Excursions in
Sri Lanka

Back to Sri Lanka

Excursion

Tour of Mihintale (Half Day)

Mihintale sits approximately 12km east of Anuradhapura and is of enormous significance to the Singhalese, as this is where Buddhism originated in Sri Lanka. It was on the summit of this mountain that the great Sinhalese King, Devanampiyatissa, was converted to Buddhism. This half-day guided tour takes you to the summit of the mountain, which is best climbed morning or late afternoon when the temperature is cooler.  A climb of 1840 small steps will take you to the summit of the sacred mountain and along the way you will meet daring monkeys, vendors selling anything from local ornaments to spices, and you may also find the occasional woman or man asking for alms.

Excursion

Tour of Anuradhapura (Half Day)

  This half-day tour explores Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's first Buddhist capital, which was established in 377 BC by King Pandukabhaya. It is centred on a cutting from the 'tree of enlightenment', known as the Bo or Bodhi Tree.  The incredible ruins found in Anuradhapura bear testimony to the prominence given to Buddhism over the centuries in Sri Lanka. It was once an important political and religious capital that flourished for 1300 years, however in 993 it was abandoned after being invaded. The ruins of the capital were hidden amidst dense jungle for many years, but today it's a protected UNESCO World Heritage site, a fascinating area to explore and a wonderful introduction to Sri Lanka's ancient Sinhalese civilization.  Of all the palaces, monuments and monasteries in and around Anuradhapura, the colossal Dagobas that scatter the landscape seem the most impressive. These are unique to Sri Lanka due to their circular foundations surrounded by a ring of monolithic columns, as your guide will explain.  The tour will also take you to Sri Maha Bodhi, otherwise known as the Sacred Bo tree, which is said to be the oldest documented tree on earth. Your guide will also take you past ancient palaces, administrative buildings, a hospital and the impressive bathing tanks, home to an ingenious filtering system. Learning about Anuradhapura’s complex irrigation system is surprisingly a highlight of the area.  For history enthusiasts, Anuradhapura is not to be missed.  

Excursion

Local Village Activities in Tissamaharama

The village of Tissamaharama is a wonderful place to get involved with hands-on activities in the community and experience the local way of living. There are several experiences that we particularly recommend such as: Buffalo Curd Making - Visit a village home where the experts teach you the secrets of making perfect buffalo curd. End your lesson with a delightful tasting of this popular and delicious dessert. Farmer's Lunch - You have not really eaten until your taste buds have experienced the spicy local fare of traditional rice with freshly ground coconut sambol, fish curry made from the catch of the day, lentils, young jackfruit curry, and the freshest greens. This is your opportunity to taste the best of country cooking, with a sumptuous farmers banquet lunch prepared before your eyes. To work up your appetite, join our resident naturalist on a short trek through the surrounding area for some fascinating bird watching. Lake Fishing Experience with a Local Fisherman - There'll be an early start but it will be well worth it - set out on a traditional canoe to try and catch your own breakfast, bring it ashore and let the fishermen cook you a delicious, fresh breakfast picnic that you can enjoy. While your meal is prepared, you can while away your time with some rod fishing or by photographing breath-taking surroundings. Palmyrah Weaving Lesson - Learn the ancient art of weaving Palmyrah leaves by local artisans. They will teach you how to make a 'wicker' basket or drinks coaster and you can take your masterpiece home with you! Pottery Making Lesson - Visit a local potter who has made pottery for the village and beyond for decades, and has become quite well known in the area for his work. Try your hand at making a bowl or vase with his help and if there is enough time before the end of your trip (it will need to be properly finished in the kiln and cooled) you may be able to take your piece home with you!

Excursion

Bundala National Park Bird Watching

Bundala National Park is unknown to most visitors, but it’s regarded as Sri Lanka’s foremost destination for bird watching. The 62 sq. km park is an internationally important wintering ground for migratory water birds, attracting hundreds of species year round. It’s a beautiful labyrinth of lagoons, waterways, and dunes providing the ideal sanctuary for water birds as well as other animals. Our 4x4 jeep safari takes you into the park with an experienced driver and tracker to go in search of birds such as the greater flamingo, peacock, Eurasian spoonbill, and the incredible painted stork. Both elephant and leopard can also be found in the park, however sightings are rare.

Excursion

Yala National Park Safari

Yala National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s largest and most diverse national parks, full of wild monsoon forest, grassland, marine wetlands and sandy beaches, which provide the ideal habitat for a range of mammals and bird life. Our exciting morning jeep safari takes you into the park by 4X4 with an experienced guide, so you can go in search of the incredible wildlife Yala offers. Yala’s most famous residents are its leopards; incredibly Yala boasts a higher concentration of leopard than anywhere else in the world. If you are lucky you may get to spot one of these illusive cats as well as coming across elephant, crocodile, wild boar, buffalo, sambar deer and perhaps a sloth bear (although these creatures are rather shy!). This area also offers outstanding bird watching as many migratory birds arrive here to escape the winters further north. It’s important to note that the safari experience in Yala National Park does not compare to that in East and Southern Africa, but it does offer a fantastic chance of seeing some incredible wildlife and subspecies that are only found in Sri Lanka.

Excursion

Scenic Train Journey in the Tea Country

A scenic train journey between Kandy and the Tea Country is a real highlight in Sri Lanka - regarded as one of the most scenic train journeys you can do in the world! Spot the colourful traditional tea pickers in the lush plantations, glorious mountain views, old bridges, waterfalls, and small villages. At each stop along the way there will be sellers hustling tasty treats such as mango with cinnamon, buttered corn and veggie fritters. Your chauffeur guide will drop you off at the nearest railway station, help you with the tickets and find your seats, then he will drive the same route with your main luggage and meet you at the destination train station, finally dropping you off at your next hotel. The journey length will vary between 1.5 and 6.5 hours depending on how much of the route you're taking. Please note that train tickets are bookable 30 days prior to travel in Sri Lanka, and are subject to availability especially during peak season - if tickets cannot be secured your chauffeur guide will drive you the same route instead so that you can still experience the incredible vistas!

Excursion

Highlights of Ella Tour

  The area surrounding Ella and Bandarawela is incredibly scenic; carpeted with undulating tea plantations, the region is home to some of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls. This tour takes you away from the town of Bandarawela and out towards Ella where you’ll get to enjoy the famous Ravana Falls, one of the widest falls found on the island, soaring 25 metres high. You will also get the opportunity to visit the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, as well as Little Adam’s Peak. The 20-minute climb up Little Adam’s Peak means you get to experience incredible views of Ella Gap.  

Excursion

Pidurangala Rock Climb (Sunrise)

Pidurangala Rock is adjacent to Sigiriya Rock and is the best viewing spot of Sigiriya Rock as it is only slightly lower. Pidurangala is a popular spot for sunrise hikes as you can enjoy 360-degree views of not only the valleys and jungle scenery but also Sigiriya Rock. Halfway through the hike, you will reach the Royal Cave Temple which only has a few remains left. A huge reclining Buddha lays inside the temple and is definitely worth the visit. We recommend doing this hike very early in the morning, arriving at the top of the Rock about 30 mins before official sunrise in order to get the most stunning views. At this time of day before the heat of the sun, the ascent should only take between 20 and 45 mins depending on fitness levels.

Excursion

Minneriya National Park Safari

Minneriya National Park sits to the north east of Sigiriya and offers a welcome change of scenery from the ancient ruins that dominate the area. The park is home to the large and ancient Minneriya Tank, and it boasts an enormous variety of habitat and wildlife, covered in dry tropical forest, grasslands and wetlands. However, its main draw and principle attraction are its elephants. They are found in large numbers throughout the year, although most numerous from July to September when the small waterholes have dried up - this annual wildlife phenomenon is called the 'Elephant Gathering'. This afternoon’s jeep safari will take you into the park with an experienced guide/tracker who will know the best locations for elephant sightings. Please note that the elephants move freely between Minneriya National Park, Kadulla National Park and Eco Park, therefore your chauffeur guide will be in contact with the local guides and trackers before hand so that you arrive at the most probable location that day. If you are lucky you may also get to see sambar deer, spotted deer, macaque, and purple-faced langur monkeys as well. There are also 160 species of bird that have been recorded in the park, which your guide will help point out.  Your afternoon jeep safari will last approximately three hours.

Excursion

Local Village Experience with Lunch

This half-day visit starts off with a ride on a traditional bullock cart along a dirt track, through rice paddies and down to the picturesque Hiriwaduna Lake. The adventure continues with a catamaran ride on the shimmering lake, which is home to a large variety of dry zone bird life. The lake offers views of the surrounding forest, marshland and tiny farming plots owned by the locals. After the catamaran ride you will take a short ride on a Land Master tractor, or walking tractor, which was designed by the Sri Lankan engineer Dr. Ray Wijewardana. He invented a number of devices to assist local farmers. Your guide will then take you on a rickshaw ride to a local home, giving you the chance to interact with a traditional family by assisting the women in preparing a Sri Lankan lunch, using traditional Sri Lankan methods of cooking. Afterwards you will enjoy the lunch you helped to prepare before a leisurely walk back to the main road.

Excursion

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

  This half-day tour takes us to the ancient city of Sigiriya; Sri Lanka’s short lived yet most extraordinary medieval capital. It sits atop a huge flat-topped outcrop that soars 180m high, dominating the jungle on every side. On closer inspection what you’ll find are pleasure gardens, a series of ancient frescos, as well as staircases leading to the remains of a palace. The 5th century AD saw this monastery transformed into a unique combination of urban planning as well as natural and imaginatively landscaped gardens, with ingenious ancient hydro engineering. Otherwise known as the ‘Lion’s Rock’, Sigiriya was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 and it remains one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic attractions. It’s not only a unique archaeological site but also an incredible geological formation that offers outstanding views of the scenery below. The walk up to the rock is fascinating, passing through the ruins of water gardens that still activate fountains on a rainy day. You’ll also pass the boulder gardens before beginning the climb through the terraced gardens. An extraordinary 1202 steps takes you to the top of Sigiriya, the climb seems difficult, however the continuous climb is broken up by short terraces at regular intervals to make it less strenuous. At the half way mark a short flight of stairs will take you to the paintings of the Sigiriya maidens, which is a real highlight. There were 500 frescos originally, only about 50 remain today. You will also see the mirror wall with its ancient and barely decipherable graffiti. The climb from the lions paw to the top of the rock is along a narrow metal stairway with railings. For some the climb is difficult and requires a certain degree of energy but it’s worth it as the views from the summit of the rock are spectacular. We recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the temperature is cooler.  

Excursion

Dambulla Cave Temple

Dambulla is well known for its remarkable and impressive cave temples, officially known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla.  This site has acted as a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries and is undoubtedly Sri Lanka’s best preserved and largest cave temple, with a total of five sanctuaries.   Deservedly a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Golden Temple of Dambulla is an outstanding example of Sri Lanka’s religious art, with Buddhist mural paintings covering an area of 2100 m2 along with 157 Buddhist statues.  Access to the caves is only possible with a gentle climb along wide sloping steps.  We feel Cave 1, which has a huge statue of the reclining Buddha, and Cave 2, with an interior surface completely covered in murals, are of particular interest. This tour normally takes 1-2 hours depending on the depth of your interest.     Dambulla lies approximately two hours south of Anuradhapura and is just 30 minutes from Sigiriya Rock. Therefore, it can be easily visited en route to Kandy.  

Excursion

Polonnaruwa Ancient City Ruins

This half-day tour takes you from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa. It’s the second great capital of Sri Lanka, after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. Polonnaruwa is arguably better preserved than Anuradhapura and is certainly more accessible. It’s made up of both Bramanic monuments built by the Cholas, as well as the ruins of a fantastic garden city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s described as a ‘shrine to Buddhism and Singhalese history’, apparent in its enormous rock carvings. The tour includes the King’s Council Chambers, the royal baths and ruins of Buddhist shrines such as the Vatadage, which is a circular relic house. It also takes in the ‘Hatadage’, where it’s believed the Sacred Tooth was placed for some time. The tour also includes a myriad of other monuments, including the gigantic rock sculpture of the Lord Buddha. Polonnaruwa is one of Sri Lanka undisputed highlights and an integral park of Sri Lanka’s ancient history.

Excursion

Tea Trails Excursions (ideas for your free time)

For most, Tea Trails is a magical and relaxing place in which to unwind due to the glorious views and faultless service. For the more active, Tea Trails does offer a range of excursions that can be arranged directly with them. Included in the package is time with their in-house tea expert and a visit to a local tea factory. It's also possible to cycle and trek between the four bungalows, enjoy croquet, play tennis and even go white water rafting. Some of these come at an additional charge and can be discussed when you check in.

Excursion

Night Walk of Adam's Peak

Adam’s Peak is one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive geological formations but also one of its most celebrated pilgrimage sites, soaring out of the hill country’s southwestern edge, approximately 45 minutes from Hatton. Adam’s Peak has scintillated imaginations for centuries, mainly due to the curious depression at its summit known as Sri Pada or the Sacred Footprint. Some believe this was left by the Buddha as he headed towards paradise; some believe it was made by Lord Shiva during his dance of creation; others believe it was Adam when he stepped on the mountain after being cast out of Eden; and others even believe it was that of St Thomas, the early apostle of India. Needless to say, Adam’s Peak attracts Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Christian pilgrims in the thousands, and there are few places on earth where all these religions come together in such a remarkable way. The trek up Adam’s peak starts from Dalhousie after dark; the times vary depending on the crowds but normally it’s anywhere between 10pm and midnight. Your experienced guides will recommend exactly when and will bring sleeping bags and refreshments for you, as it does get cold at the top. The climb takes anywhere between 2.5 and 4 hours, the slope is fairly gradual for the first half an hour or so, but then it does become steeper. The climb is mostly up steps (there are approximately 5200 of them) but there are plenty of opportunities to rest, with numerous teahouses dotted along the way. When you reach the top with your guide you will be greeted with breath-taking views, enjoy these before heading up more steps, which lead to the sacred footprint. This sits atop a 4m rock. Pilgrims tent to cluster round it throwing offerings in to the 1m hollow, before moving to the Saman shrine that can be found up another flight of stairs. This is where thanks are given. Pilgrims who have made the trip more than three times then ring one of the two bells at the summit, each chime representing a successful ascent. Watching the sunrise from the top of Adam’s peak has been described as one of the most spectacular sights in the world. Please note the pilgrimage season runs only from December to May, and the busiest period is during January and February. We highly recommend bringing warm clothes and lots of water with you.

Excursion

Ideas for free time in Kalpitiya

Enjoy time at leisure in Kalpitiya, the ideal getaway thanks to its biodiversity and maritime historical connections. Adrenaline junkies can opt for water sports such as water skiing, windsurfing, and of course kite surfing - the activity that Kalpitiya has recently become famous for! The kitesurfing season runs from May to September and November to February (which is the winter kitesurfing and also dolphin watching). Like Mirissa in the South and Trincomalee in the East, Kalpitiya is one of the best places to enjoy dolphin and whale watching with the continental shelf just 45 minutes away by speedboat. Our team have enjoyed dolphin watching in Kalpitiya and have been lucky enough to spot hundreds of dolphins jumping and spinning in the ocean in the early morning, as well as whales surfacing around - an unforgettable experience. If you prefer a more laid back day you can hire a bicycle to explore the town, try your hand at fishing, canoeing, kayaking or snorkelling. The Dutch Fort, dating back to the mid-17th century is worth a visit but it is used as a naval training base and so access needs to be obtained (you will need to be accompanied by a dedicated officer) - you can explore the ramparts and even view the skeleton of an ancient beached whale. The Church of St Peter’s is another interesting relic of Sri Lanka’s Dutch colonial past which can be visited.

Excursion

Dolphin Watching from Kalpitiya

  Our dolphin watching boat trip takes you out to sea to the west of Sri Lanka. This area is often home to a wonderful variety of dolphin including Fraser’s, striped, spinner and bottlenose. Their acrobatic displays are exhilarating, although seeing the dolphins is not completely guaranteed. The boat departs at 6.30am and has a capacity of six. Life jackets are included but we suggest bringing water.  

Excursion

Bevis Bawa's Brief Garden

Sitting just 10km inland from Bentota, Brief Garden is a glorious garden with a villa at its centre, once owned by Bevis Bawa. Bevis was the hedonistic artist and older brother of Geoffrey Bawa, who lived in the villa for many years during which time he designed and landscaped the gardens, which we now see today. Many influential people stayed with him during his time, including Lawrence Olivier and Donald Friend, an Australian artist. The villa is brimming with art, artefacts and sculptures, and despite the gardens being absolutely divine; we feel the house is the most fascinating part of the grounds. The gardens are exotic and beautifully landscaped: think frangipani, iron gates, and elaborate water features. The paths lead you to hidden spaces filled with oversized pots and sculptures. The caretaker guides the tour, providing a fantastic insight into the life of Bevis and his wonderful creations. The tour normally lasts 1-2 hours.

Excursion

Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project

This short tour explores Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project, a pioneering project that started in 1988. The local staff and volunteers here collect vulnerable eggs (or purchase them from local people!) and hatch them back at their headquarters in Kosgoda. This is with the aim of releasing them back to the ocean within three days.  Five species of marine turtle are found in Sri Lanka: the ridgeback, hawksbill, green turtle, olive ridley and loggerhead. With any luck you will be able to see one or more of these being looked after. Kosgoda sits just 15 minutes from Bentota and one hour from Galle along the coastal road.

Excursion

High Tea at the Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya

Enjoy afternoon 'High Tea' Sri Lankan style either in the open-sided Grand Tea Lounge or on the beautiful manicured lawn of the Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya. Presented on the typical tiered stands, you will be served anything from sushi, spring rolls and burger sliders, to the more traditional triangular sandwiches, scones and dainty cakes, all washed down with some delicious single estate and blended Ceylon tea. The staff are kitted out in traditional white finery, making you truly feel like you're a part of the British Colonial era in Ceylon.

Excursion

Horton Plains Trek (Half Day)

This glorious trek is through Horton Plains National Park, a vast stretch of high altitude grassland that is perched the edge of the hill country, approximately 45 minutes south of Nuwara Eliya. The park is part of the ‘Central Highlands of Sri Lanka’, a UNESCO World Heritage site, due to its extraordinary range of flora and fauna, but also archaeological findings within the park that date back to the Mesolithic period. What makes a walk through Horton Plains so special is World's End, a sheer precipice that falls almost a kilometre to the lowlands below. On a clear day this is one of the most spectacular views found on the island as it stretches to the south coast.  This moderate and circular trek normally takes around 4 hours in total, covering approximately 9km.  It covers both the escarpments known as ‘Mini World’s End’ as well as 'World’s End'. A little further on you have the choice of making a somewhat slippery and steep descent to see ‘Bakers Falls’ a glistening cascading waterfall named after the famous British explorer, Sir Samuel Baker. Alternatively at this point you can continue the trek through spectacular cloud forests and grasslands back to the start. The weather can change quickly at any time of year, even during dry season, so we recommend that you bring good shoes and a waterproof jacket. We also suggest starting the trek early (approx. 5am depending on which hotel you're staying at) in order to catch sunrise from one of the viewing points; mist comes in around 10am daily so we don't want your view to be blocked!. Please note that there are no water sources for at least 5km so we recommend that you bring lots of water with you. Please note that a good level of fitness is needed for the 'World's End' hike as it can be rough underfoot and steep in some areas. The National Park is also at high altitude (over 2000m in parts) so take it at your own pace - the views around you will be stunning and peaceful! We encourage you to bring a packed breakfast from the hotel to keep you going, but there is a small café at the top to buy refreshments.

Excursion

Tea Factory Visit

Our tea factory visit educates you on the entire tea manufacturing process used in most parts of Sri Lanka. You will firstly watch the tea pickers as they nimbly walk up the hillside with their baskets, picking tealeaves as they have done for centuries. Afterwards you will visit the factory; here a friendly staff member will take you around explaining the process of fermentation, rolling, drying, cutting, sieving and the grading of tea. There are machines for almost every part of the process except the all-important tea tasting at the end of the process to determine the quality of the tea. The tea factory visit normally lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour.

Excursion

Pigeon Island Snorkelling

Pigeon Island is a Marine National Park off the coast of Nilaveli, just north of Trincomalee. It has one of the best remaining live coral reefs in the country and is an ideal location for scuba diving and snorkelling. You will be taken out for a few hours to explore this beautiful area and try to spot some local marine life! We recommend setting off early morning to beat the crowds when the sun is less harsh, the waters are calmer, and better visibility. The spectacular Blacktip Reef Shark and several kinds of turtles including the Hawksbill Turtle and Green Turtle often visit this island. You can also spot lots of tropical fish, eels, and rays, amongst the vibrant coral.  If you bring an underwater camera, you will be able to take some great photos, too.

Excursion

Whale and Dolphin Watching from Trincomalee

Between May and early September both blue and sperm whales can be found close to the eastern coast of Sri Lanka, nearby to Trincomalee. Sri Lanka has emerged as one of the world’s major whale watching destinations and whale sightings are fairly likely as the whales annually migrate from the Bay of Bengal.  Blue whales are the largest animal on earth, and also one of the most endangered, so this is an incredible opportunity to see them close by. The best way to enjoy these magnificent creatures, along with the resident spinner dolphins, is by boat. Our whale-watching trip takes you out for approximately four-five hours in the morning, so there is an early start but hopefully it will be worth it!

Excursion

Trincomalee City Tour (Half Day)

Well known for its pristine and undisturbed beaches, Trincomalee is often overlooked by visitors as a historic destination. However its world-class deep water harbour acted as a passageway for trade during the Anuradhapuran and Polonnaruwan periods, as well as during colonial times, and as a result Trincomalee has a lot to offer. This half-day tour includes a visit to Fort Fredrick; built in 1624 the fort remains formidable to this day. Entrance to the fort is currently monitored as it is used as an army garrison, however visitors are given the opportunity to either walk or drive into the fort and visit the famous Koneswaram Temple. The temple is built atop ‘Swamy Rock’, a rocky promontory cape overlooking Trincomalee. You will also visit the World War II Cemetery and will learn about the harbour that is so central to Trincomalee’s history.

Excursion

Tuk Tuk City and Food Safari Colombo

For a fun, tongue-in-cheek, off the beaten track experience in Colombo we can arrange a tuk tuk city and street food 'safari'. You'll enjoy a tour of Colombo's low-key eateries, all the while taking in the city's main sights from the comfort of your chauffeured tuk-tuk. You'll visit a variety of stalls that show you the wide range of street food, including the ubiquitous curry, hoppers, short eats, rotis... Some of which may not make much sense now, but will by the end of the tour! We recommend the afternoon option - watch the teaming streets burst with busy markets trading textiles, spices, crafts and local food, then feel the hustle and bustle in old Colombo town as it rolls into sunset. Cruise the city streets while watching the sun lower over the Indian ocean and enjoy the chaos as the 9 to 5 workday winds down and the city lights come alive for yet another evening of buzzing activity. This is a fully inclusive, all expenses paid trip! You will be filled with Sri Lankan food, provided with drinks and we’ll even throw in a couple of local beers. Make sure you bring your camera to capture all of the sights, a smart phone with your favourite tunes (Android or Apple) to crank your beats in the tuk tuk, hat & sunscreen (for the open roof tuk tuks), and some spare cash in case you buy any souvenirs!

Excursion

Culinary Workshop at Upali’s by Nawaloka

This fun culinary workshop explains the complexities of Sri Lankan cooking, which can often seem overwhelming to foreigners. The workshop is based in Upali’s by Nawaloka, an authentic restaurant in Colombo, that specialises in classic and homely Sri Lankan dishes. The workshop helps you master some of these classic recipes so that you are able to whip up authentic Sri Lankan staples such as string hoppers, roti, and pittu when you return back home. The chefs will walk you though a brief history of Sri Lankan cuisine and will teach you how to identify the spices. You will learn how to roll your own roti, mix your own sambol and spice your own traditional curry. At the end you will all sit down to enjoy the feast together. The class starts at 10.30am and lasts around 2 hours, just in time for lunch. Please note this tour is subject to availability at the time of booking.

Excursion

Colombo City Tour (Half Day)

No tour is truly complete without a tour of its capital city. Colombo, despite being unprepossessing at first glance, offers visitors an insight into Sri Lanka’s turbulent history, its varied religious communities as well as the modern and cosmopolitan side of the country that you are starting to see today. Our half-day tour of Colombo takes in all the major sites within the city including the area known as ‘Fort’, aptly named, as it was once a Dutch and Portuguese fort. The tour also passes through the frenetic open air Pettah Market and takes in numerous temples and mosques, which scatter the city. If time permits your guide will also take you to Independence Square and Cinnamon Gardens.

Excursion

Jaffna Islands

A string of islands trail out across the sea west from Jaffna, which can easily be explored by simply driving across the Panay Bridge, which connects the island of Kayts to the Jaffna peninsula. Our half-day tour explores the quant beaches, lagoons and mysterious temples that are scattered across the islands. The tour includes a ferry ride across to the Hindu temple of Negapooshani Amman, built by the pre-historic Nagas. It also includes the Buddhist temple of Nagadeepa. This unique tour normally takes 4-5 hours. There is also a  day trip across to Delft Island, a place not a lot of tourists tend to visit. Life on Delft is simple - the earthen homes are surrounded by coral walls. Catch a glimpse of the famed “Growing Rock”, which is said to naturally grow and it resembles the appearance of a serpent. There is also a sprawling Baobab tree, which is believed to be introduced by the Arabic traders. The old Dutch Fort is a remarkable reminder of a thriving colonial era and the Queen’s Tower, which has functioned like a lighthouse centuries ago, is yet another monument belonging to the Dutch era. You will also encounter herds and herds of wild horses roaming freely.

Excursion

Tour of Jaffna

Jaffna is closer to southern India than Colombo, which has unsettled the area for centuries. Our half-day tour of Jaffna explores its turbulent and historic past that spans Sri Lanka’s colonial era and even further back.  As part of your tour you will explore Manthrimanai: the remains of the palace of King Sangilian who was the last King of Jaffna. You will visit Point Pedro, which is the most northerly point of Sri Lanka. You will visit Nelavarai Bottomless Well, a natural underground water well with many enthralling legends that your guide will explain. You will visit Keerimalai Springs, said to healing properties. Later you will proceed to Kandarodai, where excavations have unearthed over 50 small stupas constructed close together. Some historians believe that Kandarodai marks the spot where Buddha landed on his second visit to the island. The tour also takes you to Jaffna Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1618. The fort was badly damaged during the war; however work is now in progress to restore this historical site.  If time permits your guide will also take you to Jaffna library. Built in many stages from 1933, it became a repository of archival material written in palm leaf manuscripts as well as historical documents and newspapers that have been published over hundreds of years. The tour should take approximately 4-5 hours.

Excursion

Kandy Street Food Walking Tour

Discover a taste of local cuisine influenced by the different cultures in Kandy. Walk the streets of Kandy on this 2-hour trail taking in the colonial buildings and historic landmarks of the city. The experience includes visits to local eateries and street food outlets popular with the locals. During the walking tour you will get to taste “dosas” & “vadei” with hot tea and other local favourites based on availability depending on the delicacies available in the food carts on the day. A local host will accompany you on this curated evening food experience that is sure to tantalise the tastebuds.

Excursion

Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya (Half Day)

  Just over 5km to the west of Kandy sits the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. These striking and historic gardens started off as pleasure gardens for Sinhalese royalty, before being turned into a botanical garden by the British. It’s the largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka and arguably one of the finest in the subcontinent, with an incredible selection of orchids and a stately avenue of royal palms. The Cannonball Tree is of particular interest as in 1901 it was planted by King George V and Queen Mary. As part of your half-day tour you will also visit the spice gardens in nearby Matale; here a knowledgeable and friendly guide will take you through the gardens explaining how the various spices and medicinal herbs are grown. You are likely to see nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves being grown. The gardens were also Lord Mountbatten supreme headquarters during World War 2 so they are of huge historic importance too. We highly recommend visiting.  

Excursion

Kandy City Tour (Half Day)

Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhala Kings, and is the islands cultural centre. It was Sri Lanka’s capital until the British took control in 1815 and due to its significant association with Buddhism; UNESCO has now made the Sacred City of Kandy a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our half-day tour of Kandy includes the upper lake drive, which offers you a bird’s eye view of Kandy Lake and the hustle and bustle of the Kandy market place. You will also visit the Arts and Craft Centre, where you can see the local craftsmen at work.

Excursion

Kandyan Dance Performance and Evening Puja Ceremony (Evening Tour)

The cultural show in Kandy gives you the opportunity to witness a spectacular display of Kandyan dancing, Sri Lanka’s iconic art form, which includes elaborate costumes, boisterous mass drumming, and flamboyant dancing. It gives you an introduction to the various dance forms of the Kandyan hill country as well as the low country and ends with the most impressive and exciting fire walking. The performance normally lasts for an hour until 6pm, just in time to get to the evening puja ceremony, which takes place within The Temple of The Tooth at around 6.30pm.  The Temple of the Tooth, known locally as Dalada Malingawa, sits on the lakeshore in Kandy and houses the legendary Buddha’s tooth. During the puja (offering of prayers) the normally heavily guarded room, housing the tooth, is open to visitors. You don’t actually get to see the tooth, only the gold casket in which it is kept, but the experience is enthralling.

Excursion

Rural Cycling Tour

Our Rural Cycling Tour starts south of Galle, where the city gives way to true untouched rural landscapes. The tour weaves through paddy fields, coconut plantations and through traditional Sri Lankan villages. It passes by schools, ancient Dutch canals, Buddhist temples and even a tea plantation. This verdant area is home to an abundance of bird life, including kingfishers, black drongos, parakeets, and if you're lucky you might see wild peacocks. Half way you will stop for a refreshing king coconut and at the same time you will learn about local spices that are grown in the region. This is a wonderful and fairly easy bike ride that lasts for about 1.5hrs. We suggest going early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the weather is cooler.  Please note there are some longer options for more experienced cyclists; if you are interested please let us know.

Excursion

Whale and Dolphin Watching from Mirissa

  Between December and April both blue and sperm whales can be found close to the coast of Sri Lanka, nearby to Mirissa, which is just 1 hour east of Galle. This region has emerged as one of the world’s major whale watching destinations and during the December-April period whale sightings are fairly likely as the whales annually migrate from the Bay of Bengal.  Blue whales are the largest animal on earth, and also one of the most endangered, so this is an incredible opportunity to see them close by. The best way to enjoy these magnificent creatures, along with the resident spinner dolphins, is by boat. Our whale-watching trip takes you out for approximately four-five hours in the morning, in either a 35 or 50-seated boat (depending on the popularity that day). The trip begins at 6.45 from Mirissa Harbour and includes life jackets, mineral water, coffee and a king coconut at the end of the tour.  

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