Treasures Of Sri Lanka

Ayubowan - you have arrived! Upon arrival at the airport, clear immigration and customs and exit to meet your guide, who will warmly welcome you to Sri Lanka and escort you to your hotel.

Sri Lanka is a destination that surprises and delights, offering a rich tapestry of experiences: ancient ruins, wild elephants, misty mountains, world-renowned tea, flavorful curries, and scenic train rides that evoke the pages of a travel novel. Most of all, it’s the warmth of the people that leaves a lasting impression - friendly, genuine, and deeply hospitable.

Often overlooked, Sri Lanka is now emerging as a premier travel destination. With its mix of culture, nature, and authenticity, now is the perfect time to explore the island before it becomes more widely discovered.

Check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure as you begin your journey into the heart of Ceylon.

🥘 Dinner
🛏️ Ambarella Lodge

Located just a 30 minute drive from Colombo International Airport, Ambarella Lodge is an ideal starting point for your Sri Lankan experience. Situated in the heart of a fully functional, 10 hectare organic coconut estate, it comprises six individual bungalows; spacious and well-equipped, they feature terraces overlooking the pool and the garden, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay. In addition to the swimming pool, facilities here include two restaurants and a bar, a fitness centre and badminton court.

Kick off your day with a tuk-tuk adventure through the charming village of Maharadagamulla and its lush surroundings. This immersive rural experience offers a rich first look at Sri Lankan craftsmanship and countryside life.

Stop at a pineapple farm to see how this tropical fruit is cultivated, and visit a coconut coir factory where age-old techniques turn husks into ropes and mats. Continue to explore traditional brick making and intricate Sri Lankan weaving, where skilled hands create colourful textiles using wooden looms. At a spice grinding stop, breathe in the intoxicating aromas of cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom - an unforgettable sensory introduction to local flavours.

After this vibrant start, travel by road to Wilpattu National Park (approximately 3 hours), carrying with you the sights, scents, and stories of Sri Lanka’s village heartland.

🥘 Breakfast, Dinner
🛏️ Claughton Wild
📸 Tuk Tuk Village Tour

Claughton Wild is a spacious and tranquil 5 acre property with boutique style accommodation. Situated less than 10 minutes from the Wilpattu National Park. Each chalet has its own private verandah, where one could indulge in photography of birds.

Set off early with a packed breakfast for a full‑day safari adventure through the untamed wilderness of Wilpattu National Park, the largest and oldest national park in Sri Lanka. Unlike any other, Wilpattu is famed for its “villus,” natural rainwater basins edged with white sand that attract an astonishing variety of wildlife.

As you traverse the park’s dense forests and open grasslands, keep your eyes peeled for the iconic Sri Lankan leopard - Wilpattu is one of the best places in the world to see these elusive big cats in their natural habitat. You might also encounter sloth bears foraging in the undergrowth, majestic elephants ambling between trees, and herds of spotted deer grazing in sun-dappled clearings.

The park teems with birdlife too. Look skyward for eagles, buzzards and kites riding the thermals, or scan the lakes for painted storks, spoonbills and whistling teal. Don’t be surprised if you spot a Sri Lanka jungle fowl darting across the track - the island’s colourful national bird.

Spend the day immersed in nature’s rhythms, where each turn of the trail brings new sightings and stories waiting to unfold.

🥘 Breakfast, Dinner
🛏️ Claughton Wild
📸 Wilpattu Wildlife Safari

Claughton Wild is a spacious and tranquil 5 acre property with boutique style accommodation. Situated less than 10 minutes from the Wilpattu National Park. Each chalet has its own private verandah, where one could indulge in photography of birds.

Depart in the morning for a scenic drive to Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sprawling across vast plains, this storied city - continuously inhabited for over 2,000 years - reveals a majestic past through its immense stupas, ruined palaces, monastic complexes, and advanced irrigation systems.

Wander among towering brick dagobas once rivalling the Egyptian pyramids, and explore the ongoing excavations that continue to unearth the legacy of royal dynasties and Buddhist devotion. In the serene Mahamewna Gardens, visit the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi - revered as a sapling from the very tree under which the Buddha attained Enlightenment. Draped in prayer flags and surrounded by pilgrims, it remains a powerful spiritual symbol.

After exploring this cradle of Sinhalese civilization, continue your journey with a 2-hour drive to Sigiriya, where the iconic Lion Rock and more wonders await.

🥘 Breakfast, Dinner
🛏️ Sigiriya Kings Resort
📸 Anuradhapura

Sigiriya Kings Resort is located on the lakeshore of ancient Halmilla Lake with stunning views of both Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Pidurangala Rock. It is inspired by the view of Sigiriya Rock - Lion Rock - and Pidurangala ancient monastery rock, exclusively nestled in its own nature reserve. While you are here, you will be able to enjoy a magnificent landscape made of tranquillity, unspoiled nature and mountain views in which to lose oneself.

Rise early to climb the awe-inspiring Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a towering monolith that rises dramatically from the plains below. Known as ‘Lion Rock,’ this 5th-century marvel was built by King Kashyapa as both royal palace and fortress, blending ambitious architecture with breathtaking artistry.

As you ascend through lush gardens and steep stairways, discover ancient frescoes hidden in rocky alcoves, pause at the gleaming ‘Mirror Wall,’ and take in panoramic views from the summit where palace ruins still whisper stories of a lost kingdom. Return to your property for a well-earned breakfast. In the afternoon, indulge in some relaxation with an optional massage arranged directly at your leisure.

Important Information

Be prepared for a decent, energetic climb at this iconic Sri Lankan site. The 1,200 step climb up the rock and back down will take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your fitness and the crowds. It’s best to carry plenty of water with you and wear comfortable, sturdy shoes such as sneakers or walking/travelling shoes.

At times of the day the climb can be busy with other visitors and slow going. It can also be windy in parts. We recommend going early in the morning, as this can avoid some crowding as well as the heat of the day.

The climb starts off slowly with wider paths and stairs, and gradually reaches the Lion Rock - where the steps become narrower, steeper and uneven. To see the famous cave frescoes, there’s a caged open-air circular staircase of about four levels on the side of the rock - which you ascend and descend once you have seen the cave paintings. Please note, you can’t take photos of the frescoes.

There are places along the way that are suitable for a rest, where you can stop to catch your breath. You will see many others pausing to take photos and get their breath back! The climb will get your heart rate going and may be strenuous for some travellers. However, the view from the top, where you can pause and take in the sweeping panoramic countryside of coconut trees and mountain ranges, as well as the magnificent cave paintings, make it worth the effort and exertion.

🥘 Breakfast, Dinner
🛏️ Sigiriya Kings Resort
📸 Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sigiriya Kings Resort is located on the lakeshore of ancient Halmilla Lake with stunning views of both Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Pidurangala Rock. It is inspired by the view of Sigiriya Rock - Lion Rock - and Pidurangala ancient monastery rock, exclusively nestled in its own nature reserve. While you are here, you will be able to enjoy a magnificent landscape made of tranquillity, unspoiled nature and mountain views in which to lose oneself.

Start your day with a gentle cycling tour through the backroads of Habarana, where the landscape hums with birdsong and village life unfolds at every turn. Guided by a local, pedal past lush paddy fields and quiet lanes, stopping to sample seasonal lake fish and observe cottage industries like brickmaking and herbal oil crafting.

The ride ends at a warm village home, where your host Rani welcomes you with a traditional, home-cooked lunch bursting with flavour and hospitality. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure - rest, reflect, or simply take in the peace of rural Sri Lanka.

Important Information

Your cycling guide for the trail will be a villager from the area itself and fluent English doesn't come to them naturally. However, he will make up for it with his typical Sri Lankan hospitality and in-depth knowledge of the area.

The trail is approximately 7 kilometres in distance. As it’s mostly flat terrain through the villages and rice fields, anyone with decent fitness and cycling balance can manage it.

🥘 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🛏️ Sigiriya Kings Resort
📸 Habarana Village Cycling Tour

Sigiriya Kings Resort is located on the lakeshore of ancient Halmilla Lake with stunning views of both Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Pidurangala Rock. It is inspired by the view of Sigiriya Rock - Lion Rock - and Pidurangala ancient monastery rock, exclusively nestled in its own nature reserve. While you are here, you will be able to enjoy a magnificent landscape made of tranquillity, unspoiled nature and mountain views in which to lose oneself.

Your day begins with a short scenic drive to the famed Dambulla Cave Temple, one of Sri Lanka’s most revered UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Perched on a rocky outcrop, this ancient complex of five cave temples shelters over 150 statues of the Buddha and an extraordinary gallery of murals that stretch across the curved ceilings - each chamber a quiet sanctuary of spiritual storytelling. With your guide, take a leisurely ascent of around 200 steps to reach the summit, rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding plains and a serene atmosphere that echoes centuries of devotion.

The climb from the base is not strenuous - there are approximately 200 steps - and it can be done at a leisurely pace and takes about 30 minutes. Your guide will climb with you, but you will need to cover your knees and shoulders and access the inner chambers barefoot or with socks. The entire visit takes approximately 1.5 hours.

From here, continue the journey to the enchanting hill city of Kandy, a cultural gem steeped in royal legacy and colonial charm. Once the stronghold of Sri Lanka’s last kings, Kandy still whispers stories of resilience and regal grandeur. Glide past the tranquil waters of Kandy Lake, where legends tell of royal harems and secret passageways, before setting off on a walking exploration of the town’s heart.

With your guide, delve into the lively Kandy Market, where the aroma of spices mingles with the chatter of vendors and the bright hues of fresh produce, silks, and curiosities fill every stall. Peek into wholesale spice shops, wander through vibrant fruit and fish sections, and browse for souvenirs ranging from handmade crafts to colourful sarongs. Enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace - whether you’re sipping tea at a colonial-era café or hunting for gemstones in a tucked-away boutique, Kandy offers a graceful blend of old-world elegance and everyday bustle that’s both captivating and authentic.

🥘 Breakfast, Dinner
🛏️ Grand Serendib
📸 Dambulla Cave Temple, Kandy Market

Grand Serendib Kandy is set in the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural hub - Kandy. A peaceful spot just steps away from the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic and Kandy Lake, our hotel offers the very best in Sri Lankan hospitality amidst a refined and uplifting atmosphere. Guests are welcomed into a serene and elegant retreat, complete with beautifully designed bedrooms, exceptional facilities, and beautiful surroundings with high mountains. Innovative and imaginative dining is available at our restaurants featuring all the flavours of the island.

Begin your day in the hushed stillness of dawn at Kandy’s iconic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a place where the sacred and ceremonial converge. Join devotees for the morning “Thevava” ritual as saffron-robed monks perform ancient rites to the rhythm of ceremonial drums, with incense curling skyward and jasmine blossoms blanketing the air with their delicate fragrance.

Later, step into the warm, spice-scented kitchen of Thotupala Residence for a hands-on cooking experience. Guided by a gracious local hostess, you’ll use traditional tools like clay pots and coconut shell spoons to prepare a feast of Sri Lankan favourites - think vibrant sambols and rich curries - before sitting down to enjoy the meal you’ve crafted together.

In the afternoon, head to a family home where you’ll meet a master of “Udarata Netum,” the spirited hill-country dance of Kandy. With infectious drumbeats guiding your steps, try your hand at this dynamic art form - both graceful and energetic. End your session with a taste of local sweets, including crispy Kokis and syrupy Peni Walalu, served with a soothing cup of plain tea. A perfect end to a day rich in rhythm, flavour and tradition.

🥘 Breakfast, Dinner
🛏️ Grand Serendib
📸 Temple Of The Tooth, Cooking Class, Udarata Netum Dance Experience

Grand Serendib Kandy is set in the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural hub - Kandy. A peaceful spot just steps away from the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic and Kandy Lake, our hotel offers the very best in Sri Lankan hospitality amidst a refined and uplifting atmosphere. Guests are welcomed into a serene and elegant retreat, complete with beautifully designed bedrooms, exceptional facilities, and beautiful surroundings with high mountains. Innovative and imaginative dining is available at our restaurants featuring all the flavours of the island.

After a relaxed breakfast at your hotel, embark on a winding 3-hour drive through Sri Lanka’s lush hill country toward Nanu Oya Station. Along the way, emerald tea plantations roll past your window, mist-cloaked mountains rise in the distance, and small villages dot the landscape - each glimpse offering a window into daily life in the highlands.

At Nanu Oya, board the classic blue-and-cream train bound for Haputale. Settling into your reserved carriage, feel the gentle sway of the rails as the journey unfolds over stone bridges and through verdant valleys. Watch tea pluckers tending to the bushes, schoolchildren waving from village platforms, and bougainvillea framing quaint stations.

Allow yourself to drift into the rhythm of the tracks - pause for a chat with friendly fellow travellers or simply lean out the window to soak in the panoramic vistas. After approximately two hours, you’ll arrive in Haputale, where the cool mountain air and sweeping hilltop views await your exploration.

🥘 Breakfast, Dinner
🛏️ Dream Cliff Mountain Resort
📸 Tea Country Train

Dream Cliff is a luxury boutique resort built on the edge of a mountain belonging to the hills of Haputale (Beragala). The resort is nestled in such a way to witness a number of mountain ranges and the beauty of five districts of Sri Lanka. The rising of the morning sun from the far east, peeping through the peaks of the mountains of central Sri Lanka, is a true sight of nature’s ecstasy which you could leisurely witness from the resort. The sun retreating through the mountains of the western hills for sunset is also truly picturesque and mesmerising.

Spend a leisurely morning soaking in the cool highland air before heading out on a scenic drive to the iconic Dambatenna Tea Factory - founded in 1890 by Sir Thomas Lipton himself. Nestled in the misty hills of Haputale, this legendary estate still stands as a proud monument to Sri Lanka’s colonial-era tea heritage.

Accompanied by a retired tea planter, explore the inner workings of one of the country’s most historic factories. From the withering racks to the rolling tables, watch how fresh leaves are transformed into world-renowned Ceylon Tea.

Return to Dream Cliff Resort for a relaxed afternoon tea tasting with Mr Salinda, where the story of tea continues in flavour - fragrant, complex, and brewed to perfection.

🥘 Breakfast, Dinner
🛏️ Dream Cliff Mountain Resort
📸 Dambatenna Tea Factory

Dream Cliff is a luxury boutique resort built on the edge of a mountain belonging to the hills of Haputale (Beragala). The resort is nestled in such a way to witness a number of mountain ranges and the beauty of five districts of Sri Lanka. The rising of the morning sun from the far east, peeping through the peaks of the mountains of central Sri Lanka, is a true sight of nature’s ecstasy which you could leisurely witness from the resort. The sun retreating through the mountains of the western hills for sunset is also truly picturesque and mesmerising.

Today, embark on a scenic drive to the south coast, heading toward Habaraduwa (approximately 4.5 hrs). Along the way, stop for lunch inside the historic Galle Fort - Sri Lanka’s iconic coastal citadel.

In the afternoon, meet Shanjei, your expert local guide, for an insider’s walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage City. Galle Fort is not just a preserved relic - it’s a vibrant, lived-in town that has endured centuries of maritime trade, colonisation, and cultural fusion. Stroll along cobbled lanes flanked by Dutch colonial mansions, art galleries, spice boutiques, and fading pastel walls draped in bougainvillea.

As you explore the ramparts and quiet alleyways, Shanjei will bring to life the lesser-known stories of the Fort - from Arab traders to Portuguese adventurers, and the generations of Sri Lankans who still call these streets home. This is your chance to peel back the tourist sheen and feel the pulse of a city where time seems to have paused.

🥘 Breakfast, Dinner
🛏️ Tabula Rasa Resort & Spa
📸 Galle Fort Walking Tour

Tabula Rasa, derived from Latin, means "new beginning," and that's precisely what their Dutch founders hope to inspire during your stay. With dedication, they craft unique experiences, setting the stage for your own new beginnings. Tabula Rasa Resort & Spa offers the perfect blend of a jungle and beach holiday. Their 'village-style' architecture on a hilltop, adorned with a hundred coconut trees, provides breathtaking jungle views with the Indian Ocean’s breaking waves in the backdrop. Experience the epitome of luxury in their range of rooms, including villas and private plunge suites, where they cater to your every desire, providing personalised service and a warm embrace of culinary delight and hospitality.

Today, we venture beyond Galle Fort into the quiet rhythms of Sri Lankan village life. The journey itself is a joy, meandering along narrow roads framed by rice fields, where farmers work under the sun and neighbours chat under palms, sipping toddy drawn fresh from nearby trees.

You’ll soon arrive at Yatagala Temple, a serene sanctuary tucked beneath towering granite boulders. After climbing the stone steps and slipping off your shoes, you’ll feel the shift - a hush of calm and sacred presence. Your guide, a practicing Buddhist, will gently walk you through age-old rituals: offering delicate Pichcha flowers, lighting votive lamps, burning incense, and pouring water at the sacred Bo Tree. This symbolic cleansing of body and mind brings peace and a quiet joy.

Before the final blessing from resident monks, step into a cave temple carved from rock, its ancient murals faded but still whispering stories. Here, facing a reclining Buddha, hold the Pirith Noola thread and close your eyes as Pali chants wash over you. This is not just a visit - it’s a moment of inner reflection and quiet reverence.

To end the day, enjoy a heartfelt farewell meal in a local home. Over a refreshing welcome drink and a game of carrom, a beloved pastime in Sri Lanka, you’ll feel more like family than a guest. A southern-style seafood feast follows, rich in coconut-infused flavours and local spices. Coconut milk curries, sambols, and crispy roti complete this final, intimate immersion in Sri Lankan hospitality - a perfect blend of warmth, flavour, and tradition.

🥘 Breakfast, Dinner
🛏️ Tabula Rasa Resort & Spa
📸 Yatagala Temple

Tabula Rasa, derived from Latin, means "new beginning," and that's precisely what their Dutch founders hope to inspire during your stay. With dedication, they craft unique experiences, setting the stage for your own new beginnings. Tabula Rasa Resort & Spa offers the perfect blend of a jungle and beach holiday. Their 'village-style' architecture on a hilltop, adorned with a hundred coconut trees, provides breathtaking jungle views with the Indian Ocean’s breaking waves in the backdrop. Experience the epitome of luxury in their range of rooms, including villas and private plunge suites, where they cater to your every desire, providing personalised service and a warm embrace of culinary delight and hospitality.

All good things must come to an end. After breakfast, depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure.

As you leave the island, take with you the memories of misty hills, golden temples, smiling faces, fragrant spices, and the unmistakable rhythm of island life. Sri Lanka may be a small country, but it offers a vast richness of culture, nature, and hospitality - and we hope this journey has given you a taste of all three.

Though your time here has come to a close, the warmth and wonder of Ceylon will stay with you long after your plane takes off. Until we meet again, safe travels!

🥘 Breakfast