Sri Lanka Authentic Tour

Welcome at the airport (Arrival details to be advised) & proceed to Horathapola for check-in ( Standard check in time : 14.00 hrs). (40 KM / 1h 10m)

Evening at leisure.

Overnight stay in Horathapola

After an early breakfast at 08.00hrs enjoy a bullock cart ride.

Bullock Cart Ride (Duration of visit : approx 1 ½ - 2 Hours)   

Hop into a bullock cart for a unique way to enjoy a tour around the property, while exploring the extent of Horathapola’s plantations. (A Bullock Cart is a carriage drawn by a bull). Besides being a unique experience, the ride is a great opportunity to see an organic plantation at work. Ride is complimentary.

Thereafter proceed to Pinnawela. (60 KM / 1h 40m)

14.00hrs: Arrive Millennium Elephant Foundation-Shower, check into room, and take welcome drink (fresh fruit juice or infused iced water)

14.30hrs: lunch served at the Colonial house 3 courses tea & Coffee

15.15hrs: Guided Museum tour

15.45hrs: 45 minute elephant walk experience

• Elephant Walk Experience Program:
  • Personalised guide for your whole tour.
  • Educational talk by an expert about our Foundation, elephants and a tour of our museum
  • At least a 30 minute walk with an elephant around our grounds watching and observing the elephant whilst learning about Sri Lankan elephants

16.30hrs: Elephant Feeding & Elephant Bathing (optional elephant shower)

17.00hrs: Back to colonial house, to change, relax etc

18.00hrs: Dinner

Overnight stay in Pinnawala

06.00hrs: Meet your guide, your elephant and its mahout at the back of the colonial house, wait whilst the elephant has a drink from the tap

06.15hrs: Early morning stroll to the rice paddies or the jungle with your elephant

07.00hrs: Prepare that elephants medicines and vitamins for the day

7.15hrs: Feed the elephant vitamins and do the elephants vet check (full body and feet pads) Apply any treatments if needed

7.30hrs: Elephant bathing

08.00hrs: Breakfast at Colonial house with tea and coffee

09.00hrs: Maximus elephant dung paper factory tour & visit to their onsite shop

09.30hrs: Departure drink of king coconut and depart

Thereafter engage in an walk to Saradiyel’s Village at Uthuwankanda (Famous as Robin Hood’s Village in Sri Lanka)

Authentic Walk to Saradiyel’s Village (Duration of visit : approx 6 Hours)   

Uthuwankanda is a beautiful village with green paddy fields, rivers and mountains. The Uthuwankanda Village tour starts with the Uthuwankanda Temple where you meet the honorable monk in the temple. He will give a small description about the historical importance of the temple.There are four important places to visit in this journey. They are Saradiel rock, Saradiel cave, Saradiel theme park and Bo fall. The Saradiel rock climb is one of the main adventure activities in this tour. While exploring the cave tunnel, you will need to creep through certain areas, making it quite an adventure. Saradiel village is situated 1 km from Uthuwankanda junction in Mawanella. You will be escorted on a guided tour where our guide will walk you through the life and death of the Saradiel. After the experience, visit Ambalama (A villagers rest hut) and refresh yourself with a king coconut and a village fruit buffet while you listen to folk poetry. After having lunch (rice & curry, and fruit salad)  you’re off on a trek to Bo Waterfall. This is a beautiful waterfall with a mesmerizing rock pool. The experience will end at 3.30 pm, after a brief discussion session complemented by an evening refreshment along with srilankan traditional sweets (Helapa, Walithalapa).

Afterwards proceed back to Colonial House Pinnawala. Spend time with the Elephants.

Overnight stay in Pinnawala

After breakfast proceed to Habarana. (115 KM / 3h 30m)

Thereafter engage in the ancient Sri Lankan Art of Clay Pottery Making.

Sri Lankan Art of Clay Pottery Making (Duration of visit : approx 2 ½  – 3 Hours)   

Following a brief on the tour and safety precautions, you will be given bicycles to cycle to the village of potters with your designated guide. You can take part in the pottery making process along with the village community who will eagerly welcome you. Witness the amazing transformation of the raw material clay into pottery.You will have the chance to see the art of framing pottery in the traditional way and how these artisans adapt their craft to suit more modern expectations and styles.

During this engaging tour, the villagers will serve you a cup of tea or a herbal drink - a means of gaining an insightful experience of rural lifestyle and hospitality. This responsible trail will immerse you in a traditional industry; a home-grown livelihood that deserves merit and recognition.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight stay in Habarana.

After breakfast experience the legendary art of “ANGAMPORA”. (Spend a Half Day Tour with the last living warriors of Angampora, the ancient martial art of Sri-Lanka)

Legendary Art of Angampora (Duration of visit : approx 4 Hours)   

You will be picked up from Habarana and after a tour brief, you will be taken by jeep with your designated guide to the village of Angampora. Here you will meet Gurunnaanse, the chief of the tradition at the village.Initially there will be the routine rituals which always precede the various components of the martial arts being carried out.

The program will begin at 9.00 a.m., commencing with: a yoga session, followed by meditation and then by a self-defence training session. During this session, guests will learn moves from one of the oldest forms of martial arts known in the world, and even more impressive, learning from the ‘guru’, the teacher of the skill himself; the only living practitioner.The history of Angampora and the divisions of the skill will be explained to you, intertwined with interesting folklore and stories.

After all the rituals and physical activity, you will be taken back to the village house for a traditional lunch, where you will experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.

Thereafter proceed to Polonnaruwa (60 KM / 1h 0m per way) and visit Polonnaruwa ancient kingdom by bicycle.

Polonnaruwa Ancient Kingdom(Duration of visit : approx 2 – 2 ½ Hours) 

It would take you awhile to fathom that such a city every existed many years ago and after you return to your true senses the journey through this colossal city would be nothing less than magical. Polonnaruwa is Sri Lanka's second oldest kingdom and features a plethora of ruins and places of religious worship. Some of the many interesting places to visit in Polonnaruwa include the Gal Viharaya (Stone temple), Lankathilake, Tivanka Image House, Nissanka Latha Mandapaya, the Audience Hall and the Vatadage.

In the evening enjoy a BBQ dinner with a bottle of Coconut arrack (Local whiskey) or local beer.

Overnight stay in Habarana.

After breakfast transfer to Dambulla and engage in a public bus ride (with locals) from Dambulla to Naula. (18 KM/ 0h 30m)

Thereafter pick up from Naula bus stop and proceed to Matale. (30 KM/ 1h 0m)

Sudu Ganga Trek (Duration of visit : approx 1 ½  – 2 Hours)   

You get an opportunity to walk through the rubber plantations, pepper, Cocoa and meet the Tamil local community. Then we descend to the Sudu Ganga river “Known as the WHITE RIVER” which you cross by a small bridge. You also have the opportunity to swim in the river.

Enjoy a picnic Sri Lankan lunch wrapped in banana leaf beside the Sudu Ganga river. (Sit of the floor or rock and enjoy the lunch similar to how local do it)

Afterwards , visit a spice garden to learn the many spices that is applied Sri Lankan meals.

Spice Gardens visit at Matale (Duration of visit : approx 30 – 45 mins) 

Sri Lanka is famous for its spices and spices gardens. These spice gardens offers tourists memorable visits to various spice plantations in Sri Lanka. In order to promote and uplift spice growing and spice gardens of Sri Lanka a spice council was established with all key industry private and public sector stakeholders.

On completion visit the 3rd century Aluvihara Temple.

Aluvihara Temple (Duration of visit : approx 30 mins) 

The temple is Located 26 km. from Kandy in Matale is the ancient Aluvihara cave temple, which is of great significance in the history of Buddhism. It was here that the oral teachings of the Buddha, the Tripitaka, were committed to writing for the first time in 3rd century AD. The language of these Buddhist scriptures, Pali, influenced the development of the Sinhala language. The Alulvihara temple consists of large caves with Buddha images and frescoes. Further in is a cave dedicated to Venerable Buddhagosa, a Buddhist monk, who spent several years in this cave documenting the doctrines of the Buddha in Pali.

Check into hotel.  Dinner will be served on the terrace. All meals are vegetarian.

Overnight stay in Matale.

Morning (07.00hrs) engage in a Yoga session for 60 minutes.

Thereafter enjoy a brunch on the terrace, comprising a varying selection of the following: tropical fruits, juice, buffalo curd, home-made muesli, toast and spreads, pancakes, Sri Lankan breakfast specialties such as roti, pittu, dhal, string hoppers, green gram, hoppers, eggs, breadfruit, chapatis, etc. All meals are vegetarian.

Afterwards transfer to Kandy en-route visit the famous Muthumariamman Hindu Temple at Matale. (25 KM/ 1h 0m)

Sri Muthumariamman Temple (Duration of visit : approx 30 mins) 

Sri Muthumariamman Temple is a Hindu temple situated in Matale. The temple is dedicated to Mariamman who is the goddess of rain and fertility. It is also known as Arulmigu Sri Muthumari Amman Kovil. The current temple structure was built in 1874 and is used by both the Hindus and the Buddhists. The main religious festivals held at the Sri Muthumariamman Temple includes the chariot festival at the temple celebrated during the month of February or March.

Drive to Kandy and engage in a walking tour of Kandy city “ORIGINAL BY DETROVES TRAVELS”.

Walking Tour of Kandy city (Duration of visit : approx 5 hours) 

Tour itinerary –

• 14 - 1500hrs        Tuk Tuk ride to Bahirawakanda Temple, Bahirawa temple (1 hour), Upper lake viewpoint. (Refreshment King coconut)
• 15 - 1600hrs        Central market + Old Bogambara prison (from outside)+local bazaar (1 hour)
• 15 - 1545hrs        Break for tea & pastry at local bakery (bake house)
• 16 - 1700hrs        Stroll around the beautiful Kandy Lake
• 17 - 1800hrs        Sri Lankan tradinational cutural show
• 18 - 1845hrs        Temple of the Tooth for ceremony

19.00hrs               Queens or Old Empire pub for around of drinks (dinner direct payment)

Overnight stay at Kandy

Early breakfast and proceed to Kandy city to engage in a Cooking class.

Cooking Class (Duration of visit : approx 4h 0mins)  

Cooking class starts at 10.00hrs and you will be introduced to the magic of Sri Lankan culture and cuisine in a mix of days that include discussions, hands-on classes, demonstrations, market visits, and special lunches. What you will get in the Cooking class –

• Local market visit by Tuk Tuk
• Cookery demo & class will be conducted by a Sri Lankan couple.
• Lunch with ten or more vegetables. (Most cooked by you)
• Desert - Sri Lankan fresh fruits .

Back to hotel (30 KM / 1h 30m) and in the late afternoon and enjoy a rejuvenating 90-minute Ayurveda Body Massage at the hotel. Meet the Ayurveda doctor for a brief consultation and introduction to Ayurveda prior to massage.  

Overnight stay in Kandy.

Early breakfast and engage in a Meditation session at 07.30hrs for 90 minutes at Samadhi Center.

Thereafter proceed to Kandy city. (30 KM / 1h 30m)

Thereafter visit a Batik shop which is an important center for Arts and Crafts. You will get the opportunity to try a Sari and Sarong and purchase one for yourself!

On completion drive to Nuwara Eliya (80 KM / 3h 0m) en-route visit a Tea Factory where you will learn the how one of the worlds most famous teas are processed and packaged. Get a understanding of the different grades of teas and finally finish the visit with a fine cup of Sri Lankan Tea.

Thereafter in the afternoon engage in a walking tour of Nuwara Eliya city “ORIGINAL BY DETROVES TRAVELS”.

Walking & local pub tour of Nuwara Eliya city (Duration of visit : approx 3 hours)  

Tour itinerary –

• 15.00hrs - 17.00hrs              Start the walk to racecourse, colonial post office, city center, central market &  Victoria park (optional rent a bike). En-route have a shot of coconut arrack (local whiskey) or beer at a local wine store. (Drink it standing on the street which is typcial of locals there)
• 17.00hrs - 17.45hrs     Walk by old colonial hotels Hill club & Grand hotel (from outside)
• 18.00hrs Continue the drinking. Another round of coconut arrack at one of oldest bars (Windsor) and then continue to Lion pub (Where locals hang out) for a local beer and local dinner ( typically fried rice & deviled chicken shared)

Overnight stay in Kandy.

After breakfast visit a rural school at Nuwara Eliya and spend some time children in one classroom. You can choose to donate stationery or sweets to the Children. The driver can help you purchase but it is only at your descretion. (School visits exclude School vacations, Saturday, Sudays and all Public holidays)

Thereafter board train from Nanu Oya to Ella (2nd /3rd class) (65 KM / 2h 30 m)

Pick up from Ella Station and transfer to Idyll Homestay and meet the family, Anil & Danu and their daughter. Enjoy the nice home cooked dinner with the family at the Homestay.

Overnight stay in Ella.

After breakfast engage in a walking tour of Ella city “ORIGINAL BY DETROVES TRAVELS”.

Walking tour of Ella city (Duration of visit : approx 5 hours) 

Tour itinerary –

• 06.30hrs - 07.45hrs         Packed breakfast and walk up to little Adams Peak  (Picnic breakfast whilst enjoying view of the Ella gap)
• 08.00hrs - 11.30hrs          Visit Nine - arch bridge (by 09.00hrs) to see the train pass by (wonderful photo opportunity) while having a king coconut or cup of tea. From the bridge trek along the railway track to the Ella main train station (3km / 45min).  From the station walk to the Ella town for exploring.

Thereafter transfer to Udawalawe. (100 KM / 2h 30 m)

In the afternoon visit the Elephant Transit Home.

Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home (Duration of visit : approx 30 mins  – 40 mins)

The elephant babies have all the required facilities and luxuries at the Elephant Transit Home and they are provided with safe and sufficient food and water. The elephants roam around freely and they are able to obtain food by grazing in an undisturbed and natural environment. This normally happens during the daytime and the feeding program has being schedule in intervals of three hours commencing at 6:00 a.m. daily. In addition to this the elephants have their freedom to play as well as the required facilities are available at the Elephant Transit Home. 

Check into the campsite. Enjoy a BBQ and bonfire under the stars in quiet wilderness.

Overnight stay in Udawalawe.

Early morning (0600hrs) engage in a safari at Udawalawe National Park (with packed breakfast)

Udawalawe National Park (Duration of visit : approx 3 ½  – 4 Hours)

Elephant safari’s and wildlife circuit bungalows are just two things that make this National Park a hotspot for tourists. Spanning over 30,821 hectares of wildlife is a national park that best rivals the savannahs of Africa. Located in the centre of the large Udawalawe reservoir fed by the Walawe Ganga, the Park is known as one of the ideal and idyllic spots to view elephants at close range. There are about 500 in the park with herds ranging from 50. Visible throughout the park is the Elephant proof fences which ensure that’s elephants don’t wander out and cattle’s don’t sneak in.

Thereafter proceed to Galle. (115 KM / 2h 30 m)

In the afternoon engage in a walking tour of Galle city “ORIGINAL BY DETROVES TRAVELS”.

Walking Tour of Galle city (Duration of visit : approx 3 hours)  

Tour itinerary –

• 15.00hrs - 16.00hrs          Start at the new town. Visit Galle main bus station, railway station,  fruit stalls (have a watermelon juice), fish market, Galle cricket stadium.
• 16.00hrs - 18.00hrs          Enter the UNESCO heritage site, old Galle fort. Visit the Clock Tower, Dutch church, Dutch hospital, Lighthouse, walk along the Dutch fort and end at Rampart Hotel for Sunset ( 1 round of  local beer) Optional to have dinner at Rampart hotel or many other lovely rustic restuarants inside the Galle Fort. (Dinner direct payment)

Overnight stay in Galle.

After breakfast visit an arts and crafts shop hidden in Galle Fort and learn the history of mask making in Sri Lanka before your host guides you through creating your own.

Mask Making (Duration of visit : approx 2 – 2 ½ Hours)

Masks are used more for performance and ritual in modern day Sri Lanka but their past is rooted in ancient beliefs and the ideology that they have healing and protective powers.  Learn the fascinating and age-old techniques from your host in Kolam where masks are usually made from a light wood called “Kaduru”.  Follow your host’s guidance and observe his techniques as together you mould your creation using traditional and sustainable resources such as recycled paper, kithul (treacle), kurundu (cinnamon), clay, broken tiles, bees wax and even cow dung! There is the option of choosing between carving and painting of masks. However, tools used for carving are to be handled with care. It is recommended that children between the age of 8 to 12 be accompanied by an adult if they wish to carve masks.

Highlights of the Tour:

• Take part in a tradition embedded in Sri Lankan beliefs and rituals.

• Your host will tell stories of carving from the past and the techniques involved.
• Create your own souvenir of your trip to UNESCO world heritage awarded, Galle Fort.

Thereafter proceed to Colombo (120 KM / 2h 30 m) en-route visit the oldest mosque in Sri Lanka known as Masjid ul Abrar - first mosque in Sri Lanka constrcuted by the Arab traders (Only viewing from outside).

In the afternoon engage in a Colombo walking tour followed with walk along the Galle face green where you can experience different type of Sri Lankan street food. End with simple dinner under the stars at street food restaurant (Favorite of locals). Thereafter enjoy a farewell drink at bar near Galle face green.

Overnight stay in Colombo.

After breakfast proceed to Airport for departure. (40 KM/0h 45m)

 Above mentioned timings are approximate, per way and subject to change due to traffic, weather condition or unexpected Interruptions en-route.

It does not account for stoppages for site visits, photo opportunities, lunch etc.

(It is purely driving time)

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