Sri Lanka’s Finest 10-Day Tour – Contemporary Sri Lanka

You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel, Uga Residence.

The largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo stretches for 14 kilometres along the western shore of the country. Due to its large harbour and strategic position along the East West sea-trade routes, it was well known to ancient traders as long as 2,000 years ago. Today, Colombo is fast becoming a thriving, modern city with contemporary restaurants and boutiques that combine with the colonial buildings of its past.

Discover Colombo this morning with a personalised guided walk. See first-hand the indelible mark left by the Portuguese and photograph the amazing architecture of the Dutch and British. Engage your senses, especially taste and smell, as you try local food and beverages along the way. The afternoon is yours at leisure. Tonight you could savour dinner at your hotel, Uga Residence, one of the most exclusive boutique hotels in Colombo, where the food is a creative take on modern international cuisine with an emphasis on Sri Lankan ingredients.

Enjoy a full day at leisure or explore Colombo further on your own today.

You may opt to visit the recently refurbished Old Dutch Hospital precinct, home to some of Sri Lanka’s best boutiques and modern stores and cafes. In contrast, you could choose to visit Pettah Market, Colombo’s bustling, chaotic local bazaar, where you can buy everything from fruit to clothes, trinkets and everyday items. We suggest dinner this evening at Ministry of Crab, one of Colombo’s most popular and praised restaurants, that was started by a couple of Sri Lankan cricketers!

Depart this morning for Galle. A UNESCO World Heritage city, Galle was a prominent seaport long before colonial rule in Sri Lanka. Today this charming city draws many visitors who come to stroll along the fort walls, and see its lighthouse and historic sites. Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation – one of the boutique Taru Villas. These intimate properties have just a handful of rooms and feature elegant furnishings and antiques. Tonight you may choose to dine at your villa, which can serve you drinks at sunset on their private terrace as well as a candlelight dinner.

Discover Galle today with a guided walking tour. A leisurely stroll leads past the Old Dutch Hospital, the Governor’s House, the spice warehouses, Court Square, the town hall, the lighthouse and on to the sea wall and ramparts. Visit the mosque and meander down streets leading to cricket fields, a temple, and the old District Judge’s house surrounded by frangipani trees. Outside the rampart walls, discover the sprawling and friendly main town of Galle. See its colourful fruit market and bustling main street where locals shop everyday.

Full day at leisure.

You may choose to stroll the almost completely car-free streets inside Galle Fort, linger in the small boutiques and enjoy the cafes and restaurants. Galle Fort is a great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts. There are also luxury hotels serving afternoon tea, spas for you to pamper yourself at and a range of shopping options. It is a delightful place to spend a day.

Today you will be driven to Aditya Resort, Rathgama, a distinctive boutique hotel set in a beautiful private beachside location. It comprises a collection of sixteen suites and two pool villas. Spacious and luxurious, each is unique in layout and is decorated with authentic art and antiques drawn from Sri Lanka and the region. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy your private plunge pool and resort facilities.

You may choose to start the day with a yoga session in the sea breeze at your resort. Later, you might opt for a bicycle ride through the countryside that gives you an opportunity to take in the sights, sounds and charms of rural Sri Lanka including cinnamon cultivation, lagoon fishing, coir rope making, the fishing harbour, temples and bird spotting. Enjoy a picnic lunch and afterwards a boat ride back to Aditya. Afternoon at leisure or you may choose to indulge in any of the invigorating spa treatments offered by the resort in the privacy of your own suite.

Full day at leisure at your resort, or, the hotel can arrange a number of excursions. Visit nearby beaches where you can undertake surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving and other water sports; a fishing town where you can watch stilt-fisherman at work; national parks known for their outstanding scenic beauty and wealth of animal and bird species; and beautiful stretches of rain forests.  Popular excursions are to Kosgoda, known for sea turtle conservation and to Mirissa where you can enjoy whale and dolphin watching.

Today is at leisure.  You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Colombo International Airport this evening for your departing flight.