Luxury Explorer Sri Lanka

Welcome to Sri Lanka. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to Colombo.

Colombo is Sri Lanka’s biggest city and also its capital. From the 1500s this port was used by traders from the Far East, China, India and Persia to name a few, and was ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. Today it is a metropolis of over two million people where different ethnic groups, religions and cultures mingle. The city’s contrasting heritage and its move to modernise can be seen side by side throughout the city.

Your accommodation in Colombo during your travel in Sri Lanka is the luxury, boutique hotel UGA Residence. Built by a wealthy barrister in the 19^th century, this grand Victorian townhouse once hosted British governors, Indian maharajas, European nobility and Ceylon’s colonial high society. Today it is a boutique hotel in the heart of Colombo with just 11 suites. The hotel offers a secluded and quiet atmosphere, despite its central location, with elegant and contemporary decor, that still pays homage to its history. UGA Residence features leafy gardens, private courtyards, a gourmet restaurant, swimming pool and gym.

Overnight UGA Residence, Colombo – Park Suite

This morning discover Colombo with a personalised guided city walk.

Every city has a character that loves it, studies it, and shares his knowledge and passion with those who want to learn about it. Colombo has Mark Forbes and his team. Their walk will reveal to you the architectural legacies of the Portuguese, Dutch and most recently, British. See the city’s landmark buildings like the GOH hotel and Cargills department store, as well as the modernisation taking place. Visit the bustling local market of Pettah with its busy streets where merchants sell everything from spices to clothing. Along the way there’s the opportunity to taste some local food and drinks. (Note – the walk may be conducted by Mark or a member of his team.)

The afternoon is at leisure. You may wish to relax at your hotel, or visit some of Colombo’s other sights or do a spot of shopping with your vehicle at your demand.

Tonight experience contemporary dining at your hotel UGA Residence, where the chef uses fresh local ingredients to prepare modern dishes. The menu may feature delicacies such blue cheese ice cream in a salad, fresh fish or chilli chicken – just some of the dishes we have enjoyed there!

Overnight UGA Residence, Colombo

After breakfast you will be driven to Kandy, the city of Kings.

Kandy belongs to the fabric of legends. While Sri Lanka was under Portuguese and Dutch rule the Kings of Kandy remained defiant and independent. It was much later during the British rule that Kandy finally fell to a colonial power. Today Kandy is a big city that still retains touches of its colonial history in buildings such as the Queen’s Hotel, a beautiful 19th century neoclassical beauty. Wander around the town’s centrepiece, its beautiful lake, and the streets of Kandy getting a feel for the city and local markets.

Later, visit the World Heritage-listed `Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic’ – which draws pilgrims and visitors from across the globe that come to see the relic of Buddha’s tooth which is kept inside. See the daily rituals and offerings that take place at the temple.

Your hotel here is The Kandy House. This boutique hotel with just nine rooms was built in 1804. Set in a lush garden, with a large infinity pool, this ancestral manor house has been elegantly and lovingly restored. All the rooms at this luxury property are named after butterflies, which thrive in Sri Lanka’s tropical climate, and feature antique furniture and local textiles. Relax upon check in and tonight enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Overnight at the Kandy House, Kandy.

This morning discover Kandy with our Kandy Heritage Tuk Tuk Tour.

Using the popular local mode of transport, the 3-wheeled tuk tuk, you will explore Kandy on a guided city tour. Take small lanes and back roads to discover the heritage of Kandy through its people who carry on the traditions of the Kandyan Kingdom, from the keeper of a Buddhist temple, to a lady selling coconuts, discover a part of Ceylon moving at a slower pace. The tour will include a small picnic at a countryside stop and visits to some of the local cottage industries making small handicrafts like coconut spoons.

The afternoon is yours at leisure to relax at the hotel. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Overnight at The Kandy House – Deluxe Room

This morning transfer to the train station where you will begin a comfortable, scenic rail journey through Sri Lanka’s hill country. Travel through lush tea plantations, past mountains covered in mist and the smiling locals who wave as you pass. This approximately 4-hour train journey will take you to Hatton, where you will be met upon arrival and transferred you to your hotel.

For the next 3 nights enjoy a luxurious stay at the renowned Ceylon Tea Trails. The world’s first tea bungalow resort, Tea Trails is perched at an altitude of 1250 meters in Sri Lanka’s panoramic Ceylon tea region, bordering the World Heritage Central Highlands. Enjoy your stay and the service at these wonderfully restored planters’ bungalows, take walks in the tea estates, swim in the pool, and indulge in daily high tea, bed tea and delicious meals. Tea Trails comprises of five unique bungalows, each with between 4 to 6 rooms and suites. There’s the lakeside Castlereagh, Dunkeld & Summerville bungalows, Norwood with panoramic views and Tientsin, the most traditional colonial bungalow.

Overnight at the Ceylon Tea Trails, Dick Oya – Luxury Room

At Tea Trails, the day begins with the tradition of Bed Tea served by your Butler, who will also draw your bath if you wish. During the day, the chef will suggest meals based on fresh produce and home-grown vegetables and herbs. Guests can indulge in dishes from western fare to traditional Sri Lankan meals and tea inspired dishes. The afternoon high tea is to die for!

Spend the morning seeing how Ceylon tea is made and learn the art of becoming a discerning tea taster. Later, you may choose to visit the nearby Warleigh Church built in 1878 by early British planters. It is situated in one of the most stunning locations.

You can also opt to enjoy a walk/trek, or bicycle ride through the tea plantations. We recommend taking a guide with you and one of Tea Trail’s delicious picnics. There are so many magical picnic spots along the way to enjoy the view and the gourmet picnic prepared for you. There are many incredible walks to consider – from 20 minutes to 4 hours.

Overnight at the Ceylon Tea Trails, Dickoya – Luxury room

Another full day at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities and service of Tea Trails.

Overnight at the Ceylon Tea Trails, Dickoya – Luxury room

Today you will be collected from Tea Trails and transferred to the airport for your international flight. Check-out time is 12 noon. Proceed to the airport to reach about three hours before your departing flight.