Through Rolling Tea Hills to Tranquil Bays
Itinerary
Days 1 & 2 – Arrive in Negombo
You’ll be met at the airport on arrival and transferred 20-minutes to Negombo, a modest beach town on the palm-fringed west coast. Your accommodation is within walking distance of the beach and local restaurants, so you could take a gentle stroll or hop in a tuk-tuk to explore the town – it’s completely up to you. The following day, you’ll get to know Negombo and the local fishing community on a boat trip on the lagoon. It’s a relaxed start to your Sri Lanka holiday.
Day 3 – Transfer to Maskeliya
Leaving Negombo, you’ll head inland, passing waterfalls and dense forests. It’s a 4-5 hour journey to Maskeliya (near Adam’s Peak), so you’ll stop for lunch in the little town of Kitulgali en-route. Maskeliya is a quiet, rural town; a base for travellers on their way to the famous Adam’s Peak. There’s not much to do here, but we’d recommend getting an early night anyhow, ahead of tomorrow morning’s adventure.
Day 4 – Climb Adam’s Peak …
It’s an early start today (around 2am!) as you join a mix of excited locals and travellers at the base of the mountain. Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) is the most sacred mountain in Sri Lanka and most Sri Lankans aim to climb it at least once in their lifetime, so you’re unlikely to have the mountain all to yourself!
You’ll follow a twinkling pathway of lights which seem to wind their way high into the clouds, and there are around 5,500 steps to navigate. After 2-4 hours, when you reach the peak, you’ll be rewarded with magical views of the golden sunrise burning through the morning mist, illuminating the valleys below. After descending, you can have a little rest in your hotel before continuing your journey.
…and travel to Nuwara Eliya
Next stop is Nuwara Eliya, a drive of around 2 hours. With the unmistakable air of a quintessential English town, Nuwara Eliya is affectionately known as ‘Little England’ due to its colonial style buildings, rose scented flower gardens and red telephone boxes. This is tea growing country and on your journey you’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at tea picking in the fields under the guidance of a local tea plucker. On arrival into Nuwara Eliya, check in to your centrally located hotel and relax.
Day 5 – Trek to World’s End & transfer to Haputale
After an early breakfast you’ll be transferred by jeep to Horton Plains National Park – an area of outstanding natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Follow the trails through forest and grasslands to World’s End for spectacular views. It’s a beautiful, scenic 3-hour circular walk.
You’ll have the chance to freshen up back at the hotel before continuing your journey along winding roads through rolling green countryside to the small town of Haputale. Haputale is surrounded by forest covered hills and lush green tea plantations. It’s a peaceful, picturesque spot that’s surprisingly off the main tourist radar. Check in to your boutique hotel and enjoy fantastic views over the tea fields towards the hills.
Day 6 – Tea tasting & local lunch
Haputale is famous for its tea fields and this morning you’ll learn all about tea production with a visit to the Dambatenne Tea Factory, one of the most well-known tea producers in Sri Lanka. After the tour you’ll be picked up by a tuk tuk and driven the short distance to Lipton’s Seat which offers panoramic views of the surrounding tea plantations and valleys.
Then continue to a nearby village, where you’ll help prepare a traditional meal from local produce in an outdoor kitchen. After tucking into your home cooked lunch, return to Haputale where the rest of your day is free.
Day 7 – Wildlife spotting in Yala National Park
After breakfast, depart the hills and travel south towards Yala National Park – one of the most famous national parks in Sri Lanka. This vast protected area is best known for its population of leopards, but it’s also home to elephants, monkeys, crocodiles and sloth bears. In the afternoon you’ll take a jeep safari into the park spotting for wildlife. You’ll be staying overnight in a comfortable tent that comes equipped with a bed and en-suite toilet. In the evening, you can fall asleep to the sounds of nature. If you’d prefer to stay in a hotel, we have a selection of small scale properties close to the park. Ask your Travel Specialist for more details.
Days 8 & 9 – Beach time at Tangalle
Today you’ll head to the south coast. Your destination for the next few days is the quiet beach resort of Tangalle. Time to relax and reflect on your journey so far. Indulge in an Ayurvedic massage, enjoy a morning stroll along Tangalle beach, relax in your hammock with a good book or sample some of the freshly prepared ‘catch of the day’. We’ve included two nights in Tangalle, but if you’d like more R&R time, just let your Travel Specialist know and they will add additional nights into your travel plan.
Day 10 – Colonial Galle
After one last dip in the sea it’s time to move on to the beautifully preserved colonial town of Galle, where the Portuguese and Dutch influences are clearly visible in the architecture. You will stay in a charming colonial-style hotel right in the heart of the old quarter, with cafes and restaurants on your doorstep. Galle is well-known for its emerging art scene, so why not pop into a few galleries and art shops?
Day 11 – Cooking class
Today you’ll enjoy a two-hour Sri Lankan cooking class in the heart of Galle Fort. Under the watchful eye of a local chef you will learn to make several traditional dishes. At the end of the class you’ll sit down with your fellow amateur chefs and enjoy the fruits of your labour. Choose from an 11am start for lunch or a 4pm start for dinner and come with an appetite!
The rest of the day is free for you to do as you please – enjoy quaint cafes, wander around the town and sample some seriously sumptuous street food. If you happen to be here on a Sunday, we highly recommend visiting the Flea Market where you can easily send a good few hours.
Day 12 – The capital city of Colombo!
After breakfast you’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven north to Colombo. With its strategic location on the east-west trade route, Colombo has grown into a vibrant capital city with a mix of modern life and colonial buildings from the English, Portuguese and Dutch periods. This afternoon (or tomorrow morning depending on your preference and flight time), you’ll enjoy a city tour, Sri Lanka style, in one of the city’s colourful tuk-tuks. It’s an exhilarating way to explore the city and get the true feel for what the capital’s all about.
Day 13 – Departure time
It’s time to wave goodbye to the tear-drop island and your driver will take you to the airport in time for your international flight home.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Through Rolling Tea Hills to Tranquil Bays - In Style
For the locations included in this itinerary we have alternative accommodation options available. Our In Style options are more comfortable, they may offer something unique or extra special – all with that local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your itinerary select our In Style option below.
