Sri Lanka Tea Exploration

Your Sri Lankan journey begins with your arrival at Colombo Airport, where a representative will greet you and assist with your transfer to Negombo for your first night. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure you may wish to unwind on the beach or explore the vibrant local fish market at your own pace. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Overnight in Negombo.

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off on a guided tour of Negombo. The citys history is reflected in its architecture, with several buildings dating back to Dutch and Portuguese rule. Known as Little Rome for its many churches, Negombo is also shaped by its Christian heritage. The city is built around a lagoon, where the Hamilton Canalconstructed by the Dutch to transport cinnamon and other spicesmeets the sea. We visit the lively beach, a central spot for the local fish market, where residents gather to buy the daily catch of lobsters, crabs, prawns and fish. Our tour includes stops at the Dutch Fort and the impressive Catholic Church of Santa Maria. We then continue to the Silver Temple, notable for the large boulder that shelters wild bee colonies beneath its overhang. Afterwards, we travel onwards to Habarana, where you check in to your hotel. Dinner is included this evening. Overnight in Habarana.

After breakfast, we set off to explore the remarkable Sigiriya Rock Fortress. We ascend through the impressive Lions Paw gateway, taking in views over the ancient royal gardens and the surrounding landscape. Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its frescoes and the Mirror Wall, which still bears centuries-old inscriptions. At the base, we visit the museum to gain further insight into the history and engineering behind this fifth-century citadel.Our journey continues to Matale, where we stop at a local spice garden. Here, we learn about Sri Lankas long-standing spice trade and observe the cultivation and uses of various spices, accompanied by a cup of herbal tea.Later, we travel to Kandy. In the evening, we visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. We also explore Kandys city centre, with time to browse the local market, arts and crafts centre, and gem museum. If you wish, you can enjoy a traditional cultural show featuring music and dance. We return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Kandy.

After breakfast at the hotel, we visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. Originally established as a royal pleasure garden and later expanded under British rule, these gardens are now a celebrated national landmark. We explore 147 acres of beautifully maintained grounds, featuring expansive lawns, pavilions and the distinctive octagon conservatory. Highlights include the renowned orchid house and the impressive Javan fig tree. There is a cafeteria near the northern entrance should you wish to pause for refreshments. Once our visit concludes, we return to the hotel. Dinner is included. Overnight in Kandy.

After breakfast, we depart from Kandy and travel into the cool, misty hills of Nuwara Eliya. Along the way, we stop to visit a tea plantation and factory, where you can observe the traditional process of producing Ceylon Tea a key part of Sri Lankas heritage and economy. Watch as the leaves are picked and processed, and enjoy the distinctive aroma that fills the air. Before continuing to your hotel, we round off the experience with a freshly brewed cup of pure Ceylon Tea. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

After breakfast, we set out to explore Nuwara Eliya, travelling along winding roads through the cool, misty hills. The journey takes us past sweeping tea plantations and offers a glimpse of the areas British colonial heritage. We take a walk through the town, where green lawns and red-brick buildings reflect its past as a popular retreat. As we drive through the valleys, youll see cascading waterfalls and tea pluckers at work in brightly coloured saris. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off for Yala National Park. On arrival, we embark on a jeep safari through Sri Lankas most visited national park, renowned for its remarkable wildlife. Yala is home to herds of elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, jackals, a rich variety of birdlife, and boasts the worlds highest density of leopards. As we travel along rugged tracks and winding paths, youll experience the sights and sounds of the parks diverse habitats, shaped by centuries of history dating back to the era of Sri Lankan kings. After our safari, we check in at the hotel for dinner and a restful overnight stay in Yala.

After breakfast at the hotel, we set out to experience stilt fishing in Koggala, a unique traditional fishing method found along Sri Lankas southern coast. Please note that stilt fishing tips are not included. Koggala itself is a peaceful area, bordered by both the ocean and a scenic lake. We then visit the Martin Wickremasinghe Museum, which offers insight into the life and work of one of Sri Lankas most celebrated writers and explores aspects of local culture and history. Our journey continues to Galle, the southern capital, where we explore the historic fort area. Here, well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture stands alongside South Asian influences, with original ramparts and bastions dating back over three centuries. Later, we drive to Hikkaduwa for hotel check-in. Dinner is included and we spend the night in Hikkaduwa.

After breakfast at the hotel, we set out for a boat ride along the Madu River in Balapitiya. This area is known for its unique blend of ecology and local culture. As we cruise through the calm waters, you can observe the mangrove forests and spot a variety of wildlife, including reptiles, molluscs and over 70 species of freshwater fish. We visit Kotu Duwa, a small island with a temple dating back to the era of ancient Sinhalese kings. The rivers mangrove tunnels offer a glimpse into one of Sri Lankas key biodiversity hotspots, and the region is also popular with birdwatchers. Balapitiya is well known for its cinnamon plantations and, if you wish, you can try a fish pedicure a popular local rejuvenation treatment. Later, we visit the Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda, where conservation efforts are underway to protect sea turtles along the southern coast. Here, you can learn about the important work carried out by local and international volunteers. Dinner is served at the hotel. Overnight in Hikkaduwa.

After breakfast, we transfer to Colombo for your final day in Sri Lanka. Depending on your flight schedule, you can explore the citys highlights at your own pace. Stroll along Bauddhaloka Mawatha towards the Arcade, a restored colonial building now home to designer shops and popular eateries, set near the historic Independence Square. If you wish, you can enjoy a drink at the Dutch Hospital precinct or browse its boutiques for fashion, jewellery and handicrafts. You might also visit the Gangaramaya Temple, where the scent of incense and the sound of temple bells offer a glimpse into local spiritual life. At the appropriate time, we will arrange your transfer to Colombo Airport. Please ensure you arrive at the airport at least three hours before your departure.