Sri Lanka, the island of a thousand colors

You will be met by an Insolite Lanka representative on arrival at Colombo airport (Katunayake) and driven to Yagoda.

Welcome to Sirimal!

This itinerant fish merchant welcomes you in a simple, family atmosphere (children are constantly coming and going from the four corners of the house!)

His wife will reveal the secrets of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, while the more adventurous can try their hand at driving the island's most typical mode of transport: the tuk-tuk!

After breakfast, departure for Rathnapura.

On the way, a stop in a typical village for a nice 01 h 30 walk. Meethirigala is a beautiful village with rice fields, various plantations and local houses. This experience will give you the opportunity to discover the environment of a typical Sri Lankan village. Possibility of lunch in a farmhouse (payable on site).

Continuation to Palabaddala.

Arrive at the lodge for a swim in the river.

In the late afternoon, visit the village temple. Participate in special Buddhist rituals such as offering flowers, lighting a light oil lamp and incense sticks, and putting water in the sacred tree. An interesting introduction to Sri Lankan Buddhism.

After breakfast, after leaving the lodge on a dirt track, we climb a few steps before turning right to head up to fields of tea, coffee and other spices. Higher up, a villager welcomes us into his home to help design a typical Sri Lankan platter. What a feat it was for him to climb up the ten-metre trunk of a Kithul tree, to fetch the substance produced by its flower, which will give a slightly alcoholic beverage that will be the perfect accompaniment to the dish we've just cooked.

After tasting this dish, we set off again to join a Tuk Tuk that will take us to an exceptionally cool waterfall. On the way, we are warmly welcomed by the Tamils in their small village. To reach the cascade, the 05th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka at 141 m high. The walk is through magnificent bushes and scenery. As we make our way upstream, we take a dip in the river, and are delighted to have our skin pecked by little fish that seem to be just waiting for us. All good things must come to an end, and we return to the lodge by Tuk Tuk.

Back to the Lodge.

Late afternoon, play Carrom with the lodge team or enjoy the lodge's Natural swimming pool

After breakfast, today we take the 4 x 4 to Dehenakanda on a path through the tropical forest, with many rice fields to cross. Discovery of a typical Tamil village and 01 h walk through the The plantations. Possibility of giving gifts to village children. Then discover a monastery in the forest where Hermits practice meditation.

Return to the lodge.

Next, you'll collect various spices from the lodge garden, such as cinnamon, Rampa, curry leaves and other spices. Then you'll continue your search for wood for the fire and a smiling Chandu, the lady who cooks at the lodge, will be waiting to share her knowledge of Sri Lankan cuisine and prepare a typical Sri Lankan dish (rice with five vegetable dishes). You'll be dealing with a true expert in her field. Join her in her kitchen and put on your best apron to discover the real local cuisine. She'll explain every step of the day's recipes, and then you'll become the chef and try your hand at everything. It's a great time to learn the secrets of the local cousin, especially with the locals being the experts.

After breakfast, departure for Udawalawe.

On the way, stop at Rathnapura. Located in the green hills of the south-western mountain region, Rathnapura is the island's main source of gemstones. A visit to a working gemstone mine is a fascinating experience, giving an insight into the mining activity, still carried out largely by hand.

In the afternoon, jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park (payable on site)

Uda Walawe Park takes its name from the Walawe River, which flows through the reserve. The park boasts 184 different bird species, 43 mammal species, 33 reptile species and even 185 butterfly species. The park is home to crocodiles, deer, mongooses, coyotes, buffalo and a host of birds, some of which can only be seen in Sri Lanka. The star of Uda Walawe National Park is the elephant!

After breakfast, ride in a local pyrogue across a lake to observe the beautiful scenery. (45 min)

Departure for Ella.

On the way, visit the Buduruwagala statue.

In the afternoon, discover the town of Ella.

Ella, located in the Uva region. The small village of Ella is nestled in a green setting between mountains and pure waterfalls, in a rift, a gorge some 900m deep, offering a breathtaking view of the landscape. You can admire the Ravana waterfall, one of the widest and most ferocious on the island.

Continuation to Haputale.

After breakfast, a local train ride through the tea plantations.

The train journey from Haputale to Nanu Oya is reputed to be one of the most scenic and epic train journeys not only in Sri Lanka, but in the whole world. The views from both sides of the track are breathtaking. The train winds through the mountains, overlooking vast tea plantations and numerous villages. The landscape changes continuously throughout the journey. The train also passes through several tunnels. A final highlight is the close contact with the local population, who also use the train.

Continuation to Nuwara Eliya.

Explore the small town of Nuwara Eliya.

Continue to Kandy.

Visit a tea factory.

There are many tea factories in the region: discover the manufacturing process, stroll through the plantation to meet the pluckers (tea is still hand-picked in Sri Lanka) and taste different ranges of tea (black, green, white).

After breakfast, free time to visit the town of Kandy, including a woodcarving center to learn about the woodworking process in the country, a Gem museum and the Bathik factory.

Visit to the Temple of Buddha's Tooth (Dalada Maligawa), where a ceremony takes place every evening. This famous temple holds the relic of the tooth, a great symbol of Buddhist culture.

After breakfast, departure for Mathale.

Visit Harshani's home and spice garden at Kaikawala.

Offering all indigenous varieties such as pepper, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, chilli, turmeric... Tasting of spice tea, demonstration of the therapeutic virtues of each plant.

Then on to Dambulla.

Visit the world's best-preserved cave temple and the giant golden Buddha statue at Dambulla.

Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved rock temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock rises 160 m above the surrounding plains. There are over 80 caves to visit. The main attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain 153 statues and paintings. Its history dates back to the 1st century BC and continued until the Kandyan era in the 18th century.

Ayurvedic massage available at an ayurvedic center (payable on site)

After breakfast, you'll discover Sigiriya's Lion Rock, one of those rare unforgettable sites.

It is one of Sri Lanka's most visited attractions. It is as rich in natural beauty as it is in history. The ancient city of Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the wonders of the world.

The main purpose of a visit to Sigiriya Rock is to climb to the top. Discover the remains of this impressive former palace and enjoy the spectacular 360-degree view over the countryside. What's more, at the foot of the rock, stroll through sumptuous parks with natural pools and frescoes dating back to the 5th century. It's a true moment of fulfillment and wonder that you'll experience while retracing the history of Sri Lanka.

Continuation to Anuradhapura.

Here you can see the world's oldest tree, the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, under which the Buddha received enlightenment in Gaya in northern India. This city was the first capital of the Sinhalese kingdom. Then, discovery of the great Ruwanweli Maha Seya stupa

Excursion to Baththalangunduwa

After a visit to Wilpattu National Park and a boat trip, head for the island of Baththalangunduwa, 38 km from Kalpitiya. A true paradise, it offers a unique experience of camping on the beach, under the stars, lulled by the breeze of the Indian Ocean.

You'll discover the life of the local fishermen and their traditional huts (Wadiya). The island is renowned for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets, as well as its convivial evenings around a barbecue of fresh seafood: crabs, prawns, squid or oysters.

A magical moment of nature, authenticity and relaxation.

After breakfast, departure for Kalpitiya by speedboat.

Visit the fish market in Kalpitiya.

On the way, discover Uchchamune point and Mohoththuwaram church.

Arrival in Kalpitiya and continuation to the hotel

After breakfast, Farniente.

Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Colombo airport will be arranged. Welcome back and see you soon in Sri Lanka