Well-being, relaxation and culture stay

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Sri Lanka - Colombo Airport - Negombo

  

  You are greeted by your driver upon your arrival in Colombo. You have now arrived in tropical lands, with Negombo as your first stop, a beautiful seaside resort nicknamed the "Little Rome" because of its many churches. Close to the airport, Negombo is ideal for resting after a long flight. Depending on your arrival time, we suggest a walk along the Dutch canal, which is misnamed since it existed two centuries before the Dutch colonization. This canal was once used to transport cinnamon. It is a wonderful introduction: an encounter with nature and an appreciation of the magnificent sunset.

• day 2

  Meeting the elephants - Negombo - Habarana

  

  In the morning, we recommend that you discover the city of Negombo early, as well as the fish market, located north of the fort, on the seafront. This market is considered one of the most important in Sri Lanka. Very popular and authentic, it is held every morning on the sandy lagoon of Negombo. At dawn, boats land on the beach with their catches. The activity is in full swing between 6 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.: sorting fish, cutting and salting, auctions and negotiations... A show as astonishing as it is instructive. Then, you take the road to the cultural triangle. On the way, discover the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka passing before your eyes: rice fields, coconut plantations, and mountains. On the way, you will visit the Millenium Elephant Foundation care center, a center dedicated to elephants. Lunch at the center. Then, you will be given a tour of the local museum. Go for a walk next to the animal (we do not recommend elephant-back rides), take it to bathe in the river! This center also has a paper mill that recycles elephant dung to make quality paper. Lunch break in the colonial house before hitting the road again. Optional: end this day with a relaxing massage at the Athreya Ayurveda Ashrami.

• day 3

  Safari in Minneriya - Habarana - Polonnaruwa - Minneriya - Habarana

  

  In the morning, we offer you a visit to Polonnaruwa, an ancient city that was the royal capital of Sri Lanka during the 11th and 12th centuries, and which extends over about ten km2. You can visit by bike the ruins of palaces, temples, but especially Kalu Gal Vihara, a set of 4 Buddha statues carved in granite. The archaeological museum is also worth a visit. Then, around 3:00 pm, set off for a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, renowned for its elephant population which is close to 400. You can also see other wild animals: crocodiles, buffaloes, deer, monitor lizards, cormorants, pelicans, and a multitude of birds. The park is also interesting for its landscapes, between marshes, lakes, and mountains appearing on the horizon. Later, if you wish, set off to climb Pidurangala Hill, right next to Lion Rock, which has archaeological significance. A walk in the heart of nature, which will allow you to enjoy a magnificent viewpoint once at the top, especially over Sigiriya Rock and Minneriya Park further away. At the summit, you will see the ruins of a monastery, Buddha statues, caves, etc. A beautiful walk that is still little frequented.

• day 4

  Kandy, a magical city - Habarana - Sigiriya - Dambulla - Kandy

  

  We advise you to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds when visiting the Lion Rock of Sigiriya, whose massive rock, called the "Lion Rock," towers over the village from its 200 meters height. Your guide will show you the different parts of the site: from the gardens to the natural caves, from the frescoes of the Maidens to the ruins of King Kasyapa's palace at the top. This site owes its reputation to the megalomaniac king who built his residence there in the 10th century. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the most visited site in Sri Lanka. Next, on your way, a visit to Dambulla, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is possible. You will visit the Buddhist caves perched at the top of a hill. There you will discover incredible murals, Buddha statues, all scattered across 5 caves. Also enjoy the beautiful panorama of the surroundings. Discover as well the Dambulla wholesale market. At 5:00 PM, come and discover Sri Lankan culture by attending a performance of traditional Kandyan dances! Dating back to the time of the Kandyan kings, these ritual and religious dances, with their splendid colorful costumes, are still an integral part of the island's rich culture and are well worth seeing. Highly appreciated in Kandy, this type of performance covers many traditions in an original and entertaining style.

• day 5

  Train journey in the tea region - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya - Haputale

  

  You are now on your way to Nuwara Eliya (2h30 drive). On the way, stop to admire the Ramboda waterfalls, one of the most beautiful in Sri Lanka. Arrival in Nuwara Eliya, the highest city in Sri Lanka, full of charm with British influences. It is renowned for being the country's vegetable garden. Many buildings indeed bear witness to a typically British architectural style, with the elegant post office as its masterpiece. In the city center, you will also find Victoria Park, named on the occasion of Queen Victoria's 60th year of reign. Board a train from Nanu Oya to Haputale. Before your eyes unfold the most beautiful landscapes in Asia, made up of endless tea plantations. Your driver will be waiting for you at the station, and you will continue the journey to your hotel in Haputale, a small mountain village still little visited by tourists, offering magnificent views over the valley below.

• day 6

  Tuk-tuk ride through the tea plantations

  

  In the morning, your trekking guide will welcome you and explain how your trekking day will unfold. Several routes are possible depending on your level and preferences. You can climb Ella Rock, or get lost in the countryside of Bandarawela, cross villages, vegetable gardens, and rice fields. Haputale also offers beautiful treks in the heart of tea plantations. Picnic lunch. Then, possibility to take a cooking class with culinary guide Fathima at her home in the mountain countryside, and start preparing lunch with her. Sri Lankan cuisine will no longer hold any secrets for you! Depending on the route, you will have the opportunity to go swimming in a waterfall, cross eucalyptus forests, and visit a tea factory, a chance to learn more about the process of making this national beverage. You will visit the Sir Lipton factory in Haputale and meet the tea pickers. Picnic for lunch. Then, possibility to take a cooking class with culinary guide Fathima at her home in the mountain countryside, and start preparing lunch together. Sri Lankan cuisine will no longer hold any secrets for you!

• day 7

  Safari in Udawalawe - Haputale - Udawalawe

  

  Today, you will leave the landscapes of the tea country and head to the wild area of Udawalawe. On the way, a possible stop at the Buduruwagala site, with its splendid Buddhas carved into the rock. Arrival in Udawalawe. Around 3:00 pm, you will go on a jeep safari through this park with tall grasses. You may also see crocodiles and monitor lizards there. A guide will accompany you and you will benefit from his sharp eyes to spot animals in the forests.

• day 8

  On the way to the south - Udawalawe - Tallala

  

  In the morning, before heading south, you can visit the Elephant Transit Home, the elephant transit center. You will witness the feeding, which takes place every three hours, from 9am to 6pm. The baby elephants raised there are released when they reach a certain age. Then, you will finally take the road to the south coast, considered the most beautiful in the country. You will discover hidden beauties along your way.

• day 9

  Relaxation at Tallala

  

  You spend 2 days in a hotel specialized in wellness treatments (treatments not included). Here, you can enjoy massages, treatments, and therapies. You have the opportunity to participate in yoga and meditation sessions. A variety of excursions are possible in the surroundings, such as a whale watching cruise, going fishing by boat in Mirissa, or observing the different species of sea turtles that come to lay their eggs on the beach.

• day 10

  Galle, colonial city

  

  We offer you a tour of Galle and its famous fort, a true architectural gem with various colonial influences. Perfectly preserved, this fortified city offers a clever blend of Portuguese, British, and Dutch architecture. Bordered by the Indian Ocean, the small town of Galle is protected by the old Dutch fort and its ramparts. These unusual streets reveal a surprising contrast between the colonial buildings and the Sri Lankans in their tuk-tuks. Here, everything seems peaceful and it makes for a very pleasant walk.

• day 11

  Tallala - Colombo International Airport

  

  Today, depending on your return flight schedule, we offer you an unusual visit of Colombo by tuk-tuk. The driver will take you off the beaten path to help you discover the true sides of this cosmopolitan city. You will explore neighborhoods you would never have gone to! You will mainly discover the lively and historic district of Pettah, nicknamed the bazaar, for many reasons you will soon understand! Then, you will head towards Colombo International Airport. Hoping you leave with wonderful memories, we wish you a pleasant return flight.