Sri Lanka - Flavours of CeylonIncludes:
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Colombo - NegomboArrive in Colombo on suggested Air Lanka flight UL605, arriving CMB approx. 22.30. Welcome at the airport and transfer to hotel.
For those making alternate flight reservation, we can organise airport pick up at additional cost. Check in at Jetwing Beach is from 2pm. Accommodation Jetwing Blue, Negombo |
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Day 2 - Negombo Town, Coconut Estate, Angurukaramulla Temple, Lellama Fish Market
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After breakfast, we will take a tour of the Fishing Village in Negombo.
Negombo made its start as a fishing community, and fishermen today continue to hawk their wares on the city’s sandy shores. Starting from as early as 4am, fishing boats begin to make their way to the beach laden with the morning’s catch. Shrimps, crabs, and lobsters are hunted at the famous Negombo Lagoon, while fresh fish is hauled in from the waves of the Indian Ocean. We will then proceed to tour a working Coconut Estate followed by the Angurukaramulla Temple. To enter, visitors walk through the maw of the dragon, who is said to ward evil spirits away from the temple and its devotees. The dragon lies in the shadow of Lord Buddha’s large statue, watching a serene pool of water in front of it. This evening we will visit a local restaurant where you will experience a ‘Welcome to Sri Lanka’ fusion dinner. Highlighting this dinner is an action cooking segment which will introduce you to local flavours and cooking techniques. |
Day 3 - Sigiriya, Dambulla CavesAfter breakfast, drive to Sigiriya and check-in to the Hotel.
This evening, we will climb to the impressive Dambulla cave complex. A UNESCO world heritage site, located high on a cliff face. You will have time to explore these cave temples and admire the many Buddha statues, frescoes, and paintings. Accommodation Aliya Resort and Spa |
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Day 4 - Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock, Cooking Class
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Sigiriya rock fortress is a UNESCO world heritage site and is home to a series of rock frescoes that are the oldest in the world. You will have the opportunity to climb to the top of the rock to witness its elaborate ancient fortress complex (approximately 2.5 hours round-trip on foot, including stairs). The 200-metre-high ancient citadel built during the 5th century features a mirror wall with some of the world’s oldest graffiti, terraced gardens and splashing fountains.
We will spend the afternoon at leisure at Aliya Resort and Spa, followed by our first cooking class in the evening. Accommodation Aliya Resort and Spa |
Day 5 - Matale Spice Garden, Kandy, Cultural Dances/Esala Perahera.
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Matale Spice Garden is a hidden gem. It is a paradise for spice enthusiasts and food lovers alike. The garden is filled with a vibrant assortment of aromatic herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and pepper, which are grown and harvested on-site. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the beautiful garden and learn about the various spices and their uses in traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.
One of the highlights of the Matale Spice Garden experience is the curry powder making demonstration. Knowledgeable guides take you through the process of grinding and blending different spices to create the perfect curry powder. You can witness the expertise and artistry that goes into creating the distinctive flavors of Sri Lankan curries. We will also organize for traditional coconut roti and Lunu miris with a variety of Sri Lankan curries. You will also experience the making of local pancakes, with its distinctive filling of coconut sweetened with treacle and jaggery. April Tour: In the evening you will experience a Kandyan Dance and Cultural Show. Kandyan dancing is a celebration of the rich traditions of Sri Lankan culture. The dance which traces its origin from the ancient rituals focuses on dynamism, powerful footwork, leaps, and whirls that imitate several movements from birds and animals. The whole performance is graced by colourful costumes, masked dances, and thrilling fire acts. |
August Tour:
Kandy’s iconic Esala Perehara. Perehara is a vibrant and captivating cultural event that takes place in Kandy. It is a grand procession that showcases the rich heritage and traditions of the country. The Perehara is held annually in honor of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, which is housed in the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. The procession features beautifully adorned elephants, traditional dancers, drummers, fire performers, and various religious rituals. Accommodation Mahaweli Reach Hotel |
Day 6 - Tour of Kandy, Fruit and Vegetable Market, Temple of the Tooth, Evening Cooking Class
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Kandy, a UNESCO world heritage town, is Sri Lanka’s hill capital and the stronghold of the last king of Sri Lanka. It is the islands second most visited place. Home to tea plantations and biodiverse rainforest. The city's heart is scenic Kandy Lake, we will learn of its interesting and sometimes gruesome history. We will then take a tour of the ‘Sacred Temple of the Tooth’ and learn of its unique history and tales of an underground/underwater tunnel to the lakes island. Afterward we will head to the Kandy fruit & vegetable market
This evening, we will gather on the lawn beside the pool where we will have our second cooking class. Accommodation Mahaweli Reach Hotel |
Day 7 - Royal Botanical Gardens, Tea Plantation, High Tea.
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After Breakfast, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, stroll along the ‘Avenue of Palms’ that opens onto the Great Lawn with its magnificent solitary giant Java willow tree. First developed as a pleasure garden under royalty and later harmonized by the British, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya located just 4 miles off Kandy - is a flourishing national asset. Walk into this 147-acre bliss of an experience, passing well-tended lawns, pavilions & an octagonal conservatory, to be greeted by a vast expanse of magnificently landscaped lush green turf. Some of the highlights include the orchid house, giant Javan fig tree, suspension bridge, giant bamboo, memorial trees planted by visiting dignitaries and a cafeteria.
Witness the processing of tea at a Tea Factory and try your hand at tea picking. Take a tour to the cold & misty hills that make up Sri Lanka’s ‘High Country’ where lush green blankets of tea adorn the hillsides. Step into a tea factory processing the prestigious brand of Ceylon Tea, to observe a rich tradition being kept alive. Inhale the heavenly scent as you walk past hissing and swishing machines and end your tour in style with a perfectly blended cup of pure Ceylon Tea. On completion, proceed to Nuwara Eliya and check in at the Hotel. |
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Day 8 - Nuwara Eliya City Tour, Street Cart Food.
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After breakfast, visit a vegetable garden and farm.
Then take a city tour of Nuwara Eliya. This charming town is often referred to as ‘Little England’. It is known for its cool climate and stunning scenery, including lush green hills, waterfalls and tea plantations. In the evening, enjoy a Street Cart food experience. Accommodation thegrandhotelnuwaraeliya.com/ |
Day 9 - Train Ride to Ella, Nine Arches BridgeThe train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella is a picturesque journey through the lush green hills and tea plantations of Sri Lanka's beautiful countryside. Overall, the train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella offers a memorable experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Sri Lanka's hill country. Enjoy the journey and make the most of your time in Ella.
Lunch with a breathtaking view at EKHO Ella. Take a tuk-tuk ride to the 9-arches bridge and if you’re lucky, witness the train go past (an image of a lifetime). Accommodation Jetwing Kaduruketha, Wellawaya |
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Day 10 - Leisure, Cookery Class.
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Wellawaya is a forgotten gateway to a world of Sri Lankan adventures that range from chasing waterfalls, discovering archaeological sites, hiking, trekking, roaming around on wildlife safaris, and more.
Amidst the serene environment that surrounds Jetwing Kaduruketha, indulge in agro-luxury with organic gardening at our farm, or witness the celebrations of paddy farming and harvesting festivals of the local Maha and Yala seasons, where the first harvest of rice is offered to deities in a traditional ceremony known as ‘Dewa Danaya’. For further exploration, we also offer village walks, a tree trail, and nocturnal wildlife trail as outdoor excursions, along with a dedicated bird watching experience that allows you to spot over 120 species of birds. In the afternoon, your third cooking experience includes picking your own vegetables from the hotel garden. Accommodation Jetwing Kaduruketha, Wellawaya |
Day 11- Eco Lodge Glamping, Yala Wildlife Safari
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Welcome cocktails at the Flameback Eco Lodge, with the option of a complementary foot massage at Osu Spa.
Unravel your senses to the most spectacular eco lodges embossed in a lush eco garden in Weerawila; nestled amidst the gleeful chirps of endemic bird species, the immaculate waters of the bordering lake will miraculously freshen your spirits. Our luxury tented lodges offer a legacy of rejuvenation. Enjoy the delectable organic cuisine sourced from local communities, while being part of our eco-friendly glamping escapade conserving mother earth. This afternoon we depart for an evening safari at Yala National Park, renowned for its diverse ecosystem and home to a wide variety of animal species. During the safari, you will embark on a thrilling adventure through the park, accompanied by experienced guides and drivers who are knowledgeable about the park's flora and fauna. |
Accommodation
Flameback Eco Lodge, Weerawila |
Day 12 - Birdwatching, Cookery Class, Palmyra Palm Weaving
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If you wish, wake up early for a birdwatching experience, followed by breakfast.
Flameback Eco Lodge is a haven for endemic bird species. We will arrange extraordinary excursions within the Weerawila bird sanctuary. A composite of succulent wetlands, the bird sanctuary attracts over 200 bird species, including the Majestic Junglefowl, Ceylon Woodshrikes, Great Cormorant, Egrets, Swallows, Barbets and many more colorful chirpy winged species. This afternoon, try out your talents with a local palmyra weaving artisan to weave an authentic handicraft which you could take home as a souvenir. This evening, our fourth cooking class will take place at the hotel’s Village Kitchen, with dinner by the lake’s foreshore. Accommodation Flameback Eco Lodge, Weerawila |
Day 13 - Elephant Transit Home, Stilt Fisherman, Seafood BBQ
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The Elephant Transit Home actively collaborates with local authorities and conservation organizations to protect elephants and their habitats. You will learn about the challenges faced by these majestic creatures and the ongoing efforts to ensure their long-term survival. Please note that the ETH prioritizes the elephants' welfare, and public access is limited to specific observation areas to avoid unnecessary stress on the animals. Your visit to the Elephant Transit Home will be a meaningful experience, as you witness firsthand the incredible work being done to protect and rehabilitate orphaned elephants.
The practice of stilt fishing started when food shortages and overcrowded fishing spots prompted some clever men to try fishing on the water by erecting their stilts in coral reefs. This evening you will experience a seafood BBQ cooked and served on a private beach at the hotel. Accommodation Jetwing Lighthouse, Galle |
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Day 14 - Galle Fort, Maritime Museum
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The UNESCO world heritage listed old Dutch Fort is a delight to explore on foot, surprises await around every corner. Walk the ramparts with the sound of crashing waves and the warm Indian ocean wind blowing on your face! Walk down Peddler and Church Street for an amazing array of cafes, restaurants, souvenir and gift shops tucked amongst beautifully restored Portuguese and Dutch era buildings.
Accommodation Jetwing Lighthouse, Galle |
Day 15 - Day 14 - Hikkaduwa, Balapitiya Madu River, Turtle Hatchery, Street Food
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Today we will experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the Balapitiya Madu river by boat, and enjoy lunch on a local island in Madu River, before heading to Kosgoda. The river is lined with dense mangrove forests, which create a serene and picturesque setting. The lush greenery and calm waters make for a peaceful and relaxing experience.
The beaches of Kosgoda are the nesting grounds for five species of marine turtles: the green turtle, Leatherback, Hawksbill, Loggerhead and Olive Ridley. All 5 species have been recorded to nest along specific areas of Sri Lanka’s coast. After the tour, proceed to Colombo. This evening we will visit Colombo’s Galle Face Green night markets, complete with street cart vendors and food stalls set alongside the mighty Indian ocean. Accommodation Galle Face Hotel |
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Day 16 -Colombo City Tour, Shopping, Lamprais @ The Dutch Burgher Union
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Colombo is located on the west coast of the country. The official capital of Sri Lanka is a satellite city in Colombo called Sri Jayawardenapura. Colombo however, is often referred to as the capital city.
As you embark on a Colombo city tour, get ready to explore the bustling capital city of Sri Lanka. Your first stop will be the iconic Lotus Tower, a towering structure that offers stunning views of the city. Next, head over to the vibrant Pettah Market, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant sights and sounds of local life. Continue your tour to the Old Parliament Building, a colonial-era masterpiece that now serves as a museum. Marvel at the intricate architecture of the Independence Memorial Hall, which commemorates Sri Lanka's independence from British rule. Finally, make your way to the futuristic Port City, a massive reclamation project that promises to be one of the most ambitious urban developments in South Asia. As you explore this modern marvel, take a moment to reflect on the incredible progress Sri Lanka has made over the years. With its blend of old-world charm and new-world innovation, Colombo is truly a city like no other. This afternoon you can relax by the pool and get ready for your farewell dinner at the hotel. |
