Meeting the Sri Lankans

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Discovery of Colombo

  

  Between a blend of tradition and modernity, the city of Colombo has a rich heritage, featuring Buddhist and Hindu temples, churches with Portuguese architecture, mosques, and colonial buildings. This metropolis, located by the sea, is bustling with activity. We recommend, among other things, taking a tour of Pettah and getting lost in this immense bazaar. Night at Yoko's.

• day 2

  Visit to a cinnamon plantation

  

  Today, you will head south to discover the spice that has, in part, made Sri Lanka famous throughout history: cinnamon. You will visit a cinnamon plantation where you will learn how this spice is harvested (an art and expertise unique to a few initiated families). You will stay in the heart of a tropical garden, between lagoon and plantations. This will be an opportunity to discover many plants. Night at Arnaud's.

• day 3

  Walking tour in the Galle Fort

  Get up at dawn and take advantage of this moment to observe the multitude of birds fluttering around the property. On the road towards Polhena, you will stop at Galle, one of the oldest cities in Sri Lanka, for a visit to the Fort, an architectural gem with various colonial influences. Built in the 17th century by the Dutch, Galle is a peaceful and welcoming village where it is pleasant to stroll. Night at Edith's.

• day 4

  Bike ride

  

  Today, you will have the opportunity to explore the surroundings of Polhena by bike (provided by your host): discover the beaches of Polhena, the city of Matara and, for the more adventurous, go as far as the Dondra lighthouse. Note about your accommodation: it has a swimming pool. Night at Edith's.

• day 5

  Route to the mountainous region

  

  After a good early breakfast, you will head towards the mountainous region. On the way, you will stop to visit the ancient Buddhist temple of Buduruwagala, an isolated site far from tourist trails. Then, you will take a break in Ella, a village well known to travelers that offers beautiful walks. Don't miss Little Adam’s Peak, a hill that dominates the region at 1,141 m altitude. The ascent takes only about an hour from the path that starts at the intersection with Passara-Namunukula Road, about 2 km from Ella. Night at Cynthia's.

• day 6

  Immersion in tea culture

  

  Ella is the ideal place for an immersion in Sri Lankan tea culture. You can take the opportunity to stroll leisurely, at your own pace, through the surrounding tea plantations. Accompanied by your guide, you will visit a tea factory, finishing of course with a tasting. You also have the possibility to take a cooking class in Bandarawela, a town located a few kilometers away. Night at Cynthia's.

• day 7

  Discovery of the Peradeniya Botanical Garden

  

  This morning, head to Kandy, the cultural capital of the island. We invite you to take the train journey, a unique experience that will let you discover the beauty of the island. Beautiful landscapes will pass before your eyes, between rice fields, forests, and various plantations. It is also an opportunity to mingle with the local population, who use this means of transport a lot, especially in this hard-to-reach region. Upon your arrival, you will visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, which extends over 60 ha on the banks of the Mahaweli River. This garden brings together countless royal palms, an incredible collection of orchids, multicolored flower beds, as well as spices and medicinal plants. Night at Wije's.

• day 8

  Discovery of Kandy and its surroundings

  

  You can start your visit of the city with the various viewpoints located outside, such as the Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha statue, before exploring the city center on foot with the famous Temple of the Tooth. You will then set off for a short hike. On the agenda: discovery of three majestic temples: Gadaladeniya, adorned with murals and statues, Lankatilaka, built on top of a hill, and finally the Embekke Dewala, famous for its rich carved wood decorations. Night at Wije's.

• day 9

  Towards the Cultural Triangle

  

  On this new day, your driver will take you to the Cultural Triangle. On the way, you will stop to visit the Aluvihara Rock Buddhist temple near Matale, then the Nalanda Gedige Hindu temple, and you will end this day of sightseeing with the caves and the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a major Buddhist pilgrimage site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Night at Kumara's.

• day 10

  Visit of the Cultural Triangle

  

  You will start the visits early this morning, to avoid the crowd coming to climb to the top of the Lion Rock of Sigiriya, which overlooks 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 Kasyapa's palace at the top. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is the most visited site in Sri Lanka. If you prefer to avoid this very touristic activity, we recommend climbing Pidurangala Rock, which faces Lion Rock. As an option, you could go on a safari in Minneriya National Park, known for its large population of wild elephants. Overnight at Kumara's.

• day 11

  Back to the west coast

  

  Road to Negombo, the last stop of your stay. On the way, you stop at Kurunegala to see the gigantic Athagala Buddha. This site offers a beautiful view of the city, the lake, and the surroundings. Do not fall asleep during the journey, as you will pass by lovely, typically Sri Lankan landscapes. Upon your arrival, we recommend a walk on the beach with a magnificent view of the sunset. Night at Judith's.

• day 12

  Last day in Sri Lanka

  

  Negombo, nicknamed "Little Rome", is home to one of the largest fishing communities on the island. You can enjoy this last day on the island by strolling through the large fish market (best done early in the morning!) and on the beaches where fish are salted and dried, before heading to the Muthurajawela marsh, south of the city, for a final boat ride on the river. After that, your driver will take you to the airport for your return flight. Your journey on one of the most beautiful islands in the world ends here, but you have been able to experience incredible moments by meeting Sri Lankans and discovering a culture and nature of indescribable beauty.