Sri Lanka's Cultural Heritage
Commence your journey at The Wallawwa, a boutique property only 15 minutes drive from the airport and the perfect start to your trip following your long-haul flight. With its impressive gardens, enticing pool and the freshest of food on offer it is the ultimate location to relax.
Venture into Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle and check in for a three-night stay at Ulagalla, a 150-year-old village chieftains’ mansion. Enjoy your villa, the huge swimming pool, the monkeys that play amongst the trees in the garden and the horses that strut about the grounds. Visit the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura by tuk-tuk, climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress and be on the look out for Asian elephants at Minneriya National Park, home to the largest Asian elephant confluence in the world!
Travel south to Kandy, visiting the impressive Dambulla Cave Temples enroute. Home to old religious paintings on its walls and many golden Buddhas it a must see. In Kandy you will stay at Kandy House, a unique ancestral manor house located just outside of the hustle and bustle of the city. During your two-night stay explore the town of Kandy with your guide and visit Sri Lanka’s most religious relic, the Temple of the Tooth.
Take the train from Kandy to Hatton, a picturesque journey travelling through lush hills where you can view tea pickers plucking leaves from the trees. Spend two nights in Tea Trails’ traditional tea-planter bungalows – the perfect location to enjoy some ‘down time’ in Hatton’s cooler climate. Whilst on the property you may wish to rest by the pool or wander amongst the tea plantations and you will enjoy a visit to a tea factory during your stay.
Travel by road from Hatton to Galle, checking in to Amangalla, the most exclusive property in Galle. Along with plenty of time to allow for some R&R you will be guided through the Fort by a 5th generation resident, meet a Sri Lankan family and cook a traditional meal together and, as Sri Lanka is one of the world’s top producers of cinnamon, you will visit a nearby cinnamon plantation.
Begin your journey back towards Colombo, with a final night at the Villa Bentota in Bentota. Enroute visit architect Geoffrey Bawa’s Lunuganga gardens and enjoy lunch onsite. Villa Bentota is Sri Lanka’s first boutique hotel converted in the 70’s by Bawa himself, therefore a fitting location for your final night in Sri Lanka. On arrival in Colombo enjoy a tour of the capital before heading to the airport for your outbound flight.
You will love
- Discover ancient cities & temples
- Wander amongst verdant tea plantations
- Travel by automobile, tuk tuk & train
- Learn from locals
- Explore the town of Galle
- Be as active or as relaxed as you wish
13 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS
DAY 1 | KOTUGODA | 1 NIGHT
Arrive in Colombo. Transfer toThe Wallawwa and enjoy the remainder of today at leisure – an opportunity to enjoy this iconic property.
DAY 2 | ANURADHAPURA | 3 NIGHTS
Road transfer to Anuradhapura, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka (approx 4.5 hours). Your afternoon is at leisure to explore the sprawling 58-acre lush green garden & the historically significant, 150-year-old mansion at its centre.
DAY 3 | ANURADHAPURA
Take a tuk tuk ride through the ancient kingdom of UNESCO Anuradhapura today before experiencing an authentic ‘Kamatha’ meal – an epicurian adventure serving revered royal recipes in a pavillion in the centre of a rice paddy.
DAY 4 | ANURADHAPURA
This morning visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress where, as you climb, you can take time to enjoy the ancient frescoes in the caves in the cool of the morning. This afternoon visit Minneriya National Park home to the largest known wild Asian Elephant gathering, in one place, in the world!
DAY 5 | KANDY | 2 NIGHTS
Road transfer to Kandy (approx 2.5 – 3 hours). Enroute, stop to visit the Dambulla Cave Temples – a series of 80 caves containing many beautifully ornate Buddha statues & painted with intricate religious imagery. After lunch wander through a beautifully landscaped Sri Lankan Botanical Garden before checking in to Kandy House.
DAY 6 | KANDY
This morning enjoy a hosted Kandy Culinary Food Trail and a wander through Kandy town. Early in the evening head out to visit the Temple of the Tooth – a popular pilgrimage site where a relic of the Buddha’s tooth is housed and witness the nightly Thevava Pooja ceremony.
DAY 7 | HATTON | 2 NIGHTS
This morning you willl be delivered to Peradeniya Railway Station to board the train bound for Hatton. For the next 3 hours you will wind your way through astonishingly beautiful scenery. Your driver will meet you at the station and deliver you to your hotel. This evening enjoy a tea-infused dinner.
DAY 8 | HATTON
Participate in a guided Tea Factory Tour and hike through the aromatic tea gardens, hosted by a Tea Trails team member. Enjoy the fresh air and the stunning surrounding scenery.
DAY 9 | GALLE | 3 NIGHTS
Road transfer from Hatton to Galle (approx 5 hours). Upon arrival, the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure for you to soak up the stunning ambience of Amangalla – set within the centuries-old fortified enclave of Unesco-protected Galle Fort.
DAY 10 | GALLE
This morning, accompanied by a 5th generation resident of the Fort, you will explore the time capsule that is Galle Fort – narrow streets lined with old houses, churches, cafes & boutiques. Roam at leisure before returning to Amangalla for your 60 minute massage.
DAY 11 | GALLE
Meet a local Sri Lankan family and learn to cook traditional recipes before savouring your creations over lunch with your hosts. Later this afternoon explore a cinnamon estate & learn how this special spice is cultivated.
DAY 12 | BENTOTA | 1 NIGHT
Road transfer to Bentota (approx 1 hour), stopping for a guided walking tour of Geoffrey Bawa’s Lunuganga Gardens & the opportunity for lunch onsite before arriving at Villa Bentota. The remainder of your day is at leisure to enjoy this seaside retreat.
DAY 13 | END OF ITINERARY
Return to Colombo today (approx 1.5 hours). Pending the time of your departing flight you will be delivered to the airport or you may wish to add a day room or undertake a tour of Sri lanka’s capital.
PLEASE NOTE:
This itinerary provides the perfect framework for a spectacular tour, however it can be designed to suit your preferred pace, price and pursuits. Contact us for a tailormade journey.
WHERE WE RECOMMEND YOU STAY
Our handpicked selection of recommended accommodation
The Wallawwa – near Colombo airport
Just outside Colombo, amongst three acres of manicured gardens, The Wallawwa is a 200 year old colonial manor house, lovingly restored to provide 17 beautifully furnished bedrooms and suites. Original features have been brought right into the 21st century with luxuriant interiors and a glamorous pool to name a few. Read More
Ulagalla – Anuradhapura
Ulagalla is a resort located south of Anuradhapura, in the heart of the cultural triangle. It offers a host of activities to enjoy during your stay including nature trails, horse riding, cycling, archery and kayaking. Ulagalla is a triumph of eco-friendly design with luxurious, fully-facilitated interiors meaning that comfort is not forgotten. Read More
Kandy House – Kandy
The grand ancestral home of one of Kandy’s most influential aristocratic families, Kandy House sits in 6 acres of lush gardens on the outskirts of a quiet village close to Kandy. It is a luxurious and nostalgic jungle escape and an excellent base to explore Kandy’s Botanical Gardens, the Temple of the Tooth and the charming town itself. Read More
Ceylon Tea Trails – Hatton
Ceylon Tea Trails comprises four luxurious colonial era tea planters' bungalows, connected by walking trails through beautiful Ceylon tea gardens. They offer a taste of gracious living thanks to butler service & period furnishings, accompanied by gourmet meals. Venture out and enjoy the hikes, local villages and tea plantations. Read More
Amangalla – Galle
Amangalla sits within the ramparts of the 17th-century Galle Fort as part of the fabric of the town. Amangalla is named after the Sanskrit word for ‘peace’, and galla, the Sinhalese word for the town of Galle. Each of the 29 rooms have an elegant colonial design that is enhanced by original antiques and four poster beds dressed in crisp white linen. Read More
Villa Bentota – Bentota
The Villa Bentota started life more than 30 years ago when Geoffrey Bawa converted the charming ancestral home that stands on the property into a boutique hotel. Plenty of staff are on hand to look after your every whim while you relax by the beach, pool or on the lush, tropical lawn area - a haven of comfort and tranquility. Read More
NEED TO KNOW
13 nights of Cultural Immersion in Sri Lanka
13 nights of Cultural Immersion in Sri Lanka
Please enquire for pricing based on your preferences
Please enquire for pricing based on your preferences
START: Colombo, Sri Lanka | Finish: Colombo, Sri Lanka
This itinerary provides the perfect inspiration for a spectacular journey & can be tailored to suit your style, pace, preferences and budget. Elements of this trip may vary based on your chosen season & dates of travel which may also present the opportunity to see & do even more!
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