Sri Lanka - SouthIncludes:
|
|
Itinerary
Day 1 - Colombo - NegomboMeet and assist on arrival at Airport by Transco Travels representative. Proceed to Negombo and check in at the hotel.
For those making alternate flight reservations, we can organize airport pick up at additional cost. Accommodation Jetwing Blue, Negombo |
|
Day 2 - Tour of Negombo, Lellama Fish Market, Angurukaramulla Temple
|
After breakfast, we will take a tour of Negombo town which is one of the most important fishing ports on the west coast of Sri Lanka. It is one of the best-known seaside towns on the island, geographically located at the end of a lagoon with many small islands and stunning bays. We will visit the fish market and Angurukaramulla temple.
You are free to spend the afternoon enjoying a spa treatment or relaxing by the pool at the original Jetwing resort. In the evening we will enjoy a wonderful welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation Jetwing Blue |
Day 3 - Sigiriya, Climb to Dambulla CavesThis evening, we will climb to the impressive Dambulla cave complex, a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery with its five sanctuaries is the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist mural paintings (covering an area of 2,100 m2) are of particular importance. This is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Accommodation Aliya Resort and Spa |
|
Day 4 - Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock, Minneriya Wildlife Jeep Safari
|
After breakfast, drive to Sigiriya . Sigiriya rock fortress is an UNESCO world heritage site and is home to a series of rock frescoes that are considered to be 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.
This afternoon you are free to enjoy the hotel and surrounds. This evening we will depart to Minneriya National Park (30 mins). The park is the site of ‘The Gathering’ where a large number of elephants are attracted to the grass fields on the edges of the ‘Minneriya Tank’, a structure built in the 3rd century. The park is also an important habitat for 2 endemic monkeys, 2 types of deer, rare species such as the Sri Lankan leopard and sloth bear, as well as 11 threatened bird species. There are 8 species of endemic reptiles which include the salt water crocodile, Indian python, Asian water monitor and the Bengal monitor. Accommodation Aliya Resort and Spa |
Day 5 - Hiriwaduna Village, Anuradhapura
|
After Breakfast proceed to Habarana (10 minutes).
Proceed to do a Village Tour at Hiriwadunna and Lunch at the Hiriwadunna Village. This village tour begins with a bullock cart ride on a dirt track for a traditional travel experience that lasts roughly fifteen to thirty minutes. You will ride across scrub lined mud paths; rice fields; picturesque Hiriwadunna Lake and observe local villagers as they go about their tasks of fishing or washing clothes at the periphery of the lake. Take a canoe ride across the lake where you will encounter birdlife and butterflies. Lunch will be with a local villager who will demonstrate centuries old food practices. You will have the opportunity to help with cooking lunch. After Lunch, proceed to Uga Ulagalla (55 minutes). Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Accommodation Uga Ulagalla |
|
Day 6 - Leisure & Hands on Cooking Class
|
Ulagalla Resort inhabits a largely unspoiled 58-acre estate outside the city of Anuradhapura, capital of Sri Lanka’s North Central Province and home to some well-preserved and seriously ancient Buddhist shrines. To ensure that the land remains a suitable home for the peacocks and monkeys that roam freely through its fields and forests, Ulagalla keeps its footprint minimal, generating half its energy from an on-site solar farm and providing bicycles so guests can traverse the expansive grounds without leaving too much of a mark.
Accommodation Uga Ullagalla |
Day 7 - Ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Matale Spice GardenAfter an early breakfast, travel to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which is the second oldest of Sri Lanka’s cities and served as the capital under King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Indian Chola invaders in 1070 CE. With its rich history, Polonnaruwa’s ancient ruins provide one of the best archeological sites in the country.
Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom's first rulers. The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards we will enjoy lunch at Pabalu Mandapa before travelling to Matale. Here we visit the Ranveli Spice Garden, taking a tour to learn the history and medicinal properties of the spices of Sri Lanka, then on to Kandy. Accommodation Mahaweli Reach Hotel, Kandy |
|
Day 8 -Temple of the Tooth, Market, Botanical Gardens, Cultural Show, Hands-on Cooking Class
|
Kandy, a UNESCO world heritage listed town, is Sri Lanka’s hill capital and the stronghold of the last king of Sri Lanka. It is the island’s 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 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.
Following our sightseeing tour, we will visit the Kandy Market before travelling to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. The garden is considered the finest of its kind in Asia and contains 4000 different plant species. This afternoon you have time to relax in the pool (the largest in Kandy) or make use of the hotel’s impressive list of services. This evening you will have your second cooking class and 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 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. Accommodation Mahaweli Reach Hotel, Kandy |
Day 9 - Nuwara Eliya, Damro Tea Centre and Streetcart FoodOften called ‘Little England’, Nuwara Eliya was once the cool climate retreat of the ruling British wanting to get away from the heat of Colombo.
Whilst in town we will visit a working tea factory and have some of the best samosas that I have had from a street cart vendor! Accommodation The Grand Hotel |
|
Day 10 - Nuwara Eliya Town, Ramboda Falls, Single Tree Hill, High Tea
|
After breakfast we will join the hotel's naturalist and take a walk up to Single Tree Hill. On our return to town, we will visit the fresh fruit market and have a driving tour of Nuwara Eliya town, followed by a visit to Ramboda Falls.
This afternoon we will experience some old-world charm when we take high tea at the Grand Hotel overlooking manicured English gardens and vibrant green lawns. Accommodation The Grand Hotel |
Day 11- Train Ride to Ella, Tissamaharama, WeerawilaAfter breakfast we will take a train journey to the town of Ella (4 hours), and have lunch in a local restauraunt, before travelling to Weerawila.
Welcome cocktails at the Flameback Eco Lodge, you will also have the option of a complementary foot massage at Osu Spa. This evening you are free to explore the resort and the many choices of food and beverage it offers. Accommodation Flameback Eco Lodge, Weerawil |
|
Day 12 - Leisure, Cookery Class
|
Early this morning, join the hotel’s environmentalist for some birdwatching.
After breakfast you are free to soak up the atmosphere of the resort or use the amazing variety of activities it offers. This evening we will have our Third cookery class and dine by the lake. Accommodation Flameback Eco Lodge, Weerawila |
Day 13 - Stilt Fisherman, Hambantota - GalleToday we will travel to Galle, stopping to visit the unique ‘Stilt Fishermen’ of Sri Lanka. 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. Two generations of fishermen have eked out this physically demanding existence at dawn and dusk along a 30-kilometer stretch of southern shore between the towns of Unawatuna and Weligama.
Tonight, we will stay at one of the hotels designed by Sri Lanka’s eminent architect Geoffrey Bawa. Accommodation Jetwing Lighthouse |
|
Day 14 - Tour of Galle, Old Dutch Fort, Seafood BBQ on the Beach
|
Today after a leisurely breakfast we will explore the unique charm of the seaside city of Galle, visit the markets and the fresh fish vendors and walk the cobbled streets of the old Dutch Fort dating back to 1588.
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 Pedlar and Church street for an amazing array of cafes, restaurants, souvenir and gift shops tucked amongst beautifully restored Portuguese and Dutch era buildings. This evening we will gather at the outdoor bar and watch the sun sink into the Indian ocean. We will then make our way down to a private beach where we will enjoy a sumptuous 3 course seafood BBQ cooked for us by the hotel chefs. This is one of my favourite places on the island, it oozes tranquil charm. The constant sound of waves crashing into giant rocks makes a kind of music that is hard to ignore! Accommodation Jetwing Lighthouse |
Day 15 - Galle - Colombo, Turtle Hatchery, Night Markets
|
Today we leave Galle and make our way to Colombo (2 hours, 9 minutes). Along the way we will stop at a Turtle hatchery and learn about the conservation efforts to protect these magnificent, endangered animals.
After lunch at Cinnamon Bay, we will continue to Colombo. This evening we will walk along Galle Face Green to the night markets, complete with street cart vendors and food stalls set alongside the mighty Indian ocean. We will eat at my favourite street restaurant before ambling back to the hotel. Accommodation Galle Face Hotel |
|
Day 16 -Tour of Colombo, Lunch at the Dutch Burgher Union
|
Today we will have a sightseeing tour of Colombo. There will be time for some last-minute shopping at ‘Laksala’, the government run handicraft store. We will also visit ‘Barefoot’, the craft store famous for its founder Barbara Sansonis vision of empowering female workers.
We will stop for lunch at the Dutch Burgher Union for the famous Dutch inspired ‘Lamprais’. Also known as ‘Lump Rice’ this is a dish of rice cooked in stock, a curry made with 2 or 4 meats, frikadelles (spiced crumbed meatball) and accompaniments, all wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed. Late evening departure to Airport. *Please note flight leaves at 00.20hrs the next day when booking flights. |
