Discovery of Sri Lanka

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Your driver or guide will meet you at Colombo International Airport and you will drive to Negombo to recover from your trip.   You will have access to your room from 2pm. In case of early arrival, early check-in can be arranged (at an extra charge). Night in Negombo. You will stay at Jetwing Sea in deluxe room. Included: transport, bedroom and breakfast

Today you'll take to the road to the Cultural Triangle and visit the magnificent temple of Dambulla, but first you'll be treated to an atypical experience! Authentic sea trip with fishermen Meet the fishermen who will take you on board their catamaran for a boat trip off the coast. This trip of about 1 hour will allow you to discover their boat, which they also use for fishing, and to get to know their way of life a little better. A real authentic experience, a beautiful meeting and a way to help them improve their daily life and that of their family because fishing is a very hard job which unfortunately does not bring in much money Visit Dambulla Temple A cave temple dating from the 1st century BC, whose five cave shrines are entirely decorated with Buddhist murals, the Dambulla cave temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The visit lasts about 1h30. (Tickets not included - to be paid on site) Night in Sigiriya. You will stay at Kumbukgaha Villa. Included: transport, excursion, dinner (no drinks), bedroom and breakfast

It's a busy schedule for you today! Lion's Rock visit at Sigiriya Early morning climb the 8th Wonder of the World, the Lion Rock at Sigiriya. Famous for its frescoes, the former royal fortress is one of the most captivating sites on the island. From the top, you can enjoy an exceptional view of the surrounding jungle. Sigiriya Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Tickets not included - to be paid on site)   The site opens at 06h30, we advise you to visit as early as possible to avoid the heat and the crowds of tourists. After the visit, don't hesitate to go to the site museum, which gives an overview of the rock and allows you to see the size of the palace at the time of King Kassapa thanks to 3D reconstructions. Bike tour of Anuradhapura with a specialist guide In the afternoon visit by bike with an English-speaking guide the archaeological site of Anuradhapura, the oldest of the royal cities. Abandoned, disappeared under the jungle, it was rediscovered by the British in 1817. You will visit the dagoba of Ruwanwelisaya, the ruins of the Copper Palace and the sacred Bodhi tree, the oldest in Asia. This tree has been revered for over 2000 years. (Tickets not included - to be paid on site)   The archaeological site of Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the bicycle is the best way to visit the treasures of this place! The visit starts at 2pm and lasts 2 to 3 hours. Night in Sigiriya. You will stay at Kumbukgaha Villa. Included: transport, excursion, dinner (no drinks), bedroom and breakfast

Today you will visit the heart of the Cultural Triangle. An unusual bike ride through the countryside This morning, an unusual bike ride awaits you! You'll cycle along narrow country lanes and get a glimpse of local life. The villagers of Habarana still live in a very traditional way and are always delighted to let you observe their way of life. It's a hard-working but peaceful life, and cycling is the best way to create some memorable and authentic moments!   Along the way, you'll enjoy a well-deserved stop for a fresh coco. It's one of the Sri Lankans' favourite drinks and is perfect after physical exertion, as it's rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as calcium, potassium, iron and magnesium! 12km bike ride - approx. 3 hours. Best done early in the morning to avoid the heat (departure recommended around 8am). Ayurvedic Massage at Athreya Ayurveda Ashram Explore Ayurveda, the ancient traditional medicine, through a one-hour massage followed by a twenty-minute herbal sauna. All this in a calm and relaxing setting, a real relaxing break between your discoveries of the Cultural Triangle! Night in Sigiriya. You will stay at Kumbukgaha Villa. Included: transport, excursion, massage, dinner (no drinks), bedroom and breakfast

Now it's time to leave the Cultural Triangle and head off the beaten track to admire Sri Lanka's wilderness. In the morning, you'll set off in the direction of the Gal Oya National Park, but before that, two wonders await you ! Hot-air balloon flight over the cultural triangle Contemplate the wonders of the cultural triangle from the air. Whether you're a couple or a family, escape aboard a hot-air balloon for a flight of around an hour over lush green countryside.   Leave your hotel under the first light of the sun for the kandalama reservoir, the take-off site. You'll watch as the balloon is assembled and prepared. At around 06:30, the adventure begins with a gentle take-off. Comfortably installed in the basket, you'll be the spectator of a parade of colours and landscapes carefully orchestrated. You'll pass over the majestic Lion Rock and fly over the Golden Temple of Dambulla.   This activity may be cancelled due to weather conditions. In this case you will receive a 100% refund. Free time at your beautiful lodge   You can simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the surrounding nature. Night in Gal Oya. You will stay at Wild Glamping Gal Oya in luxury tent. Included: transport, excursion, dinner (no drinks), bedroom and breakfast

Today you will spend your day in the heart of the beautiful Gal Oya National Park. Boat Safari in Gal Oya National Park Experience a unique and insightful boat safari on Sri Lanka's largest lake, the Senanayake Samudra. Created by man in 1951, the reservoir is surrounded by the Gal Oya National Park.   You can see elephants congregating near the water to drink and, if you are lucky, you may even see them swimming from one island to another, a truly unique sight! The reservoir is also home to an abundance of birdlife, crocodiles, deer and many other animals that can be seen during the two-hour boat safari.   Departure time: 5.45am or 2.45pm Duration: approximately 4 hours (2.5 hours boat and 1.5 hours transport to and from the hotel) Due to limited availability of boats (owned by local authorities), you may share your boat (maximum 6 people). What to wear: light clothing, hat, sunglasses. Night in Gal Oya. You will stay at Wild Glamping Gal Oya in luxury tent. Included: transport, entrance fees, excursion, dinner (no drinks), bedroom and breakfast

Last moments in Gal Oya, then you will leave for Ella in the heart of the Sri Lankan mountains. You will travel from Badulla to Ella by train. Trekking to the top of Monkey Mountain Depart Wild Glamping in the morning and hike to the summit for a breathtaking 180-degree view of the surrounding Gal Oya Valley scenery. At the start of the hike, you will pass through villages until you reach the forest, where you will trek 4 km through the magnificent dry forest which is home to many birds, lizards and medicinal plants used by the indigenous Rathugata community. Distance: 14 km in total Duration: approximately 3 hours Difficulty: moderate to difficult Difference in altitude: 492 metres Train trip to the heart of the plantations You will then reach Ella station for a local train ride to Badulla! During the journey you will be able to admire the splendid landscapes of the region. Please note: Seats are not guaranteed, the journey can be done standing up.   You will then finish the journey by car. Night in Ella. You will stay at Hide Ella in deluxe room. Included: transport, excursion, train ticket, dinner (no drinks), bedroom and breakfast

This morning it is an immersion in the heart of the plantations that awaits you! Hiking in the heart of the tea plantations Early in the morning, you will go for a walk through the famous Lipton tea plantations. You will follow the paths used daily by the tea pluckers; they offer beautiful views of the valleys below.   You will stop at a small Hindu temple to rest while enjoying a picnic and a breathtaking view. After the picnic, you will continue along the ridges to enjoy the panorama of the vast expanse of plantations...   This trek will also allow you to see the villages of the pickers and get a brief insight into their way of life.   Duration of trek - 5hrs with picnic lunch Elevation gain +450 metres Negative elevation gain -350 metres   Night in Ella. You will stay at Hide Ella in deluxe room. Included: transport, excursion, lunch (no drink), dinner (no drinks), bedroom and breakfast

Your stay in the heart of the tea plantations of Ceylon is coming to an end and you will take the road towards the South for a well-deserved rest on the Indian Ocean. But one last atypical activity awaits you! Discovering the Lipton Seat area by tuk tuk Meet at 8.30/9am at Bandarawella station where a tuk tuk will be waiting to take you to Lipton Seat, the promontory from which Sir Lipton loved to admire his tea plantations.   On the way you will stop to walk to a beautiful viewpoint where you can admire the surrounding plantations and the different valleys. You will pass through a small village of tea pluckers and along the way you will learn more about the tea culture in Sri Lanka. You will then reach the top to enjoy the breathtaking view and enjoy a small prepared picnic lunch and a cup of tea.   Sundays are the pluckers' day off and the factories are shut down on Mondays, but it is still possible to walk around the plantations Night in Mirissa. You will stay at Sri Sharavi Beach villa & Spa in superior deluxe suite. Included: transport, excursion, lunch (no drink), bedroom and breakfast, dinner (no drinks)

A day of rest and relaxation on Mirissa Beach. Feet in the water by the Indian Ocean! A day of rest and relaxation on Mirissa beach. You can take advantage of this magnificent beach for a swim, climb the Rock for a panoramic view of the bay or go to the nearby Welligama beach for a surfing lesson or Polhena beach for snorkelling.   Favourite: Enjoy an Ayurvedic massage at the Secret Root SPA If you want to relax your body and mind, we recommend you try one of the Ayurvedic massages offered by the Secret Root Spa. A few hundred metres from the beach, you will discover a superb place that is a real invitation to calm and relaxation. Advance booking is recommended.   Favourite: eating fresh fish on Mirissa beach In the evening, most restaurants on Mirissa beach set up stalls with the day's catch. You can select fish, shrimp or squid which will be directly grilled and served with chips and salads. A dinner with your feet in the sand and great holiday memories! Night in Mirissa. You will stay at Sri Sharavi Beach villa & Spa in superior deluxe suite. Included: transport, bedroom and breakfast, dinner (no drinks)

A day of rest and relaxation on Mirissa Beach. Galle, which is pronounced "gole", stands out from the other cities in the country because of its colours and its sea air. It is a merchant city that attracts a large number of artists. Galle became important with the arrival of the Europeans. The Portuguese, who trade a lot with the kingdom of Kandy, were the first to settle there. They built a small fort, which was later destroyed and rebuilt by the Dutch who took over the town in 1640. In the 17th century and for nearly 200 years, the port of Galle was the main port of the country and an important stopover for merchant ships travelling between Europe and Asia.   Galle Fort You will discover the 36-hectare Galle Fort, an emblem of European heritage in Sri Lanka. Built by the Portuguese and later modified by the Dutch, Galle Fort is a peaceful haven to walk around. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our advice: watch the sunset from the ramparts   Things to do around Galle Tip: Enjoy an Ayurvedic massage at the Sanctuary SPA If you want to relax your body and mind, we recommend you try one of the ayurvedic massages offered by the Sanctuary Spa, in Unawatuna, about ten kilometres from Galle. About twenty metres from the beach, you will discover a superb place that is a real invitation to calm and relaxation. Advance booking is recommended. To be booked in advance through your driver or travel designer.   Handunugoda Tea Factory A few kilometres from Galle you will visit a Handunugoda Tea Factory. If you are lucky, the owner himself will show you his plantations and the spice garden he cultivates around the tea factory. A cooperative of Herman teas' plantations that produces quality organic tea. For more information: https://hermanteas.com/about-us/ Free visit, shop at the end of the tour.   On the trail of Ceylon cinnamon A few kilometres from Galle, after driving along a road lined with rice fields, you will discover a real cinnamon plantation. You will be greeted with cinnamon-infused iced tea and biscuits. Then, during one hour, a guide will show you the plantation and will teach you the history of this spice, but also its uses. You will discover all the steps necessary for its cultivation and harvesting, and you will even be able to try your hand at removing the bark from a cinnamon branch, according to a skill handed down from generation to generation. An instructive and educational visit not to be missed to find out more about this essential spice in Sri Lankan cuisine! Duration of the visit: 1 hour Supplement of 30 USD per pax   Walk along the river to discover the fauna and flora Early in the morning, or late in the afternoon, embark on a boat ride on the Mahamodara River, north of Galle. During 2 hours, your guide will make you discover the fauna and flora of this part of the island. You will be able to see many monkeys and lizards, but also several endemic birds of Sri Lanka. Along the river, local life goes on and you are likely to see fishermen and farmers going about their business. Supplement of 25 USD per person   Cycling in the surrounding countryside Get off the beaten track and explore the surrounding area of Galle by bike with a local guide. You'll ride through rice fields and observe daily life in Sri Lanka, just a few metres from the ocean but so far from the hustle and bustle of the coast. During the ride you will stop to refresh yourself with a Thambili or king coconut, a natural thirst-quenching drink with many health benefits according to the Sri Lankans. Supplement of 25 USD per person - To be booked in advance Night in Mirissa. You will stay at Sri Sharavi Beach villa & Spa in superior deluxe suite. Included: transport, bedroom and breakfast, dinner (no drinks)

A day of rest and relaxation on Mirissa Beach. Feet in the water by the Indian Ocean! You can take advantage of the beaches of Polhena or Madiha to swim or snorkel. Their crystal clear waters will allow you to swim with multicoloured fish and sometimes even turtles. Favorite: go for an aperitif in the old doctor's house of the village transformed into a nice bar by a small group of Australian surfers! Sip a cocktail or a Lion Lager (local beer) in a relaxed atmosphere facing the Indian Ocean at The Doctor's House. The Doctor's House is a great place to relax after a day of surfing, beach time or just lounging by the pool. You can also reach the nearby beach of Mirissa.   Favourite: Enjoy an Ayurvedic massage at the Secret Root SPA If you want to relax your body and mind, we recommend you try one of the Ayurvedic massages offered by the Secret Root Spa. A few hundred metres from the beach, you will discover a superb place that is a real invitation to calm and relaxation. Advance booking is recommended.   Favourite: eating fresh fish on Mirissa beach In the evening, most restaurants on Mirissa beach set up stalls with the day's catch. You can select fish, shrimp or squid which will be directly grilled and served with chips and salads. A dinner with your feet in the sand and great holiday memories! Night in Mirissa. You will stay at Sri Sharavi Beach villa & Spa in superior deluxe suite. Included: transport, bedroom and breakfast, dinner (no drinks)

It is time to take the road towards Colombo! Night tuk tuk tour in a popular area of Colombo Around 5pm, board a tuk tuk for a night tour of the bustling Pettah district. With your guide you will visit the important religious sites of the area, such as the Hindu temple Shri Ponnambalawaneswaram Kovil, St. Anthony's church or the red mosque. You will be able to watch the constant stream of trucks unloading or reloading their goods before heading back to the other provinces of the country. Halfway through the tour we will serve you some refreshments (soda or beer) from a rooftop in the city, to enjoy the view of the port. The tour ends with a tasting of some street food. Night in Colombo. You will stay at Grandbell in superior room . Included: transport, excursion, bedroom and breakfast

During the day, you will head to the airport depending on your flight schedule.   You must vacate your room by 12 noon. In case of late check-out, a late check-out can be arranged to keep your room until your departure (with extra charge). Your driver will drop you at the airport. End of our services. Included: transport