Best of Sri Lanka - Adventure for Golfers and Indulgence for Spa Lovers

Ayubowan (may you have long life).

This is the greeting you will hear from our airport representative at the arrival lounge of the Colombo Airport.  You will then be presented with flower garlands/ bouquets and introduced to your guide by our airport manager. Proceed directly to hotel in Colombo (Travel Time: 50 mins)

Colombo - : Today, Colombo is a fascinating city with a happy blend of east & west, past & present with a charm of its own. The main seaport of Sri Lanka is in Colombo & adjoining it, is Pettah, which is the local bazaar & trading area.  Other places of interest are the beautiful Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, the historic Wolfendhal church, the main residential area - cinnamon gardens and the BMICH - International Conference Hall and the commercial area - Fort.

Your guide will take you through the glory days of the Colombo Fort, on a journey back in time where we learn about the days of colonization of Ceylon and the spice route trade network. The walk places focus on photography, architecture and history in two stages; stage one covers the Fort while stage two covers the Pettah markets. The walk includes a break for tea and stops along the way to sample street food. Water will be provided if required along the way. The walk ends at the Old Dutch Hospital.(Half a day experience).

OVERNIGHT AT THE SHANGRI-LA COLOMBO.

Breakfast at the resort. Transfer to The Colombo Golf Club. (Travel Time : 20min)

‘’The history dates to the establishment of the game of golf in Sri Lanka, and over a century of sport and sporting traditions, customs, manners, and styles of the British in Ceylon. A fragment of it is to be seen in the founding of the Colombo Golf Club and its life thereafter as the Royal Colombo Golf Club. In 1879, a handful of intrepid British expatriates decided that it was time to introduce golf to a small British Colony called Ceylon. The British were recognized for their skills in organized sports, and it inevitably spread throughout Ceylon. Not only golf but horse racing, polo, cricket, football, hockey, and rugby were initially introduced on Galle Face Green. It was there, sharing with cricket and rugby enthusiasts on Galle Face Green, that the Royal Golf Club was inaugurated without a clubhouse or a proper golf course. In 1928, His Majesty King George V. bestowed upon the Club the privilege of using the prefix “Royal”, and consequently the Colombo Golf Club came to be known as the Royal Colombo Golf Club

Enjoy round of Golf at the Colombo and return back to the hotel

Dinner -: Transfer to Magical Vertical By Jetwing Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, Enjoy 3 course set menu excluding drinks.

OVERNIGHT AT THE SHANGRI-LA COLOMBO.

Breakfast at the resort. Thereafter we proceed to Ulagalla Resort by Uga in the Cultural Triangle. (This drive is approximately 3 to 4 hours.)

The road winds its way through vast coconut and pineapple plantations and every now and then you will cross a village where if you like you may stop to have a thambili, the traditional Sri Lankan coconut. Upon our arrival at Ulagalla Resort, we check in to the resort.

Check into the gorgeous Ulagalla Resort in Anuradhapura

PM :        Check into the hotel . Rest of the day at leisure.

OVERNIGHT AT ULAGLLA RESORT ,ANURADAPURA

Breakfast at the resort. Enjoy Golf at Eagle Heritage Golf Course, Anuradapura

‘’The Eagles' Heritage Golf Course is the newest and the only golf course in the Ancient Kingdom of Anuradhapura. It is located approximately 5 km away from the city of Anuradhapura, within the Sri Lanka Air Force Base. This serene 9 hole course offers an 18 hole experience with different angles of tee ,and promises a challenging, enjoyable and unique round of golf for a par of 70, comprising nearly six kilometers of picturesque, undulating lush Bermuda grass fairways and Tifdwarf greens replete with tall magnificent trees.

PM :       ANURADHAPURA - Explore this fascinating ancient capital, which thrived between the 5th century BC - 9th century AD and the center of the island's Buddhist civilization.  In antiquity and the interest, it is the equal of any ancient 'buried city'.  The island's oldest Buddhist shrines - some dating back to 3rd century BC are found here.  Impressive white 'dagabas' (relic chambers) and monuments, embellished with handsome stone carvings and sculpture, the oldest documented tree on earth - The Sri Maha Bodhi (over 2000 years old), pleasure gardens, beautifully executed stone baths and ponds, a superb irrigation system of reservoirs and canals are the attractions of Anuradhapura.

There are not many ancient cities in the world that can claim to have been continuously inhabited for over a millennium, and Anuradhapura is one of them. Crowning as one of South Asia’s most evocative spectacles, the sacred city of Anuradhapura is more than just a historical site sprawling with a rich collection of archaeological and architectural wonders. It is also a continuum that reflects the passage of time and humanity.

OVERNIGHT AT ULAGLLA RESORT ,ANURADAPURA.

Breakfast at the resort. proceed to the 5th century Rock Fortress of Sigiriya. (Travel Time :1hr)

SIGIRIYA FORTRESS - This UNESCO World Heritage site, a spectacular Rock Fortress, is undoubtedly Sri Lanka’s major attraction and mostly visited. The story and legend behind Sigiriya is truly inspiring considering the great King’s vision and his taste to design one of the most stunning ancient gardens of Asia.

The most impressive facets of the unique complex are the fascinating Water Gardens, the Frescoes of beautiful maidens, the Mirror Wall with ancient graffiti, the Lion platform and the view from the Summit.  The 1.6-hectare complex was once completely covered by buildings during the period of Sigiriya’s glory.

Special: On descent from Sigiriya, we will provide guests with fresh cold towels and fresh tropical fruits

Afternoon :  Village Experience followed by Lunch,

There are several villages in and around the cultural triangle, which takes you through rich interiors and gives you that opportunity to integrate with the local community. We stop at a roadside and meet with a local who will coordinate our experience. We have a combination of a trek and tractors which the local farmers use as a prime mode of transportation .The ride will take you through the village where we observe a hive of activity including village houses (some made out of wattle and daub), small shops made out of wooden planks selling sachets and small quantities of day-to-day items, village school before we reach the very interiors where paddy and vegetables are grown in close proximity to the village tank called “wewa” or man-made reservoir. The reservoir provides “life” to the villagers and depending on the time we visit we could see some of the villagers fishing, swimming, bathing, and washing their clothes.

Return back to the hotel

OVERNIGHT AT ULAGLLA RESORT ,ANURADAPURA.

Breakfast at the resort. Proceed to Kandy visiting a private spice plantation en-route.(Travel Time : 3hr & 30min)

PRIVATE SPICE PLANTATION IN MATALE - We visit a private spice garden, where you be met by a specialist who will share his knowledge of the history of spices and talk about fragrant cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, mace and pepper, and many other favourites such as cocoa and vanilla. Your guide will explain the different spices and show how some of these spices are grown, processed and practically applied for cooking and medical purposes. A processing and training unit has been set up in the area and farmers are grouped in a cooperative to ensure fair prices.

Lunch: Open

Continue to Kandy

Travel Time: Approx. 90mts -2hrs

KANDY - the Hill Capital was the last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings retains an aura of grandeur, which time has not affected. Encircled by hills, with a tranquil lake in its centre, it is the site of the most venerated lace for all Buddhists, the "Temple of the Tooth". The Royal Botanical gardens home to one of the best collections of Orchids. The Colonial buildings signify Victorian and Edwardian style architecture, the Queens Hotel certainly making its presence felt in the town.

Kandy was once the capital of the venerated 16th century Kandyan Kings, who fiercely and successfully defended their kingdom against Portuguese and Dutch invaders for 300 years. It eventually fell to the British in 1815, but the salubrious hill station has maintained its position as an epicenter of Sinhalese culture and the site of an important spiritual pilgrimage for Buddhists. Many of the legends, traditions, and folklore are still lovingly kept alive by the region’s friendly people.

PM : Visit the Lankathilake Ancient temple which is historically Signiant and is less visited 

LANKATHILAKE TEMPLE - The Lankathilaka Rajamaha Temple Built on a rocky outcrop, the temple is reached by a long series of steps cut directly into the rock.  A cruciform brick building in three storeys, it has a peculiar architectural design. The temple is full of exquisite painted scenes of the lives of 24 former Buddha’s and there is a colossal seated image of the Buddha.

Thereafter, we visit a private Dancing Academy nearby

(Please note that this experience is private and exclusive)

KANDYAN DANCING ACEDEMY, LANKATHILAKE

We visit a local Dancing school outside the city of Kandy. The Kandyan art reflects the unique signifies our heritage and culture. The dancing school is conducted by a renowned Kandyan dancer recognised by the main Kandy Temple.

The teacher conducts dancing and drumming lessons to emerging young students who aspire to be temple dancers and drummers. This is an important ambition to these students and the practice has been going on for several generations.

The rather charming dancing school is located in the outskirts of the Kandy cit. It is common that the villagers nearby come over to witness the lessons admiring the skills and techniques passed on for many generations.

The school conducts both Kandyan dancing and drumming lessons and clients too could take part in drumming lessons and learn some of the techniques.

Check in to the hotel or depending on reaching Kandy, you could explore the Kandy town with your guide

OVERNIGHT AT EARL’S REGENCY HOTEL, KANDY

Breakfast at the resort. Enjoy Golf in Victoria Golf Course in Digana. (Travel Time : 30min)

‘’Victoria Golf Resort offers an idyllic play space for avid golfers and amateurs alike. Ranking among the best golf courses in the world,our Digana golf club features a meticulously designed and well maintained 73 Par, 6933-yard championship, 18-hole course. Take in the tiniest of details, the hazards, the roughs and other obstacles; take them all into your mind and plan the best strategy to victory by studying the golf course map of Victoria Golf Resort. The extensively detailed map gives you an insight to the course and assists you to have the winning edge’’

Return back to the hotel.  Rest of the day at leisure.

Breakfast at the resort, proceed to Kandy 

From Kandy you will enjoy a train ride to Nany Oya, this is one of the most scenic train rides in Asia. One fabulous way of exploring and travelling from the tea country is to jump aboard the train. The dramatic landscape of the highlands stirs the senses as you wind past lush tea plantations, majestic peaks and rushing waterfalls. The Sri Lanka Railways – the government railway network was first started in 1864 during the colonial period. One meets Sri Lankans from all walks of life on the train – it’s a very enjoyable experience. The locals are really friendly and you will often be greeted with warm smiles once you are on board.

N: B: Your guide will drop you off at the Kandy railway station and take a head start towards Nanu Oya and meet you there with your big suitcases.. (Travel Time : 4hr)

Arrival to Nuwara Eliya – Check into the hotel & Relax

PM : Explore The Little England - Hailing as the city of light, Nuwara Eliya is located at the epic centre of multiple mountain ranges on an open plain. Hence, the climate of the city is similar to that of England, earning it the title “Little England”. The city was infamous amongst the British dating from the time of Sri Lanka’s Colonial rule and was also the capital of the tea trade in the days of old.

Enjoy High tea at The Garden area at The Grand Hotel

OVERNIGHT AT GRAND HOTEL, NUWARA ELIYA

Breakfast at the resort. Enjoy Golf at Nuwara Eliya Golf Course

‘’The Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, founded in 1889, is one of the oldest golf clubs in Asia and probably the world. It is an institution, rich in tradition, history and carries an ambience unparalleled in this country. Founded, primarily for their rest and recreation, by the British planters who cultivated the land for tea in the Nuwara Eliya district, to this day it caters to some of the customs and traditions of the country’s colonial past. This quaint admixture of old-world charm and modern trappings invests it with a special aura, and is the essence of its attractiveness. It is located in Nuwara Eliya, known the world over for the premier quality of the tea produced in the plantations that surround the club. Despite being situated just a stone’s throw from the town, the club still maintains an air of exclusivity, a desirable apartness, so that when one enters its gates, one is transported to a world that has been left behind by the march of history’’

PM : Explore Tea Plantation & Factory :     Directly and indirectly, over one million Sri Lankans are employed in the tea industry. A large proportion of the workforce are young women and the minimum working age is twelve. As tea plantations grew in Sri Lanka and demanded extensive labour, finding an abundant workforce was a problem for planters. Sinhalese people were reluctant to work in the plantations. Indian Tamils were brought to Sri Lanka at the beginning of the coffee plantations.

OVERNIGHT AT GRAND HOTEL, NUWARA ELIYA

Breakfast at the resort. Check out and proceed to Hamabantota visiting Ella. Explore the 09 Arch Bridge by Tuk Tuks. (Travel Time : 2hr & 30min)

09 Arch Bridge : You will hike cross-country through some woods to reach the Nine Arches Bridge. This incredible historical viaduct built entirely from stone, bricks and cement (with no steel) was created in the British era of Sri Lanka. The beautiful nine arches make it a very picturesque spot especially as it is located in a dense jungle and agricultural setting.  It spans a space of over 300 feet and has a height of approximately 100 feet. You will be able walk along the railroad passing over the bridge, and listen to your hiking guide explain the history and stories about Nine Arches. You can also get some excellent photographs and create some memories.

Enjoy Lunch at Ella (Payment direct)

Proceed to the hotel in Hamabantota. (Travel Time : 2hr & 30min)

Check into The Hotel & relax.

OVERNIGHT AT SHANGRI-LA, HAMABANTOTA

Breakfast at the resort. Enjoy Golf at Shangri-La Hambantoota Golf Course

Sri Lanka’s first and only golf resort is set amid a vast coconut palm plantation, offering spectacular views and unique challenges for both casual and seasoned players.

The abundance of nature and wildlife, framed by lakes and the beautiful Indian Ocean, sets the scene for an incredible golfing experience.

PM : Rest Of The Day At Leisure.

OVERNIGHT AT SHANGRI-LA, HAMABANTOTA

Breakfast at the resort, Proceed to Bentota visiting  The Amazing Galle Fortress.(Half a day Experience). (Travel Time : 2hr)

Historically, this award-winning World Heritage fortified township was an essential port of call for Chinese, Persian, Arab and Indian traders. Javanese and Sumatrans came later followed by Marco Polo in 1299 AD. The Portuguese arrived in the 1500’s and built a settlement with a fort of palm trees and mud. This was captured by the Dutch (and finally the British) who added great ramparts and bastions to protect their presence. Narrow streets are lined with old houses displaying Dutch heritage and pillared verandahs. Government offices remain in use and the community is a bustle with daily life – a living breathing town, hidden within fortified walls of this ancient, maritime citadel.

Laughter, chatter, gossip and smiles abound within the rampart walls. We explore the fort, overflowing with landmarks, strolling past the Dutch church, the governor’s house, the spice warehouses, court square, the Kacheri or Town Hall, the lighthouse and ramparts. Near the old Arab mosque are streets leading to cricket fields and the district Judge’s house, surrounded by ancient frangipani trees. There’s a variety of exclusive boutique stores to explore.

Proceed to Bentota. (Travel Time : 1hr & 30min)

Check into the hotel & relax

OVERNIGHT AT TAJ BENTOTA RESORT & SPA, BENTOTA

Guests at leisure enjoying the vibe of the south of the Island.

The south coast is magical during the winter season with the sea conditions favourable, and the restaurants come alive. The weather is perfect for those opting for a balance between sunny days and not too humid conditions.

OVERNIGHT AT TAJ BENTOTA RESORT & SPA, BENTOTA

Breakfast at the resort.

Check out and proceed to the Airport in time for departure (Travel Time: Approx. 2hrs)

****End of the Tour Program    ****