-out at 4 pm from the hotel and transfer to Colombo.
Situated in a grand old colonial bungalow our farewell dinner is at ‘Rare at Residence.’
After dinner, you will be transferred to the Airport to meet your departure flight.

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • Luxury Accommodation in Sustainable hotels
  • Daily Breakfast, 5 Lunches, 14 Dinners
  • Transport from arrival until end of tour in an Air-Conditioned vehicle from day 01 to day 15 with the services of an English-Speaking National / Chauffeur Guide throughout the tour.
  • Sightseeing and activities with Entrance fees for Gangaramaya Temple
  • Geoffrey Bawa’s Residence (Number 11)
  • Kandy Temple of the Tooth visit
  • Madulkele Tea Estate & Factory
  • Gal Oya Boat Safari and Cultural Show
  • Tuk-tuk ride up to Lipton’s Seat with Tea with Picnic Lunch
  • Organic gardening & cookery demonstration with lunch
  • Buduruwagala Temple
  • Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home
  • Galle City Tour 
  • Mask making with Museum.
  • Galagoda Shailatharama Temple
  • Madu River Boat Safari
  • One World Foundation
  • Sundowners at Galle Face Hotel
  • Reserved First class Seating in Train Ride from Colombo to Kandy
  • Reserved Seating in Train Ride from Haputale to Demodora
  • Unforgettable Moments
  • International Airfare
  • Visa
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips & Porterage
  • Meals not included in the itinerary.
  • Optional Tours
  • Additional Transfers (outside group dates)
  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Camera or Video permits

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    Select shared room if you are booking individually and will share your room with a known travel companion or a fellow traveler of the same gender. Your room will have two separate beds.

    Enter the name and/or booking ID of your known travel companion in the below fields to share the room with him/her.

    Cultural Extension

    This 4-day cultural extension tour covers iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites and scenic experiences in Sri Lanka. It begins with a visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple, renowned for its ancient Buddhist statues and intricate ceiling paintings, followed by a stay in Sigiriya. Day two explores the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, offering stunning views, and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, with its impressive archaeological treasures. Optional safaris at Minneriya National Park provide a chance to spot elephants and diverse wildlife. The journey continues to Kandy, with stops at Matale Spice Garden and the Temple of the Tooth Relic, before concluding with a city tour of Kandy and a return to Colombo or Negombo.

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