The Ultimate Ceylon Journey

After an early breakfast you will be taken to visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

One of Sri Lanka’s major attractions, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress was built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD) for the purpose of protecting him from his rivals. An UNSECO World Heritage listed site, also known as the “Fortress in the Sky”. The climb up to the top of the fortress doesn’t only offer the reward of breathtaking views but there is so much to discover during your climb to the top. Highlights of the climb include water gardens, artistic frescoes, mirror wall, the lion gate and the magnificent views from the rock summit.

Return back to the hotel and relax for few hours before heading to Polonnaruwa.

Polonnaruwa was founded in the 11th Century AD and was governed by many Kings. King Parakrambahu I’s reign was considered the most significant for this ancient kingdom. During his reign (12th Century AD) this second Kingdom of Sri Lanka (after Anuradhapura) was known as the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa, as Parakrambabu ruled during an era where trade and agriculture was at its peak.

Return back to the hotel and relax for the rest of your day enjoying hotel facilities.

Hotel/Other Details: Jetwing Vil Uyana

Meal Plan: Breakfast

After an early breakfast you will be taken to climb Pindurangala Rock.

An Ancient Monastery in the Shadow of an Ancient Fortress. Before King Kasyapa constructed his fortified palace upon Sigiriya, a number of monks resided within the royal grounds to be. To accommodate his kingdom in the clouds, the king graciously relocated the monks to the adjacent rock formation of Pidurangala in the 5th century AD, where he built a humble temple and monastery amidst a religious complex of dagabas and temples at its base.

Thereafter you will be taken to visit Hiriwaduna Village to experience a Local village and enjoy an authentic local village lunch.

Here you will witness the day to day activities done in a Sri Lankan village as well as their transportation methods in the early dates.First you will be taken into the village where you will have a catamaran ride in the lake, thereafter you will be taken to the village house in a tuk tuk where you will get along with the family members and learn about preparing an authentic Sri Lankan lunch.

Return back to the hotel and relax for the rest of your day enjoying hotel facilities.

Hotel/Other Details: Jetwing Vil Uyana

Meal Plan: Breakfast

After breakfast you will proceed to Kandy, on your way you will visit Dambulla Cave Temple.

Dambulla cave temple is part of the Golden Triangle of Sri Lanka and is encrusted into a magnificently large rock. It sits more than 160m above the surrounding land and spans for more than 1.5 km around the base.

Also known as the “Golden Temple” it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991. This ancient complex was initially established in 3rd Century BC and is truly a wonder as it is the largest and best-preserved cave temples in Sri Lanka. The cave temples are home to numerous religious and cultural paintings and sculptures.

Continue your journey to Kandy, check in to the hotel and relax till evening before heading to Kandy Temple of the Tooth Relic. The Temple of Tooth Relic (“Dalada Maligawa” as known to the locals) is located in Kandy. This sacred temple is also home to the palm-leaf transcripts and its history dates back to 1687. This stunning piece of architecture is instantly recognised by its octagonal shape and golden roof. Although you are not able to view the actual tooth itself, the casket within which it is held is displayed twice a day.

Return back to the hotel and relax for the rest of your day enjoying hotel facilities.

Hotel/Other Details: Taru Villas - Kandy

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner

After an early breakfast you will get on board to the local train (02nd class tickets) which is how the British used to travel during the colonial times in the late 1800’s. You will have reserved seats for you and witness the beautiful ride along forests, villages, Waterfalls and tea estates.

Train journey from Kandy station to Hatton Station
Train leaves Kandy by 08:55am and reach Hatton by 11:39am
Approx. 02 ½ hours’ journey.

Notes
• It is important to note that there have been delays in the train timings quite often.
• Please note the purchase of train tickets cannot be guaranteed currently due to the process in place within the Sri Lanka Railways Department especially during peak periods. Tickets for travel are issued 30 days in advance of travel, are limited and extremely difficult to obtain. In the unlikely event a ticket/s cannot be obtained we will of course make the necessary refunds & the clients will travel by road. This is a destination issue and it is best expectations are managed accordingly.

Your chauffer guide will pick up you from the Hatton Railway station and take you to the hotel in Hatton, check into the hotel and relax for the rest of your day enjoying hotel facilities.

Optional - After breakfast proceed to Victoria Reservoir to take the charter flight to Castlereagh Reservoir.
11:00 am to 11:15 am – 15 minutes flying time.

Hotel/Other Details: Ceylon Tea Trails

Meal Plan: All Inclusive

Spend the days at leisure within the vast tea Plantation. Visit tea plantations and tea tour.

During this experience, you’ll learn all about the tea production process by visiting one of our local tea factories. The factories themselves are icons of the Hill Country; vast, atmospheric and filled with heavy machinery, some dating back over a century, these multi-windowed warehouses are where the magic process of tea production happens. The leaves are brought in from the tea gardens, dried, withered and rolled, before being fired to remove as much moisture as possible. Finally, they’re sorted into fragrant particle sizes ranging from the finest dust to the most prized variety, orange pekoe.

One of the factory managers will host you on this experience and take you on a guided tour, showing you the processes, introducing you to the machines and demonstrating how each of them works. At the end, you’ll have the opportunity to taste a few varieties of tea in an insightful tea tasting session. The factories have a few varieties of tea for sale so if you wish you can purchase some to take back home.

Enjoy a tea infused dinner, bringing together the subtle influences of the flavours of tea, the Tea-Infused Dinner is a signature culinary experience unique to Tea Trails and is bound to appeal to both the intellectual curiosity as well as the palate of any gourmand. Held at your bungalow.

Hotel/Other Details: Ceylon Tea Trails

Meal Plan: All Inclusive

Full day at leisure.

Optional - Enjoy magnificent views of tea-carpeted mountains as you paddle along the Castlereagh Lake in hi-spec kayaks. Mornings are most beautiful as the weather is often fairer and the sun breaks through to gleam over the glassy water, and the foreboding mountains surrounding the lake emerge from the thinning mist. Kayaking can be enjoyed and experienced in the company of one of our resident Trail Guides who will provide safety instructions as well. All our kayaks are two-person kayaks which also make for an ideal activity suited toward couples or families.

Hotel/Other Details: Ceylon Tea Trails

Meal Plan: All Inclusive

Proceed to Yala, on your way you will visit Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home.

Transfer Time (Hatton to Yala via Udawalawe): Approximately 06 hours.
The Elephant Transit Home helps to care for injured elephants from all over Sri Lanka. Supported by the Born Free Foundation, the complex is a halfway house for orphaned elephants. After rehabilitation, the elephants are released back into the wild, many into the Uda Walawe National Park.

*There will be a feeding time at 02.30pm*

Continue your journey to Yala, check into the hotel and relax for the rest of your day enjoying hotel facilities.

Optional - After breakfast proceed to Castlereagh Reservoir to take the charter flight to Weerawila.

Hotel/Other Details: Uga Chena Huts

Meal Plan: All Inclusive

Embark on an adventure of a lifetime with a Wildlife Jeep Safari at the Yala National Park! Yala National Park is the largest National Park in Sri Lanka. It is located approximately 24km Northeast of Tissamaharama. Yala is the best location to sight and photograph the rare and remarkable leopards. Other highlights of Yala include the herd of wild elephants, bears, wild boars, buffalos, deer, crocodiles and many species of birds. The vegetation ranges from open parkland to dense jungle. There is also an abundance of water supply for animals and birds ranging from waterholes, streams, small lakes to lagoons.

*You will get a snack basket from the hotel, you can enjoy a scrumptious breakfast on your return to the hotel*

Enjoy an evening safari as well.

Return back to your hotel and relax for the rest of your day enjoying hotel facilities.

Hotel/Other Details: Uga Chena Huts

Meal Plan: All Inclusive

After breakfast you will proceed to Galle, on your way you will be taken for Tissamaharama Curd Processing.

Transfer Time (Yala to Galle via Tissamaharama): Approximately 03 hours.

Though buffalo curd is a quintessential favorite in the Sri Lankan pantry, its arduous journey, from teat to table, is often unheeded. This excursion provides you the opportunity to witness the ins and outs of a dairy farm. Step into a dairy farm in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, where buffalo curd production is done as the chief livelihood of most locals. Assist the farmers in leading the buffalos to graze or observe the milkmaids at work. Help yourself to a fresh sip of milk. Lend a helping hand to the farmers to carry the pots of milk back to their houses and study how the curd is made the traditional way. Dust off this Sri Lankan traditional experience by finally relishing on a fresh pot of curd sweetened with treacle.

Continue your journey to Galle, check in to the hotel and relax for the rest of your day enjoying hotel facilities.

Optional - After breakfast proceed to Weerawila domestic Airport to take the charter flight to Koggala Lagoon.
11:00 am to 11:30 am – 30 minutes flying time

Hotel/Other Details: Fort Bazaar

Meal Plan: Breakfast

In the morning Explore Galle Fort.

Immerse yourself in the captivating history and architectural beauty of Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on our best-selling walking tour. Experience this unique gem on Sri Lanka's southwestern coast, guided by a 5th generation resident who will share fascinating stories and insights about the influences of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial powers that shaped the area. Wander through charming alleyways, admire the stunning fusion of local design traditions and European colonial architecture, and capture memorable moments in this historic city.

Thereafter you will be taken to visit Yatagala Temple.

Visit Yatagala Temple - Believed to be more than 2000 years old, when Buddhism was first established in the island, the Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya is one of the few monuments in the Galle district that explains the history of Sri Lanka. Possessing some intricate works of art originating from various kingdoms, the temple showcases how religion is deeply intertwined with the way of life.

Return back to the hotel and relax for the rest of your day enjoying hotel facilities.

Hotel/Other Details: Fort Bazaar

Meal Plan: Breakfast

After breakfast you will proceed to Kotugoda.

Check into the hotel and relax for the rest of your day enjoying hotel facilities.

Optional - After breakfast proceed to Koggala Lagoon to take the charter flight to Bandaranayake International Airport.
11:00 am to 11:30 am – 30 minutes flying time.

Hotel/Other Details: Wallawwa

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Having reached at the end of your program, you will be transferred to the Bandaranaike International Airport from where you will continue onwards to your next destination.

Meal Plan: Breakfast