Colombo

Explore Colombo, starting with a gentle guided walk from our hotel to the Dutch Hospital complex, observing the striking contrast between the city’s historic parts and the newer developments underway. Later, discover the work of Sri Lanka’s renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa and his influential movement `Tropical Modernism’ with a short tour of his Colombo residence in the afternoon. Experience contemporary dining tonight with a three-course welcome dinner at Rare.

Overnight at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo

Colombo is changing rapidly, and the city is fast developing a cosmopolitan dining scene. Dinner at Rare offers the finest contemporary dining in the capital; expect to be served dishes like Waldorf salad with blue cheese ice cream and octopus served with avocado, spicy carrot puree and lychee Campari.

Colombo

Immerse yourself in the history of Colombo with a city walk led by resident guide Mark Forbes. A gentle walking tour that will reveal the city’s landmark buildings, takes you into the bustling local market of Pettah and includes a cheeky gin and tonic at the Grand Oriental Hotel. Later, you may wish to visit the boutiques and stores we know in the city with optional shopping, or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo

From the outset of this tour, it will be clear that the accommodation is a highlight of the journey. Each of the remarkable places in which we stay has its own unique `something extra’. At Galle Face Hotel in Colombo there’s access to the exclusive Long Room. At Chena Huts, we safari with some of the country’s best wildlife experts as they track leopards, elephants and sloth bear through Yala National Park. And at Tea Trails, every moment of your day is a Relais & Chateaux experience, and it’s all included. These are remarkable places that you’ll never forget.

Colombo — Dambulla — Thirappane

Drive to Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, visiting the Dambulla Cave Temples en route. Marvel at age-old rock paintings and cave temples at this World Heritage site. Afterwards, proceed to Ulagalla Resort. As you arrive, your eyes are sure to be drawn to the main pool — said to be the largest swimming pool in Sri Lanka. Dinner at Ulagalla takes place in the wallawa, the historic original mansion of the property, overlooking the pool and rice paddy.

Overnight at Ulagalla Resort, Thirappane

Thirappane — Anuradhapura — Thirappane

Discover the ancient capital of Anuradhapura: visit the main stupa with its soaring spire and join pilgrims praying at the sacred Bodhi tree. Returning to the hotel, the afternoon is yours at leisure. Read by your villa’s private plunge pool, enjoy a walk through the extensive property for bird watching, to learn about the kitchen garden and to feed the horses, or perhaps pamper yourself with a spa treatment (direct payment).

Overnight at Ulagalla Resort, Thirappane

Thirappane — Sigiriya — Kandy

Start early to visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of the country’s main drawcards. Explore this ancient royal complex with its beautiful rock frescoes and climb the 1200 steps to the rock’s summit to be rewarded with panoramic views. For good reason this is a true highlight of Sri Lanka. After a short drive enjoy lunch at an organic farm where coconuts, coffee and pepper grow, before reaching Kandy.

Overnight at The Kandy House, Kandy

Kandy

Today you can choose to discover the city of Kandy with a guided tour of its colonial buildings, local markets and lake; or learn the secrets of Sri Lankan recipes with a cooking class and market visit. Later, visit the `Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic’ and witness the rituals and offerings at this revered Buddhist site.

Overnight at The Kandy House, Kandy

Kandy — Hatton — Dickoya

Board a train to Hatton for a scenic rail journey. Travel through mist and sunshine winding your way through the hills and plantations as the Sri Lankan countryside unfolds before your eyes. From Hatton a short drive will take you to your home away from home for the next three nights: Ceylon Tea Trails — a luxury plantation resort and Sri Lanka’s first Relais & Chateaux hotel. This afternoon there’s time to explore the magnificent gardens, beautiful bungalows, take a dip in the pool, savour homemade cakes and finger sandwiches during the first high tea of your stay or indulge with a glass of wine on the verandah ahead of tonight’s three-course dinner.

Overnight at Tea Trails, Dickoya

Tea Trails is an unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings overlooking tea plantations and Castlereagh Reservoir, and indulge in the outstanding service. Enjoy daily pleasures from bed tea served each morning, to high tea on the verandah every afternoon, all-inclusive drinks and a personal butler available to you throughout your stay. We love the regular discussions with the chef, as he tailors dishes, from some of the best Sri Lankan food we’ve savoured to first class Continental fare, to suit your tastes. Expect elegant colonial bungalows with beautiful rooms and interiors, perfectly manicured lawns and gardens, inviting swimming pools, and plantation walks at your doorstep. Our three-night-stay at Tea Trails is the centrepiece of Splendour in Sri Lanka and a feature you won’t find in other group tours. Experience true luxury in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country.

Dickoya

The day begins with bed tea served by your private butler. Linger over English or Sri Lankan breakfast — served on the verandah overlooking Castlereagh Reservoir. Discover the secrets of Ceylon tea today during The Tea Experience. A true tea expert will guide us through tea production from the plantation to the tea factory and reveal the art of tea tasting. In the afternoon there’s high tea to be had, time for a gentle stroll, a swim, or to simply relax and soak up the elegant surroundings of the bungalow. Tea Trails has an impressive tea menu – so be sure to make time to sample some during your stay.

Overnight at Tea Trails, Dickoya

Dickoya

Explore Sri Lanka’s tea country with a day walk and picnic lunch through the plantations and local villages at our doorstep. Take in the panoramic views of Castlereagh Reservoir and see the ladies plucking tea as we meander through plantations. Pause for lunch among the tea bushes with a picnic prepared by our Tea Trails chef. Be rewarded with high tea and sparkling wine after the walk.

Overnight at Tea Trails, Dickoya

Dickoya — Yala

Linger over your final bed tea and breakfast at Tea Trails, before boarding a private charter flight on Castlereagh Reservoir. Your eight-seater plane will take off from the water before a scenic flight over central and southern Sri Lanka to reach your next destination, Yala. In the afternoon, we take our first jeep safari into Yala National Park in search of leopards, elephant and other wildlife. End the day with sundowners on the beach, with drinks all-inclusive during your stay at Chena Huts.

Overnight at Chena Huts, Yala

The approximately one-hour private charter flight grants you a unique perspective of the country, and many past travellers have remarked on what an unexpected highlight of the tour the flight is.
Lincoln Harris

Yala

Venture into Yala National Park again at sunrise this morning, accompanied by an expert naturalist. Panthera pardus kotiya, or the Sri Lankan leopard, is the park’s apex predator — the King of Yala — and the main draw card for visitors to the park. Besides leopards there are many other fauna of note including the nonchalant sloth bear and of course the Sri Lankan elephant. Birds abound, and whether you are a bird watcher or not, your naturalist will draw you in with their encyclopedic knowledge. Afterwards, the day is yours to enjoy your private pool and the natural beauty at Chena Huts — which is surrounded by the beach, the jungle and a lake. Unwind at the onsite spa, with a massage included during your stay.

Overnight at Chena Huts, Yala

Yala — Galle

Drive to Galle, one of Southeast Asia’s bestpreserved colonial-era cities, loved for its quaint cobbled streets, its history and its impressive fort walls. Enjoy two-nights at Amangalla, centrally located inside the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort. Aman’s inimitable style and service elevates the striking 17th century building into one of South Asia’s most sophisticated and elegant heritage hotels. With its pared-back luxury, a magical swimming pool and 200-year-old garden, Amangalla is the perfect place to wind down after two weeks of travel.

Overnight at Amangalla, Galle

Galle

Explore the history of Galle Fort. An easy walking tour with a local guide and character Shanjei, reveals the legacy of the rampart walls, colonial buildings and lighthouse that are all landmarks of this World Heritage-listed city. There will be time today to relax at Amangalla or visit the charming boutiques of Galle if you wish — shopping for art, local textiles and high quality homewares. Mark our final night with a farewell dinner at Amangalla.

Overnight at Amangalla, Galle

Galle — Airport

The day is at leisure, with an optional visit to Lunuganga Estate, the country home of architect Geoffrey Bawa. In the evening we transfer to Colombo airport for departing flights.

Overnight at Amangalla, Galle