Sri Lanka: Wonders & Wildlife – Premium Adventure

What's Included

• Meals
  13 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners.

What's Not Included

• Single accommodation (available on request)

• Travel insurance

• Tips for your tour leader

• Visas or vaccinations

Food

All breakfasts, five lunches and six dinners are included.



We suggest allowing about 4,000-6,000 rupees (US$13-US$20) per lunch or dinner when not included in the itinerary. You can eat out very cheaply in Sri Lanka, but if you mainly eat at the more expensive restaurants, you will spend more than the suggested amount. Your leader will provide recommendations for where to eat locally; however, some locations may have limited local restaurant options, in which case meals will be at the hotel.



Sri Lankan cuisine is a fascinating reflection of the island’s heritage; there is a unique fusion of fresh local produce with spices brought here by Malays, Arabs, Indians, as well as the Dutch, Portuguese and English. Despite (or perhaps because of) these influences, Sri Lankan cuisine is often referred to as simply rice and curry. This is the staple dish in most restaurants and is usually a serving of rice accompanied by assorted meat and vegetable curries as well as various pickles, sambols (condiments), and a handful of tiny poppadum – all using the contrasting flavours of coconut, chilli, curry leaves, cinnamon and garlic.



Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note, the availability of certain products is minimal or non-existent in Sri Lanka. For example, wheat- or dairy-free options outside of hotels are limited. Please be prepared for this – you may need to bring these from home. Spicier food can be avoided easily and lots of the hotels will serve Western options alongside traditional food.



Mineral water is provided by our local operator in large containers throughout the trip so please bring a bottle with you to refill. Please note, restaurant service can be quite slow.

Accommodation

Enjoy the best of Sri Lankan hospitality and relax in handpicked four- and five-star accommodations. The properties for this Premium trip were chosen for their excellent location, comfort, style and unique characteristics, whether lakeside in Habarana, overlooking the Ella hills (from a hot tub) or by the golden beach in Mirissa.



Negombo: Heritance Negombo (night 1)







Start your adventure in style at this five-star resort, which offers spacious contemporary rooms, a huge outdoor pool, gym and spa. The restaurant caters both international and local cuisines, introducing you to the delicious Sri Lankan curries. Shake off the weariness from travel with a dip in the pool or maybe relax in the spa before enjoying sunset as you settle in for the evening.



Habarana: Habarana Village by Cinnamon (nights 2-3)







Experience a rustic elegance at this four-star property. It was designed in the local rural village style, which helps it to blend into its natural environment. Situated close to the lake, you can sit outside the spacious bedroom on your veranda, enjoying a cup of tea or coffee while admiring the well-kept gardens and tranquil sounds of nature. The resort has a spa and outdoor pool to relax in after a long hot day.



Kandy: Cinnamon Citadel (night 4)







A brief stop in Kandy but not one to be missed at this four-star riverside property. A 10-minute drive outside the bustling city centre, this tranquil retreat has a river-view restaurant offering a wide selection of local and international cuisines. Enjoy a splendid view as you drink a fresh juice over breakfast – sure to leave you full of energy for the day ahead. The property also has a spa and gym plus an outdoor pool.



Gal Oya: Wild glamping (nights 5-6)







We stay in the historic village of Rathugala, surrounded by vegetation and misty hills. The lavishly designed tented lodges with fixed ensuite bathrooms at Wild Glamping Gal Oya come with a host of amenities, including a pool and restaurant. Enjoy an immersive experience here no other in this remote, unspoiled region of Sri Lanka as you find your inner calm.



Ella: EKHO Ella (nights 7-8)







In central Ella, EKHO is a boutique four-star hotel with only 14 rooms, offering the perfect spot to take in the picturesque (and possibly best) views of the Ella Gap. The restaurant offers indoor and al fresco dinning and there are loungers, daybeds and a hot tub on the sun terrace. The property is a stone's throw from town, which has plenty of shops and restaurants, and is close to popular hiking trails and attractions.



Tissamaharama: Chaarya Resort & Spa (night 9)







Retreat into the wilderness at this four-star property close to Yala National Park. It offers spacious chalet-style bedrooms with private balconies to take in the sounds of nature as you look out to the lush tropical gardens. Cool off in the pool, an oasis between the trees, or why not visit the spa for a welcome massage after some long travel days? The resort also has an al fresco and indoor restaurant serving international and local cuisines.



Weligama: Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa (nights 10-11)







Enjoy the beauty of the Sri Lankan coast while relishing in five-star hotel amenities, beachfront access and exceptional service. Unwind in the spacious rooms, which have private balconies, most with ocean views. Take advantage of the beachfront swimming pool and fitness centre or indulge at the luxurious Quan Spa. The resort is also ideally situated in the centre of Weligama Bay with safe waters for swimming, snorkelling and surfing.



Galle: Jetwing Lighthouse (night 12)







Fall asleep and wake up to the sound of waves rolling over the rocks as this five-star hotel looks out across the ocean. The property is well located, within a five-minute drive of the historic Dutch Fort in Galle, and has beach access from the hotel gardens for a more relaxing stay. Additional facilities include the Ayurveda and spa services, tennis court, swimming pool, and in-house boutique shops.



Colombo: Galle Face Hotel







This four-star heritage hotel is steeped in more than 150 years of history and sits on the waterfront in the heart of Colombo. Offering six unique dining venues, a wellness centre and outdoor pool, Galle Face Hotel is the ideal final stop on our journey – relax and unwind or cram in some final sightseeing and retail therapy in the Sri Lankan capital.