SOUTHERN SRI LANKA LUXURY

Colombo

Bentota

Galle

Kandy Tea plantations

Nuwara Eliya

Uda Walawa national park

Tangalle

13 NIGHTS / 14 DAYS

Explore the magic of Tea Country , camp in luxury under the stars , swim in your private plunge pool and stroll along Indian Ocean beaches . This luxurious tour is perfect for a honeymoon or pure indulgence and a superb way of spending ample time getting to know the southern part of the country with its varied landscape and wildlife .

Day 1 Arrive Colombo On arrival in Colombo , you will be met by your English-speaking chauffeur guide who will accompany you throughout your tour of Sri Lanka in an airconditioned vehicle . You will be transferred to your hotel ( approximately 1 hour ) and spend the rest of the day exploring the island ’ s commercial capital . Colombo is the mecca for smart shopping malls and Sri Lankan designer shops , and Sri Lanka ’ s thriving garment industry means you can find international designs at reduced prices .

Day 2 Colombo to Tea Country Head east from Colombo into the cooler mountains to the heart of Tea Country ( approximately 5 hours drive ). This area is wonderfully scenic with stunning mountain and valley vistas at every turn , carpeted with emerald green tea bushes . See the curious ‘ Little England ’ hill station of Nuwara Eliya , with its racecourse , golf course , lake and British colonial buildings . Continue on to stay for three nights in one or more of the beautifully furnished , colonial-era Ceylon Tea Trails bungalows . Dinner and drinks are included during your stay here .

Days 3 and 4 Tea Country Follow the trails of the planters of old Ceylon and watch the tea pluckers . The staff at Ceylon Tea Trails will recommend circular routes from 2kms upwards or you can follow a trail one way and arrange to be transported back . For a few days of pleasant hill walking , follow the Tea Trail from one bungalow to the next , staying a night or two at each place . A visit to a tea factory reveals how the leaves are dried and processed . Tea Trails ’ resident Tea Planter will show you first hand the tea-making process , ending with a tasting of different grades of the great brew .

Day 5 Tea Country to Yala Today you will depart for Yala National Park , Sri Lanka ’ s most visited national park . Enjoy the mountain scenery on your journey and witness these mountains dramatically drop down to the plains of the south , continuing to the south east coast . En route you can visit Uda Walawe National Park ( approximately 4 to 5 hours drive ). Uda Walawe is best known for its elephants and you are virtually guaranteed to see elephants in the wild , as there is a local population of around 400 . This is mostly hot , dry terrain where the watering holes are a magnet for wildlife . There is an Elephant Transit Home near the entrance to the national park ( separate fee ), where you can see young elephants roaming free in a large field , and flocking into the feeding enclosure for meal times .

Day 6 Yala Begin early this morning for a wildlife safari by jeep . A variety of wild animals are seen in the grounds , such as monkeys , wild boar and the occasional elephant . Yala is most famous for its leopards and has one of the highest densities of leopards in the world , offering the best chance to see them in the wild . This is a very dry terrain with little shade , bordered by a beautiful coastline and interspersed with watering holes . Daytime temperatures reach around 30c , so it is a dry heat with little rainfall . You will see that Sri Lanka is blessed to have the opportunity to showcase a huge amount of fascinating wildlife , all of which you will experience during your safaris . Because of the high density of leopards in Yala and the lack of other carnivores , the leopard is the top predator , so adults and cubs can be remarkably relaxed during the day . Young males in particular seem to have no fear of the jeep which can lead to some excellent photographic opportunities . On an afternoon safari , look out for crocodiles basking in the evening sun .

Day 7 Yala to Tangalle In the morning , depart for Tangalle ( approximately 2 hours drive ). The coastline here is made up of long stretches of sand and hidden coves , bordering dense coconut plantations and tropical forest . Southern Sri Lanka uncovers a world of historic Dutch forts , magnificent beaches and sleepy villages , hidden away in the palms behind the wide sandy bays and sheltered coves .

Days 8 and 9 Tangalle The coastline around Tangalle is one of long stretches of sand and hidden coves , bordering dense coconut plantations and tropical forest . Tangalle is a quaint little town , with lovely views out over the coast . Here spend lazy days in the pool or spa or stroll along the beach and sample delicious cuisine . Sri Lankan ’ s prepare innumerable curries , delicately flavoured with spices such as saffron , chillies , and the indigenous cinnamon and cloves . While you are on the coast , make sure you try some of Sri Lanka ’ s famous fish dishes , with multicultural influences bringing an array of mouthwatering dishes .

Amangalla , Galle

Leopard

Noel Rodgrigo ’ s Leopard Safaris

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