Spiritual journey to Sri Lanka

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Colombo International Airport and Kurunegala (1h20 min)

  

  You are welcomed by your driver at the airport. You have arrived in tropical land! 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. You have now arrived in Kurunegala. We suggest you spend this first night in a Buddhist monastery. You will attend the religious ceremony with the monk. You will participate in a meditation session, then, if you wish, you will have free time for a discussion with the monk. Next, visit the organic farm where you can choose the vegetables. Return to the monastery and prepare different dishes for a typically Sri Lankan lunch. Life in a monastery, a life of simplicity, selflessness, and harmony, which leads us to reflect, as human beings, on the true meaning of happiness… Night in Kurunegala, dinner included

• day 2

  Kurunegala and Sigiriya (4 h drive)

  

  This morning, your route takes you through Dambulla, where you could visit the Golden Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its Buddhist caves perched atop a hill. There you can discover incredible mural paintings and Buddha statues, all scattered across 5 caves. Also, enjoy the beautiful panorama of the surroundings. On your way down, you have the option to stroll through the Dambulla market. 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, with marshes, lakes, and mountains outlined on the horizon. Overnight in Sigiriya.

• day 3

  Sigiriya, Pidurangala, Polonnaruwa, Hiriwaduna and Sigiriya (2h15)

  

  This morning, if you wish, set out to climb Pidurangala Hill, right next to Lion Rock, which has archaeological significance. A walk in the heart of nature will allow you to enjoy a magnificent viewpoint once at the top, especially over Sigiriya Rock and, further away, over Minneriya Park. At the summit, you will see the ruins of a monastery, Buddha statues, caves, etc. A beautiful walk that is still little frequented. Magnificent view of the sunrise. Later, we suggest you visit the village of Hiriwaduna, which immerses you in the heart of Sri Lankan culture. You will cross its lake by canoe and enjoy the view of the Lion Rock fortress. You will get to know the local people's culture, as well as their traditions and way of life. You will also discover the secrets of local cuisine and taste an authentic "rice n curry". You could end this day with a relaxing massage at the Athreya Ayurveda Ashram, renowned for its Ayurvedic massages: on the program, body massage, head massage, reflexology, etc. Night in Sigiriya.

• day 4

  Sigiriya to Matale and Kandy (2h drive)

  

  This morning, quite early, to avoid the crowd, we suggest you visit 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 King Kasyapa's palace at the top. This site owes its reputation to this 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. On your way, you can, if you wish, visit a garden of spices and medicinal plants. You will start by touring the garden, simple but very well maintained. You will discover the methods of cultivation and harvesting of many plants and learn more about their culinary uses and medicinal virtues. You will see in particular: cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, clove, turmeric, and also cocoa trees. At 5:00 pm, come and discover Sri Lankan culture by attending a performance of traditional Kandyan dances! Dating back to 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. Highly appreciated in Kandy, this type of performance covers many traditions in an original and entertaining style. Overnight in Kandy

• day 5

  Kandy and its surroundings

  

  This morning, we suggest you visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, which stretches over 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. In the afternoon, stroll again through the city. 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. Night in Kandy

• day 6

  Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and Haputale (by train)

  

  This morning, you take the road to Nuwara Eliya. 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. 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. Then board a train from Nuwara Eliya to Haputale (seats subject to availability, about 2h 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! A route often considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world! Your driver will be waiting for you at the station, and you will continue the road to the charming little village of Haputale. Overnight in Haputale.

• day 7

  Around Ella and tuk-tuk challenge in the tea plantations

  

  If you want to discover the region in a fun way, set off for a 4-hour tuk-tuk ride. Head towards the beautiful tea plantations, where you can meet the pickers and stroll through the fields. Your guide will inform you about the tea industry in Sri Lanka. Continue your ascent by tuk-tuk: you will take winding roads and pass through small villages. Stop to admire the view of the surrounding valleys and waterfalls. Go and meet the pickers in their village. Watch how the tea leaves are weighed and discover the daily workings of a plantation. 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. Then, visit the Dambatenne tea factory, an opportunity to learn more about the manufacturing process of this national beverage. Meet the pickers and watch a demonstration of tea picking and preparation. Overnight in Haputale.

• day 8

  Haputale to Ravana Falls and Yala (3 hours)

  

  We recommend, early this morning, the ascent of Little Adams Peak, an easy hike along the tea fields. Little Adam's Peak (Ella's Little Adam's Peak): after taking a road lined with impressive tea plantations, you arrive at the foot of this peak. Its ascent takes 15 minutes via an easy-to-walk path. Once at the top, you enjoy an incredible panorama over a wide valley and the Kirindi Oya river. It's a perfect spot for taking photos and relaxing. Then, head to the famous Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, where you might see a train passing by. Then, you leave the mountain landscapes and head towards Yala. On your way, you can stop at the beautiful Ravana Falls, one of the highest in the country, or at the Buduruwagala site, with its splendid Buddhas carved into the rock. At the end of the day, attend the ceremony and visit the Kataragama temple, which is one of the main pilgrimage sites in the country, both for Buddhists and Hindus. Visit the multi-religious sacred city, which contains a mosque as well as Buddhist and Hindu temples. Then, you continue your journey towards Tissa. Overnight in Tissamaharama.

• day 9

  Yala and Talalla (2h)

  

  At dawn, go on a jeep safari in Yala National Park. The territory of this park is vast and is home to a variety of animals such as leopards, elephants, crocodiles, bears, mongooses, monkeys, spotted deer, and an abundance of birds. The places where you are most likely to spot animals are often the water points, where they come to drink. You then head towards the south coast, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. You could visit the "Blow Hole" on the south coast, near Tangalle. The spectacle is impressive, as this Blow Hole, a natural phenomenon, is caused when seawater rushes through a submerged cave and is pushed upwards. Indeed, at a high but irregular frequency, you can see a huge jet of seawater shooting out from the rocks! Overnight in Talalla.

• day 10

  Free day at the beach.

  

  Finally relax on the beaches of the Indian Ocean and recharge your batteries during these last days! Here, you can enjoy massages, treatments, and therapies. You have the opportunity to participate in yoga and meditation sessions. You can also take surfing lessons or simply bask under the tropical sun. Don't miss tasting fresh fish in the evening, served on the beach with your feet in the sand! Tallala is a perfect tropical paradise for relaxation. There are no night parties, noisy karaoke bars, or typical water attractions here. But you can swim endlessly in the gentle turquoise waves, build sandcastles, and enjoy local dishes in a small restaurant on the coast. Night in Tallala.

• day 11

  Talalla to Galle and back to Talalla (1h)

  

  This morning, we suggest you visit the city of Galle. On the way, you will be able to see the stilt fishermen of Ahangama. We recommend visiting the Galle Fort, an architectural gem with various colonial influences. Completely disconnected from the rest of the city, the fort, built in the 17th century by the Dutch, looks like a small, peaceful, and welcoming village. Walk around the ramparts, stroll along the lighthouse, visit one of the churches, and enjoy the beautiful shops to stock up on souvenirs. In the afternoon, you will go on a bike excursion accompanied by a guide. This ride will take you through the Sri Lankan countryside, crossing rice fields, villages, and vegetable gardens. Take a short break to refresh yourself and drink a "King Coconut". This bike ride will let you discover another Sri Lanka, authentic and preserved! The driver will take you back to your hotel in the early evening. Night in Talalla.

• day 12

  Galle and Colombo International Airport (2h 40)

  

  All good things must come to an end… Today, your driver will take you back to Colombo International Airport, where you must be 3 hours before your flight departure. We hope you will leave with many beautiful memories in mind. Your journey on one of the most beautiful islands in the world ends here… ***END OF YOUR TOUR***