Sri lanka in Style
Boutique
14 Nights/15days
AsktheTraveller local Partner
Over 30 years of Travel organising Experience
Owned and managed by Sri lankans over the last 30 years. We pride ourselves in the fact we do not sell anything we have not experienced.
Our mission is to make your holiday in Sri lanka a magical one. We have an excellent team of people who go that extra mile to make sure your holiday is all that you dreamed of and more.
Hi, I'm Amir
Trip highlights
-
Yala National Park Safari
-
Ella Falls
-
Galle Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
-
Kandy (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
-
Temple of the tooth
-
Dambulla Caves
-
Sigiriya & Rock fortress
-
Sri lankan Cooking Class
-
Ruins of Polonnaruwa
-
Tea Plantation visit "Little England"
-
Minneriya National Park Safari
Day 1
Arrive (Sri Lanka)
Arrival - Welcome to Sri Lanka!
Morning Transfer to Horathapola Estate
Evening at Leisure
Overnight at Horathapola Estate,
Standard Room
Horathapola Estate
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Detail
Arrive (Sri Lanka)
Arrival - Welcome to Sri Lanka!
You will be met by our airport representative who will be holding a board with your name and waiting for you in the arrivals hall after you pass the baggage claims and customs. You may want to change some currency or purchase a local mobile Sim both of which can be done prior to starting your tour and the airport representative will help you with this. He will then introduce you to your chauffeur guide.
Morning Transfer to Horathapola Estate
Horathapola Estate is 50 acres of serenity, nestled within the balmy vibe of rural Sri Lanka within an hour’s drive from the airport. It is a live organic estate. Coconut, fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices, and rice are all grown organically and sustainably, supporting around thirty families in the adjacent village. Hop into their bullock cart for a unique way to enjoy a tour around the estate, while exploring the extent of Horathapola’s plantations. (A Bullock Cart is a carriage drawn by a bull). Besides being a unique experience, the ride is a great opportunity to see an organic plantation at work.
Evening at Leisure
Overnight at Horathapola Estate,
Standard Room
Horathapola Estate
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 2
Morning Transfer to Sigiriya
Evening Excursion - Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, Audience with a Monk and Economic Centre
Accommodation in Sigiriya: Water Garden Resort
Deluxe Villa
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Detail
Morning Transfer to Sigiriya
Sigiriya is famous for its palace ruins on top of a massive 200 meter high rock surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs and other structures. This remarkable attraction is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered by some to be the eighth wonder of the world. The environment around the Sigiriya may have been inhabited since prehistoric times. The many rock shelters and caves in the vicinity were occupied by Buddhist monks and ascetics from as early as the 3rd century BC. The population of Sigiriya is quite sparse but the town is significant due to the number of tourist hotels that host visitors who come to view and climb the famous rock.
Evening Excursion - Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, Audience with a Monk and Economic Centre
The rock cave temples of Dambulla consists of 5 caves which have been converted to shrines. During an invasion from South India, king Walagambahu took refuge in the caves at Dambulla and through meditation gained the strength to drive the invaders away. He then declared the caves a sacred area and built the first cave shrine. Since then 4 more caves were converted into shrines and the cave temples of Dambulla is today an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world. After this enjoy a brief but memorable private audience with the in-house monk of the temple. Later visit the Dambulla Economic Centre, a wholesale market specializing in Vegetables and Fruit. Produce from the region is brought here for distribution to retail outlets across the country.
Accommodation in Sigiriya: Water Garden Resort
Deluxe Villa
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 3
Morning Transfer to Sigiriya
Evening Excursion - Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, Audience with a Monk and Economic Centre
Accommodation in Sigiriya: Water Garden Resort
Deluxe Villa
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Detail
Sigiriya & Ruins of Polonnaruwa
Morning Excursion - The Sigiriya Rock Fortress
The Rock fortress of Sigiriya rises almost 370 metres above sea level with the ruins of a palace dating back to the 5th century AD found on the summit of the rock. 1200 steps take you to the top of Sigiriya but the climb is broken up by terraces at regular intervals. Half way up another flight of stairs takes you to the paintings of the Sigiriya maidens. You will also see the mirror wall with its ancient and barely decipherable graffiti. The climb from the Lions Paw to the top of the rock is along a narrow metal stairway with railings but is worth it because of the spectacular views from the summit. For those unable to do the climb a visit to the Sigiriya Museum is highly recommended.
Evening Excursion - The Ruins of Polonnaruwa
The second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated Chola invaders in 1070 to reunite the country once more. Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country and has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Sightseeing in Polonnaruwa will include the statue of the great Sinhalese King Parakramabahu who was responsible for building the Parakrama Samudra, a large reservoir that is still in use, the ancient ruins including the area known as the Quadrangle, the Thuparama Image House, the Gal Vihara with fine detailed granite sculptures of the Lord Buddha, the Lankathilaka and the 12th century Lotus bath to name a few.
Accommodation in Sigiriya: Water Garden Resort
Deluxe Villa
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 4
Hiriwaduna Local Village & Minneriya National Park Safari
Morning Excursion - Hiriwaduna Local Village Experience with Lunch
Evening Excursion - Minneriya National Park Safari
Accommodation in Sigiriya: Water Garden Resort
Deluxe Villa
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Detail
Hiriwaduna Local Village & Minneriya National Park Safari
Morning Excursion - Hiriwaduna Local Village Experience with Lunch
Take a short tuk tuk ride to the Hiriwaduna lake from where you will embark onto a local boat to continue your journey to the village. During the leisurely ride you will be able to see a large variety of dry zone bird life and vegetable plots of local farmers. Proceed to see the slash and burn (Chena) cultivation travelling by the traditional hand tractor. Learn how the farmers take care of their crops from atop a tree house and other aspects of their daily life. Ride on a Bullock cart (ox cart) along a dirt track and arrive at the village hut where you can see how the locals cook their rice and curry using earthenware pots and firewood for fuel. Enjoy the lunch prepared and served on a lotus leaf.
Evening Excursion - Minneriya National Park Safari
The central feature of the Minneriya National park is the large Minneriya Tank, and despite its relatively small size, the park also boasts an unusually wide range of habitat types, from dry tropical forest to wetlands, grasslands and terrain previously used for slash-and-burn (chena) agriculture. This national park is one of the best places to see wild elephants which are often found in huge numbers. Apart from the elephants, 24 species of mammal are to be found in the park including the sambhur, spotted deer, leopard (rather elusive), sloth bear, toque monkey and purple-faced leaf monkey. Some 160 species of bird have been recorded in the park, including endemics such as the Sri Lanka jungle fowl, hanging parrot, brown-capped babbler, crimson-fronted barbet and black-crested bulbul.
Accommodation in Sigiriya: Water Garden Resort
Deluxe Villa
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 5
Local Spice and fruit farm & Kegalle
Morning Excursion - Visit to a local spice and fruit farm with Lunch
Afternoon Transfer to Kegalle
Evening Excursion - Kandy City Tour Including Royal Botanical Gardens and The Temple of the Tooth
Overnight in Kegalle :Rosyth Estate House
Classic Room
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Detail
Local Spice and fruit farm & Kegalle
Morning Excursion - Visit to a local spice and fruit farm with Lunch
The farm, nestled in a rural village in Matale has a variety of spices, vegetables, fruits and herbs, along with some great views of the Aluvihare mountains. Set on the upper half of the mountain on fifteen and a half acres, the garden is filled with Pepper, Nutmeg, Cocoa, Coffee, Papaya, Jackfruit, Passion fruit, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Mango, Banana, Coconut, Rubber, Teak and Mahogany.At the farm you will be greeted by the planter with fresh juice sourced from the farm. Go on an easy hike around the farm with the planter to learn about the crops and trees. After the informative hike, enjoy a delicious, traditional home cooked rice and curry lunch prepared with fresh herbs and vegetables sourced mainly from the plantation.
Afternoon Transfer to Kegalle
Cradled between the central highlands and western southern planes, the district of Kegalle is mid-way between age old tradition and new enterprise. Once home to many up country aristocrats, regional leaders and freedom fighters, the district today boasts of a rich rubber and spice cultivation, the island’s oldest and biggest graphite mine, a booming clay industry and an the elephant orphanage.
Evening Excursion - Kandy City Tour Including Royal Botanical Gardens and The Temple of the Tooth
The famous Sri Dalada Maligawa - Kandy's revered Temple of the Tooth Relic was built within the royal palace complex and houses the only surviving relic of Buddha, which is venerated by Buddhists. Monks conduct daily ritual worship in the inner chamber of the Temple of the Tooth. Proceed to visit the colourful and busy market place, the upper lake drive and a gem museum to see how precious gems are cut, polished and set into intricate pieces of jewellery. Continue on to visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens originally pleasure gardens for Sinhalese Royalty and later turned into a Botanical garden by the British in 1843. It has an amazing collection of over 300 varieties of orchids.
Overnight in Kegalle :Rosyth Estate House
Classic Room
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 6
Kegalle & Sri Lankan Cooking Class
Morning Excursion - Srilankan Cooking Class with Lunch
Evening Excursion - Rosyth Estate Walk
Overnight in Kegalle :Rosyth Estate House
Classic Room
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Detail
Kegalle & Sri Lankan Cooking Class
Morning Excursion - Srilankan Cooking Class with Lunch
One of the best ways to really get to know a country is through her food. Learn about the culinary flavours of Sri Lanka and how to combine different spices with enhancing aromas and rich flavours resulting in a wonderful array of tasty Sri Lankan rice, curries, sambols and salads. Start your culinary experience by taking a tour around the organic garden accompanied by the Chef and handpick vegetables and herbs for your one-of-a-kind Sri Lankan cooking class. You will then be able to sit down to enjoy your creations at lunch time. Take home the recipes to recreate them in your kitchen.
Evening Excursion - Rosyth Estate Walk
Rosyth is a small working estate where tea is plucked by hand and sold to the nearby tea factory, whilst latex is tapped, treated and sold to a local rubber factory. Coconuts, fruits, spices and other produce are also grown on the estate. Here you will explore the estate and take a walk down to the river to discover a small waterfall and stroll through the local paddy fields while meeting with the local villagers along the tea terraces and rubber plantations. You can also Join the ladies plucking two leaves and a bud from the tea bushes and see how the rubber is tapped.
Overnight in Kegalle :Rosyth Estate House
Classic Room
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 7
Eliya & Scenic train journey
Morning Transfer to Nuwara Eliya by train
Evening Excursion - Highlights of Nuwara Eliya Including Tea Factory Visit
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya: Stafford Bungalow
Deluxe Room
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Detail
Eliya & Scenic train journey
Morning Transfer to Nuwara Eliya by train
Experience one of the most exciting and scenic train journeys on the island. Grey stone cliffs and rivers will flash past your window with occasional views of enormous waterfalls cascading down the mountainside while the train keeps winding its way around tea covered mountains. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide.
Situated over 1800m above sea level, Nuwara Eliya lies at the heart of the tea industry in central Sri Lanka. It is blessed with a picturesque landscape and temperate climate. It was the prime sanctuary of British civil servants and tea planters in the early 19th century and colonial landmarks from this era such as the Old Post Office and the Grand Hotel have stood the test of time. Referred to as ‘Little England’, the town still retains its British touch and takes visitors on a journey back in time. The town’s attractions include golfing on a stunning course, fishing in trout streams, boating on Lake Gregory and bird watching in Victoria Park.
Evening Excursion - Highlights of Nuwara Eliya Including Tea Factory Visit
Drive around the hill capital and see some interesting buildings of mock Tudor and Georgian architecture including the St Andrews hotel, Hill Club, Grand Hotel and the Race course where horse racing continues to be a sought after social attraction. Continue your drive around the Lake Gregory situated in the heart of the town. Walk through the busy town centre where you can visit the fruit and vegetable market where fresh produce from the region is brought for sale. Continue your tour visiting a Tea Factory and be enlightened on the tea manufacturing process; from the fermentation of the leaf to the rolling, drying, cutting, sieving and grading of tea. There are machines for almost every part of the process except of course the all- important tea tasting at the end to determine the quality of the tea.
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya: Stafford Bungalow
Deluxe Room
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 8
Nuwara Eliya & Tea Plantation walk
Morning Excursion - Tea Plantation Walk with a Resident Planter
Evening at Leisure
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya: Stafford Bungalow
Deluxe Room
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Detail
Nuwara Eliya & Tea Plantation walk
Morning Excursion - Tea Plantation Walk with a Resident Planter
A tour with the resident Tea Superintendent will give you a first hand experience of the trail of the planters of old Ceylon as you trek through the luscious tea gardens on the best slopes on which tea in planted. You will also watch the traditional tea pluckers pick two leaves and a bud with deft hands. He’ll take you through the plantations, explaining how the bushes are picked once a week and pruned every five years. This is also a delightful way to experience the varied landscapes, exotic flora, abundant birdlife and the sweet rhythm of life in a tea garden. Finally, you’ll climb a ridge for wonderful panoramic views of the lush plantations and misty hills.
Evening at Leisure
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya: Stafford Bungalow
Deluxe Room
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 9
Ella & Yala National Park
Morning Excursion - Highlights of Ella
Afternoon Transfer to Yala National Park
Overnight in Yala National Park : Cinnamon Wild
Jungle Chalet
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Detail
Ella & Yala National Park
Morning Excursion - Highlights of Ella
Start your tour of Ella by viewing the famous Demodara nine arch railway bridge constructed with stones, brick and cement, but without any steel. Later proceed to climb Little Adams peak named after the more famous and arduous Adam’s peak due to its close resemblance. A short 20 mins climb will take you to the top of the 1140 meter peak. Breath taking views of tea plantations and waterfalls make the climb a rewarding effort. A short drive from the base of Little Adam’s peak will take you past the Ella Gap to the famous Ravana Ella Falls which ranks as one of the widest falls in Sri Lanka. It measures approximately 25 meters in height and cascades from an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop. The falls form part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary.
Afternoon Transfer to Yala National Park
Yala National Park, situated in Southern Province, is the most popular park in Sri Lanka. The park is the second largest in the island and covers almost 1000 square kilometres. It is divided into 5 blocks, of which only some are accessible to visitors with the main access to the area being via Tissamaharama. It is located in a region known for its prominent and long dry season, especially during the months of September and October when the park sometimes is closed to visitors. It has a diverse variety of ecosystems and terrain including moist monsoon forests, grasslands, flat plains, rocky outcrops, lakes, sandy beaches and marine wetlands.
Overnight in Yala National Park : Cinnamon Wild
Jungle Chalet
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 10
Yala National Park Safari
Morning Excursion - Yala National Park Safari
Evening Excursion - Yala National Park Safari
Overnight in Yala National Park : Cinnamon Wild
Jungle Chalet
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Detail
Yala National Park Safari
Morning Excursion - Yala National Park Safari
Commence a safari drive through the Yala National Park. Yala has the highest leopard density in the world - for this reason people flock from all over the world here, making it one of the busiest parks during the season. Various other mammals can be spotted during your safari here, including sloth bears, jungle cats, mongoose, wild boar, sambar deer, spotted deer, buffalo and Asian elephants. You can also spot a number of crocodiles near rivers and pools, as well as turtle species near the coastal areas. The birdlife here is also impressive with over 130 species being spotted. The best time to go on safari is early morning or late afternoon.
Evening Excursion - Yala National Park Safari
Commence on another safari drive through the Yala National Park. There are 7 bird species that are endemic to Sri Lanka including the Sri Lankan jungle fowl which is the national bird. Watch for the Peacocks here, the flashy birds that are known for their large tail plumage, and brightly coloured heads. Yala has also been a centre of past civilisations. King Ravana, the mythical Hindu anti-hero is believed to have established his kingdom here with Ravana Kotte, now submerged in the sea, as its boundary. A large number of ancient although disrepaired tanks are the evidence of a rich hydraulic and agricultural civilisation dating back to 5th century BC.
Overnight in Yala National Park : Cinnamon Wild
Jungle Chalet
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 11
Guided Cinnamon Plantation walk & Galle Fort
Morning Excursion - Guided Walk through a Cinnamon Plantation
Afternoon Transfer to Galle
Evening Excursion - Magic & Mystery of the Galle Fort
Overnight in Galle - Aditya Resort
Shanthi Suite
Breakfast Included
Detail
Guided Cinnamon Plantation walk & Galle Fort
Morning Excursion - Guided Walk through a Cinnamon Plantation
Walk in the trails of a Cinnamon Planter. The Cinnamon Experience isn't just informative it is a hands-on spice-infused journey. Experience the chain of events from the growing of the trees, harvesting, piling and finally processing of the cinnamon in the aroma filled factory. Understand the history behind this precious spice and where it is headed in the realm of Sri Lanka’s export priorities. Get your hands a little dirty and strip down some Cinnamon sticks for yourself. Sip on some refreshing cinnamon iced tea and observe how the cinnamon cultivators harvest their produce. After your walk enjoy a carefully curated Cinnamon infused lunch that lets you experience the true potential of the spice applied to food.
Afternoon Transfer to Galle
Galle is a must visit destination in Sri Lanka for any tourist. Galle stands on a peninsula and has a fine natural harbour with excellent defences, and gorgeous views of the ocean. The highlight of this area is the Galle Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a remarkable fortification that was built by Portuguese colonists in the 17th century, and was inhabited by the Dutch and English during their colonial eras. Although several villas and buildings have been renovated into shops, cafes and hotels today, the Fort maintains an aura of old world times.
Evening Excursion - Magic & Mystery of the Galle Fort
The Galle Fort is a visual metaphor for Sri Lankan history. Ancient Sri Lankan culture collides with colonial architecture in ways that can only be described as mystical. The walk around the Galle Fort starts at the Moon Bastion and ends at the Star Bastion, and at each stop you will get a taste of Colonial history of the Fort, the many aspects of modern Sri Lankan culture and a round up of the 130 acre Citadel. Your host will tell you about the little nooks and crannies that make Galle Fort less a fort and more a home for its many residents about the many cultures that mingle seamlessly within the fort’s confines. Be prepared for you tour to be interactive and fun with decidedly less history and a lot more story.
Overnight in Galle - Aditya Resort
Shanthi Suite
Breakfast Included
Day 12
Galle
Day at Leisure
Your chauffeur guide and vehicle will leave you here. You will be picked up again when it is required next.
Overnight in Galle - Aditya Resort
Shanthi Suite
Breakfast Included
Day 13
Galle
Day at Leisure
Overnight in Galle - Aditya Resort
Shanthi Suite
Breakfast Included
Day 14
Galle
Day at Leisure
Overnight in Galle - Aditya Resort
Shanthi Suite
Breakfast Included
Day 15
Last day and transfer to airport
Departure - We recommend that you arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to your departure flight (or 2 hours if travelling business class). Your departure time will be given to you by your chauffeur guide. It is recommended that you check in online for your departure flight so that you can avoid long queues at the airport check in counters. On line check in is available for most airlines 24 hours before your flight. Your hotel will be able to help you with this if necessary. We wish you a pleasant journey back home or to your next destination.
International flights home
Trip details
Price from £ 2745 Per person based on twin share basis
with direct economy class flights
Approx £3245 per person
Price includes
-
Services of chauffer guide & Car
-
Private transfers as shown
-
Scenic train journey
-
Meals as shown
-
Excursions as shown
-
Entrance fees as shown
-
ATOL protection (When taking international flights)
Additional Extra's
-
International Flights
-
Additional unscheduled excursions
-
Immunisations
-
Visa's
-
Personal travel insurance
-
local gratuaties