31 July - 18 August 2017
18 Days / 17 Nights
18 Days / 17 Nights
- Immerse yourself in the food, spices and culture of Sri Lanka
- Stay in some of Sri Lanka's most exquisite boutique hotels
- Explore ancient ruins in the Cultural Triangle
- Spend time in the hill capital of Kandy for the grand Perahera parade
- Uncover historic Galle
- Observe life on a working tea estate while staying in restored tea planters bungalows
- See elephants and leopards on 4WD safari in Yala National Park
- Experience cooking demonstrations with leading Sri Lankan chefs
- Flying from Australia with Singapore Airlines
31 July - 18 August 2017
Tour cost per person AUD9400.00 and includes:
- Accommodation based on double/ twin share
- Meals – as shown in the itinerary, Tea Trails is full board, includes afternoon tea, open bar and laundry
- Return Airport Transfers in Sri Lanka
- Transport for tour in air conditioned Coach
- First class train Hatton to Ella
- Services of an English speaking guide for the duration of the tour
- Entrance fees at places of visit / monuments (Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Lankathilake, Dambulla, Kandy Temple of the Tooth, Minneriya National Park and Yala National Park)
- Jeep charges for safari in Yala and Minneriya
- Trekker Fees for safari in Yala and Minneriya
- A cookery demonstration at Tamarind Hill Galle
- Guided tour and demonstration at Spice Gardens Matale
- City tour of Kandy, Galle and Colombo
- Government taxes
- Porterage & tipping for guide/driver/assistant
- Return economy class airfares flying Singapore Airlines from Sydney
- Air taxes
- Sri Lankan visa
TASTE OF CEYLON 2017
31 Jul SYDNEY – SINGAPORE - COLOMBO
1500hrs Depart Sydney Singapore Airlines flight SQ222
2135hrs Arrive Singapore and transfer to your Colombo flight
2240hrs Depart Singapore Singapore Airlines flight SQ468
2355hrs Arrival in Colombo, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for immediate check in
Overnight: The Wallawwa
1 Aug COLOMBO
Breakfast at your hotel and the day at leisure
Dinner and Overnight: The Wallawwa (BD)
2 Aug PINNAWELA – KANDALAMA
After breakfast, proceed to Kandalama.
En route visit the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, a remarkable project that protects the island’s abandoned or orphaned wild elephants. Pinnewala enthralls adults and children alike. Roaming free within the Sanctuary, except when occasionally shepherded by their Mahouts (keepers) the elephants’ highlight is their regular bathing sessions.
Lunch at Pinnalanda Restaurant in Pinnawela
Continue to Kandalama
Dinner and Overnight: Heritance Kandalama (BLD)
3 Aug KANDALAMA – SIGIRYA – KANDALAMA
After breakfast early morning proceed to Sigiriya. This is one of the most dramatic, inspiring and beautiful historical locations in the world. A mythical past of feuding dynasties suits Sigiriya’s striking setting- it was built in 5th century AD by king, Kasyapa, as a fortress-palace. Worthy of being called the “8th wonder of the world”, Sigiriya will astonish anyone with its outstandingly beautiful views, staggering engineering and peerless design.
Visit Sigiriya Museum and grounds; for those who wish to climb to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress there is an option to do so
Afternoon at Kandalama – at leisure
Tonight enjoy a semi set menu dinner at the a la carte restaurant on the 6th Floor of the hotel
Overnight: Heritance Kandalama (BD)
4 Aug KANDALAMA – DAMBULLA – MINNERIYA – KANDALAMA
After breakfast leave for Dambulla. Discover the Dambulla Caves Rock Temple dated from First Century B.C. This beautiful temple has been operating continuously as a monastery for over 2000 years and features ancient cave paintings. The climb to the temple includes 360 steps and may be challenging for some guests.
Lunch at Cinnamon Habarana (at own expense)
This afternoon continue to Minneriya National Park, located between Habarana and Polonnaruwa, the 8890 hectares of Minneriya National Park is an ideal eco tourism location in Sri Lanka. The park consists of mixed evergreen forest and scrub areas and is home to Sri Lanka’s favourites such as Sambar deer, leopards and elephants.
May to October is the best period to visit Minneriya National Park in view of the famous Gathering of the wild elephants. During this period herds up to 300 elephants are seen at the 8,890 hectare park within a few square kilometres of the Minneriya Reservoir. Elephant Gathering is a thrilling spectacle that would be remembered for rest of the life of all those who were fortunate to witness it.
Dinner at the hotel (at your own expense)
Overnight: Heritance Kandalama (B)
5 Aug KANDALAMA
Breakfast at your hotel
The day at leisure to explore or relax by the pool.
You will have the option to accompany Jim and Sue visiting local markets, the Lanka silk factory and batik factory
Cooking demonstration, followed by a special dinner in the Cave
Overnight: Heritance Kandalama (BD)
6 Aug KANDALAMA – MATALE – KANDY
After breakfast proceed to Kandy.
Enroute visit an exotic Spice Garden in Matale where you will enjoy a guided garden tour and demonstration to understand the taste and aroma of the world famous spices.
Take time to see the art of batik -the ancient art of dyeing cloth using a resist. Dutch traders were so impressed by this craft that in 1835, they brought Batik artists back to Holland with them when they returned from trading trips.
Lunch at Spice Garden Luckgrove
After lunch enjoy the drive to Kandy (1hr approx..)
Arrive into the last stronghold of Sinhala Kings & UN World Heritage Site – the Hill Country capital of Kandy.
Dinner at Queens Hotel in private dining area while enjoying the spectacle of the Perahera
Overnight: Queens Hotel (BLD)
7 Aug KANDY
After breakfast explore the city’s Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic where we will encounter many local pilgrims on their way to pay homage. Wander around the lake and the streets of Kandy getting a feel for this wonderful city.
Kandy excursions:
Afternoon at leisure in Kandy
Dinner and Overnight: Queens Hotel (BD)
8 Aug KANDY – BOGAWANTALAWA
After breakfast transfer by coach to Bogawantalawa and Tea Trails, your home for the next two nights
Your time is at leisure here to enjoy all the generous hospitality offered by Tea Trails
Dinner and Overnight: Tea Trails (BLD)
9 Aug BOGAWANTALAWA (HATTON)
After breakfast visit a Tea Factory and see how Ceylon tea is made and learn the art of becoming a discerning tea taster. Wander through the tea estates and visit the local tea pickers.
Lunch at Tea Trails
Afternoon to enjoy Tea Trails activities
Dinner and Overnight: Tea Trails (BLD)
10 Aug BOGAWANTALAWA – YALA
After breakfast transfer to Hatton Rail station for the spectacular journey by train to Ella (a packed lunch will be provided to take with you on the train).
Continue to Yala by coach.
Dinner and Overnight: Jetwings Yala (BLD)
11 Aug YALA
An early start after coffee and a snack to visit the Yala National Park located nearby. In terms of game-viewing this is probably the best place to see the ‘big three’: elephant, leopard and water buffalo. It is estimated that Yala is home to about 35 Leopard making it one of the world's densest leopard populations. However, they are not always easy to spot. Return to Cinnamon Wild mid morning for a leisurely breakfast, relaxation and perhaps a swim.
Morning and afternoon game drives are included. Lunch at Cinnamon Wild will be at your own expense
Dinner and Overnight: Jetwings Yala (BD)
12 Aug YALA – GALLE
After breakfast, time to check out of your hotel and drive to Galle. We will stop along the way for morning refreshments
Once in Galle check into the hotel, the rest of the day will be at leisure.
Dinner and Overnight: Tamarind Hill (BD)
13 Aug GALLE
After breakfast explore the historic town of Galle and the 17th century Dutch Fort, a UNESCO-protected World Heritage site. Walk down Galle Fort's narrow streets lined with Dutch and British colonial era buildings, which are still in use, sturdy ramparts looking out to sea, the lighthouse, and a growing collection of art galleries.
Afternoon at leisure
Dinner at a local restaurant – Fort Printers Inn
Overnight: Tamarind Hill (BD)
14 Aug GALLE
Breakfast at your hotel
Morning at leisure for shopping - optional visit to the beach to watch the fishing boats bringing in their catch. Everyone is encouraged to help the fisherman with their fishing nets (due to the SE monsoon this activity may not be possible)
Afternoon tour of the markets with the chef from Tamarind Hill to choose ingredients for a cooking demonstration and this evening’s dinner
Dinner and overnight: Tamarind Hill (BD)
15 Aug GALLE– COLOMBO
After breakfast an early start to Bentota to visit the house of the Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Deshamanya Geoffrey Manning Bawa, is the most renowned architect in Sri Lanka and was among the most influential Asian architects of his generation. Enjoy a guided tour of the beautiful gardens that surround the house
Lunch at Lunuganga
After lunch continue to Colombo
Overnight: Galle Face Hotel (BL)
16 Aug COLOMBO
After breakfast enjoy a sightseeing tour of Colombo.
As the capital and main port of Sri Lanka, Colombo is home to many attractions, which include three sets of foreign rulers—the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British.
The afternoon free to continue shopping and sightseeing
Dinner at 1864 Restaurant Galle Face Hotel
Overnight: Galle Face Hotel (BD)
17 Aug COLOMBO
Breakfast at the hotel
A day of leisure
Dinner: Local restaurant at your own expense
You have use of your hotel room until it is time to depart for the airport
2100hrs Transfer to Colombo International Airport by coach
18 Aug COLOMBO – SINGAPORE – SYDNEY
0110hrs Depart Colombo: Singapore Airlines SQ469
0740hrs Arrive Singapore and transfer to your Sydney flight
0935hrs Depart Singapore: Singapore Airlines SQ211
1915hrs Arrive Sydney
31 Jul SYDNEY – SINGAPORE - COLOMBO
1500hrs Depart Sydney Singapore Airlines flight SQ222
2135hrs Arrive Singapore and transfer to your Colombo flight
2240hrs Depart Singapore Singapore Airlines flight SQ468
2355hrs Arrival in Colombo, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for immediate check in
Overnight: The Wallawwa
1 Aug COLOMBO
Breakfast at your hotel and the day at leisure
Dinner and Overnight: The Wallawwa (BD)
2 Aug PINNAWELA – KANDALAMA
After breakfast, proceed to Kandalama.
En route visit the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, a remarkable project that protects the island’s abandoned or orphaned wild elephants. Pinnewala enthralls adults and children alike. Roaming free within the Sanctuary, except when occasionally shepherded by their Mahouts (keepers) the elephants’ highlight is their regular bathing sessions.
Lunch at Pinnalanda Restaurant in Pinnawela
Continue to Kandalama
Dinner and Overnight: Heritance Kandalama (BLD)
3 Aug KANDALAMA – SIGIRYA – KANDALAMA
After breakfast early morning proceed to Sigiriya. This is one of the most dramatic, inspiring and beautiful historical locations in the world. A mythical past of feuding dynasties suits Sigiriya’s striking setting- it was built in 5th century AD by king, Kasyapa, as a fortress-palace. Worthy of being called the “8th wonder of the world”, Sigiriya will astonish anyone with its outstandingly beautiful views, staggering engineering and peerless design.
Visit Sigiriya Museum and grounds; for those who wish to climb to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress there is an option to do so
Afternoon at Kandalama – at leisure
Tonight enjoy a semi set menu dinner at the a la carte restaurant on the 6th Floor of the hotel
Overnight: Heritance Kandalama (BD)
4 Aug KANDALAMA – DAMBULLA – MINNERIYA – KANDALAMA
After breakfast leave for Dambulla. Discover the Dambulla Caves Rock Temple dated from First Century B.C. This beautiful temple has been operating continuously as a monastery for over 2000 years and features ancient cave paintings. The climb to the temple includes 360 steps and may be challenging for some guests.
Lunch at Cinnamon Habarana (at own expense)
This afternoon continue to Minneriya National Park, located between Habarana and Polonnaruwa, the 8890 hectares of Minneriya National Park is an ideal eco tourism location in Sri Lanka. The park consists of mixed evergreen forest and scrub areas and is home to Sri Lanka’s favourites such as Sambar deer, leopards and elephants.
May to October is the best period to visit Minneriya National Park in view of the famous Gathering of the wild elephants. During this period herds up to 300 elephants are seen at the 8,890 hectare park within a few square kilometres of the Minneriya Reservoir. Elephant Gathering is a thrilling spectacle that would be remembered for rest of the life of all those who were fortunate to witness it.
Dinner at the hotel (at your own expense)
Overnight: Heritance Kandalama (B)
5 Aug KANDALAMA
Breakfast at your hotel
The day at leisure to explore or relax by the pool.
You will have the option to accompany Jim and Sue visiting local markets, the Lanka silk factory and batik factory
Cooking demonstration, followed by a special dinner in the Cave
Overnight: Heritance Kandalama (BD)
6 Aug KANDALAMA – MATALE – KANDY
After breakfast proceed to Kandy.
Enroute visit an exotic Spice Garden in Matale where you will enjoy a guided garden tour and demonstration to understand the taste and aroma of the world famous spices.
Take time to see the art of batik -the ancient art of dyeing cloth using a resist. Dutch traders were so impressed by this craft that in 1835, they brought Batik artists back to Holland with them when they returned from trading trips.
Lunch at Spice Garden Luckgrove
After lunch enjoy the drive to Kandy (1hr approx..)
Arrive into the last stronghold of Sinhala Kings & UN World Heritage Site – the Hill Country capital of Kandy.
Dinner at Queens Hotel in private dining area while enjoying the spectacle of the Perahera
Overnight: Queens Hotel (BLD)
7 Aug KANDY
After breakfast explore the city’s Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic where we will encounter many local pilgrims on their way to pay homage. Wander around the lake and the streets of Kandy getting a feel for this wonderful city.
Kandy excursions:
- Gem Museum & Factory tour
- Art & Craft Village
Afternoon at leisure in Kandy
Dinner and Overnight: Queens Hotel (BD)
8 Aug KANDY – BOGAWANTALAWA
After breakfast transfer by coach to Bogawantalawa and Tea Trails, your home for the next two nights
Your time is at leisure here to enjoy all the generous hospitality offered by Tea Trails
Dinner and Overnight: Tea Trails (BLD)
9 Aug BOGAWANTALAWA (HATTON)
After breakfast visit a Tea Factory and see how Ceylon tea is made and learn the art of becoming a discerning tea taster. Wander through the tea estates and visit the local tea pickers.
Lunch at Tea Trails
Afternoon to enjoy Tea Trails activities
Dinner and Overnight: Tea Trails (BLD)
10 Aug BOGAWANTALAWA – YALA
After breakfast transfer to Hatton Rail station for the spectacular journey by train to Ella (a packed lunch will be provided to take with you on the train).
Continue to Yala by coach.
Dinner and Overnight: Jetwings Yala (BLD)
11 Aug YALA
An early start after coffee and a snack to visit the Yala National Park located nearby. In terms of game-viewing this is probably the best place to see the ‘big three’: elephant, leopard and water buffalo. It is estimated that Yala is home to about 35 Leopard making it one of the world's densest leopard populations. However, they are not always easy to spot. Return to Cinnamon Wild mid morning for a leisurely breakfast, relaxation and perhaps a swim.
Morning and afternoon game drives are included. Lunch at Cinnamon Wild will be at your own expense
Dinner and Overnight: Jetwings Yala (BD)
12 Aug YALA – GALLE
After breakfast, time to check out of your hotel and drive to Galle. We will stop along the way for morning refreshments
Once in Galle check into the hotel, the rest of the day will be at leisure.
Dinner and Overnight: Tamarind Hill (BD)
13 Aug GALLE
After breakfast explore the historic town of Galle and the 17th century Dutch Fort, a UNESCO-protected World Heritage site. Walk down Galle Fort's narrow streets lined with Dutch and British colonial era buildings, which are still in use, sturdy ramparts looking out to sea, the lighthouse, and a growing collection of art galleries.
Afternoon at leisure
Dinner at a local restaurant – Fort Printers Inn
Overnight: Tamarind Hill (BD)
14 Aug GALLE
Breakfast at your hotel
Morning at leisure for shopping - optional visit to the beach to watch the fishing boats bringing in their catch. Everyone is encouraged to help the fisherman with their fishing nets (due to the SE monsoon this activity may not be possible)
Afternoon tour of the markets with the chef from Tamarind Hill to choose ingredients for a cooking demonstration and this evening’s dinner
Dinner and overnight: Tamarind Hill (BD)
15 Aug GALLE– COLOMBO
After breakfast an early start to Bentota to visit the house of the Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Deshamanya Geoffrey Manning Bawa, is the most renowned architect in Sri Lanka and was among the most influential Asian architects of his generation. Enjoy a guided tour of the beautiful gardens that surround the house
Lunch at Lunuganga
After lunch continue to Colombo
Overnight: Galle Face Hotel (BL)
16 Aug COLOMBO
After breakfast enjoy a sightseeing tour of Colombo.
As the capital and main port of Sri Lanka, Colombo is home to many attractions, which include three sets of foreign rulers—the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British.
The afternoon free to continue shopping and sightseeing
Dinner at 1864 Restaurant Galle Face Hotel
Overnight: Galle Face Hotel (BD)
17 Aug COLOMBO
Breakfast at the hotel
A day of leisure
Dinner: Local restaurant at your own expense
You have use of your hotel room until it is time to depart for the airport
2100hrs Transfer to Colombo International Airport by coach
18 Aug COLOMBO – SINGAPORE – SYDNEY
0110hrs Depart Colombo: Singapore Airlines SQ469
0740hrs Arrive Singapore and transfer to your Sydney flight
0935hrs Depart Singapore: Singapore Airlines SQ211
1915hrs Arrive Sydney
To view and download the full Itinerary please click here
Call Lindy for further information and to book this Tour on (02) 6558 2188
Call Lindy for further information and to book this Tour on (02) 6558 2188
