Sri Lanka certainly offers a panoply of elements in which an individual traveler makes their own meanings through engagement and encounters – there’s little doubt about it.
The immediate contact with locals draws natural smiling faces, there’s a sense of immense warmth around you, and you feel that you are no longer a stranger to this Island which has a very rich history, its own mysteries, stories, legend and myth.
Welcome to the Island of unexpected pleasures!
Accommodation
Immerse yourself in the local culture, exploring the sites and staying in our hand picked five star hotels. At each hotel, you’ll be greeted with smiles and luxurious amenities to make you feel at home.
The hotels you will be staying at are:
Your Journey
AYUBOWAN! This is a typical local greeting you will experience wherever you travel in Sri Lanka. Our airport manager will welcome you with a flower garland at the Colombo Airport, arrival lounge. He will then introduce you to your guide and escort you to your vehicle.
We proceed directly to Anamaduwa, an off the map quaint little village located off Puttalam.
After breakfast, we will visit the Paramakanda Temple and Tonigala Rock by bike which is just 2km away from Mud House. A stone staircase leads to the top of the rock, where the path opens up to reveal spectacular 360-degree views. Tonigala Rock is surrounded by beautiful lakes for an afternoon of kayaking and is a lovely spot to catch the sunset.
After breakfast, the tour will proceed to Elkaduwa. A charming village located north from Kandy, surrounded with lush green tea estates and waterfalls. En route you will visit a private spice garden learning about the spices that make our cousin so vibrant and enjoy a local lunch infused with home grown spices. On arrival enjoy a small trek to the private waterfall where you can take a refreshing dip to relax.
After an early breakfast, we will proceed to visit the Knuckles mountain range with the residential naturalist. Located north-east of the city of Kandy, the range takes its name from a series of recumbent folds and peaks in the west of the massif which resemble the knuckles of a clenched fist when viewed from certain locations in the Kandy District. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool unwinding in the beauty of Knuckles, enjoying an evening cup of Ceylon tea to keep you warm.
After a leisurely breakfast, we will proceed to quirky Ulapane, a village in the central province a few miles away from the commercial city of Kandy. This charming village and its eye soothing landscape will trap you in the simpler side of life.
After a leisurely breakfast, you can choose either of the routes below to wonder around Ulapane.
ROUTE 1 – Cycling along the King’s Canal (5km total)
The King’s Canal is a waterway that flows to the rice fields of the area. Rumour has it that this canal was originally built by one of Sri Lanka’s ancient kings, hence the name. The cycle ride takes you past a sleepy hamlet and gives you a glimpse of everyday village life.
ROUTE 2 – Cycling to the Kotmale Dam (14 km one way)
Cycle past the town of Ulapane and then head towards the Kotmale dam. You will pedal past the Mahaweli, Sri Lanka’s longest river, the Fool’s Bridge (named for a bridge that looks like it was built upside down by a careless engineer), past riverine scenery and tea gardens.
After breakfast, you will proceed to Ulapane train station to conduct a scenic journey through the mesmerising landscape of the hill country to Ella. Our chauffeur will meet you at the Ella station with your luggage. Thereafter you will proceed to Wellawaya. Visit the Buduruwagala Temple meaning “the rock with the statue of Buddha”. Seven figures are carved in this rock with a massive 51 foot Buddha statue in the Abhaya Mudra gesture in the center.
After breakfast, you will then proceed to visit the Maligawila Temple en route visiting Dematamal Temple. Take in the stunning views of Diyaluma Fall, according to folklore, Diyaluma is the setting of a tragedy involving a young chieftain who had been banished to the highlands and the attempt by his betrothed to join.
After a leisurely breakfast, you travel to the south coast through the mountains to the coastal landscapes. The port of Galle, thought by some to be the Biblical city of Tarshish, splendidly illustrates the solidity of the Dutch presence in Sri Lanka. The 36-hectare (89 acre) Dutch Fort, built in 1663, has withstood the ravages of time. Nearby is a tiny sliver of a beach suitable for a dip, though most travellers prefer to head along the coast to the fine beaches at Unuwatuna, Weligama and Tangalla.
Enjoy your breakfast at the retreat. You may wish to relax at the retreat, which is perfect after a gruelling tour around some of the remote parts of the country.
However, if you wish to be active, we could provide you with optional experiences:
The village experience (supplements apply) includes a cycling tour around the village and a local cookery demonstration by a local village lady preparing and cooking traditional Sri Lankan hoppers followed by lunch.
Enjoy the comforts of the retreat or head to the yoga pavilion (supplements apply) nestling amongst the tea for the perfect location for an early morning yoga session.
After a delectable breakfast, proceed to the airport in time for the connecting flight.
