- Details
- Itinerary
- INCLUDES & EXCLUDES
- Photos
Overview
This Sri Lanka luxury vacation immerses you in the country's unique tapestry of legacy, culture, food, natural beauty, and wildlife. Your voyage starts with a culinary experience, where you'll learn about the bright flavours and fragrances of Sri Lankan cuisine through hands-on cooking sessions and excursions to lively local markets.
Kandy, a lovely city set amidst misty hills, is home to ancient landmarks including the UNESCO-listed Temple of the Tooth Relic. Wander through colourful markets, enjoying the sights, sounds, and flavours of ordinary life.
Take an adventurous journey to Hatale Mini World's End, a breathtaking viewpoint with panoramic views of mist-covered valleys and tea plantations. Capture the stunning view and immerse yourself in the peacefulness of nature.
Experience the rejuvenating effects of Ayurvedic massage, a comprehensive therapy with roots in Sri Lankan tradition. Relax and unwind as professional therapists customise treatments to improve your overall well-being.
A thrilling safari journey through Kaudulla National Park will take you to see wild elephants, deer, sloth bears, leopards, and a variety of bird species. Capture unforgettable moments in the park's lush woodlands and tranquil waters.
Experience the allure of slow travel on a gorgeous train ride through Sri Lanka's countryside. Relax in comfy compartments as you travel through lush tea estates, flowing waterfalls, and charming rural villages.
Throughout your trip, you will have your own personal chauffeur guide and car, allowing you to explore Sri Lanka at your leisure. The Sri Lankan Encounter tour promises an unforgettable exploration of the country's numerous attractions, with an ideal mix of cultural immersion, gastronomic delights, natural wonders, and wildlife encounters.
Kandy, a lovely city set amidst misty hills, is home to ancient landmarks including the UNESCO-listed Temple of the Tooth Relic. Wander through colourful markets, enjoying the sights, sounds, and flavours of ordinary life.
Take an adventurous journey to Hatale Mini World's End, a breathtaking viewpoint with panoramic views of mist-covered valleys and tea plantations. Capture the stunning view and immerse yourself in the peacefulness of nature.
Experience the rejuvenating effects of Ayurvedic massage, a comprehensive therapy with roots in Sri Lankan tradition. Relax and unwind as professional therapists customise treatments to improve your overall well-being.
A thrilling safari journey through Kaudulla National Park will take you to see wild elephants, deer, sloth bears, leopards, and a variety of bird species. Capture unforgettable moments in the park's lush woodlands and tranquil waters.
Experience the allure of slow travel on a gorgeous train ride through Sri Lanka's countryside. Relax in comfy compartments as you travel through lush tea estates, flowing waterfalls, and charming rural villages.
Throughout your trip, you will have your own personal chauffeur guide and car, allowing you to explore Sri Lanka at your leisure. The Sri Lankan Encounter tour promises an unforgettable exploration of the country's numerous attractions, with an ideal mix of cultural immersion, gastronomic delights, natural wonders, and wildlife encounters.
Itinerary
"Ayubowan" and ''Vanakkam Welcome to tropical paradise. Your guide or an ARCA Origins representative will greet you when you arrive at Colombo International Airport's Waiting Area. You will get to Balapitiya by automobile. Travel duration is around 1 ½ hours, depending on road traffic.
Accommodation: Sundara by Mosvold, Deluxe Sea View or similar.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Today, you will have lunch with a local family and learn about Sri Lankan cuisine.
Lunch (included) offers a traditional Sri Lankan cuisine experience. You will be warmly greeted when you visit a local household in Bentota. Here, you will learn how to prepare and cook several Sri Lankan cuisines using aromatic spices and organic herbs. You will also learn how coconut milk is made, how to break open and scrape out your own coconut, and how to taste samples of each dish as you go. The end result is a feast of seven distinct foods served in a lotus leaf, which you may eat with your fingers if you are up for the task. (If you want to spend the day with the host buying ingredients at local markets, you are invited to join us in the morning.).
In the evening, you will have a romantic dinner by the beach.
Lunch (included) offers a traditional Sri Lankan cuisine experience. You will be warmly greeted when you visit a local household in Bentota. Here, you will learn how to prepare and cook several Sri Lankan cuisines using aromatic spices and organic herbs. You will also learn how coconut milk is made, how to break open and scrape out your own coconut, and how to taste samples of each dish as you go. The end result is a feast of seven distinct foods served in a lotus leaf, which you may eat with your fingers if you are up for the task. (If you want to spend the day with the host buying ingredients at local markets, you are invited to join us in the morning.).
In the evening, you will have a romantic dinner by the beach.
Accommodation: Sundara by Mosvold, Deluxe Sea View or similar.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner.
Today, you'll go from Balapitiya to Wellawaya. Travel time is roughly three hours, depending on road traffic.
En route, you will come across the Dutch Fort at Galle. It is located in southern Sri Lanka. The Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest extant castle in Asia erected by European occupiers, demonstrating the blending of European architectural styles with South Asian traditions. Other notable monuments in Galle include the natural harbour, the National Maritime Museum, and St. Mary's Cathedral, which was constructed by Jesuit monks and is one of the island's important Shiva temples. Galle has an exceptional opportunity to build a visible demonstration of the preservation of its heritage. There are numerous boutique shops around the fort's tiny streets, as well as antiques, arts, and crafts stores.
En route, you will come across the Dutch Fort at Galle. It is located in southern Sri Lanka. The Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest extant castle in Asia erected by European occupiers, demonstrating the blending of European architectural styles with South Asian traditions. Other notable monuments in Galle include the natural harbour, the National Maritime Museum, and St. Mary's Cathedral, which was constructed by Jesuit monks and is one of the island's important Shiva temples. Galle has an exceptional opportunity to build a visible demonstration of the preservation of its heritage. There are numerous boutique shops around the fort's tiny streets, as well as antiques, arts, and crafts stores.
Accommodation: Jetwing Kaduruketha, Deluxe or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Today, you will go to Kandy from Wellawaya. Travel time is around 4 hours, depending on road traffic.
En route, you will see the Nine Arch Bridge. The spectacular and eye-catching Nine Arch Bridge connecting Ella and Demodara stations is only a few kilometres along the track from Demodara station. The most popular attraction among tourists and residents. This viaduct bridge, erected during the British Colonial period, is the largest in Sri Lanka and was constructed entirely of stone and cement, with no reinforcing iron or concrete. The huge arches form a circumferential walkway that connects the bridge to the mountains. This 99.6-foot-high bridge, known as "Ahas namaye palama" (Nine Sky Bridge) in Sinhala, is nearly 3100 feet above sea level. When one stands beneath it and looks up, there is a lovely view of the 'nine heavens' via the nine arches, which explains the Sinhala name. This bridge is also known as 'The Bridge in the Sky' due to its incredible height.
Then you'll embark on the most spectacular train excursion. On the scenic train from Ella to Nanu Oya, you will pass past tea plantations and undulating hills with a panoramic view. This is one of the most beautiful scenic train journeys you can take. The train journeys recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as one of the world's best scenic train journey. Your guide will pick you up at Nanu Oya Station and drive you to your accommodation.
As the road twists through the hills, you will see gorgeous waterfalls cascading down slopes and vantage places that provide views of a panorama of craggy hills stretching into the distance. There are numerous vistas to stop at along the journey.
En route, you will see the Nine Arch Bridge. The spectacular and eye-catching Nine Arch Bridge connecting Ella and Demodara stations is only a few kilometres along the track from Demodara station. The most popular attraction among tourists and residents. This viaduct bridge, erected during the British Colonial period, is the largest in Sri Lanka and was constructed entirely of stone and cement, with no reinforcing iron or concrete. The huge arches form a circumferential walkway that connects the bridge to the mountains. This 99.6-foot-high bridge, known as "Ahas namaye palama" (Nine Sky Bridge) in Sinhala, is nearly 3100 feet above sea level. When one stands beneath it and looks up, there is a lovely view of the 'nine heavens' via the nine arches, which explains the Sinhala name. This bridge is also known as 'The Bridge in the Sky' due to its incredible height.
Then you'll embark on the most spectacular train excursion. On the scenic train from Ella to Nanu Oya, you will pass past tea plantations and undulating hills with a panoramic view. This is one of the most beautiful scenic train journeys you can take. The train journeys recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as one of the world's best scenic train journey. Your guide will pick you up at Nanu Oya Station and drive you to your accommodation.
As the road twists through the hills, you will see gorgeous waterfalls cascading down slopes and vantage places that provide views of a panorama of craggy hills stretching into the distance. There are numerous vistas to stop at along the journey.
Accommodation: Radh, Deluxe, or similar.
Meal: Breakfast
Today you will journey to a hotel in Madulkele, which will take roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
The Temple of the Tooth & Buddhist Museum, Sri Dalada Maligawa, was founded in the 16th century, although the most of the current structures were constructed in the 19th century. The Temple houses the Sacred Relic of the Tooth of Buddha, which is revered as the most sacred thing in Buddhism. The Relic, which was brought from India 2500 years ago, is claimed to grant the possessor the authority to control the country. The Relic is housed in a gold casket and maintained under strict protection in the Inner Chamber.
After that, you will visit Kandy City and its marketplaces. Kandy is a lovely ancient city that serves as the country's citadel. It is not only recognised for its great rulers, who controlled the city independently for about 225 years before the British took over in 1815, but it is also the location of the Sacred Tooth of Lord Buddha, which is housed in a splendid temple.
The winding tiny lanes and waterfront promenades of Kandy city centre, directly across from the palace, are ideal for a stroll and shopping, with the gorgeous lake in front of you and green mountains, stupas, and Buddha statues all around.
Then you'll head to Madulkele.
The Temple of the Tooth & Buddhist Museum, Sri Dalada Maligawa, was founded in the 16th century, although the most of the current structures were constructed in the 19th century. The Temple houses the Sacred Relic of the Tooth of Buddha, which is revered as the most sacred thing in Buddhism. The Relic, which was brought from India 2500 years ago, is claimed to grant the possessor the authority to control the country. The Relic is housed in a gold casket and maintained under strict protection in the Inner Chamber.
After that, you will visit Kandy City and its marketplaces. Kandy is a lovely ancient city that serves as the country's citadel. It is not only recognised for its great rulers, who controlled the city independently for about 225 years before the British took over in 1815, but it is also the location of the Sacred Tooth of Lord Buddha, which is housed in a splendid temple.
The winding tiny lanes and waterfront promenades of Kandy city centre, directly across from the palace, are ideal for a stroll and shopping, with the gorgeous lake in front of you and green mountains, stupas, and Buddha statues all around.
Then you'll head to Madulkele.
Accommodation: Madulkele Eco Lodge, Deluxe, or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
An hour-long ride through beautiful tea estates with shades of dark and light rays of sun, where trees stand tall among the tea plants. As you tour Hatale Mini World's End, your eyes will be flooded with greenery, and your heart with peace.
Accommodation: Madulkele Eco Lodge, Deluxe, or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Traveling & relaxing at the beach.
Accommodation: Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa, Deluxe or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Relaxing at the beach.
Accommodation: Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa, Deluxe, or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Relaxing at the beach.
Accommodation: Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa, Deluxe, or similar.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Today, you'll go from Pasikkuda to Sigiriya. Travel time is roughly 2 ½ hours, depending on road traffic.
En there, you will see Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's mediaeval capital, which is now one of the most attractive hubs of the country's cultural heritage and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a little history and a dozen regulations, it preserves ruin far better than Anuradhapura. Visit the ancient ruins and the Gal Vihara complex, where three massive Buddha sculptures are carved out of a single rock. You'll also be able to view toque macaque monkeys, which are only found in Sri Lanka.
Afterwards You will stop at a village-style eatery beside the paddy fields to enjoy a traditional lunch.
In the afternoon, go a safari at Kaudulla National Park, which is the most recent addition to the list. The nation's largest bird, the Lesser Adjutant, and the Pompadour Green Pigeon are among the species found there. It is also well-known for its elephant population. Built about 300 AD, the Tank gradually fell into disrepair before being renovated in 1959. With its diverse plant life, it presently houses 24 species of animals, 25 species of amphibians, and numerous bird species. Kaudulla National Park is home to the endangered Rusty Spotted Cat, enormous herds of Asian elephants, elusive leopards, and Sambar and Axis deer.
En there, you will see Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's mediaeval capital, which is now one of the most attractive hubs of the country's cultural heritage and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a little history and a dozen regulations, it preserves ruin far better than Anuradhapura. Visit the ancient ruins and the Gal Vihara complex, where three massive Buddha sculptures are carved out of a single rock. You'll also be able to view toque macaque monkeys, which are only found in Sri Lanka.
Afterwards You will stop at a village-style eatery beside the paddy fields to enjoy a traditional lunch.
In the afternoon, go a safari at Kaudulla National Park, which is the most recent addition to the list. The nation's largest bird, the Lesser Adjutant, and the Pompadour Green Pigeon are among the species found there. It is also well-known for its elephant population. Built about 300 AD, the Tank gradually fell into disrepair before being renovated in 1959. With its diverse plant life, it presently houses 24 species of animals, 25 species of amphibians, and numerous bird species. Kaudulla National Park is home to the endangered Rusty Spotted Cat, enormous herds of Asian elephants, elusive leopards, and Sambar and Axis deer.
Accommodation: Aliya Resort & Spa, Deluxe, or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Today, you'll travel from Sigiriya to Negombo. Travel time is around 3 hours, depending on road traffic.
Early in the morning, you will climb Sigiriya rock to witness the stunning dawn panorama from the top. The eighth wonder of the world is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sigiriya, a gigantic rock in the green scrub jungle, is undoubtedly the most breathtaking destination for visitors, offering unique perspectives on human imagination and nature. Since ancient times, the location has served as a Buddhist monastic hermitage. A well-planned monastic complex had cave temples, bathing pools, beautiful ponds, and Asia's oldest surviving landscaped gardens. Other highlights include the "Lion Stairway," the "Mirror Wall," and the "Water Gardens." The ruins of the capital erected by the parricidal King Kashyap I (477-95) lie on the steep slopes and at the summit of a granite mountain about 370 metres high (the 'Lion's Rock,' which dominates the forest from all sides).
After that, get an Ayurvedic massage.
Ayurveda is formed from the Sanskrit words for life (Ayuh) and knowledge (Veda), and it means 'the science of life'. It is a traditional health care system in South Asia that has been passed down from father to son and is centred on herbs and food. It is one of the world's oldest methods of healing and therapy. Ayurveda is widely used to treat stress, diabetes, migraines, asthma, arthritis, the immunological system, and high blood pressure.
As you approach the spa centre, you can smell the organic oils filled with ayurvedic herbs, incense creams, and hand-made scrubs, as well as the peaceful massage that balances the body, mind, and spirit.
Early in the morning, you will climb Sigiriya rock to witness the stunning dawn panorama from the top. The eighth wonder of the world is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sigiriya, a gigantic rock in the green scrub jungle, is undoubtedly the most breathtaking destination for visitors, offering unique perspectives on human imagination and nature. Since ancient times, the location has served as a Buddhist monastic hermitage. A well-planned monastic complex had cave temples, bathing pools, beautiful ponds, and Asia's oldest surviving landscaped gardens. Other highlights include the "Lion Stairway," the "Mirror Wall," and the "Water Gardens." The ruins of the capital erected by the parricidal King Kashyap I (477-95) lie on the steep slopes and at the summit of a granite mountain about 370 metres high (the 'Lion's Rock,' which dominates the forest from all sides).
After that, get an Ayurvedic massage.
Ayurveda is formed from the Sanskrit words for life (Ayuh) and knowledge (Veda), and it means 'the science of life'. It is a traditional health care system in South Asia that has been passed down from father to son and is centred on herbs and food. It is one of the world's oldest methods of healing and therapy. Ayurveda is widely used to treat stress, diabetes, migraines, asthma, arthritis, the immunological system, and high blood pressure.
As you approach the spa centre, you can smell the organic oils filled with ayurvedic herbs, incense creams, and hand-made scrubs, as well as the peaceful massage that balances the body, mind, and spirit.
Hotel: Goldi Sands, Standard or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Today you will travel to the Airport for your flight back home.
Meals: Breakfast
Price Includes
- Transport by an air-conditioned private vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide
- Sri Lanka - Accommodation on mixed board basis as per itinerary
- All relevant taxes at hotels
- Entrance fees to sites as per the Itinerary
- All relevant taxes at hotels
- 24 hours local support in Sri Lanka
- 100% financial protection & Security with TTA
- Responsible Travel
Price Excludes
- Tips for services
- Lunch and dinners not mentioned
- All other expenses in the hotel must be paid by the client when check-out
- Anything else not listed in the itinerary
- Optional excursions
- No beverages included in Meal plans in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka Tourism Visa
Photos
