Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

After years of unrest Sri Lanka is back with a vengeance and on top of the list for most promising destinations. It offers wonderful cultural highlights, amazingly beautiful scenery and lovely sandy beaches. It is possible to spot large herds of elephants, leopards and impressive bird watching for osprey, kingfishers, bee eaters, peacocks and more. Travelling with a driver is a relaxing way to discover the most beautiful places. We have selected the finest hotels and put together an itinerary.

Day 1 Colombo: Casa Colombo
After arriving in Colombo a transfer to Casa Colombo in the centre of the city. This former historic home has been stylishly converted into one of the trendiest hotels in the country. In the garden there is a small swimming pool with sun terrace.

Day 2 Colombo – Anradhapura Ulagalla
In the morning visit to the Dutch Hospital, the former VOC hospital now recently opened as a hotspot of Colombo with nice restaurants and shops. The Dutch museum is worth a visit because of its unique VOC pieces. Afterwards departure to Anuradhapura, where Ulagalla is a great base among the rice fields. The chalet rooms have a lot of privacy and include two bicycles, but also buggies that provide onsite transport.

Day 3 Anuradhapura: Ulagalla
The area is a bird paradise and early in the morning you can walk with a nature guide. Afterwards, a visit to the stupas of the former royal city of Anuradhapura. The afternoon is spent relaxing in your beautiful hotel.

Day 4 Anuradhapura -Sigiriya: Vil Uyana
The journey continues to the heart of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka where the main UNESCO monuments are to be found. Vil Uyana is the best hotel, with bungalow rooms peacefully surrounded by rice fields.

Day 5 Sigiriya: Vil Uyana
Visit to the Lion Rock of Sigiriya and a climb of 1800 steps that lead to the ruins of the palace, where a king searched for a safe haven. A reward awaits in the form of beautiful murals and a stunning view. The former Royal City of Polonnaruwa has interesting temples and a wonderful museum.

Day 6 Sigiriya – Kandy – Kandy House
The journey continues to Kandy, an important place of pilgrimage for the Temple of the Tooth. In this magical sanctuary pilgrims light candles and make flower offerings to Buddha. The Kandy House hotel is housed in a colonial house with nine guest rooms and sits on a hill just outside the centre.

Day 7 Kandy – Kandy House
It is best to get up early to witness the first ceremony in the temple, as it will still be fairly peaceful so that magic is felt the best. T hen take a nice walk around the lake and visit a local market. At the end of the day you can also attend a performance given by the famous Kandy dancers.

Day 8 Kandy – Hatton by train: Tea Trails or 98 Acres
The train journey from Kandy to Hatton is truly an experience, but staying at Tea Trails is undoubtedly a highlight of this trip. Situated in a beautiful location, surrounded by tea plantations. In the months of December / March there is the opportunity to climb Adam’s Peak.

Day 9 Overnight stay Hatton or Ella
The area of Nuwara Eliya lies high with nearby mountains above 2000m. The British have left their mark here and you will find their inheritance in the styles of the building styles, golf, polo and track the former plantation houses. Enjoy a wonderful stay between the tea plantations in a breath taking beautiful scenery. Visit a tea plantation or take a nice walk and enjoy a high tea upon return.

Day 10 Ella – Yala: Cinnamon Wild
The journey south to Yala National Park with a spectacular seaside location, wild beaches and where elephants and crocodiles can be spotted. In the park there are also sloth bears, deer, buffalo, jackals and lots of unusual birds.

Day 11 Yala: Cinnamon Wild
Today you will visit Yala National Park which has the largest population of leopards in the world.Early morning start will give you the best opportunity to see them.

Day 12 Yala – Galle Amangalla
Along the west coas and Tangalle to the historic fortress town of Galle. The nicest town in Sri Lanka, where the historic Amangalle hotel is located within the city walls. Take a lovely walk along the ramparts before sunset and visit the quaint shops and restaurants.

Day 13 Galle – Bentota: Saman Villas
Departure to the south coast for a few days at the beach in Bentota. The months November / March are ideal for a stay by the sea.

Day 14 Bentota: Saman Villa
This villa resort is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The elegant resort is located in the fishing village of Aturuwella, on a rock that splits the long sandy beach in two. An intimate luxury hotel with beautiful rooms and an infinity pool.

Day 15 Bentota – Colombo + Colombo – Amsterdam

 

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