Spiritual Journey to Sri Lanka

You are greeted by your driver at the airport. You have arrived in tropical land! 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. You have arrived at 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. Then visit the organic farm where you can choose the vegetables. Return to the monastery and prepare different dishes for a typical Sri Lankan lunch. A life in a monastery, a life of simplicity, self-sacrifice and harmony that leads us to reflect, as human beings, on the true meaning of happiness….

Night in Kurunegala, dinner included

This morning, your route passes through Dambulla, where you could visit the Golden Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its hilltop Buddhist caves. You can discover incredible murals, Buddha statues, all scattered in 5 caves. Also enjoy the beautiful panorama of the surroundings. On the way down, you can stroll through the market in Dambulla.

Then, around 3:00 p.m., leave for a jeep safari in the Minneriya National Park, famous for its population of elephants which is around 400. You can see other wild animals there: crocodiles, buffaloes, deer, monitor lizards, cormorants, pelicans and other multitude of birds. The park is also interesting for its landscapes, between swamps, lakes and mountains emerging on the horizon.

Overnight in Sigiriya

This morning, if you wish, set out to climb the hill of Pidurangala, right next to the lion rock, which has archaeological significance. A walk in the middle of nature, which will allow you to enjoy a magnificent view once at the top, in particular on the rock of Sigiriya, and the park of Minneriya further. At the top you will see the ruins of a monastery, Buddha statues, caves etc. A beautiful walk still uncrowded. 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 in a canoe and will be able to enjoy the view of the fortress of the Rocher au Lion. You will get to know the culture of the local people as well as their traditions and way of life. You will also discover the secrets of the local cuisine or you will 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…

Overnight in Sigiriya

This morning, early enough to avoid the crowds, we suggest you visit the Sigiriya Lion Rock, which overlooks the village from its 200 meters high. Your guide will show you the different parts of the site, from the gardens to the natural caves, from the frescoes of the Demoiselles to the ruins of the Kasyapa palace at the top. This site owes its reputation to this megalomaniac king who built his residence there in the 10th century. Listed by UNESCO, it is the most visited site in Sri Lanka.

On your way, you can, if you wish, visit a garden of spices & medicinal plants. You start by walking around the garden, which is simple but very well maintained. You discover how many plants are grown and harvested and learn more about their culinary uses and medicinal properties. You will see in particular: cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, clove turmeric, or even cocoa.

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

We invite you this morning to 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.
In the afternoon, go back to stroll around the city. 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…

Overnight in Kandy

This morning, you take the road to Nuwara Eliya. Along the way, stop to admire the Ramboda waterfalls, one of the most beautiful in Sri Lanka.

 Arrival in Nuwara Eliya, the highest town in Sri Lanka. 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.

Then board a train from Nuwara Eliya to Haputale (seats subject to availability, approximately 2 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! A route often considered to be one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world!

Your driver is waiting for you at the station, you continue the road to the charming little village of Haputale

Overnight in Haputale

If you want to discover the region in a fun way, depart for a 4-hour tuk-tuk ride. 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. 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 tea picking and preparation.

Overnight in Haputale

We recommend early this morning the ascent of Little Adams Peak, an easy hike along the tea fields. Ella's Little Adam's Peak: after taking a road bordered by impressive tea plantations, you arrive at the foot of this peak. Its ascent is done in 15 minutes via an easy to walk path. Once at the top, you can enjoy an incredible panorama over a wide valley and the Kirindi Oya river. It is a perfect spot for taking photos and relaxing. Then go to the famous Pont Neuf Demodara (Nine Arch Bridge) from where you may see a train passing by.

Then, you leave the mountain landscapes, you go towards Yala. On your way, you can make stops at the beautiful falls of Ravana, one of the highest in the country, or at the site of Buduruwagala, with its splendid Buddhas carved in the rock.

At the end of the day, attend the ceremony and visit the Kataragama temple, which is one of the country's main pilgrimage sites for both Buddhists and Hindus. Visit the multi-religious sacred city, which contains a mosque but also Buddhist and Hindu temples.

Then you continue your journey towards Tissa.

Overnight in Tissamaharama

At Aurora, take a jeep safari in Yala National Park. The territory of this park is huge, and is home to a variety of animals such as leopards, elephants, crocodiles, bears, mongooses, monkeys, spotted deer and birds in abundance. The spots where you are most likely to observe the animals are often the water points, where they come to drink.

You then take the road to the south coast, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
You could go 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!

Night in Talalla

Finally relax on the beaches of the Indian Ocean, recharge the batteries 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 surf lessons or simply bask in the tropical sun.
Do not miss to taste fresh fish in the evening, served on the beach, feet in the sand!

Tallala is a tropical paradise perfect for relaxation. There are no late-night parties, noisy karaoke bars, and typical water attractions here. But you can swim endlessly in the gentle turquoise waves, do sand tricks and taste local dishes in a small restaurant on the coast.

Overnight in Tallala

This morning, we suggest you visit the city of Galle. On the road, you will be able to see the fishermen on stake of Ahangama.

We recommend a visit to Galle Fort, an architectural gem with varied colonial influences. Totally disconnected from the rest of the city, the fort, built in the 17th century by the Dutch, looks like a small village, peaceful and welcoming. Go around the ramparts, walk along the lighthouse, visit one of the churches and take advantage of the beautiful shops to stock up on souvenirs.

In the afternoon, you leave for a bike excursion accompanied by a guide. This ride takes you through the Sri Lankan countryside, crossing rice paddies, villages and vegetable gardens. Take a short break to refresh yourself and drink a “King Coconut”.

This bike ride will make you discover Sri Lanka, authentic and preserved!

The driver takes you back to your hotel in the early evening.

Night in Talalla

All good things come to an end …. Today your driver takes you back to Colombo International Airport where you will have to be 3 hours before the departure of your flight.
We hope you will leave with many beautiful memories in mind.

Your trip to one of the most beautiful islands in the world ends here...

**END OF YOUR TOUR***