ABOUT THIS TRIP
Rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul with this 11-day yoga and meditation tour of Sri Lanka! Explore the Jewel of the Indian Ocean with this fascinating journey. You will discover extraordinary World Heritage Sites, breathtaking landscapes, and famous landmarks which attract visitors from all around the world! Begin your tour in Colombo and transfer to Waikkal, a seaside village in the northwest where you will have the opportunity to practice yoga in your hotel. Travel to Pinnawala to visit the Elephant Orphanage, a conservation and educational centre where you will learn about these incredible creatures. Next, make your way to Kandalama, a gateway to reach the major cities of Sri Lanka. Visit Sigiriya, where you will climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and visit the Lion Rock Citadel. Your tour will then take you to Matale to see a diverse spice garden along with a traditional cooking demonstration. Stop in Kandy, home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic and plenty of bazaars and gem museums! Wander through the tea plantations before you visit Nuwara Eliya, a popular hill resort in the heart of the country, which is known for producing a significant share of the world’s best tea! Travel to Ella en route to Galle, a breathtaking port city where you will practice yoga. Travel to Colombo to end your tour of Sri Lanka!
09 NIGHTS
09 Meals
TRANSPORT
FLIGHTS
Make your way to your gateway airport for your flight to Sri Lanka. Enjoy in-flight meals and services.
Overnight Onboard Flight
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival in Colombo, you will be met by our company representative and transferred to Waikkal, where you can check into your hotel.
Overnight in Waikkal
In the morning before breakfast, you may wish to practice yoga in the hotel as there will be facilities available (prior notice is required; cost is not included). After breakfast, you will visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. The Orphanage was established in 1975 and started with seven orphans, some of whom are still alive today and who are lucky enough to have seen their grandchildren born here. With the help of local and foreign experts, Pinnawala has become a conservation and educational centre and has started a scientific captive-breeding programme for elephants. After visiting the orphanage, you will be transferred to Kandalama, where you may spend the rest of the day at leisure. You may choose to take advantage of some of the Ayurvedic spa treatments on offer at the hotel this afternoon (not included).
Overnight in Kandalama
Today you will visit Sigiriya, where you may climb the 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress (a World Heritage Site). The “Lion Rock” is a breathtaking citadel that rises 200 metres from the scrub jungle; it is surrounded by a moat and extensive gardens (including the renowned water gardens). After the climb, you may visit the fascinating Sigiriya Museum. Your next stop will be in Polonnaruwa, the second capital city of Sri Lanka built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD, and a World Heritage Site. Here you will see the Gal Viharaya Site, where four splendid rock statues of the Buddha in 'Upright', 'Sedentary', and 'Recumbent' postures can be seen. After visiting the site, you will be transferred back to Kandalama.
Overnight in Kandalama
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Matale, where you will visit a spice garden to learn about the different spices for which Sri Lanka is most famous. You will also see a cookery demonstration where you can learn how to prepare traditional curries using local spices (not included, at your own cost). Afterwards, you will depart for Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be driven around the lake and visit the town where you will find the bazaar, an arts and crafts centre, and a gem museum. You will also discover the Temple of the Tooth Relic and see a local cultural show.
Overnight in Kandy
There are yoga facilities available at the hotel if you wish to use them in the morning before breakfast (prior notice is required; cost is not included). After breakfast, you will be transferred to a Tea Plantation, where the best tea in the world is produced. You can see the manufacturing process and learn how tea is graded. Take the opportunity to taste a cup of pure Ceylon tea before continuing your tour to Nuwara Eliya. Due to its invigorating mountain climate and scenery, Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka’s most popular hill resort and the heart of the country, producing a significant share of the world’s best tea. Your last stop today will be in Ella.
Overnight in Ella
Today you will be transferred to Galle, once the chief port of Ceylon. Galle is situated in the southwestern part of Sri Lanka and continues to be the best example of a fortified city built by the Portuguese during their period in the country. The city is home to the Galle Fort, a World Heritage Site.
Overnight in Galle
This morning you may choose to take part in an hour-long yoga session (prior notice is required; cost is not included), or simply relax at the hotel. Perhaps join our optional tour.
Overnight in Galle
This morning you may choose to take part in an hour-long yoga session (prior notice is required; cost is not included), or simply spend the day relaxing at the hotel.
Overnight in Galle
In the morning you may choose to take part in an hour-long yoga session (prior notice is required; cost is not included). After breakfast, you will be transferred to Colombo, the trade capital of Sri Lanka. While most of the city’s old buildings have been replaced by new apartments and office buildings, certain parts continue to retain their old charm. Later today you will be transferred to Jaela.
Overnight in Jaela
Today you will be transferred back to Colombo Airport to check-in for your onward flight.
Club Hotel Dolphin (Waikkala)
Club Hotel Dolphin is located in Waikkal and offers a beach getaway just 20 km from Bandaranaike International Airport. This club-concept hotel offers free parking, a spa, and 2 large outdoor pools. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Rooms at Dolphin Club Hotel are tastefully furnished with a flat-screen TV and DVD player. Each is equipped with a tea/coffee maker and hairdryer. Private bathrooms come with shower facilities. Relaxing massage therapies are available at the spa. For those looking to exercise, a tennis court, squash court, and fitness centre are available. Dolphin Hotel also provides mini-golf facilities and badminton.
Heritance Kandalama (Kandalama)
Welcome to a very special hotel. A hotel that doesn't sit on the landscape but is part of it. Where monkeys climb your balcony pillars as if they were trees, swifts nest in the corners of corridors as if they were cliffs, granite crags erupt into the sinuous white walkways. Where you can float in the infinity pool while gazing across at the Sigiriya rock fortress, the eighth wonder of the world. Welcome to Heritance Kandalama.
Hotel Santani Resort and Spa (Kandy)
Santani Resort & Spa has received a number of international accolades highlighting the level of service, the cuisine, and the spa. This 48-acre unique property opens out to the Hunnasgiriya Mountain range, and the Knuckles Mountain Range, a Unesco world heritage site. All rooms have a glass wall that provides unhindered views of the lush vegetation surrounding the area. Free Wi-Fi is also offered at the resort. Each meal at Santani is an experience, and with no printed menus, the chefs propose a menu to each guest based on the dietary preferences and utilizing the fresh organic vegetables grown on-site. Spa access and Hatha yoga are provided free of charge.
98 Acres Resort & Spa (Ella)
Featuring the luxurious comforts of a boutique hotel, 98 Acres Resort & Spa is set in Ella amidst a stunning landscape also known as the 98-acre tea estate. Featuring free Wi-Fi at the hotel, all rooms include a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchenette, a dining area and a private bathroom with free toiletries, a bath or shower and a hairdryer. 98 Acres Resort & Spa provides certain units with mountain views, and each room is equipped with a kettle. Guest rooms feature a desk.
Hotel Amari Galle (Galle)
Amari Galle is a luxury resort featuring rooms and suites, an outdoor pool with a pool bar, spa and fitness centre. All rooms boast of a direct view of the Indian Ocean, carefully designed to offer living spaces with a 40-inch LED TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, work desk, mini-bar, tea and coffee making, and ironing facilities. AHARA Gourmet Gallery is Amari Galle’s signature all-day dining restaurant serving a buffet breakfast. The Voyager Lounge is Amari Galle’s unique offering to its guests who are looking to rest and relax during an early arrival or late check-out.
The Wallawwa (Colombo )
The Wallawwa is a restored colonial manor house sitting on 3 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, only 15 minutes' drive from Bandaranaike International Airport. This peaceful retreat features an outdoor pool, a pampering spa and yoga pavilions. Spacious and well-designed, the air-conditioned rooms all feature a Balinese four-poster bed and a flat-screen TV. A personal safe and tea/coffee making facilities are included. Bathrooms have relaxing rain showers. The Wallawwa is a 30-minute drive from the beaches and fish markets of Negombo. It is also a 30-minute drive from Muthurajawela Wetlands. Colombo City is an hour's drive away. Free parking is available.
