First impressions of Sri Lanka

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Colombo International Airport to Millenium Elephant and Kandy

  

  You are greeted by your driver upon your arrival at Colombo International Airport. You have now arrived in tropical land, where you take the road to the cultural triangle. On the way, discover the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka passing before your eyes, made up of rice fields, coconut plantations, and mountains. Then, on the way, you will stop at Rambukkana and the Millenium Elephant Foundation, a place of care and rest for elephants, managed by an NGO concerned with their well-being. You can walk alongside the animal, watch it walk freely and explore its environment, searching for food. You will have the opportunity to feed the elephant with some of its favorite snacks (sugar cane, squash, bananas, or even crackers, for example), then clean it in the river using a coconut. This experience will be followed by a rice and curry lunch in the colonial house. You could end this day with a relaxing massage in Kandy. Overnight in Kandy.

• day 2

  Kandy

  

  In the morning, we suggest you visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, which covers 60 ha on the banks of the Mahaweli River. A must-see: the avenue of royal palms, the cannonball trees, the orchid collection, and the multicolored flower beds. This garden offers a very beautiful walk, a must-see; it is said to be one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. Kandy is, by its character and history, an essential stop. Former capital of the Sinhalese kings, you can discover the city center on foot, starting with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, a major Buddhist pilgrimage site. In the very heart of the city is Kandy Lake (or Bogambara Lake), which attracts many walkers. You could then explore the vegetable market not far from the lake, very lively and sometimes crowded with touts, but worth a visit for the diversity of products and the atmosphere. You can also stock up on souvenirs at Selyn, the only fair trade certified shop in Sri Lanka. There you will find plenty of lovely things made from organic cotton. Also go and discover the batik artisans, or The Kandyan Arts & Crafts; you will find many wooden sculptures, clothes, jewelry, postcards, etc. You could visit the gemological museum: this museum is one of the most attractive places in Kandy for geology enthusiasts. Then, you could visit the batik factory to learn a little more about artisanal traditions. At 5:00 p.m., come and discover Sri Lankan culture by attending a performance of traditional Kandyan dances! Dating from 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 cultural richness and are well worth seeing. Very popular in Kandy, this type of performance covers many traditions in an original and entertaining style. Overnight in Kandy

• day 3

  Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and Ella (by train)

  

  You are now on your way to Nuwara Eliya. On the way, stop to admire the Ramboda waterfalls, one of the most beautiful in Sri Lanka. I recommend having lunch here: you will be facing the waterfalls, the view is magnificent! Arrival in Nuwara Eliya, the highest city in Sri Lanka and full of charm, with British influences. It is known as the country's vegetable garden. Nuwara Eliya is located at an altitude of 1900 meters. A former English colony, the city has a certain charm, quite original on the Asian continent. 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. The city is nicknamed "Little England." Board a train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella (seats subject to availability, about 2h30 by train). This incredible train journey will let you discover several facets of Sri Lanka. The old train travels at 15 km/h on a narrow ridge path, bordered by sheer cliffs, tea fields, and waterfalls, all in a great atmosphere, in real contact with the locals! Your driver will be waiting for you at the station, and you will continue on your way. Overnight in Ella.

• day 4

  Ella

  

  This morning, you continue your journey through the mountain landscapes towards Ella. We recommend climbing Little Adams Peak, a 2-hour easy hike along tea fields. Once at the top, you will enjoy an incredible panorama over a wide valley and the Kirindi Oya river. Then, head to the famous Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, where you might see a train passing by! On your way down, stop at the sumptuous Ravana waterfalls. If you want to discover the region in a fun way, go for a 4-hour tuk-tuk ride with an experienced driver. Head to the beautiful tea plantations where you can meet the pickers. You can stroll through the fields. Your guide will inform you about the tea industry in Sri Lanka. Continue your ascent by tuk-tuk, taking winding roads and passing through small villages. Stop to admire the view over the surrounding valleys and waterfalls. Meet the pickers in their village. Observe how the tea leaves are weighed and how a plantation operates on a daily basis. Continue to the top of the mountain to a breathtaking viewpoint. Then, head to Lipton's Seat, where the tea master liked to sit and contemplate his lands. Enjoy a good cup of tea in the small shop at the top. You could also visit a school on the way and a tea factory, an opportunity to learn more about the process of transforming tea leaves. Picnic lunch. Then, you visit the Dambatenne tea factory, an opportunity to learn more about the process of making this national beverage. Meet the pickers and watch a picking demonstration. Overnight in Ella.

• day 5

  Ella at Blow Hole and Mirissa (3H)

  

  This morning, you head towards the coast, considered one of the most beautiful on the island. You will discover hidden beauties along your route. If you wish, you can stop at the Elephant Transit Home, the elephant transit home. 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. You can also visit the "Blow Hole" on the south coast, towards Tangalle. The spectacle is impressive, as this Blow Hole, a natural phenomenon, is caused when seawater rushes through a submerged cave and is projected upwards. Indeed, at a high but irregular frequency, you can see a huge jet of seawater shooting out from the rocks! On your way, you may catch sight of the stilt fishermen of Ahangama. Overnight in Mirissa

• day 6

  Free day at the beach.

  

  Finally relax on the beaches of the Indian Ocean and recharge your batteries during these last days! A variety of excursions are possible in the area, such as a whale watching cruise or discovering the beaches of Rekawa. The nesting of turtles on Rekawa beach is a magical moment to experience during a trip to Sri Lanka. Isolated by dunes and vegetation, the beach then becomes the stage for the comings and goings of giant turtles. During the nesting period, five species of sea turtles, some of which are endangered, come to lay several hundred eggs on this beach at night. You could also take surfing lessons or go snorkeling. This is one of the most beautiful coasts in Sri Lanka to practice these sports! Night in Mirissa