Unusual encounters in the land of green gold

You'll be met by your driver at Colombo international airport, and drive directly to Negombo (check-in for rooms at 2pm). Early check-in can be booked at extra cost.

Negombo is a beautiful fishing village where every morning you can attend the fish market located on part of the beach.

The Negombo fish market is a very popular and authentic Sri Lankan market. Here, the scent of fish mingles with that of spices, fruit and vegetables to create an intoxicating perfume.

Visit this traditional fishing village: the fish market on the beach, the fishing port, the town center... or relax at your hotel in the Negombo area.

Road to Meddepola.

You will arrive at the village of Meddepola and begin your 2-3 hour hike. As you hike through this typical village, you'll be able to observe different crops such as rice paddies, rubber plantations and coconut plantations, as well as the daily routine of the local population.

Then it's back to Dambulla.

In the evening, take a stroll through Dambulla's cooperative market, rich in fresh vegetables and tropical fruits. This is the best time to get up close and personal with the local community.

After breakfast, visit Sigiriya's Lion Rock, a UNESCO site and one of the wonders of the world. You'll discover the ancient palace, its 5th-century frescoes, its gardens and a spectacular 360° view.

Then excursion into the countryside to the village of Hiriwaduna: ox-cart ride, pirogue crossing, lunch on a farm and meeting villagers over fresh coconut juice.

Optional Ayurvedic massage in a specialized center.

At Dambulla, discover the world's best-preserved cave temple, with its 5 main caves housing 153 statues and paintings, as well as the impressive golden Buddha statue. This site, dating from the 1st century BC and enriched until the 18th century, is the largest complex of rock temples in Sri Lanka.

Then on to Wasgamuwa National Park. An optional 4x4 safari (€45 per adult) allows you to explore this park, which is still untouched by mass tourism. The experience is ideal in the afternoon, to admire the sunset behind the Knuckles Mountains.

Wasgamuwa is renowned for its rich wildlife: 23 species of mammals, including large Asian elephants and predators such as bears, make it a unique and authentic place.

Discover the village of Wasgamuwa by bicycle or Tuk Tuk (01 h 30)

Continue to Attanwala, a village surrounded by the Knuckles Mountains.

You take the "butterfly path" along a canal above the rice fields. It leads to the village temples.

This 03-04h hike in the village of Attanwala is an opportunity to meet the local Sri Lankan population and to see their daily life and participate with them in activities on an agricultural field. (Rice fields, farms etc...). An unforgettable way for you to experience their daily lives.

Late afternoon at leisure in the mountains

Departure for Kandy.

On the way, discover the Bambarakiri Ella waterfall. The Bambarakiri Ella waterfall is home to a wide variety of flora, fauna and birds. A suspension bridge spanning the falls adds the finishing touch to an already magnificent scene.

Continuing on to Kandy, the kingdom's last capital and home to the famous replica of Buddha's tooth.

On the way, visit a spice garden in Mathale. The purpose of this visit is to introduce you to the different types of plants and spices and the methods used to make the various spices and treatments and ayurvedic medicines that are good for your health. Explanations are often given in French, to help you better understand the processes involved. During the visit, you'll be offered local products such as high-quality spices and garlic.

However, we would like to stress that it is in no way compulsory to buy the products on sale on these sites. As in many tourist places, this is part of the game and you are free to make your own purchases, but this is a garden certified by the Sri Lanka Tourist Board for quality and safety.

Day 07 Kandy in depth

In the morning, visit the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic, a great symbol of Buddhist culture.

In the afternoon, free time to visit the city of Kandy, including a woodcarving center to learn about the country's woodworking process, and a precious stone workshop and museum to learn about the country's unique working methods.

In the early evening, enjoy a traditional and cultural dance performance by Kandyan dancers and drummers.

Departure for Nuwara Eliya along the Tea Route, with stops to meet the local population and learn about work on the plantations. Visit to a tea factory: explanation of the manufacturing process, walk through the plantation with the pluckers and tasting of different varieties (black, green, white).

Discover the town of Nuwara Eliya, then take the local train from Nanu Oya to Haputale, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The train passes through mountains, tea plantations, villages and tunnels, offering spectacular scenery. The experience also allows you to share an authentic moment with local travelers.

After breakfast, departure for Lipton Seat by Tuk Tuk.

A beautiful ride up and up through tea plantations and landscapes as far as the eye can see. We reach the Lipton Seat summit, home to the statue of Sir Thomas Lipton. This viewpoint is named after Sir Thomas Lipton, owner of five tea plantations in the country. It offers fabulous views over the provinces of Uva, South, Sabaragamuwa, Central and East. The Scotsman used to contemplate his lands from here. "One of the most beautiful viewpoints in the mountains of Sri Lanka". Opportunity to meet many tea pickers and local Tamils.

Departure for Palmadulla.

Visit to a gemstone mine.

Then departure for Palabaddala. This is a region of great biodiversity in the Samanala mountains.

Arrive at the lodge, surrounded by nature, The plantations, the river and the forest with beautiful mountains.

Late afternoon free for a swim in the hotel river.

After breakfast, leave the lodge on a dirt track through fields of tea, coffee and spices. Meet a villager to prepare a typical Sri Lankan dish and learn about the process of making Kithul, a lightly alcoholic drink made from the flower of the palm tree.

Afterwards, walk to the Mapalana waterfall (141 m, 5ᵉ highest in Sri Lanka), amidst splendid scenery and welcoming villages. Possibility of a swim in the river, with the surprise of small fish pecking at your skin.

Return by Tuk Tuk to the lodge, then in the late afternoon, take part in traditional games such as Carrom or Elle with the lodge team.

After breakfast, departure for Ingiriya.

Opportunity to visit a local school and observe the educational lifestyle of local children (possibility of offering useful items to local children). (Please note that schools are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and vacations)

Boat trip on the Kalu or Bentota rivers.

Then on to the heavenly beaches of Induruwa.

Induruwa beach is a lesser-known attraction for the general public, yet it has a lot of potential. A golden expanse of untouched sand makes it the ideal spot for tourists in search of tranquility and privacy. Away from the hustle and bustle of nearby towns, Induruwa beach is ideal for families, friends and couples who want to soak up the sun and enjoy the refreshing waters.

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this beach. Without too many tourists, surrounded by nature and turquoise water, discover the beach. Possibility of visiting the town of Galle at an additional cost.

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this beach. Without too many tourists, surrounded by nature and turquoise water, discover the beach. Possibility of visiting the town of Galle at an additional cost.

Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to the airport.