Highlights of Sri Lankan Luxury
PRIVATE TOUR
ANURADHAPURA | HATTON | HIKKADUWA
This tour is a great introduction to Sri Lanka. You will stay in world class accommodation, with unique private experiences. Travel deep into hill country and the cultural triangle, tasting the island’s unique flavours, and search for wildlife in the national parks.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Luxurious accommodation
- Kandy procession recreation at your hotel
- Private train journey
Your Itinerary
Day 1 : Anuradhapura
Upon arrival enjoy CIP fast track assistance at the airport. If you arrive via CIP fast track service, as soon as you exit from the plane, there will be an airport representative with your name in a signboard. You will be escorted to the Silk Route lounge where you will meet your chauffeur guide. You can relax here until the luggage will be brought to you on your behalf. Refreshments, tea, and coffee will be provided while you wait. Also washrooms and WiFi facilities are available. If you want to change foreign currency, please inform the guide or the airport representative who will assist you with this. The airport staff will borrow your passports to clear your luggage through customs on your behalf. One of the representatives will escort you to the vehicle.
Today you will transfer to your first destination by road. ( Approx 5.5 hours)
The Kandy Perahera procession has been happening in Sri Lanka from the 3rd Century BC which is one of the island's most sacred processions where tens of thousands of people come from all over the world to witness this majestic event every year. Today we will be recreating this same majestic Perahera procession for your viewing pleasure at your hotel. Sip cocktails and watch the procession pass in front of you and at the end of the procession, you will be escorted to your private dining area by the entire procession.
Hotel for 2 nights – Ulagalla Resort, Half board, Ulagalla Pool Villa
Once the ancestral estate of local Anuradhapura nobility, this luxury hotel in Sri Lanka features a 150-year-old mansion at its centre, with 20 private ecologically built chalets across 58 acres of land. As one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, with its LEEDS green certificate and own solar farm generating half of its own energy requirements, Ulagalla is a unique boutique hotel. Enjoy the riches of the kingdom or a natural adventure while immersed in luxurious, ecologically sustainable beauty, both inside and out.
Ulagalla Pool Villa is the perfect fit for those looking for a small private residence. It has a large glass wall with unobstructed views of the natural surroundings. The interior is pure luxury and comfort and it features a separate living area and a large king-sized bed. There is also a plunge pool attached to an outdoor deck.
Day 2 : Anuradhapura
In the morning drive to Anuradhapura (Approx. 1 hour) and enjoy a Backroads cycling journey in the UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Kingdom of Anuradhapura was the capital of Sri Lanka for more than 1000 years in ancient times. This was one of the greatest human civilizations in Asia. The sacred city was named as a UNESCO World Heritage site as well. A branch from the sacred fig tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment was planted in Anuradhapura in 3rd Century BC and this tree is still alive making it the oldest tree on the face of the Earth with a known planting date. Visit the three temples of Mirisaveti, Jetavana and Ruvanweli which align perfectly with the star constellation Orion’s Belt. The only other places that this happens in the world are with the Great Pyramids of Egypt, Mayan’s Pyramids and in Angkor Wat. Cycle through the back roads with your hosted resident guide who will take you through the Inner City where you will witness an amazing side of Anuradhapura, which no one knows even exists, and out of the tourist crowds.
In the evening enjoy a leopard and bear safari in Wilpattu. Located along the stunning west coast, the off-the-beaten-track Wilpattu National Park is set close to the historical city of Anuradhapura. Dubbed the ‘Land of Lakes’, the park’s main feature is the many natural lakes, of which the park is named, that dot the northwest coast. Nature lovers will delight in the unspoilt wilderness, where eagle-eyed visitors can look forward to catching a glimpse of the local wildlife. Discover the area’s history and find the ancient ruins in the park, venture through the thick untouched jungle for a true wilderness safari experience and soak up the scenic landscapes blanketed in scrublands, wetlands and thick jungle. Commonly spotted species include leopard, elephant, mongoose, sloth bear and a variety of wetland bird species such as egret, whistling teal, spoonbill, white Ibis, and many more. At the end of the safari you will be escorted to a beautiful area where you will be able to sip a Sundown cocktail while watching nature unfolds in front of you and a bonfire by your side to keep you warm.
You would arrive back at the hotel just in time for dinner.
Day 3 : Hatton
After breakfast, you will be driven to your lovely Tea Trails Bungalow in Hatton(Approx 5 hours).
Check into the Owner's Cottage and relax the evening in your private villa.
Hotel for 2 nights – Ceylon Tea Trails, All Inclusive, Owners Cottage
Ceylon Tea Trails, Sri Lanka's first Relais & Chateaux resort, comprises four luxurious colonial era tea planters' bungalows, connected by walking trails through stunningly beautiful Ceylon tea gardens. Each of the four bungalows is different. Summerville with an air of a country cottage, Castlereagh with an eclectic style of its own, the high colonial Tientsin, one of the first planter's residences to be built in Ceylon. The more modern Norwood abounding with 50’s-character, 21 exquisite rooms, and suites in all. Built between 1888 and 1950, the bungalows offer a taste of gracious living thanks to butler service and period furnishings, accompanied by gourmet meals. Guests can follow the Tea Trail from one unique bungalow to the next, staying a night or two at each or just laze in one. Trek, bike or picnic at spectacular locations each day in cool comfort. The Owner’s cottage at Dunkeld bungalow is a romantically secluded standalone bungalow with lake views, heated outdoor hot tub, master bedroom with king-size bed, beautifully furnished living room, veranda with spectacular tea field and lake view.
Day 4 : Hatton
Today, you will enjoy the many activities on offer from your hotel. Take a guided tour of the Dunkeld tea factory, indulge in a four course luxurious picnic lunch overlooking the rolling tea fields, take a walk or bike ride through one of the many trails with one of the resident naturalists, or climb Adam’s Peak, a 2250 metre sacred climb with stunning views at its peak.
Day 5 : Hikkaduwa
Catch the morning scheduled Cinnamon air flight from Hatton and arrive in Koggala.
A private art gallery will be booked inside the Galle Fort for your lunch today. The host will be present prior to the start of the lunch and welcome the guests and do a small tour and sit them down for lunch.
Afterward, enjoy a walking tour inside the Galle Fort with a resident host. Meet up with an expert who will take you around this magical enclosed living heritage city showing you the hidden gems and explaining about the lifestyles of the people. This will be a real hands-on experience where you will get a real idea about how the Portuguese, Dutch and the British have left their mark on Sri Lanka and how their descendants are living inside the Dutch Fort.
Hotel for 2 nights – Haritha Villas, Bed & breakfast, Contemporary villa with plunge pool
Haritha Villas + Spa is set on a hill amongst the canopy of trees. These stunning luxury villas use a unique combination of minimalistic designs and natural landscapes to create an ideal environment for relaxation. The villas are only a short walk away from Narigama Beach whilst the Community Tsunami Museum is a short drive away. Each villa is elegantly designed and features modern technology, equipped with Bose Speakers, an iPad, a rain shower and complimentary Wi-Fi. Each villa has its own private sundeck area, outdoor saltwater pool and garden, there is also a stunning restaurant on-site to cater to all guests culinary needs.
Day 6 : Hikkaduwa
Spend your morning at leisure. If you wish you might want to enjoy the following activities (payable locally).
- A walking tour of Lunuganga, one of the best-preserved secret gardens in Asia
- A whale and dolphin watch aboard your private luxury sailing yacht
- Market visit and cook like a local tour
Tonight's farewell dinner will be at Dutch House a 300 year old colonial mansion that will be exclusively reserved for you. The garden will be lit up with an oriental three-piece band (very slow instrumental music) providing soothing music entertainment.
Day 7 : Colombo
After breakfast, at an appropriate time based on your flight time, you will be met and transferred to the airport (approx. 3 hours) to connect with your flight.