First impressions of Sri Lanka

You are greeted by your driver upon your arrival at Colombo International Airport. You have arrived in tropical land, where you take the road to the cultural triangle. Along the way, discover the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka passing before your eyes, made up of rice paddies, coconut plantations and mountains.
Then, on the way, you will reach 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, observe it walk freely and explore its environment, look for food. You will have the opportunity to feed the elephant with some of his favorite snacks (sugar cane, squash, bananas or even crackers for example) then clean him 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

In the morning we suggest you visit the botanical garden of Peradeniya which extends over 60 ha on the banks of the Mahaweli River. To see absolutely: the stretch of royal palm trees, the cannonball trees, the collection of orchids, the multicolored flowerbeds. This garden offers a very nice walk, a must, it is said to be one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world.

Kandy is, by its character and its history, an essential step. 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. At the very heart of the city is Lake Kandy (or Lake Bogambara), which attracts many walkers. You could then browse the vegetable market not far from the lake, very lively and sometimes crowded with touts but worth the detour for the diversity of products and the atmosphere. You can also go stock up on souvenirs at Selyn, the only fair trade labeled shop in Sri Lanka. There are lots of pretty things made from organic cotton. Also go and discover the Batik craftsmen, or The Kandyan Arts & Crafts, you will find many wooden sculptures, clothes, jewelry, postcards etc... You could go and visit the gemological museum: this museum is one of the most attractions of Kandy for Geology lovers. Then, you could visit the batik factory to learn a little more about the craft traditions.

At 5:00 p.m., 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 splendid colorful costumes, are still an integral part of the cultural richness of the island and are worth seeing. Very popular in Kandy, this type of performance covers many traditions in an original and entertaining style.

Overnight in Kandy

You are now on your way to Nuwara Eliya. Along the way, stop to admire the Ramboda waterfalls, one of the most beautiful in Sri Lanka. I advise you to have 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 reputed to be the vegetable garden of the country. Arrival in Nuwara Eliya, the highest city in Sri Lanka (1900 meters above sea level). A former English colony, the city has a certain charm that is quite original on the Asian continent. Many buildings bear witness to a typically British architectural style. With the elegant post office as a masterpiece. Also in the city center is Victoria Park. A park whose name was given on the occasion of the 60 years of reign of Queen Victoria. The city is nicknamed “Little England”

Board a train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella (seats subject to availability, approximately 2.5 hours by train). This incredible train journey will make 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 good atmosphere, in real contact with the locals!

Your driver is waiting for you at the station, you continue on the road.

Overnight at Ella

This morning, you continue your journey through the mountain landscapes towards Ella.
We recommend the ascent of Little Adams Peak, 2 hours of easy hiking along the tea fields. Once at the top, you can enjoy an incredible panorama over a wide valley and the Kirindi Oya river. Then go to the famous Pont Neuf Demodara (Nine Arch Bridge) from where you may see a train passing by! On your way down, stop at the sumptuous waterfalls of Ravana.

If you want to discover the region in a fun way, depart for a 4-hour tuk-tuk ride with an experienced driver. Direction the beautiful tea plantations where you can meet pickers. You can stroll in the fields. Your guide will teach you about the tea industry in Sri Lanka. Continue your climb by tuk-tuk, you will take winding roads and cross small villages. Stop to admire the view of the surrounding valleys and waterfalls. Go mingle with the pickers in their village. Observe how 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 go to Lipton's Seat, this is where the tea master liked to sit and contemplate his lands. Enjoy a good glass of tea in the little shop at the top. You could also visit a school on the way and a tea factory, the opportunity to learn more about the process of transformation of the tea leaf. Picnic lunch. Then, you visit the Dambatenne tea factory, the opportunity to learn more about the manufacturing process of this national beverage. Meeting with the pickers and demonstration of picking.

Overnight at Ella

This morning, you leave for the coast, considered one of the most beautiful on the island. You will discover hidden beauties along your route.

If you wish, you could stop at the Elephant Transit Home, the elephant transit home. You will attend 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 could visit the “Blow Hole” on the south coast, towards Tangalle. The spectacle is impressive because this Blow Hole, a natural phenomenon, is caused when seawater rushes through a submerged cavern and is pushed upwards. Indeed, at high but irregular frequency, you can see a huge jet of sea water coming out of the rocks!

On your way, you can see the Ahangama stake fishermen.

Night in Mirissa

Finally relax on the beaches of the Indian Ocean, recharge the batteries these last days!
A variety of excursions are possible in the surroundings such as a whale watching cruise or going to discover the beaches of Rekawa: The nesting of turtles on Rekawa beach is a magical moment to experience when traveling to Sri Lanka. Isolated by dunes and vegetation, the beach then becomes the scene of the comings and goings of giant tortoises. During the spawning period, five species of sea turtles, some of which are endangered, lay several hundred eggs on this beach at night.

You could also take surf lessons or go snorkeling? It is one of the most beautiful coasts of Sri Lanka to practice these sports!

Night in Mirissa