ABOUT THE TOUR
The journey begins in the dynamic port of Colombo where we will stay in an iconic colonial hotel overlooking the Indian ocean and explore the thriving street markets, ancient Buddhist temples and the contemporary cool café and shopping scene. Travelling inland, we travel north to Kandy, last capital of the Sri Lankan Kings where we explore the city with its important Buddhist Temple of the Tooth and vestiges of colonial rule. We then continue to Nuwara Eliya, the famous hill station set in the heart of ‘tea country’.
From an eco-jungle lodge in the wilderness of Gal Oya National Park, we will walk with indigenous Vedda people to a forest waterfall for sundowners and take a boat safari in search of swimming elephants. Sitting in God’s Forest, stylish Koslanda will be our base for forest treks to find wild coffee, pepper vines and cinnamon and culinary adventures into local cuisine between visiting the largest rock cut Buddha statues on the island and the dizzy heights and spectacular views of Lipton’s Seat.
Back on the coast, the Galle Fort is packed with remnants of a vibrant past that lured spice merchants from around the globe for centuries alongside chic café society in beautifully restored villas. Here, we will savour the famed seafood and biriyani cuisine before ending the trip relaxing at the idyllic Kumu Beach.
N.B. Please note that this trip does involve a substantial amount of walking and a certain level of fitness is required.
TOUR LEADER
Chris Caldicott
15 days from £6,985 per person
TOUR DATE: 24 JANUARY 2026 – 7 FEBRUARY 2026
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: £1,645
Price Includes
- Accommodation throughout as shown in the itinerary
- Breakfast daily; 9 lunches; 12 dinners
- Mineral water at meals included in the itinerary
- All entrance fees, visits and excursions
- Group transportation as per the itinerary
- Gratuities in restaurants for included meals
- Gratuities to guide/s; gratuities to driver/s
- Porterage
- Local English-speaking guide/s
- The services of your tour leader throughout
Price Excludes
- International flights
- Visa fees (currently $35 per person)
- Alcoholic drinks at meals
- Travel insurance
- Items of personal expenditure (e.g. telephone calls / laundry etc.)
- Government levies or taxes introduced after costing and publication of this programme on 05/03/25
DAY-BY-DAY OVERVIEW
Saturday, 24 January – London to Colombo
Depart from London Heathrow on a flight to Colombo (not included in the cost of the tour). Overnight in-flight.
Sunday, 25 January – Colombo
On arrival in Colombo, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Galle Face Hotel. After check-in, enjoy lunch under own arrangements.
The afternoon is at leisure, followed by a sunset stroll along Galle Face Green and a sundowner beer at the hotel. Dinner will be at The Verandah.
Overnight: Galle Face Hotel
Monday, 26 January – Colombo
After breakfast, take a private tour of No. 11 Geoffrey Bawa House. Lunch will be at Paradise Gallery with time for shopping. Afterwards, visit Barefoot Gallery. Optional walk through the colonial areas. Dinner under own arrangements.
Overnight: Galle Face Hotel
Tuesday, 27 January – Colombo to Nuwara Eliya (via Kandy)
After breakfast, transfer to Kandy for a walking tour. Lunch at the Royal Bar. Continue to Nuwara Eliya and check in at Heritance Tea Factory Hotel. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Heritance Tea Factory, Nuwara Eliya
Wednesday, 28 January – Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, stroll through the tea plantations and visit a local tea factory. Lunch at the hotel. Visit Hakgala Gardens, followed by High Tea at the Hill Club. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Heritance Tea Factory, Nuwara Eliya
Thursday, 29 January – Nuwara Eliya to Gal Oya
After breakfast, drive to Gal Oya Lodge. On arrival, check in and enjoy lunch at the hotel. Afternoon at leisure, followed by sundowners at a nearby waterfall and a special dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Gal Oya Lodge
Friday, 30 January – Gal Oya
After breakfast, enjoy a boat safari. Return for lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon, take a jungle walk with the Veddha, the chief of the local indigenous people. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Gal Oya Lodge
Saturday, 31 January – Gal Oya to Koslanda
Optional dawn walk before breakfast. Drive to Living Heritage Koslanda, stopping en route at the Buduruwagala rock carvings. Check in and enjoy lunch at the hotel. Afternoon at leisure, followed by a nature walk to a spice plantation and waterfall for a picnic and swim. In the evening, take part in a string hopper cooking lesson with the chef, followed by dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Living Heritage Koslanda Hotel
Sunday, 1 February – Koslanda
After breakfast, board a morning train from Haputale to Demodara. Enjoy a walking tour of Demodara before lunch at a local café outside Ella. Return to Koslanda via Ella Gap. Rest of the day at leisure. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Living Heritage Koslanda Hotel
Monday, 2 February – Koslanda
After breakfast, optional tuk tuk ride up to Lipton’s Seat or time at leisure. Enjoy tea and Wadai snacks for lunch. In the afternoon, choose between a walk to local villages and Buddhist sites or a nature walk to nearby pepper plantations. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Overnight: Living Heritage Koslanda Hotel
Tuesday, 3 February – Koslanda to Galle
After breakfast, drive to Galle. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant en route. On arrival, check in at Fort Bazaar. Afternoon walking tour of Galle Fort with Chris. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Fort Bazaar Hotel, Galle
Wednesday, 4 February – Galle
Optional dawn photo safari around the fort and fish market. After breakfast, visit the vegetable market. Lunch will be at Kahanda Kanda with a cooking demonstration. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner under own arrangements.
Overnight: Fort Bazaar Hotel, Galle
Thursday, 5 February – Galle to Balapitiya
Optional dawn photo safari. After breakfast, depart for Kumu Beach Hotel, stopping en route at the fishing port and market at Ambalangoda and the Galagoda Shailatharama Reclining Buddha Temple (by tuk tuk). Check in at the hotel. Lunch under own arrangements. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Kumu Beach Hotel
Friday, 6 February – Balapitiya
After breakfast, enjoy a Madu River boat ride. Lunch under own arrangements at the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Kumu Beach Hotel
Saturday, 7 February – Balapitiya to Colombo / London
After breakfast, transfer to Colombo Airport for your return flight to London (not included in the cost of the tour).
PLAN YOUR TRIP
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