* Flight Centre | Food Tour 4* Hotel, Private Tour

Indulge your senses during this comprehensive tour starting in the capital, Colombo, and taking an inland loop that covers all the main cultural and culinary attractions of this magical island. Discover a world of lush landscapes, picturesque lakeside cities, historic temples and ancient citadels. Learn how to make a traditional Sri Lankan dish, shop at local markets, and taste the national delights. This trip will trigger your wanderlust and meet your foodie expectations!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Matale Spice Garden: Matale seldom drops off the maps due to its remarkable contribution through flagship crops of the island extending from tea, rubber & vegetables to spices.

Kandy: Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe the World Heritage Site & last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings, crafts an array of culture, history and heritage in the minds of visitors across the globe.

Cooking class: you will be welcomed at a local housewife’s residence and prepare lunch from days pickings from the market.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the 'Heavenly Maidens' of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway. 

Galle: the epic Southern capital is the intersection where classic Dutch architecture meets a tropical setting creating a vivid atmosphere in beauty.

Kamatha: enjoy a traditional buffet lunch in the traditional location where rice harvest is crushed.

Día 1: ARRIVAL COLOMBO – NEGOMBO (8 km – 30 min)

Meet and assist on arrival at Colombo Airport by a representative, then transfer to the hotel in Negombo and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Negombo.

Día 2: NEGOMBO

After breakfast, take a memorable boat trip down the Hamilton Canal, originally constructed by the Dutch and later fortified by the British in 1802, being named after Gavin Hamilton, the then Government Agent of Revenue and Commerce. The scenic and interesting journey commences from the popular seaside village of Negombo, aboard well-equipped boats with safety gear and knowledgeable personnel at hand.

Overnight in Negombo.

Día 3: NEGOMBO – SIGIRIYA (150km – 2.5hrs)

After breakfast, proceed to Sigiriya. En route, stop at a local wayside boutique for a light snack (included); this meal is flatbread is served with spicy sambal that will set your taste buds aflame! To cool your taste buds you could thereafter, drink some fresh King coconut. On completion, continue to Sigiriya. Check-in at the hotel. Rest of the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Sigiriya.

Día 4: SIGIRIYA – SIGIRIYA FORTRESS – HIRIWADUNA – SIGIRIYA (35km – 1hr)

After breakfast, proceed to Sigiriya and climb the 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress, which is a world heritage site, built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The 'Lion Rock' is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle. On completion of the clabber proceed to Hiriwaduna to embark on a village trek with a cooking demo with the village people. The trek begins with a scenic walk along a bund of a Wewa. The amazing birdlife, butterflies and possible sightings of crocodiles only add to the charm of the trek. Enjoy the farmer's humble hospitality. With the guidance of the farmer, pick some fresh vegetables from the plot and join in the preparation of a simple meal prepared in the traditional method using earthenware pots and firewood as fuel. This is a great opportunity to Sample authentic local cuisine. The journey continues through dense shrub forests, home to many forest birds and other wildlife including monkeys, bears, pythons and even elephants.

Overnight in Sigiriya.

Día 5: SIGIRIYA – DAMBULLA – MATALE – KANDY (100km – 2.5hrs)

After breakfast, proceed to visit the cave temples in Dambulla. In the city of Dambulla lies a hub which has been treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.C. Today, an icon in the face of Sri Lanka, Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the most unique drawings in magnificently constructed 5 cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla. As you enter the retreat, look straight up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold over a land, which today houses an important junction in the country's economic and cultural uplifting. Next, proceed to Matale and visit the Spice Garden. Observe the therapeutic values of spices & processes over a refreshing cup of herbal tea. After walking around the garden, enjoy a cooking demonstration with  lunch at Kamatha (included): this is the traditional location where rice harvest is crushed. On completion continue to Kandy. End your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music & drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka (included).

Overnight in Kandy.

Día 6: KANDY – COOKING CLASS – PERADENIYA BOTANICAL GARDEN – KANDY (10km – 30min)

In the morning, after breakfast, visit the local market with Sri Lankan housewife, and buy fresh vegetables, fruits and ingredients for lunch. Proceed to The Kandyan Manor for your cookery demonstration (included). On completion, proceed to Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. First developed as a pleasure garden under royalty and later harmonized by the British, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya - today bundled with the most welcoming facilities located just 4 miles off Kandy - is a flourishing national asset in the Wonder of Asia. Next, embark on a city tour in Kandy before you return to your hotel. Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. A stroll across this small lakeside town - cradled among the misty hills - will feature the Kandy City Centre - bundled with the latest and world-class brands, a bazaar, an arts & crafts center, as well as a gem museum & lapidary. Walk in color as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market.

Overnight in Kandy.

Día 7: KANDY – NUWARA ELIYA (80km – 2.5hrs)

After breakfast, proceed to Nuwara Eliya. En route stop at the tea plantation. Sri Lanka, Tea and Tourism are words which cannot be separated. Take a tour to the cold & misty hills that take pride of an ultimate tea tour, covering lush green blankets of tea plantations. Or just step into a tea factory processing the prestigious brand of Ceylon Tea, to observe a rich tradition kept alive up to date. Continue to Nuwara Eliya for check-in.

Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Día 8: NUWARA ELIYA

After breakfast, proceed for a Farm visit at the Grand Hotel followed by a cooking demo. Experience the bounty of Mother Nature as you engage in a Farm tour spanning an acreage of 6, where you engage in both animal husbandry and vegetable cultivation. An expedition walks to the farm or even via vehicle to the top hill and you’ll be engulfed with the surroundings. The Farm Manager will explain as he conducts the tour. At the animal husbandry section of the farm, they mainly breed cows and pigs. It’s an experience milking the cows or feeding the fodder which guests could indulge in if they prefer to. When at the vegetable cultivation, a special home garden is maintained where guests can harvest vegetables and see the organic process adopted. The Farm grows most of the herbs and edible flowers that are required for the hotel. Walk up to the viewpoint and witness the entire city of Nuwara Eliya, a perfect setting to enjoy a sunset or a sunrise. On completion you will use the handpicked vegetable for the cooking demo.

Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Día 9: NUWARA ELIYA – UDAWALAWE (155km – 4hrs)

After breakfast proceed to Udawalawa National Park. Embark on an afternoon Safari upon your arrival to Udawalawe. Be ready to witness trumpets across the border as you approach elephant country around the corner! Udawalawe truly is a sanctuary for the big footed & tusked. Marked by relatively large herds of elephants, the national park proves to be one of the best places one could observe them in their natural habitat. Hop into a safari jeep and head into the park, you are most likely to drive into your first herd of giants within the maiden hundred meters. Turn on your radar to other species - such as potted deer, sambur, barking deer, water buffalo and jackal - found within the park. Meanwhile, Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home bears a different story. Established in 1995, it caters to all injured elephants found in the area before releasing them into their natural habitat. So, make sure to just watch - rather than touch - these gentle giants as they feed, play and mingle with each other, before heading into the wild with one another.

Overnight in Udawalawe.

Día 10: UDAWALAWE – GALLE (125km – 2.5hrs)

After Breakfast at the hotel, proceed to visit the Transit home In Udawalawe. The Udawalawe Elephant Transfer Home is a facility within Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka that was established in 1995 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation. Its primary objective is to rehabilitate orphaned elephant calves for ultimate release back into the wild. Next, continue your journey towards Galle. Before checking in to your hotel enjoy a city tour in Galle, the epic Southern capital, the intersection where classic Dutch architecture meets a tropical setting creating a vivid atmosphere of beauty. Walk the Dutch-haunted streets listening to the creaks of wooden saloon doors and observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions today flooding cultural enthusiasts on a global scale. Its original ramparts and bastions preserved up to date showcase evidence of a heritage preserved for more than 3 1/2 centuries. Walk clockwise within the fort to observe the 'old gate' carrying the British coat of arms. Flanking the old gate is the Zwart Bastion - the oldest of all - and the lighthouse standing 18 feet in its glory next to the Point Utrecht Bastion. This Dutch bliss is painted with streets that spread in a rectangular grid pattern pierced with houses carrying Dutch colonial style verandas. Hop into the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex to be mesmerized by an array of souvenir selections. 

Overnight in Galle.

Día 11: GALLE

After breakfast spend the rest of the day on leisure at your own pace.

Overnight in Galle.

Día 12: GALLE – COLOMBO (125km – 2.5hrs)

After breakfast proceed to Colombo. En-route stop at Lunuganga estate. Lunuganga Estate was the country home of the renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. As he became Sri Lanka’s and one of Asia’s most prolific and influential architects, the garden at the Lunuganga estate remained his first muse and experimental laboratory for new ideas. 

Next, enjoy a boat Safari at Balapitiya. Following a fishermen’s Lunch. Balapitiya is where one could just sit back and observe how ecology and culture combine under the sun! Cut through the clear water of Madu River - a lifeline of Balapitiya - and head towards Kotu Duwa, the small island housing a temple that dates to ancient Sinhalese kings. Or sail through tunnels of shady mangroves swaying alongside Madu River - hiding an ecological treasure - to witness the tranquility of this bio-diversity hot spot which boasts reptiles, molluscs and over 70 species of freshwater fish. 

Next,  proceed to Colombo and embark on a city tour in Colombo before you check in to your hotel. Drive along the clean streets edging the crystal white Racecourse - horse racing hub in 1893 & World War II airstrip - furnished today with lavish clothing, food & tea boutiques. Meanwhile, ride to Pettah & tune into the Floating Market - an offbeat shopping experience - or feel the buzz surrounding the upcoming inspiration, the Colombo Port City - an offshore city - featuring parks, commercial complexes & even an F1 track! Head along Bauddhaloka Mawatha towards 'Arcade' facing a historic waypost, the Independence Square.

Overnight in Colombo.

Día 13: DEPARTURE COLOMBO (35km – 1hr)

Now that you are at the end of your journey with us, after breakfast your chauffeur will comfortably take you to the international airport in time for your departure flight.

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Sri Lanka. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay. 

Visas: Please note all clients will have to log into the website and obtain the visas prior to arrival for all clients arriving in Sri Lanka after 1st January 2012. The government has informed that all applications will be processed within 24 hours and payment can be made on-line by credit card. The details are available at the website www.eta.gov.lk