Wellness, relaxation and culture

You are welcomed by your driver on arrival in Colombo. You have arrived in tropical territory, with Negombo as your first stop, a beautiful seaside resort nicknamed the "Little Rome" because of its many churches. Close to the airport, Negombo is ideal for resting after a long flight.

Depending on the time you arrive, we suggest a trip on the Dutch canal, the misnamed one since it existed two centuries before the Dutch colonization. This canal was once used to transport cinnamon. It is a great way to start the day...meet nature...and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

In the morning, we advise you to discover early the city of Negombo and the fish market. It is located north of the fort on the waterfront. This market is considered to be one of the biggest in Sri Lanka. Very popular and authentic, it takes place every morning on the sandy lagoon of Negombo.

At dawn, boats come ashore with their catch. The activity is in full swing between 6am and 10.30am: sorting of fish, cutting and salting, auctions and negotiations... A spectacle as astonishing as it is instructive. Then, you take the road for the cultural triangle. On the way, discover the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka, made of rice fields, coconut plantations and mountains.

On the way you will visit the Millenium Elephant Foundation, a care centre dedicated to elephants.  Lunch at the centre. Afterwards you will be taken on a tour of the local museum. Go for a walk with the animal (we do not recommend elephant rides), take him to the river bath! The centre also has a paper mill that recycles elephant dung to make quality paper. Lunch break in the colonial house before heading back to the road.

Optional: End the day with a relaxing massage at the Athreya Ayurveda Ashrami.

In the morning, we propose a visit to Polonnaruwa, an ancient city which was the royal capital of Sri Lanka during the 11th and 12th centuries, and extends over some 10 km2. You can visit by bike the ruins of palaces, temples, but especially Kalu Gal Vihara, a set of 4 Buddha statues carved in granite. The archaeological museum is also worth a visit.

Then, at about 15:00, go for a jeep safari in the Minneriya National Park, famous for its elephant population of about 400, and other wildlife such as crocodiles, buffaloes, deer, monitor lizards, cormorants, pelicans and a multitude of birds. The park is also interesting for its landscapes, with swamps, lakes and mountains on the horizon.

Later on, if you wish, you can climb the Pidurangala hill, right next to the archaeologically important Lion Rock. A walk in the middle of nature, which will allow you to enjoy a magnificent view once at the top, notably on the rock of Sigiriya, and the park of Minneriya further on. At the top you will see the ruins of a monastery, Buddha statues, caves etc. A beautiful walk that is still not very popular.

We recommend an early morning visit to Sigiriya's Lion's Rock to avoid the crowds. The massive rock known as the "Lion's Rock" towers over the village at a height of 200 metres. 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 the megalomaniac king who built his residence there in the 10th century. Listed by UNESCO, it is the most visited site in Sri Lanka.

Then, on your way, possible visit of Dambulla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Buddhist caves perched on top of a hill. You will discover incredible wall paintings, statues of Buddha, all scattered in 5 caves. Enjoy the beautiful panorama of the surroundings. Discover also the wholesale market of Dambulla.

At 5pm, 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 colourful costumes, are still an integral part of the island's cultural wealth and are well worth a visit. Very popular in Kandy, this type of performance covers many traditions in an original and entertaining style.

You are now on your way to Nuwara Eliya (2h30 drive). On the way, stop to admire the Ramboda waterfalls, one of the most beautiful in Sri Lanka.

Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka's highest city, full of British influence and charm. Nuwara Eliya is known as the vegetable garden of the country. Many of the buildings are in typical British architectural style. A masterpiece is the elegant post office. In the city centre you will also find the Victoria Park. The park was named to mark the 60th anniversary of Queen Victoria's reign.

Take a train from Nanu Oya to Haputale. The most beautiful scenery in Asia, made up of endless tea plantations, will pass before your eyes. Your driver will be waiting for you at the station, and you will continue on to your hotel in Haputale, a small mountain village that is still not very touristy and offers magnificent views of the valley below.

In the morning, your trekking guide will welcome you and explain the course of your trekking day. Several routes are possible depending on your level and your desires. You can climb Ella Rock, or rather get lost in the Bandarawela countryside, crossing villages, vegetable gardens and rice fields. Haputale also offers beautiful treks through the tea fields.

Picnic lunch. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to take a cooking class with the culinary guide Fathima at her home in the mountainous countryside and start preparing lunch with her. Sri Lankan cuisine will hold no secrets for you!

Depending on the itinerary, you will have the opportunity to go for a swim in a waterfall, to walk through eucalyptus forests and to visit a tea factory, the opportunity to learn more about the process of making this national beverage. You will visit Sir Lipton's factory in Haputale and meet the tea pickers. 

Picnic lunch. 

Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to take a cooking class with culinary guide Fathima at her home in the mountainous countryside and start preparing lunch together. Sri Lankan cuisine will hold no secrets for you!

Today you will leave the landscapes of the tea country and head for the wilderness area of Udawalawe. 

On the way you may stop at Buduruwagala with its beautiful rock carved Buddhas. Arrive at Udawalawe.

At around 15:00 hrs, you will go on a jeep safari through this tall grass park. You will also see crocodiles and monitor lizards. A guide will accompany you, and you will benefit from his sharp eyes to spot animals in the forests.

In the morning, before heading south, you can visit the Elephant Transit Home. You will witness the feeding which takes place every three hours from 9am to 6pm. The baby elephants that are raised here are released when they reach a certain age.

Then, you will finally take the road to the south coast, considered the most beautiful of the country, you will discover hidden beauties along your way. 

You spend 2 days in a hotel specialising in wellness treatments (treatments not included).

Here you can enjoy massages, treatments and therapies. You have the possibility to participate in yoga and meditation sessions.

A variety of excursions are possible in the area, such as a whale watching cruise or a fishing trip by boat to Mirissa, to observe the different species of sea turtles that come to lay their eggs on the beach.

We propose a visit to Galle and its famous fort, a real architectural jewel with various colonial influences... Perfectly preserved, this fortified city offers a clever mix of Portuguese, British and Dutch architecture. Bordered by the Indian Ocean, the small town of Galle is protected by the old Dutch fort and its ramparts. These atypical streets reveal a surprising contrast between the colonial buildings and the Sri Lankans on board their tuk-tuk. Here everything seems peaceful and it offers a very pleasant walk.

Today, depending on your flight schedule, we offer you an unusual tour of Colombo by tuk tuk. The driver will take you off the beaten track to show you the true facets of this cosmopolitan city. You will discover areas you would never have been to! You will mainly discover the lively and historical district of Pettah, nicknamed the bazaar, for many reasons that you will discover! 

Then you take the road towards Colombo International Airport. We hope that you will leave with wonderful memories and wish you a safe flight home.