Udawattakele was originally a pleasure garden used by the royals of Kandy, but today it is an abundant, lush rainforest and a birder’s paradise. Our trek, led by an experienced and enthusiastic guide, will give us a valuable insight into the forest, the fauna and the flora around us. As Kandy has a temperate climate, the forest has a plethora of bird species from both wet and dry zones. Some of th..
Read More >A bhikkuni is a female Buddhist monk, and this tour takes us to a monastery on the outskirts of Kandy where our host will teach us about the history of Buddhist nuns starting with the first one; Mahapajapati Gotami. She was the stepmother of Buddha and the first woman to seek ordination for women, which at the time was unheard of, as women were not regarded as equal to men. You will be taken throu..
Read More >Sri Lankan cuisine is famed for its delicate spicing and vivid flavour combinations, influenced by the nation’s different ethnicities and rich history. This optional activity gives us the opportunity to prepare a delicious meal with a local host whose culinary skills have brought her much fame in the Galle area. Whether it’s an authentic biryani, a seafood feast or hot hoppers with accompaniments,..
Read More >Brightly painted, wooden masks are a familiar sight throughout Sri Lanka, and this excursion to an artist’s gallery in Galle Fort will teach us about the painting of these traditional masks. Hailing from Ambalangoda, an area in the South known for traditional masks, a renowned artist will tell us about these masks which are an important part of Sri Lankan culture and the painting methods used whic..
Read More >Following an early start, we will be taken to the harbour to meet our naturalist guide for the day and his crew before boarding our vessel and heading out to sea. The crisp, early morning air will energise us for an exciting morning of marine nature watching, as we look out for Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, Killer Whales and several species of dolphins between 20 – 40 nautical miles from the coast. T..
Read More >Yala National Park is the second largest of Sri Lanka’s National Parks, but probably its best known. Stretching over 97,800 hectares in extent, the park is home to a multitude of species, including elephants, bears, crocodiles and wild boar. The park also has the world’s highest concentration of leopards per square kilometre thanks to its ongoing leopard research, conservation and identification p..
Read More >This is a fun-filled ‘off the beaten track’ adventure taking us to explore lesser-known areas of Galle. Distinctive and characterful, the tuk tuk is a brightly coloured, three-wheeled vehicle, and our friendly and knowledgeable driver will transport us to some of the most authentic spots in Galle, along busy back streets and rural lanes. You’ll uncover sights and enjoy experiences you might not ot..
Read More >For a taste of authentic Sri Lankan rural life, join this afternoon’s visit to the village of Hiriwaduna. Home to around 2,000 people, the village is unspoilt and scenic. Stroll along its meandering paths, where wild flowers and medicinal ginger grow, laundry is strung between the trees and butterflies flutter among the low shrubs. We make our way to the peaceful shores of a reservoir, where cormo..
Read More >For something a little different today, hop on a tuk tuk to be taken to the rural setting of Gampola to explore three lesser-known temples with a knowledgeable guide. Start off with Gadaladeniya Viharaya, one of the so-called ‘Three Temples’ or "Western Shrines’. Built of stone by Gampola’s King Bhuvanekabahu IV and perched on a rock cliff, the temple is a fine example of the Dravidian style of ar..
Read More >Mihintale is a site of great importance for Sri Lanka, as the city is regarded as the place from which Buddhism developed in Sri Lanka. This optional excursion will introduce us to the legend of King Devanampiya Tissa, who in 247 BC was taking part in a deer hunt on the Mihintale mountain when he was approached by Mahinda, the son of the great Buddhist emperor Ashoka. Mahinda tested the king’s wis..
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