Wild Sri Lanka

On arrival into Colombo this morning, we are met and transferred to our hotel, the Cinnamon Lakeside, for our overnight stay. Later, we head out into the city to soak up the vibrant atmosphere from one of Colombo’s rooftop bars. It’s the perfect spot to get to know our fellow travellers over a glass of Sri Lankan Arrack – the island’s signature spirit. We sample a few varieties, paired with delicious canapés, all while enjoying panoramic views of the city skyline. Afterwards, we return to our hotel for dinner.

Leaving Colombo this morning, our scenic drive takes us to the charming coastal town of Chilaw. The journey takes us through verdant countryside and local villages, offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rural communities. Upon arrival, we check into the Anantaya Resort and Spa Chilaw, where we stay for the next two nights. Set amidst lush greenery just steps from the golden sand, spend the rest of the day at leisure. Relax by the infinity pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or take a peaceful walk along the beach.

Today, we take part in one of Sri Lanka’s most unique cultural traditions – toddy tapping. This is an age-old process of extracting sap from coconut palms to create a sweet, slightly alcoholic drink known as toddy. After arriving at the coconut plantation, we embark on a guided tour to learn about the history, techniques, and cultural significance of toddy tapping. Witness skilled workers in action as they scale tall palm trees using ropes and baskets to harvest the sap. The freshly collected sap is then fermented to produce toddy, which we can sample before enjoying a delicious lunch surrounded by nature.  Later, we return to our hotel, where we can again enjoy the hotel's facilities.

We rise early for our visit to the Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary – a haven for wildlife and one of Sri Lanka’s most biodiverse protected areas. This unique sanctuary brings together three distinct ecosystems in one place: mangroves and freshwater swamps, coastal lagoons and inland lakes. Home to more than 150 species of birds, 20 species of mammals and 70 species of butterflies, we learn of the ecosystem as we enjoy a walk through the sanctuary in search of its many residents. Following our tour, we return to our hotel for breakfast. Later, we journey to Wilpattu, where we stay the next two nights at the Thimbiriwewa Resort.

We enjoy a leisurely morning before leaving Wilpattu behind and heading to Anuradhapura, one of the country’s most renowned ancient cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Anuradhapura served as the first capital of Sri Lanka and is a treasure trove of history, featuring an extensive array of well-preserved ruins that reflect its significance as a hub of culture, politics, and religion. As we walk through the city, we take in the towering stupas and the intricate stone carvings that adorn these ancient temples. View the iconic Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred Bo tree grown from a cutting of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. It has been tended for over 2,300 years, making it one of the oldest historically documented trees in the world. Our journey continues to Sigiriya and our home for the next two nights, the EKHO Sigiriya.

Today, we travel deep into the cultural heart of Sri Lanka as we make our way to Mahiyanganaya – a peaceful town rich in history, tradition and spiritual heritage. Along the way, we stop at the village of Rathna Ella, where we’re treated to a truly authentic Sri Lankan experience. Here, we enjoy a home-cooked lunch prepared by local villagers, using recipes that have been lovingly passed down through generations – a delicious way to connect with the island’s culinary roots. In the afternoon, we continue to Mahiyanganaya and check into our hotel, Kevans Casa – our base for the next two nights.

After breakfast, we make our way towards the misty hills of Kandy - Sri Lanka's cultural heart - taking in the picturesque countryside views. On arrival in Kandy, we head to the Temple of the Tooth, one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred and iconic landmarks. A significant shrine for Buddhists worldwide, the temple holds the blessed tooth relic of the Lord Buddha himself. We check into our hotel, Radisson Kandy or Kandy Myst by Cinnamon, for our overnight stay before exploring the vibrant local market, a bustling hub of colours and scents.

Set upon a hilltop, our hotel offers magnificent views of the surrounding countryside and is the perfect spot for a morning of leisure. For those who like to rise early, there is the opportunity (additional cost) to join a gentle yoga class. Or perhaps join the resident chef at our hotel and discover the secrets of Sri Lankan cuisine, with an optional hands-on cookery class. No trip to Sri Lanka would be complete without stepping out into Sri Lankan’s famed tea plantations and this afternoon we have the unique opportunity to interact with local tea pluckers as we join them hand-picking the delicate tea leaves. Our experience continues with a scenic tuk-tuk ride to a historic tea factory, where we gain a fascinating insight into the intricate steps of tea production from withering and rolling to fermentation and drying. We finish our day with a tea tasting session that highlights the unique flavours and aromas of Ceylon tea.

After breakfast, we leave Sri Lanka’s tea country behind and begin our scenic journey to Ella. Along the way, we stop at one of the island’s most photographed landmarks – the famous Nine Arch Bridge. Also known as the ‘Bridge in the Sky,’ this remarkable colonial-era structure connects two lush hillsides on the Badulla–Colombo railway line and is nearly a century old. From here, we descend through the hills, passing verdant plantations and rural villages before arriving at Udawalawe National Park in time for an afternoon safari. Udawalawe is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants, with an estimated 600 roaming freely in herds of up to 50. As we explore the park, we keep a lookout for water buffalo, Sambar deer, crocodiles, and the elusive Sloth bear. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, home to everything from eagles to vibrant bee-eaters. Following our safari, we travel to our overnight hotel, the Centauria Wild.

We begin the day with a visit to the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe – a heartwarming conservation project that cares for orphaned or injured elephants. Here, we see how these young elephants are rehabilitated before being released back into the wild. From here, we journey south to the coastal city of Galle. With its cobbled streets, colonial architecture, and seaside charm, Galle is one of Sri Lanka’s most captivating destinations. On arrival, we enjoy a guided tour of the city’s historic core, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the star attraction is the 17th-century Dutch Fort, beautifully preserved and full of character. As we wander through its ramparts and alleyways, you’ll notice a blend of European and South Asian influences that make Galle so unique. Later, we check into Le Grand Galle Hotel – our base for the final two nights of our tour.

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Relax by the hotel pool, explore more of Galle’s charming streets or join one of our optional excursions. Perhaps join us on for an unforgettable whale watching tour, where there’s a chance to see blue whales, dolphins, and other marine life in the waters off the southern coast. Alternatively, discover the fascinating world of cinnamon. During this guided experience, we stroll through a small plantation, learning about the unique process of growing and harvesting this prized spice. However, you choose to spend your day, it’s the perfect way to round off your time in Sri Lanka.

Following a leisurely morning, it is time to say goodbye to Sri Lanka and begin our journey towards Colombo. Along the way, we stop at the Kosgoda turtle hatchery, where we learn about Sri Lanka’s effort to protect these endangered sea turtles. Following our visit, we enjoy lunch together at a local restaurant, where we can share stories of our Sri Lankan adventures with our newfound friends. Later, we head to Colombo Airport and our overnight flight home to the UK.

All flights travel via Doha. With fond memories, we arrive at our chosen UK airport this morning, bringing to a close our unforgettable Sri Lankan wildlife adventure.