Fri 05 Feb - Arrive at Bandaranayake International Airport
Upon arrival at Colombo Bandaranayake International Airport in Sri Lanka you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel Jetwing Blue Negombo in nearby Negombo (approx. 20 minutes) for rest and relaxation.
Karen will encourage you to use your sketchbooks as visual diaries – by the end of the holiday they will be full of sketches, the half-drawn scribbles and the finished studies, line, tone and colour wash.
If you are overcome with travel-weariness, do feel free to disappear for a nap at any point. If you are with Karen, please let her know that you are about to slip away, so she isn’t looking for you.
When we are all gathered together before supper this evening Karen will describe our next day’s adventure and mention our artistic aims for the trip, talking about how you like to work and thinking about our expectations for the tour. At any point during the trip, please feel free to ask Karen to talk to you further about your own artwork, as you may feel you need an extra demonstration or description about how to tackle something.
Overnight at Jetwing Blue
Sprawled over a coastal expanse of 9 acres, Jetwing Blue rests upon the nostalgic shores that witnessed the birth of their legendary hospitality in Sri Lanka. Located at the edge of the Indian Ocean, this historic hotel truly lives up to its name as an icon of tropical luxury, upon a buzzing beach strip of boutiques, restaurants and a number of other exciting haunts in Negombo.
The elegance of each room at Jetwing Blue is reflected not only in its ambience, but also through the inclusion of modern amenities. Beyond the pleasures of a private balcony or terrace and a luxurious bathtub in all spaces, every living space features free Wi-Fi, a satellite television, rain shower with hot and cold water, mini bar, and many more contemporary essentials.
Jetwing Blue is conveniently located mere minutes away from the Bandaranaike International Airport – making it an ideal start or finish to your Sri Lankan adventure.
Sat 06 Feb - Negombo Fish Market
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the resort.
This morning we visit the vibrant Fishing Village, which is one of Sri Lanka’s traditional fish markets. We witness local fisherman bringing in their daily catch, observe the lively fish trade, and experience the authentic coastal lifestyle. The bustling market, set near the lagoon and the sandy beaches, offers a unique glimpse into the culture and seafood heritage of this historic fishing town.
Lunch at a local restaurant today.
This evening experience the magic of Negombo’s coastline as the sun sets in the vibrant shades of gold and pink. Let the soothing sea breeze and the gentle waves inspire your creativity in this peaceful, self-guided painting session.
Sun 07 Feb - Negombo to Wilpattu Nature Reserve
After breakfast this morning we set off in the minibus and head north for Wipattu National Park, taking a fascinating route through the countryside passing small villages, farmland and lakes.
The driving time is around 4 hours and we break our journey for a visit to the Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary to enjoy a peaceful painting session amidst the scenic wetlands, capturing the natural beauty and birdlife of the sanctuary. This is a 1,397-hectara Ramsar wetland known for it’s unique mix of mangroves, freshwater lakes, and coastal ecosystems. Home to over 150 bird species and diverse wildlife, it is a popular destination for birdwatching and nature walks.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Once we arrive at Thimbiriwewa Resort, our home for the next 2 nights, we have the afternoon to settle into our surroundings, maybe have a dip in the pool, and enjoy some sketching demonstrations and painting time with Karen.
Spend the evening enjoying a peaceful nature walk around the property, taking in the calm surrounding, fresh air, and the beauty of local flora and fauna as the day slowly turns to night.
Wipattu National Park
Mon 08 Feb - Wilpattu Nature Reserve
Today we have 1 full day's game drive Wilpattu National Park, exploring and painting the beautiful landscapes, and hoping to catch sight of the elusive Sri Lankan Leopard.
Wilpattu is Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest national park with an area of 130,000 hectare. Wilpattu was once the most popular National Park for leopards, but this changed after several years of closure due to the armed conflict in the area. A unique feature of the park is that the entire reserve is dotted with large sand rimmed natural lakes known as “Villus”. The Villus collects rain water and tends to attract wildlife especially during the times of drought. The main draw in Wilpattu is the leopard and sloth bear. It is also one of the better parks to see Barking Deer.
Wilpattu is not only famous for its wildlife but also for its archaeological and historical importance. About 500 years BCE, it is believed that Prince Vijaya from India and his followers landed in a place called Thambapanni in the Northwest corner of Wilpattu and formed the Sinhalese kingdom. There are still many archaeological ruins and stories to be told about this and many other fascinating historical events that took place within the borders of what we now call the Wilpattu National Park.
Tues 09 Feb - Wilpattu to Habarana
After breakfast this morning we will be transferred to our next destination, Habarana. The journey will be approximately 3 hours and takes us into the lush interior of Sri Lanka, as well as through the ancient city of Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest capitals and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Habarana is a small city in the north central area of the country. It is popular with tourists owing to its close proximity to the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, and the nearby national parks of Minneriya, Hurulu, and Kaudulla which are heavily populated by Asian elephants.
We will spend the rest of the day at leisure at our hotel. There is a spa onsite, as well as a bird and butterfly trail, and cycle paths that meander through the grounds.
Weds 10 Feb - Habarana
We have a fun morning planned – exploring a remote village on bicycles!
Not only will we get to appreciate the colours and sounds of the Habarana locale, but also get hands on and experience and learn about the livelihood, culture and way of life in a typical Sri Lankan village.
We will find a nice spot and settle in for some painting time, before enjoying lunch prepared for us by one of the ladies in the village in her own home.
After lunch, return to the hotel to work in our sketchbooks and relax.
Bicycle tour of village
Thurs 11 Feb - Habarana
After a leisurely breakfast, we will find a painting spot to make a study of Sigiriya – one of the island’s most spectacular sights. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya is a majestic ancient rock fortress that was carved out in the 5th Century for King Kashyapa.
For those feeling fit, there is an optional excursion to climb to the top of the rock fortress, where ancient water gardens, beautifully preserved frescoes, and stunning panoramic views await. It is considered a ‘moderately difficult’ climb that takes on average between 1.5 to 3 hours up a series of stone and metal staircases. NB. Please consult with Karen and your local guide in advance if you would like to do this.
In the afternoon we spend time at the hotel for rest and relaxation.
Early evening, we venture out in search of elephants on a Jeep safari in one of the three nearby National Parks.
Minneriya, Hurulu, and Kaudulla National parks are famous for observing large wild herds of Asian Elephants in their natural habitat. The ideal National Park to visit would depend on the Elephant Herds movements at the particular time period. Encountering these giants at close range would definitely be an unforgettable experience.
Apart from the Elephants, Minneriya and Kaudulla parks often present sightings of bird-flocks such as painted storks, pelicans and little cormorants, which are an added bonus. Depending on the elephant sightings on this particular day, your chauffeur guide will liaise with our regional experts and will take you to one of the following parks in the area, which are situated adjoining each other and allows the Elephants to roam around any of them – Minneriya National Park, Hurulu National Park or Kaudulla National Park.
Evening elephant safari
Fri 12 Feb - Habarana to Kandy
We set off this morning from Habarana to Kandy, making a stop off at the ancient cave temple of Dambulla, known for its vibrant Buddhist murals and statues. The journey takes around 3 ½ hours not including stops.
Dambulla’s origins as a place of worship date back to the reign of King Valagamba in the 1st century BCE, who took refuge in these caves when driven out of Anuradhapura by Chola invaders. Once he regained the throne, the king had the interior of the caves transformed in to magnificent rock temples. More paintings and statues were added over time by later kings. One of the most notable modifications was made by King Nissanka Malla, who had the caves’ interiors gilded giving it the name ‘Ran Giri’ or ‘Golden Rock’ Temple.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Afterwards, proceed to Amaya Hills Resort in Kandy and spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps exploring the local area.
Sat 13 Feb - Kandy
We spend the day exploring Kandy, the island’s hill capital. Kandy was established as a city by King Wikramabahu III from the Kingdom of Gampola in the 13th Century CE and was given the name ‘Senkadagalapura Siriwardhana Maha Nuwara’ which was shortened to ‘Maha Nuwara’ which means ‘Great City’ or ‘Capital’.
Today, Kandy is Sri Lanka’s second largest city after Colombo and is given a UNESCO World Heritage status as a sacred city due to the importance of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Kandy was the capital of the last Sinhalese Kingdom under King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe which finally succumbed to British rule in 1815 after repelling several other invasions from the Portuguese and the Dutch. The King was also responsible for building the Kandy Lake which sprawls across the central area of the city.
This morning, we visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, the largest in Sri Lanka with over 4,000 different species of plants, and is regarded among the finest in Asia. The origins of the Botanical Gardens date to 1371 when King Wikramabahu III took to the throne and kept his court at Peradeniya near the Mahaweli, where the gardens were reserved exclusively for Kandyan Royalty.
The highlights include the Orchid collection, an avenue of Royal Palm Trees and a Javan Fig Tree on the great lawn covering 2500 square kilometres. In addition to a multitude of flowering plants, there is also an expansive collection of medicinal plants and spices which can be seen during a stroll across the gardens. We make time to enjoy the serenity of the gardens and make studies in our sketchbooks.
This evening, we visit the Serene Lankathilake Temple, tucked away amidst the lush greenery and local village life. During our visit, enjoy a painting session inspired by the temple’s intricate architecture and peaceful surroundings. You can also observe the locals worshipping, dressed in their white attire, offering flowers and prayers giving us an authentic glimpse into Sri Lankan spiritual life and culture.
Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya
Lankathilake Temple
Sun 14 Feb - Kandy to Ella
This morning, we travel to Nanuoya ( a drive of about 3 hours) where we board a the train for Ella and embark on one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world.
As the train winds through Sri Lanka’s hill country, we pass rolling tea plantations, misty mountains, cascading waterfalls and charming villages. Along the way, catch glimpse of locals plucking tea and tending their fields, with daily life unfolding around you, offering a genuine and immersive view of highland living. The train journey last approximately 3.5-4 hours.
We are transported to our hotel by bus to check-in and have dinner.
Scenic railway journey
Mon 15 Feb - Nuwara Eliya
Breakfast at the hotel.
This morning we will take our sketchbooks to a local cafe in Ella to paint views of the Nine Arch Bridge, a stunning colonial-era railway framed by misty hills and lush greenery.
We will have lunch in a local restaurant before heading back to the resort.
The rest of the day is yours to paint or relax.
Nine Arch Bridge
Tues 16 Feb - Ella to Galle
This morning we make the journey to our final destination on the tour – Galle – approximately 5 hours away, stopping en-route for comfort breaks and lunch.
We check-in at our hotel and relax after the long journey.
Take the rest of the day at leisure, or go on a guided tour of the Old Dutch Fort. The once sleepy Galle Fort is now a vibrant and bustling area with a distinctively Mediterranean feel to it and is abuzz with activity.
Overnight at The Merchant, Galle
The Merchant, Galle is perfectly positioned in a melting pot of history, culture, food and design, and is a feast for all the senses – from its contemporary design to its setting in the hip locale of Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tucked within the popular Pedlar Street inside the fort, this boutique hotel brings together 1,300 square feet of indoor and outdoor space with modern casual elegance.
Weds 17 Feb - Galle
Today we visit the Sooriya Weaving Mills, the largest handloom factory in the Southern province (Galle, Matara, Hambantota). Enjoy a factory tour and observe the traditional process from yarn dyeing to handloom weaving. The factory produces 100% cotton handmade products such as clothing, shawls, table runners, towels, bed linen, cushion covers and souvenirs. We also have the opportunity to try handloom weaving ourselves with guidance from the artisans.
We have the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps finish some paintings, or explore more of the fort and promenade.
Tonight, we gather one last time to share our sketchbooks and memories of our time together in this magical land.
Sooriya Weaving Mills
Thurs 18 Feb - Galle – Departure Day
This morning we will be transferred back to Bandaranayake International Airport in time to board our flight back home. Airport security has been heightened so we will allow plenty of time for passing through.
Hopefully you will be returning home with sketchbooks filled to the brim with ideas, and warm memories of this Art Safari.
