Colombo

Immerse yourself in the history of Colombo with a city walk led by expert resident guide Mark Forbes. Photograph the architecture of the Dutch and British and sample local food along the way. Later, study the work of worldrenowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa during a tour of his Colombo residence. Experience contemporary Sri Lankan cuisine with dinner at Kaema Sutra.

Overnight at Galle Face Hotel

Colombo Sri Lankans sit down to `rice and curry’ most days. While the name sounds simple, rice and curry can vary greatly from a simple roadside lunch to a lavish Sri Lankan meal with multiple dishes and flavours. I love to taste the simple `rice and curry’ meals you come across while travelling in Sri Lanka – they have a home – cooked style to them. However, places like Colombo are now developing rapidly and with that, there are more cosmopolitan and contemporary Sri Lankan restaurants. These are some of the places we will discover in Colombo.
Lincoln

Colombo—Wilpattu

After indulging in the champagne breakfast at Galle Face Hotel, drive to Wilpattu National Park. Truly immerse yourself in the park staying inside the buffer zone at the exclusive Leopard Safari Camp. Accompanied by an expert naturalist, search for the illusive big cat and other wildlife on an evening jeep safari. Wilpattu has the most leopards of Sri Lanka’s parks, but fewer visitors. Gaze at the stars and hear the sounds of the park at night with evening drinks and dinner by the campfire.

Overnight at Noel Rodrigo's Leopard Safari Camp, Wilpattu

Wilpattu—Anuradhapura—Sigiriya

Experience the park’s movements and habitat as the sun wakes with an early morning safari. Afterwards, drive to the ancient capital of Anuradhapura and join pilgrims marvelling at the sacred Bodhi tree before continuing to Sigiriya. Here, the staff at Vil Uyana will welcome us to their luxury eco resort with a refreshing coconut drink before checking you into your individual villa with private plunge pool.

Overnight at Vil Uyana, Sigiriya

Sigiriya

Start early to visit the World Heritage-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Explore this ancient royal complex with its beautiful rock frescoes and climb the 1000 steps of the `Lion Stairway.’ The afternoon is yours at leisure to enjoy your private plunge pool, or experience an ayurvedic treatment or massage at the spa (additional cost).

Overnight at Vil Uyana, Sigiriya

Sigiriya—Madulkelle

Drive to Madulkelle, stopping en-route to study the Buddhist paintings and statues of the well-preserved Dambulla Rock Cave complex and to visit a spice garden. A personal favourite of Lincoln’s, Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge is your home for the next three nights.

Overnight at Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge

Madulkelle is so special because it is so unexpected. A winding single road, followed by a dirt road through a tea plantation – how can there be anything at the end? But you arrive. A welcome cup of tea served on the lovely verandah, luxury tented accommodation and the most astounding views of the Knuckles Range across the valley. Madulkelle will surprise you.
Lincoln

Madulkelle

Wrest yourself out of bed at dawn and be rewarded with the day’s first light over the tea plantations – the tranquillity and views from your verandah are sublime. Relax today at Madulkelle. You may wish to read on your private verandah or engage in one of the many local activities offered – such as joining the lodge chef on a tour of its organic garden followed by a Sri Lankan cooking class on-site.

Overnight at Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge

Madulkelle

Another day to enjoy the lodge and its surroundings. We will uncover the story of tea today with a short plantation walk, stopping to speak to the ladies picking leaves, tea factory visit and tea tasting. There’s time for a private yoga class (additional cost) if you wish, or take time to marvel at the nearby ranges from the comfort of your poolside lounge chair.

Overnight at Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge

Madulkelle—Kandy

Drive to Kandy and check into Mountbatten Bungalow – a century-old bungalow now refurbished into an intimate, boutique hotel. Costumed dancers, drumming and acrobatics are part of the Kandyan dance performance you’ll witness in the afternoon. Keep your eyes open for the fire-walk conclusion if you can! Visit the World Heritage-listed `Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic’.

Overnight at Mountbatten Bungalow, Kandy

Kandy—Hatton—Kandy

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. The pleasant and comfortable journey will end at Kitugala. Lunch at Kitugala before returning to Kandy by vehicle.

Overnight at Mountbatten Bungalow, Kandy

Kandy—Galle

Departing from the small airfield of Polgolla, an eight-seater plane gives you a bird’s eye view of southern and central Sri Lanka. The scenic hour-long flight won’t nearly be enough before you land at Koggala and drive on to Galle, one of Southeast Asia’s best-preserved colonial-era cities. Enjoy two nights at Taru Villas – two sophisticated, boutique villas inside Galle Fort. Afternoon at leisure, before sunset drinks and dinner on the rooftop terrace of our private villa.

Overnight at Taru Villas, Galle

Galle

Explore the history of Galle Fort. A guided walk with local character Shanjei will reveal the colonial buildings, rampart walls and lighthouse that are all landmarks of this World Heritagelisted city. This afternoon is yours at leisure. You may choose to shop at Barefoot for colourful Sri Lanka textiles and souvenirs, indulge in high tea and champagne, or visit the many boutiques of Galle’s quaint streets. Mark our final night with a candlelit dinner by the pool at Rampart St.

Overnight at Taru Villas, Galle

Galle—Colombo—Onward Destination

Bid farewell to Sri Lanka in Style. Drive to Colombo airport for departing flights or continue to discover Sri Lanka in style with our suggested tour extension