India Tour with Sri Lanka

After breakfast proceed for a half day tour of Chennai.

Your tour will start with the visit to, Fort St. George (closed on Fridays & Public Holidays), which is presently, is being used by the Tamil Nadu Government. Within the compound is a museum holding many remembrances of the East India Company and the British period. From the British hold of centre, you will proceed to Mylapore, which was inhabited in the 16th century by the Portuguese; visit the San Thome Church, named for the Christian disciple (“Doubting Thomas”) who lived and taught here in the first century. Also visit Kapaleeswarar Temple, honoring Shiva, dates back to the 13th century AD and is the biggest temple in Chennai. You will also drive past the Marina Beach, the second longest in the world, stretching for several miles.

Overnight in Chennai.

After proceed for excursion to Mahabalipuram

Visit Krishna Mandapam or the cave temple. The Krishna Mandapam has a bas relief scene of Krishna lifting Mount Govardhana to protect a crowd of his kinsmen from anger of the rain god, Indra. Later visit Five Rathas (Pancha Pandava) - monolithic temples sculpted out of rock in 7th century influenced by Buddhist architecture in resembling the Vihara (monastery) and chaitya hall (temple). The piece de resistance is Arjuna's penance, the world's largest bas relief. Also visit the famous Shore Temple - Sculpture on rock, lashed by the waves of the sea, which is a World Heritage monument. After sightseeing return back to you hotel.

Overnight in Chennai.

After check out from the Drive to Puducherry. Upon arrival proceed for check-in at hotel

Puducherry has a rich French cultural heritage, having been the capital of the French colonies in India since the 17th century. The French legacy is visible in the well-planned town, neatly laid roads, wide and vibrant beaches, beautiful promenades, architecturally imposing churches and public buildings and the statues. Split into two parts, Puducherry is, on one hand a bustling Indian Market town, and on the other hand, towards the sea, the streets are emptier, cleaner and decidedly European.

Overnight in Puducherry.

Breakfast at hotel

Later you will proceed for sightseeing tour of Puducherry - visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, located on Rue de la Marine, is the most popular attraction in Puducherry. The Ashram was founded by Sri Aurobindo Ghose in 1926. Sri Aurobindo, the poet philosopher founded the Ashram to help man reach the zenith of his evolution through spiritual exercises and yoga, combined with physical activity and productive work.

Overnight in Puducherry.

Drive from Puducherry to Tanjore. Upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel.

Afternoon proceed for Tanjore sightseeing which will start with visit to Brihadeswara Temple, built in the 10th century by Raja Chola. It is considered to be artistically the most perfect of Dravida temples. Besides the temple, you will visit the Palace most of which is in ruins housing the Tamil University Museum, the Art Gallery, the Saraswati Mahal Library which houses palm leaf & paper manuscripts.

Overnight in Tanjore.

After breakfast check out from the hotel and dive to Trichy. On arrival check in at the hotel.

Later proceed for city tour of Trichy.

Tirchy is also called as it is a famous Pilgrimage centre for Hindus. The most famous land mark of this bustling town is the Rock fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky out crop which rises abruptly from the plain to tower over the old city. It is 325 km south west of Madras. Tiruchirappalli was the heart of Tamil Nadu, situated at the head of the Kaveri delta. The Pallavas, Pandyas and Cholas chose this city for their feudal wars. The city is known for its temple architecture.

Overnight in Trichy.

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Madurai.
Upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel.

One of the oldest cities in South India, Madurai has been the centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. Spread along the rocky banks of the river Vaigai in the state of Tamil Nadu, this modern industrial city is today famous as a temple town.

Overnight in Madurai.

The temple town is unique in that all its temples are living temples and it remains a major religious centre attracting pilgrims the year round. Madurai's main attraction is the famous Sree Meenakshi temples in the heart of the old town, a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture with gopurams (towers) covered from top to bottom with a breathless profusion of multi-colored images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. The temple complex is a city within a city and one can spend days exploring its labyrinthine corridors and halls. Another attraction is the Tirumalai Nayaka Palace (1636) restored by Lord Napier, dance drama concerts are performed daily.

Overnight in Madurai.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Check out from the hotel and drive to Periyar .
Periyar National Park is in Thekkady is South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary encompassing an area of 777 sq. km. Set on the attractive man-made Periyar Lake, it attracts over 300,000 visitors a year. Though the sanctuary was made a part of Project Tiger in 1973 it is better known for its wild elephants.

Arrive Periyar and check in at hotel

Late afternoon at Thekkady you can also take a boat-ride on Lake Periyar and see the wildlife around the lake as you cruise along its banks. Apart from elephants, bison, sambar, wild boar, langur, otter and flying squirrel are common. There are also 246 species of birds and 112 species of butterfly.

Overnight in Periyar.

After breakfast drive to Munnar. Upon arrival check in to your hotel.

Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. 1600 m above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower that bathes the hills in blue every twelve years will bloom next in 2018. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m.

Overnight in Munnar.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Proceed for full day city tour of Munnar.

Visit to Tea Museum, Mattupetty dam, echo point and tea plantations

Overnight in Munnar.

After breakfast full day free for leisure.

Overnight in Munnar.

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Alleppey and embark your houseboat from Alleppey boat jetty which will sail down gently on the backwaters of Kerala. Houseboats are also known as the "Ketuvallam" or the Rice Boat. Ketuvallam ride can be the most romantic ride you can ever have with a night halt in the middle of the lake Vembanad Lake/canal. A backwater comprises of a unique web of rivers, lakes, bays, lagoons and canals extending into the villages and town of the city. Backwaters are a central part of Kerala's Tourism Synopsis, making an absolute cruiser through the twisting and meandering water streams. This backwater journey through the narrow canals crossing exquisite villages of Kerala, embellished with lush green paddy fields, tall coconut grooves makes it a most spellbinding site.

After lunch day will be free to relax on board houseboat & experience the tranquility of backwaters.

Overnight on board houseboat.

After breakfast disembark from the house boat and drive to Kumarakom.

The tourist village of Kumarakom lies in the scenic backwater area, on the shore of the pleasant Vembanad lake, 16 km away from Kottayam. Here an old rubber plantation around the lake has been developed into a bird sanctuary. A path goes through the swamp to the main nesting area, while the island in the middle of the lake can be reached by boat.

Arrive hotel and check in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the back waters of Kerala.

Overnight in Kumarakom.

After leisurely breakfast enjoy the serene environs or go for some exotic Ayurvedic therapies available at the hotel (direct payment basis) (No vehicle will be provided)

Overnight in Kumarakom.

After a leisurely breakfast at hotel drive to Cochin.

Arrive Cochin and check in at hotel.

Cochin (Kochi) is spread across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and the Backwaters. The city was founded in 1341 when a flood created a natural safe port which became the principal harbour for Malabar Coast’s spice trade.

Overnight in Cochin.

After breakfast proceed for city tour of Cochin.

Cochin Visit the Dutch Palace, which has some of India’s most beautiful murals, the Jewish Synagogue in the heart of Jew Town and the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. See St. Francis Church where Vasco da Gama was originally buried and the Santa Cruz Church with its pastel coloured interior and carved wooden panels. Also, visit the Hill Palace Museum, which displays Royal memorabilia, paintings, carvings and arms.

Evening enjoy a Kathakali show – it is the traditional dance form of Kerala.

Kathakali literally meaning "story dance" is the pantomimic dance drama, the dancing and the acting being blended together into an inseparable form. It is a combination of facial expressions and body movements, which brings out the thought and emotion of the character. Kathakali is predominantly a male art and the dancing is mostly of the masculine type. The position taken by the actor is angular. He never stands erect while -acting, his knees being spread out and his legs forming a rhombus, his hands bent at the elbow and his palms on his hips. The outer feet are never flat on the ground and still the actor maintains a perfect balance. The female character is lasya which is gentle and grateful. This is particularly evident in love scenes.

Overnight in Cochin.

After breakfast checkout from the hotel and drive to Ooty.

Ooty, “The queen of the Blue Mountains”, lies in the Nilgiri mountain ranges in Tamil Nadu. Set at a height of 2268 meters, Ooty is a town of salubrious climate and scenic beauty. It was developed as a hill station by the British in the 19th century, and is famous for its rolling hills and valleys covered with pine and eucalyptus forests, and its tea and coffee plantations.

On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Evening at leisure

Overnight in Ooty.

After Breakfast proceed for half day city tour of Ooty.

On a half day tour of Ooty visit the Botanical gardens established in 1848.There are over 1000 varieties of plants, shrubs and trees among beautiful lawns and glass houses. There is also a 200 million year old fossilized tree trunk. See the Ooty Lake, where boating is a popular pastime, and the Doddabatta Peak which at 2623 m is the highest in the Nilgiri hills.

Overnight in Ooty.

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Kabini.
On arrival check in at the hotel.
Overnight in Kabini.

After breakfast full day free for leisure.

Overnight in Kabini.

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Coorg.
Coorg or Kodagu district is one of the few areas in South India to have retained its original forests. The forests are still home to wild elephants and other wildlife and also give the area a pleasant climate. The picturesque hills are covered by spice plantations and coffee estates and provide good trekking opportunities. Madikeri, the capital, is an attractive small town in a beautiful hilly setting surrounded by the forested slopes of the Western Ghats.

On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Coorg.

After breakfast proceed for Coorg City tour.

Today we visit Dubare Elephant Camp, which is primarily an elephant-capturing and training camp of the forest department at the edge of Dubare forest. Indulge in activities on direct payment basis. Later visit Tibetan Monastery and Tibetan Market at Bylekuppe. Later we visit The Hanging Bridge at Cauvery Nisargdhama.

Overnight in Coorg.

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Mysore.
Mysore, once the capital of the Wodeyar kingdom, is today the second largest city in Karnataka and one of the finest in southern India. Small, easygoing, famous for its silks and sandalwood, it is a city of fine gardens, tree-lined boulevards, art galleries and an intriguing palace. Mysore’s ten-day Dasara festival in September-October is still celebrated with medieval pageantry.

Overnight in Mysore.

After breakfast take a half-day city tour of Mysore visiting the Maharaja’s palace built in 1911-12. The palace harmoniously synthesizes the Hindu and the Saracenic styles of architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures, which are truly magnificent. Visit the art gallery and drive up to the 1062 m high Chamundi hill to see the Chamundeshwari temple with a panoramic view of Mysore. On your way back, see the 5 m high Nandi Bull carved out of solid rock in 1659.

Overnight in Mysore.

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Chikmagalur.
On arrival check in at the hotel.

Overnight in Chikmagalur.

After breakfast proceed for city tour of Chikmagalur.

Chikmanglur, 40 km northeast of Belur, is located at the center of one of India’s major coffee growing areas. According to legend the town was the dowry for the younger daughter of a local chieftain. In addition to the Hoysala style Kodandarama temple there are mosques, a moated fort and St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church. The town is a convenient base for visits to Belur and Halebid. 55 km away is Kemmanagundi, popularly known as K.R. Hills after the king who stayed here in the summers, with its two pretty waterfalls, beautifully laid out ornamental gardens and panoramic views.

Overnight in Chikmagalur.

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Hospet.

Overnight in Hospet.

After breakfast proceed for city tour of Hospet.

Hospet is a typically unobtrusive Karnataka town for most parts of the year, its main claim to fame being that it is 13 km from the second biggest attraction after the Jog Falls, the Vijayanagar ruins of Hampi, a World Heritage center. The main bazaar in Hospet, with old houses and character, is interesting to walk around in. There is a significant Muslim population and Muharram is celebrated with vigour, with firewalkers walking across burning embers.

Overnight in Hospet.

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Hubli airport to board flight for Bangalore.
Bangalore, India’s sixth largest city, is known as the Garden City because of its countless parks and tree-lined avenues. It was founded in 1537 by a local chieftain called Kempe Gowda, and later extended by Tippu Sultan, the Wodeyars of Mysore and the British. Set at an altitude of over 1000 m, the climate adds to the attractions of this city, now famous as the Silicon Valley of India.

On arrival transfer to Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Bangalore.

After breakfast proceed for city tour of Bangalore visiting the Lal Bagh, which has a variety of old, trees, fountains, lotus pools, terraces and an assortment of tropical and sub-tropical herbs. Also, see the Peninsular Gneissic Complex that is home to a 2500-2600 year old rock. You will also visit the brilliantly painted and carved summer palace of Tippu Sultan, the Bull Temple with its monolithic bull statue and drive past the government buildings.

Overnight in Bangalore.

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Bangalore airport to board flight for SriLanka.

Ayubowan & Welcome to Sri Lanka!

Sri Lank is +05:30 GMT.

Arrive in Colombo this morning via international flight. Pass through immigrations and customs formalities and proceed to the General Arrivals Hall where you will meet with your Chauffeur Guide who will accompany you throughout your stay in Sri Lanka. If you would like to have some local currency with you during your stay in Sri Lanka, the airport would be the ideal opportunity to do so, as there are a number of currency exchange counters with competitive rates, as well as ATMs which accept VISA & MasterCard.

Afterwards, make your way to your private vehicle and take a short drive of about 20 minutes, to Negombo.

Today is free at your leisure to relax and enjoy.

Overnight in Negombo

Following a breakfast at leisure, we check out and head north on an hours’ drive to a village on the outskirts of Puttalam to learn about a forgotten and eccentric community in Sri Lanka. The locals know them as Kaffirs. Descending from Africa, especially from the regions of Mozambique and Tanzania, they love to dress up in bright colours and talk about the life that their ancestors began from.

Kaffirs have always remained to be a small community. Spread out mostly in Puttalam or the east coast near Trincomalee, at the end of the 19th century, the Kaffir population numbered to be around 6000. There is, however, only less than 500 of original ethnicity surviving now. The reason for this drop is because the Kaffirs do not count the members who've gone out through inter-cultural marriages as ethnic members of their community. The history of these African descendants is not a light-hearted story. They were first brought to our island by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British in forms of slaves and soldiers as they were fighting for control over Sri Lanka.

After an insightful morning into an almost forgotten community in Sri Lanka, we proceed an hours’ drive to Anuradhapura and check in by lunch time (at own expense).
Later this afternoon, at around 05:00 PM, we visit Ruwanweliseya Stupa and Sri Maha Bodhiya (sacred bo tree) at sunset to witness the evening Buddhism Festival and mingle with the with devotees. The temple is built around the oldest documented tree in the World dating over 2000 years, and revered as the sacred Bodhi Tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment in India. Abandoned after an invasion in late 10th century. this pilgrimage site is home to the remains of palaces, monasteries and temples.

We then return to the hotel in time for dinner.

Overnight in Anuradhapura

This morning will be at leisure for you to enjoy the resort facilities.

Following lunch (at own expense), we return to Anuradhapura to continue sightseeing at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore the Brazen Palace (2nd century BC) with its 1,600 intact stone columns (all that is left of a magnificent multi-storied residence for monks). Also, view the Samadhi Buddha statue (4th century), which is one of the most famous statues, depicting the Buddha in a state of Samadhi or deep meditation. We will also visit many other well-known Stupas and the Kuttam Pokuna—an ancient bath used by the capitals Buddhist monks.

Afterwards, visit Mihintale, a mountain peak which is the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and riddled with shrines and cave dwellings. A grand 1,840-step stairway made of massive granite slabs leads to its summit. It is of great spiritual significance to Buddhists because it where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC. (Visit to Mihintale is optional) Just off the grounds of Mihintale, you will have the opportunity to indulge yourself in a private session of meditation with a local monk.

Afterwards, we return to the hotel for the evening.

Overnight in Anuradhapura

Following a leisurely breakfast, we check out and depart on the short 60-minute drive to Sigiriya.

En route stop at a nearby monastery where you will participate in a traditional almsgiving ceremony for the resident monks, who have one meal a day in the midmorning.

Arriving in Sigiriya early this afternoon, check into your luxury hotel and enjoy lunch (at own expense) followed by a chance to get settled and familiarize yourself with your new home for the next two nights. Boasting 33 acres in the heart of the Cultural Triangle, Water Garden Sigiriya offers travelers a tranquil sanctuary with excellent service and modern amenities. From the large picture windows of the villas or the relaxing outdoor pool, relax and admire the surrounding wildlife and natural beauty.

After a quick rest, at 3.30pm, cycle to the nearby Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka's many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After an ancient prince killed his father to claim the throne, he was forced to flee to his pleasure palace and convert it into a fortress to guard against his enemies The spectacular citadel of Sigiriya built on a giant rock rises sheer and impregnable out of the plains below. Spend the morning exploring the grounds of the fortress and if interested, climb this remarkable 5th century archeological site which is made unforgettable by its dramatic setting. A moat, rampart and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock and the frescoes of the 'Heavenly Maidens' of Sigiriya.

Please note that to reach the top of Sigiriya Rock, there are nearly 1,200 steep and narrow stone steps up and then down (hand rails in place). Anybody in reasonably good condition will be able to venture to the top of Sigiriya Rock and it’s certainly worth the effort. The Sigiriya experience can take from approximately 90 minutes to three hours depending on the pace at which you wish to ascend.

Afterwards, transfer to the Jetwing Vil Uyana and enjoy an hour long nocturnal wildlife experience with the resort naturalist to spot the elusive Grey Slender Loris, a nocturnal primate, hidden in the scrublands around the hotel. Known for its protruding eyes and nimble limbs, the loris scavenges for insects and berries above the trees on the trail that has been carefully designed to allow one to observe the rare creature in its natural habitat. Early this evening return to your hotel with the remainder of the evening at leisure to enjoy dinner which is included with your stay.

Overnight in Sigiriya

After breakfast, reconvene with your guide and embark on the approximately 90-minute drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa. Spend the morning exploring this medieval city by bicycle. Polonnaruwa rose to fame as the capital between the 10th and 12th centuries. A resemblance to Angkor Wat, the Royal Palace and Audience Hall, the Quadrangle and spectacular Gal Vihara complex give evidence of Sri Lanka's past glory.

In the early afternoon, visit a local farmer's house for a traditional Sri Lankan lunch cooked on clay pots and pans. Indulge in the various aromas and flavors that go into these local dishes.

Later this afternoon, continue on the half-hour drive to Minneriya National Park, Kaudulla National Park or Wasgamuwa National Park for a jeep safari. Famous for large wild herds of elephants that congregate on the edge of rivers and reservoirs to bathe and socialize, these are the best parks in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants. Minneriya covers 8,890 hectares and consists of a mixed forest of evergreen shrubs. Keep an eye out for deer and monkeys as well, including the purple-faced langur and macaques.

After the safari, return to your hotel for the evening.

Overnight in Sigiriya

Optional: Early morning Kep Ela Elephant Experience and return to the hotel for breakfast – visit the picturesque Kandalama Lake on a 30-minute drive for an exclusive afternoon with a Sri Lankan Elephant; with an opportunity to feed & bathe one of these gentle giants. The visit begins with a local boat ride in the magical lake and after the encounter, we take local tractor ride back to your vehicle.

This morning, check out of your hotel and depart on the short drive to nearby Dambulla, a rock temple built by King Walagambahu in the 1st century BC. Dambulla houses a complex of five cave temples, with over 2,000-square meters of painted walls and ceilings. It is the largest area of paintings found in the world. Also, here is the largest colossal figure of the Buddha carved out of rock, spanning 46 feet. Please note that to reach the Dambulla Caves, there is a short, but fairly steep climb with over 300 steps.

Then continue on the approximately two-hour drive to Kandy. En route, stop at a private Spice Garden in Matale. Sri Lanka is the capital of a rich variety of spices that determined its history, being the cause of many an invasion. Fragrant clove, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, mace, pepper, cocoa and vanilla amongst others account for a diversity of cooking styles and applications. Learn how different spices are grown and sit down for an authentic Sri Lankan lunch, cooked using the same herbs and spices grown in garden.

Then continue to Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan Buddhist Sinhalese Kings and another of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites. This hill station is remarkable for the natural beauty of its setting in a peaceful wooded valley overlooking a vast artificial lake. The palace, shrines and British period buildings give it a special character, while Buddha's Tooth Relic lends a religious importance to the historic highland capital.

Spend some time walking through Kandy's streets with your guide, taking in the local life, sounds and smells around the vegetable, meat and fish markets. Later this afternoon, we meet a friend in Kandy, Mike Johnson, a resident of Kandy who will accompany you on a walk through the small lanes and back roads of Kandy to discover the heritage through its people, who carry on the traditions of the Kandyan Kingdom. From the keeper of a Buddhist temple, to a lady selling coconuts and several small mom and pop cottage industries, it may feel a bit like stepping back into a gentler time! Afterwards, make your way to the Kings Pavilion and check in for the evening.

Overnight in Kandy

Today, we visit the Gadaladeniya Temple. The Gadaladeniya Temple was built by a minister named "Senadi Lankara" during the Gampola kingdom in the year 1341 – 1408. It is said that Indian artists were used for building this temple and most of the structure was built using stones, The carved statue and the "Makara Thorana" are beautiful creations at the temple.

Our next stop will be at the 'ancient craft artisans', engaging in the process of traditional brass making, producing brassware using traditional methods and techniques and whose dedication for arts, sculptures and crafts go back to the ancient Kandyan Kingdom period.

We then visit the Suriyakantha Centre for Arts and Culture for lunch. The "Suriyakantha Centre for Arts & Culture" is established within the 18th century "Walawwa" or an ancient village chief's residence. The Walawwa, inspired by quintessential Dutch architecture houses an interesting panoply of ancient books, Buddhist manuscripts, photography, collection of ancient and traditional furniture and wall paintings. We meet with Professor Jacques Soulie, a French national who has been residing in Sri Lanka for over 40 years as a co-founder. The Professor personally welcomes you to this establishment where he proudly takes you through the different sections of the house and helps you discover a piece of Sri Lankan history. Together with the Professor, you enjoy a delicious Sri Lankan rice & curry lunch.

After lunch, we visit Master Ruwan, who is a guru of the ancient Kandyan art of dancing and drumming. Traditional Kandyan dances include the cobra dance, mask dance and the Ginisila (showing power over fire). The entire frenetic and colorful spectacle climaxes with an amazing fire-walking act. The dancers wear elaborate costumes including a headdress, their chests only covered by a decorative beaded net. The Kandyan Dance is traditionally performed to percussion only; To assist the dancer to keep rhythm a small pair of cymbals is also used as well as a conch shell to announce the arrival of the dancers and the climax of the dance. This experience is very engaging as our local dancing master will teach you the basics of dancing and drumming if you are interested.

As we return to Kandy, you will have some free time to explore the city and then return to the hotel for the evening.

Overnight in Kandy

After a leisurely breakfast, checkout & drive 25 minutes and visit the impressive Royal Botanical Gardens, formerly the pleasure place of the Kandyan kings. The Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens are the largest of the botanical gardens in Sri Lanka and the finest of its kind in Asia. In the Mediterranean climate of Kandy, the gardens are at an elevation of 460-meters above sea-level, tightly bounded on three sides by the loop of the River Mahaweli (Great Sandy River), Sri Lanka's largest river. Before it was decreed a Botanical Garden, it was a pleasure garden in the days of the kings of Kandy. Then during WWII the gardens were the headquarters of the allied command for the pacific.

Proceed to the Peradeniya Railway Station to board a local train for a 2 ½ hour ride to the tea-country town of Hatton.
The train departs Peradeniya train station at 11:10 AM and arrives in Hatton at 01:30 PM. We will arrange light snacks & toiletries on board the train. Your guide will accompany you on the train, while your luggage will go along in the vehicle with your driver.

An engineering marvel, this route is spoken off as the most picturesque of rail journeys. Our train ascends along winding tracks, into the home of the famed Ceylon Tea, with its rolling hills turning into a carpet of velvety green plantations, interspersed with gushing streams and tumbling waterfalls.

On arrival at the Hatton railway station, and proceed to your hotel and check in with the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Hatton

This morning, visit a working tea factory. You will learn about how different types of teas are created. You will be taken through the entire process—from the drying of the green leaf to the process of dehumidifying and provoking the chemical reaction that turns green leaf into tea, to the segmenting of the different particles which result in the different grades, to finally the packing and distribution.

Afterwards, you will have the rest of the day free to explore the area.

Overnight in Hatton

This morning, check out and depart on a scenic 5.5-hour drive to Yala and check in at your hotel.

You'll have a little time to relax and get settled at the resort before your first shared wildlife safari in the park this afternoon.

Yala National Park consists of dry-mixed evergreen forests and scrublands along with open grasslands, water holes, brackish water lagoons and riverine forests. The park's diverse habitat supports large numbers of mammals, such as spotted, barking and mouse deer, sambar, wild boar, water buffalo and the endangered sloth bear. This is also one of the best places in the country to see wild elephant and the rare leopard. Large water holes and lagoons support the high density of endangered crocodiles. You can also see large flocks of migratory and resident birds—142 species of birds have been recorded in the park. Of particular note is the rare black-necked stork, the largest bird in the country.

After your safari you'll return to the resort where you'll have the evening to relax and dine.

Overnight in Yala

This morning, you will have an early wake-up call at 05:00 AM with tea/coffee and a light breakfast at 05:30 AM. You will then depart at dawn for another shared 4WD jeep wildlife safari into the national park. Among the many wondrous sites and experiences today our main goal: a glimpse of the magnificent yet elusive leopard. Return to your resort around 09:00 AM for a full breakfast followed by some leisure time to rest and enjoy the amenities of your resort. This afternoon, you have the option of going on another shared game drive in the Yala National Park.

Overnight in Yala

This morning, set off on your final private game drive. After breakfast, leave the wilderness on a beautiful three-hour drive on the coastal route to your hotel in Weligama or Galle.

En route, we visit Top House, a beautiful working cinnamon estate. The resident owners, a British couple who fell in love with Sri Lanka on a visit and chose to move here permanently, have restored the plantation to its former glory and now produce true Ceylon cinnamon, which grows on the steep slopes of a high hill. The plantation house is perched on the hilltop with spectacular views over the jungle to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south. The owners have also built an artisan distillery where they extract pure cinnamon leaf oil according to age-old techniques fine-tuned with modern technology.




Your private tour includes a brief journey by tractor/trailer and covers the nursery, the plantation, the peeling hut and the oil distillery. Here you will learn the history and health benefits of Ceylon cinnamon, and see the harvest, peeling and preparation of quills. There will also be a demonstration on cinnamon leaf bundling and the entire process of cinnamon oil extraction, as well as the surprising uses of this very special essential oil. The tour shows the eco-friendly and perfectly self-sustaining farming process, with every part of the plant used or recycled, and a completely natural and health-giving result. Upon completion of the tour, you will join the owners for a delicious home-cooked lunch at their stunning plantation house, where you can learn more about the life of a cinnamon farmer in Sri Lanka.

Later this afternoon, visit the traditional technique of spear fishermen wading the shallows on stilts. Stilt fishing, termed as 'Ritipanna', is a traditional fishing method practiced by fishermen along the Southern coast. These are the fisher folk who engage in fishing from a narrow pole tied to a stick installed on the sea bed. Get to know the fisherman and about their lifestyle as they may invite you to get on the stilts for you try your hand at stilt fishing. If you are lucky and the catch is good, there is a good chance a smiling fisherman may bargain for the fish you caught.

Overnight in Galle

Sri Lankan cuisine is one of the most complex cuisines of South Asia. What better place to learn to cook Sri Lankan dishes than within the walls of the historic Galle Fort? The Galle Fort was known as a hub from time immemorial where a multitude of foreign merchants and colonial powers were involved in the spice trade. They all brought their own recipes and ingredients with them and many were incorporated into the dishes seen today which are distinct to the Southern part of the island. You will meet your host Mama at a lovely art deco style house in the Galle Fort. Mama and her daughters have been teaching Sri Lankan cooking techniques for curry hungry food enthusiasts for decades. She is a charming lady with a soft smile who has a real passion for sharing knowledge of Sri Lankan cuisine with her clients. She is a legend is the Galle Fort as the first to launch a cooking class for travelers 20 years ago. Her dream is to take the story of Sri Lankan cuisine to the world through her cooking class.

Your experience will begin with a visit to a local market, where you will learn how to select the best fresh produce. You will then proceed to the kitchen, which is set in a lovely semi outdoor court yard and learn how to prepare mouthwatering Sri Lankan dishes. Grab your copy of the recipes, and ask plenty of questions. Once the class is complete, you will have the opportunity to taste the prepared food in a very peaceful ambience.

Later this afternoon, at 04:00 PM, meet resident guide Shanjei, a former advertising executive from Colombo who succumbed to the mysteries and magic of Galle Fort. In your private 90-minute tour, he will bring an interesting spin to an ordinary tour, fusing together the historical significance of Galle along with the interesting stories and legends of this unique area as you explore the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site originally built by the Portuguese and later extended by the Dutch in 1663. The ancient seaport of Galle was once called Tarshish, from which King Solomon drew ivory, peacocks and other valuables. Certainly, cinnamon was exported from Sri Lanka as early as 1400 BC and the root of the word itself is Hebrew, so Galle may have been a main port for the spice. The "modern" history of Galle starts in 1505, when the first Portuguese ship under Lourenço de Almeida was driven there by a storm. In 1640, the Portuguese had to surrender to the Dutch East India Company. The Dutch built the present Fort in the year 1668. They built a fortified wall using coral & stone, and built three bastions known as "Sun," "Moon" and "Star".

Overnight in Galle

Enjoy breakfast and then depart on the 2.5-hour drive back to Colombo.
Visit the Barefoot Gallery, an iconic brand in the Sri Lankan textile industry started by Barbara Sansoni over 50 years ago. Working almost exclusively with women in small workshops throughout Sri Lanka, Barefoot products are all made and designed in Sri Lanka by locally artists and craftsmen. There are no factories and no production lines. Then sit down at their garden cafe for an alfresco lunch.

Following lunch, proceed to the Kingsbury Hotel Hotel and check in for some down time.
After a quick rest, drive around the capital – a fascinating city with a cozy mixture of past and present and the commercial center of the country. The original trading settlers—the Portuguese, Dutch and British—have all left in their wake churches and monuments, names and religions, costumes and food, and smatterings of their languages, which have been absorbed into the speech of Sri Lankans.

Later this afternoon at 04:00 PM, embark on a heritage tour of Colombo with your host, Mark. The walk begins at the Old Dutch Hospital. Every city has a character that loves it, studies it, and shares his knowledge and passion with those who want to learn about it. Colombo has Mark, Shanelle & Sri. Their walking tour will take you through the years of the Portuguese and Dutch Fort right at the heart of the city to the most recent British period. Start with a visit to the outer streets of Pettah. Along the way, explore a handful of the many lively streets that sell everything from textiles to electronics and spices. Hidden within these streets, find yourselves coming up to the Old Dutch Museum where you can feast your eyes on the pristine architecture of the mansion that was built in the latter part of the 17th century and was initially the residence of Count August Carl Van Ranzow.

After Mark drops you off at the Dutch Hospital, step into the world-famous Ministry of Crab for sumptuous seafood dinner.

You will then return to your hotel to finalize your packing and then transfer to the airport in conjunction with your international departure flight.