Sri Lanka Atypical

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 Blue Elephant. Included: transport, lunch (no drink), bedroom and breakfast

Today you'll take to the road to the Cultural Triangle 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 Traditional dance performance In the late afternoon you will be treated to a traditional dance performance ending with the famous fire walk.   Dance shows are made for tourists because Sri Lankans don't need to see these dances performed; many of them are part of their lives, whether it's for a wedding, a special celebration or a religious procession. Nonetheless, if you love dancing and are interested in this aspect of Sri Lankan tradition, it's a good time that we recommend! Night in Sigiriya. You will stay at Cassandra Culture resort. Included: transport, excursion, attraction, dinner (no drinks), bedroom and breakfast, lunch (no drink)

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 Cassandra Culture resort. Included: transport, excursion, dinner (no drinks), bedroom and breakfast, lunch (no drink)

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 Cassandra Culture resort. Included: transport, excursion, massage, dinner (no drinks), bedroom and breakfast, lunch (no drink)

Today you will leave Sigiriya and travel to Dambulla. You will visit the Dambulla Rock Temple, before reaching Kandy, the religious capital of the island. 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) Visit the Temple of the Tooth of Kandy The famous Temple of the Tooth of Buddha which attracts hundreds of pilgrims every day with arms full of lotus and frangipani flowers. You will also see the palace of the last King of Ceylon which adjoins the temple. The ancient city of Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Tickets not included - to be paid on site)   Our advice: attend one of the ceremonies (puja) which take place every day at 6am, 10am and 6.30pm. Night in Kandy. You will stay at Fox Kandy. Included: transport, dinner (no drinks), bedroom and breakfast, lunch (no drink)

Today you will discover the spiritual capital of the island. 3 temple trek around Kandy - with guide In the morning, you will do the three temples trek. You will walk to the three main temples around Kandy with a trekker. You will cross rice fields, villages and meet the Sri Lankans in their daily life. A real off-the-beaten track experience. Departure from the Gadaladeniya temple dating from 1344. You will then take the path to the Lankathilaka Vihara temple which offers its visitors a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and rice fields (approx. 1h30 walk). You will then head to the Embekke temple, which is home to some very fine wood carvings that are several hundred years old (1 hour walk).   Remember to bring closed shoes and to have your legs covered. On rainy days, you may encounter a few leeches. Stroll in Peradeniya Botanical Garden Visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, one of the most beautiful in Asia. It is the largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka, covering 60 hectares. It contains, among other things, a superb collection of orchids and a beautiful avenue of palm trees planted in 1950. One of the main attractions is the gigantic Java fig tree. There is a magnificent array of vegetation, including cannonball trees, palm trees, coconuts, each of which weighs between 10 and 20 kilos, giant bamboo trees, Assam rubber trees and a sausage tree (Kigelia pinnata). The tour lasts about 2 hours, and a shuttle bus service is available (at an additional cost). (Tickets not included - to be paid on site) Night in Kandy. You will stay at Fox Kandy. Included: transport, excursion, dinner (no drinks), bedroom and breakfast, lunch (no drink)

It is now time to discover the region of the famous tea plantations of Ceylon! You will then head to Nuwara Eliya. Introduction to tea picking and visit to a factory You'll be taken to the Pedro Estate factory for an insight into the world of Ceylon's famous tea. You'll start with an introduction to tea plucking and learn just how meticulous and difficult the work of the pluckers is, before seeing the whole process from leaf to cup. Put on your 'tea bag cap' - the modern version of the wicker basket of yesteryear - and off you go for twenty minutes or so of tea picking, a great time and some great photos in the process!   You'll then take a tour of the factory to find out how the leaves are processed into the tea we all know. You'll see the various stages right up to the bagging and departure for the auction room in Colombo. You'll discover the different qualities of tea, from the most precious to the simple powder that is bagged.   To round off this experience in style, you'll enjoy a delicious cup of tea with a breathtaking view of the surrounding plantations.   From Pedro Estate, you can enjoy the paths that wind between the plantations, and walk to Lovers Leap Waterfal if you wish and the weather permits. Free afternoon in Nuwara Eliya Known as "Little England", the town was a popular resort for British settlers. The English style is very present in the houses and in the post office.   You can take a walk around Lake Gregory, have tea in the old governor's palace, or just relax at your hotel. If you want to get out of the city centre you can walk around the tea plantations and the many lakes and reservoirs in the area. From Pedro Estate, for example, you can enjoy the paths that wind through the plantations, and walk to Lovers Leap Waterfall.   Favourite: High tea in the former Governor's Palace The Grand Hotel is a must-see in Nuwara Eliya. This impressive mansion was the former governor's palace during the British colonial era and has retained its charm. As soon as you step through the doors, you will be taken on a journey back in time. We recommend a cup of tea, from an impressive selection, accompanied by a typical English scone or a piece of cake. For those with a sweet tooth, there is a traditional afternoon 'high tea', with a wide range of sweet and savoury snacks. Supplement to be paid on site   Night in Nuwara Eliya. You will stay at Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya in deluxe room. Included: transport, excursion, dinner (no drinks), bedroom and breakfast, guide expenses, lunch (no drink)

Today you will set off in the direction of Haputale. On the way you will stop off in the small town of Ella. Day in the heart of the tea plantations Day to discover Ella and its region.   Dowa Temple A small troglodyte temple, reminiscent of Dambulla in some ways, Dowa Temple is said to have been built by King Walagamba during his years of exile from Anuradhapura. This temple is best known for the huge unfinished statue of Buddha that it houses. It is about 12 metres high and is carved directly into the granite rock. In the main cave there is a small stupa which hides an 11km tunnel to Ella. Legend has it that King Walangamba disappeared overnight through this tunnel. This event is responsible for stopping the engraving of the Buddha statue.   Nine Arch Bridge The famous Nine Arch Bridge is located between Ella and Demorada stations. It is 100 years old and is one of the engineering marvels of the early 20th century. Built with blocks of stone and cement without any iron or concrete reinforcement, it has nine gigantic and slightly curved arches allowing the train to pass between two mountains. Completed in 1921, the story of its construction is particularly interesting. The British started the work but the construction was soon slowed down by the First World War. The load of steel reserved for the site was seized and allocated to other war-related projects. Work was therefore interrupted for several months and the bridge was finally completed without using any steel.   Ravana Waterfalls and Caves The Sri Lankan mountains are home to many waterfalls and Ravana is one of the most famous. These waterfalls are quite impressive and end in a natural pool. Be careful with the very slippery rocks though. Be careful! Night in Haputale. You will stay at Melheim Haputale in Superior room. Included: transport, dinner (no drinks), bedroom and breakfast, lunch (no drink)

Today you'll be discovering Ella and the surrounding area. Today, a unique and authentic experience awaits you!   Early in the morning, you'll reach a small, isolated village in the hollow of a valley in the Uva region. This village, which is only accessible by a single track in an all-terrain vehicle (1 hour from the main road) or on foot, is self-sufficient.   You'll arrive at the start of the footpath where a local woman will be waiting for you for a traditional breakfast, which you'll have on a rock overlooking the rice fields. Depending on the time of year, you'll be able to see the farmers at work in the rice fields, and even take part in discussions with them.   You'll start your trek to reach the village, where one of the community's emblematic figures will be waiting to show you what he does, harvesting kithul sap to make honey and a sweet local spirit called toddy.   After tasting the famous toddy, you'll head off to the small house of the village's former healer, where you'll work with the lady of the house to prepare a simple lunch using good produce from the garden.   After lunch, you can enjoy a relaxing swim in the nearby waterfall. It will then be time to leave this timeless place and your hosts to return to your hotel. Night in Haputale. You will stay at Melheim Haputale in Superior room. Included: transport, excursion, lunch (no drink), dinner (no drinks), bedroom and breakfast

Today you will leave for Udawalawe, with a final stop in the heart of the tea plantations. 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 Udawalawe National Park. You will stay at Kalu's Hideaway in standard room. Included: transport, excursion, lunch (no drink), dinner (no drinks), bedroom and breakfast

Today you will head to Talpe for your beach holiday. Safari in Udawalawe National Park You will be able to see many species coming to drink around the reservoir which is truly the heart of this park which takes its name from it. Duration of the safari: about 3 hours Night in Thalpe. You will stay at Sayura Beach in deluxe sea view room. Included: transport, entrance fees, excursion, bedroom and breakfast, lunch (no drink)

Relaxation day in Talpe to enjoy the beach or to meet the turtles.     Leisure by the Indian Ocean ! Free day to relax on the beach, dive, cycle through the rice fields, visit the town of Galle....   Favorite: cycling in the surrounding countryside Get off the beaten track and explore Galle's surroundings by bike, accompanied by a local guide. You'll ride through rice paddies and observe daily life in Sri Lanka, just a few meters from the ocean as the crow flies, yet so far from the hustle and bustle of the coast. Along the way, you'll stop to refresh yourself with a Thambili or king coconut, a natural, thirst-quenching drink with numerous health benefits, according to the Sri Lankans.   Our culinary suggestion: delicious pizza or oysters at Wijaya Beach Wijaya Beach is a veritable institution for Sri Lankans in Colombo and tourists alike. The atmosphere is relaxed, the view magnificent and the delicious wood-fired pizzas are few and far between on the island! And even if we love rice & curry, it's still nice to have something different to eat!   Night in Thalpe. You will stay at Sayura Beach in deluxe sea view room. Included: transport, bedroom and breakfast

Relaxation day in Talpe to enjoy the beach or to meet the turtles. 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 Thalpe. You will stay at Sayura Beach in deluxe sea view room. Included: transport, bedroom and breakfast

Final moments in Sri Lanka before heading back to the airport. On the way you will stop in Galle, which is pronounced "gole", and 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 Fort The Galle Fort, located in the city of the same name, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is an emblem of European heritage in Sri Lanka. Measuring 36 hectares, it was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later modified by the Dutch. The Galle Fort has become an unavoidable place to visit to learn about the diverse architectural and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. Your driver will drop you at the airport. End of our services. Included: transport, lunch (no drink)