Serendipitous Sri Lanka

Ayubowan and welcome to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka and the Garden City of the East. Be welcomed by your A&K representative who will whisk you to your private transfer for your journey to your luxury boutique accommodation.

Dating back over 600 years, Colombo was a trading hub for sea merchants and colonial rulers. With the rest of the day as your own, spend time in the secluded peace and quiet or step outside and discover a wide array of Buddhist and Hindu temples, mosques and churches reflecting the various beliefs. Admire the beautiful facades of the old, colonial buildings or head to Galle Face Green with the locals and relax and enjoy the open space.

Uga Residence

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before you head out to uncover an architectural wonder at Colombo Residence No. 11. Hidden at the end of a quiet street, this compact villa was the home of the renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Discover his sophisticated sense of style and artistic flair as you wander through the home.

Meet with a curator at one of Sri Lanka’s largest contemporary art galleries featuring works by leading and emerging artists and learn how the gallery collaborates on exhibitions internationally. Continue to Barefoot Gallery which serves as a platform for artists, musicians, poets, and filmmakers, exploring the important contribution that the owner Babara Sansoni has made to art and fabric design.

This evening, embark on a journey of culinary discovery through Sri Lankan cuisine. Join your expert, learn about the various influences and sample a unique fusion of Indian, Malay, Dutch and Portuguese flavours. Devour thambili (sweet king coconut) from a street vendor and dare to sample a shot of arrack, a local spirit.

Uga Residence | Meals: B

Drive north to heritage listed Anuradhapura, the heart of the Cultural Triangle. Pause at Dambulla, Sri Lanka’s greatest cave-temple complex, dating back to the first century BC and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the walls and ceiling of this important Buddhist site, resplendent with frescoes and seek out some of the hundreds of statues of Buddha, Hindu kings and deities housed within the caves. Continue to Anuradhapura, and check into your luxury eco-resort.

Ulagalla Resort | Meals: BL

Influenced by Buddhism, Anuradhapura was once the capital of the ancient Sinhalese kingdoms. According to the ancient Sinhalese Chronicle, the kingdom was founded in the fifth century BC and was abandoned due to an Indian invasion in the 10th century. Explore this extraordinary site by bike visiting the brilliant Ruwanweliseya and Jethawanarama monuments. Admire the Samadhi Statue of Buddha, a true masterpiece of sculpture. Along the way, sample tropical fruits and receive a blessing at the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest recorded tree planted by man in the world . Return to your hotel with an afternoon to relax and enjoy your surroundings at your own pace.

Ulagalla Resort | Meals: B

Following a morning at leisure, venture to the largest of the wildlife parks in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu National Park. Embark on a game drive around the ‘willu’, or rainwater-filled ponds, which attract a huge range of wildlife. Keep your camera handy for elephant, spotted deer, barking deer, wild boar, buffalo, and an array of wetland birds. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot sloth bears as they feast on the berries of the Palu trees, or even the elusive Sri Lankan leopard.

Later, enjoy sundowners with a view across the ancient water tank, Tissa Wewa. This ancient irrigation system, built between 250-210BC, was also used in rituals by the ruling kings.

Ulagalla Resort | Meals: B

Rise early for your journey to the magnificent rock-top fortress of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through picturesque water and boulder gardens, past the pools and fountains and climb past the ancient and colossal Lion’s Paws to a steep winding 200-metre high staircase. Legend has it that the entry to the fortress was through the mouth of the lion, however over time this collapsed leaving only the paws. Pause during your ascent to admire the mirror wall and the famous Sigiriya frescoes. Upon reaching the summit you’ll admire 360-degree breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle and hills.

Later, experience true Sri Lankan hospitality in a farmer’s home, over a wonderful home-cooked lunch with your host.

Continue to the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings, Kandy, nestled in the highlands. Resisting the colonial forces for longer than other parts of the country had been conquered, Kandy managed to retain its unique customs and artistic traditions and as such is considered the country’s most significant cultural and religious centre. After dropping your bags at your luxury accommodation, marvel at the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth, said to house one of Buddha’s teeth. Stay to witness an auspicious offering to the Sacred Tooth Relic – an unforgettable ritual of drums, incense and chanting.

Kings Pavilion | Meals: BL

After a leisurely morning, take a city tour of heritage listed Kandy, the last Kingdom of Sri Lanka. Highlights include the historic Kandy Lake, and the bustling Kandy markets. Be on the look out for the silverware, brassware and gem-studded jewellery, carefully carved and designed by the Kandyan craftsman, who are known to be the most skilled in the country. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Revel in the tranquillity of your luxury retreat surrounded by mountains and greenery, take a dip in the secluded infinity pool, or walk to Kandy to continue exploring by foot. Perhaps discover the unique collection of more than 4000 plants from orchids to medicinal plants at the wonderful Royal Botanical Gardens, or explore Udawattakale Forest Reserve (additional charge).

Be entertained this evening by unique music and traditional dance at a Kandyan Cultural Show and meet the dancers backstage for a photo.

Kings Pavilion | Meals: B

Ride one of the most scenic railways though the Sri Lankan highlands to the hill station of Hatton. Roll past the emerald tea estates that blanket the mountains and breathe in the unmistakable aroma of pure Ceylon tea. Find your home at Ceylon Tea Trails, a cluster of colonial-era planters’ bungalows packed with period furnishings. With your own housekeeper, chef and butlers, you’ll certainly feel like an honoured guest.

Ceylon Tea Trails | Meals: BD

Enter the wonderful world of tea on a morning tour through tea country. Learn about the tea making process from the fields to the factory and sample some prized beverages during a special high tea.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure wandering the scenic trails between bungalows. Or venture further afield up sacred Adam’s Peak, atop which one of Buddha's footprints is said to exist (additional charge).

Ceylon Tea Trails | Meals: BLD

Spend the day at leisure enjoying the surroundings and facilities of your luxury accommodation in true Relais & Châteaux comfort. Alternatively explore more of the tea estate by bicycle or trek between the hotel’s bungalows for jaw-dropping views of lakes, mountains and tea-strewn slopes.

Ceylon Tea Trails | Meals: BLD

Leave the tea plantations behind as you journey to the south coast and the old Portuguese trading fort of Galle.

Taru Villas – Rampart Street | Meals: B

Morning tour of the historic city. Discover a unique blend of the exotic and colonial in this UNESCO World Heritage listed locale, uncovering the fascinating architectural legacies of Portuguese and Dutch settlers alongside traditional Sri Lankan structures. Stroll through the Galle Fort and learn about the Dutch East India Company that operated from within, visit the Maritime Museum, the Old Dutch Reformed Church, Sun and Moon bastions, and more.

Afternoon at leisure.

Taru Villas – Rampart Street | Meals: B

With your Sri Lankan adventure at an end, enjoy a private transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Meals: B