A 15-day cultural and historical tour of the back country, exploring natural wonders of the hills and coast featuring…
- Spinner dolphins on the Kalpitya coast
- Birdwatching and nature walks at Anamaduwa
- Jeep safari to Wilpattu wildlife sanctuary
- The ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya and Dambulla Cave Temple
- Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth
- Tea plantations and colonial splendour
- Galle Fort and the beaches of Balapitiya
Day 1
Colombo Airport to Marawila
On arrival in Sri Lanka, your driver will meet you in the Arrivals area of the airport. You will then be escorted to your transport vehicle and transfer to Marawila (approx. 1 hour).
Overnight Stay at Horathapola Estate
The elegance and old-world chic of Horathapola Bungalow’s architecture and design blend seamlessly with the tranquillity of the estate to make for an idyllic getaway.
Meals are offered on a half-board basis, and a range of activities are included.
Accommodation: Horathapola Estate
Meals: Half-board basis
Day 2
Marawila
A day at your leisure. As part of the rural experience, Horathapola offer several activities for you to delve into during your stay with them:
- Tour the property in a bullock cart (a carriage drawn by a bull), exploring the extent of Horathapola’s plantations
- Grab one of the bicycles and take an independent ride around the village
- Follow a guided walking tour with one of the hotel’s staff – an ideal opportunity to meet and chat with friendly locals, enjoy bird watching and visit an organic coconut oil manufacturing plant
- Accompany one of the staff on a visit to the buzzy local “pola” (farmers’ market). The scent of hot, spicy, freshly made street food diffuses through the open-air market to tempt shoppers with local treats like “vadey”
Accommodation: Horathapola Estate
Meals: Half-board basis
Day 3
Marawila to Anamaduwa
Transfer to Anamaduwa (2 hours).
The Mudhouse
Spread throughout a large expanse of forest on the outskirts of a small village in Sri Lanka lies The Mudhouse – a private and seductive retreat, far away from the beaten track. Flanked by lakes and blessed with abundant birdlife, wildlife and natural beauty, The Mudhouse offers a range of rustic accommodation in private, individually designed huts. Run with environmental sustainability as its core focus, The Mudhouse aims to be a positive force for the people and nature with whom we co-exist. Fun and friendly, this laid-back lodge offers a unique chance to experience rural Sri Lankan life in all its colourful splendour.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: The Mud House Anamaduwa
Meals: Full-board basis
Day 4
Anamaduwa
Bird watching and nature trails at The Mudhouse
- Start the day with an early morning bird watching walk within The Mudhouse grounds. Begin with a cup of tea in your hut before gently strolling the lanes and paths to lakes where colourful species flock together. The walk tends to last for an hour or two
- Return for a shower followed by a hearty breakfast
- Afternoon at leisure
- Explore trails, identify different species of trees and plants, and admire the landscaping of the grounds
- Admire the design and architecture of the various buildings at The Mudhouse
- Finish with a tour of the farm
It is often possible to spot lots of different wildlife on such walks, with varieties depending on the particular season. This trip is particularly good for kids and families, although it can be enjoyed by all. You can often go for a swim at the same time, depending on the time of year.
Accommodation: The Mud House Anamaduwa
Meals: Full-board basis
Day 5
Anamaduwa to Kalpitiya
Transfer to Kalpitiya (1 1⁄2 hours)
Dolphin Beach Kalpitiya
Check in to Dolphin Beach.
Afternoon Jeep Safari to Wilpattu Wildlife Sanctuary. Wilpattu National Park is among the oldest and most important of protected wildlife sanctuaries in Sri Lanka. The sanctuary lies inland from the coast and is entirely within the Northern Province. The unique feature of this park is the ‘Willus’ – natural, sand-rimmed water basins or depressions that fill with rainwater.
Return to the hotel to relax for the evening.
Accommodation: Dolphin Beach
Meals: Half-board basis
Day 6
Kalpitiya
Spend the day on a boat excursion to see the dolphins, or at leisure.
Try out some watersports, including kite surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, and day- and night-fishing. There is no swimming pool here, but the sea right in front of the resort is safe for swimming from December to April.
Relax at the seafront ambalama, where chilled beers, authentic Sri Lankan curries and seafood barbecues are served.
Accommodation: Dolphin Beach
Meals: Half-board basis
Day 7
Kalpitiya to Sigiriya
Transfer to Sigiriya (4 hours).
Vil Uyana Sigiriya
Check into your hotel.
Afternoon hike to the historical Pidurangala Rock. Pidurangala is a massive rock formation located a few kilometres north of Sigiriya. Being less grand and more challenging to climb than the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, it is often overlooked by tourists, but they share a similar, fascinating history.
Rest of the day at leisure in the hotel.
Accommodation: Vil Uyana Sigiriya
Meals: Half-board basis
Day 8
Sigiriya
- Early start to visit and climb Sigiriya Rock fortress. Considered the 8th wonder of the world, Sigiriya was built in the 5th century by King Kasyappa and boasts the world-famous frescoes of women carved on the sheer rock face
- Climb the rock fortress and marvel at the feats of architecture achieved in the moats, the lion’s paw and finally at the summit of the rock, where the palace was situated
- Return to hotel in Sigiriya for breakfast. En route to the hotel, we allow every guest to reduce their carbon footprint and help with the reforestation of the Sri Lankan jungle by planting a tree
- Visit Polonnaruwa, a city of ruins which displays the influences of both Indian and Sinhalese cultures. See the world-famous Polonnaruwa Gal Viharaya, consisting of three huge stone monoliths of the Lord Buddha, in a sitting, standing and reclining position.
- See the ancient city’s most famous attractions: Vatadageya, Sathmahal Prasadaya, Rajasaba Mandapaya, Nisshanka Latha Mandapaya and Parakrama Samudra.
Accommodation: Vil Uyana Sigiriya
Meals: Half-board basis
Day 9
Sigiriya to Kandy
Transfer to Kandy (3 hours).
- After breakfast, you will be collected and driven up into the hills and tea-growing areas which surround Kandy
- En route, visit the Dambulla cave temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Next, visit a wood carving factory & a Batik factory
- Once in Kandy, admire the beautiful hilltop setting, see the vast lake and Kandy’s main attraction – the Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha
- There is also the chance to see a colourful Kandyan dance performance
Accommodation: Villa Rosa
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10
Kandy to Hatton
Transfer to Hatton (3 hours).
Camellia Hills
Live the life of a modern-day tea planter at Camellia Hills, a luxurious five-bedroom boutique bungalow hotel near Dickoya, in Sri Lanka’s crisp hill country. From its verdant valley-side perch, views of the mirror-still Castlereagh Reservoir and surrounding tea-wrapped hills are spectacular – drink in the panoramas while relaxing on cushy sofas warmed by an open fire, dining in the semi-open air or swimming lengths of the refreshing garden pool.
Accommodation: Camellia Hills
Meals: All-inclusive basis
Day 11
Hatton
Relax at your bungalow or explore this culture-rich region as instinct guides you!
- Drive along the valley’s edge to a colonial-era tea factory where you can observe the age-old art of tea production (included in your stay)
- Follow trails through neighbouring tea estates, patches of dense forest and gushing waterfalls that promise striking panoramas at every turn; picnics can be provided
- Island hop by boat, or voyage along the banks of the reservoir to colonial-era Warleigh Church (charges will apply)
Accommodation: Camellia Hills
Meals: All-inclusive basis
Day 12
Hatton to Galle
Transfer to Galle (5 hours).
- En route, visit a local school to see how children are taught in their classrooms. If you have anything to donate, such as stationery for the kids school use, this would be kindly appreciated.
Sightseeing of the Galle fort and town. Galle was once a prominent seaport long before Western rule in the country. Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Malays and Indians all made their way into Galle over centuries, but ‘modern’ Galle began in 1505, when the first Portuguese ship was driven there by a storm. 135 years later, the Dutch invaded and finally, the British arrived in 1796, who preserved the Fort unchanged. Today Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site, brimming with restaurants, cafes, antique and fabric shops.
Check in at the hotel.
Accommodation: Fort Bazaar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13
Galle to Balapitiya
Transfer to Balapitiya (1 hour).
Kumu Beach
Check into your hotel.
Head to the gorgeous beaches and enjoy!
Accommodation: Kumu Beach
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14
Balapitiya
Day at your leisure, enjoying the beaches.
Accommodation: Kumu Beach
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15
Balapitiya to Colombo Airport
Transfer to Colombo airport (2 1⁄2 hours) to connect to your flight out.
- Currency Exchange/Credit Cards – The local currency is Sri Lankan rupees (Rs.) and currency can be exchanged at bank counters in the arrival lounge. There are many certified money changers and banks throughout the country for currency exchange as well. All major credit cards are usually accepted at larger hotels, shops and restaurants.
- General Behavior – Sri Lanka is generally a very conservative country so be respectful towards the culture and different religions. You are required to dress appropriately (covering all parts of your body) when visiting sacred places like temples/shrines or any place of worship.
- Climate/Clothing – Most parts of the island get pretty hot and humid so you will mostly need light cotton clothing and comfortable shoes for walking/trekking. The hill country can get a little chilly at night so you will also need a light sweater for your stay there.
- Electricity – Electricity runs at 230–240V. Round, three-pin sockets are the norm, though you’ll also sometimes find square three-pin sockets, especially in more upmarket hotels. Adaptors are cheap and widely available.
- Health – Bring your bug spray and sun cream. You can get them at supermarkets and pharmacies locally but it’s best to bring your own if you are comfortable with certain brands.
- Festivals/Public Holidays – Sri Lanka is a land of many festivals and celebrations. You can find out the festivals taking place before your arrival into the country. Sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited on all Poya (full moon) days and religious festivals.
- Tipping – Tipping your chauffer guide is at your discretion. If you are happy with your chauffer guide’s service and would like to tip him, we recommend a starting tip of USD$10 per day.
- Hotel Rules & Regulations – Check in typically at 2pm. Check out typically at 12pm.