10 DAYS CONNOISSEUR’S SRI LANKA

Arriving into Colombo, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in and to rest for the evening.

(Based on the night arrivals from Singapore. For earlier arrivals, we can arrange a tour in Colombo or even a direct flight to Hatton)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Sri Lanka’s tea country.

Floatplane from Colombo Airport to Tea Trails (30min)

The 30min floatplane flight offers stunning vistas of the central highlands. On a clear day, catch a glimpse of the world-famous Adam’s Peak before landing in the Castlereagh reservoir, flanked by emerald tea fields. Transfer to your villa and check-in.

Lake Cruise with Lunch (60min)

Embark on an experiential journey on the Castlereagh Lake complemented by stunning views of the misty mountainscape and tea valleys. This experience is complemented by an indulgent lunch, complete with a bottle of wine.

The rest of the day is at leisure to relax at your bungalow, or to explore the other bungalows, each with their own uniqueness and charm.

Tea Trails Private Tea Experience with Resident Tea Planer (90min)

The guided tour of the Dunkeld Tea Factory is the quintessential tea experience in Sri Lanka. The resident Tea Planter passionately delves into all aspects of tea in just the right amount of detail – from a look back to the early days of ‘planting’ and the lifestyles of the early colonial settlers, to the manufacturing process, to how flavours are created to suit various palates – he’s got it covered. What went into creating the perfect cup of refreshing Ceylon tea in 1867 were equal parts science, art, sleight of hand, and a spot of luck, and not much has changed since! As some of the methodology and machinery are over a century old, many strongly believe that Ceylon tea itself is part of the world’s living heritage – this is your invitation to experience it.

Tea Trails Complimentary Activities

Enjoy a day of leisure at Tea Trails, and enjoy some of the complimentary activities available.

Trekking The Trails

Each of the five Tea Trails bungalows features an interesting and unique walking trail; all of which present stunning views. The trails snake through  beautifully manicured tea gardens, tranquil patches of forest and jungle, and pass streams and mini waterfalls. Walking is a delightful way of experiencing our stunning landscapes, lush and exotic flora, abundant birdlife and the sweet rhythm of life in a tea garden. Grab a trail map from your butler and begin exploring!

Biking The Trails

Ceylon Tea Trails has opened up a world of adventure and discovery in the Bogawantalawa Valley at an altitude of over 1500 meters. The unspoiled beauty of the surrounding valleys and hills are a great biking experience. For adrenaline seekers of different levels of ability, we have mountain bikes in the bungalows for your use. For short distance rides you can go on your own but for longer rides, we recommend that you take one of our Guides along.

Tea Infused Dinner

Bringing together the subtle influences of the flavours of tea (not to mention the health benefits), the Tea-infused Dinner is a signature culinary experience unique to Tea Trails. Teas grown in various regions of Sri Lanka have distinctly different flavour profiles, and each lends a different effect to types of ingredients and methods of preparation. Earl Grey cured fresh salmon, Moroccan Mint tea crusted lamb cutlet, and Vanilla panna cotta with minted fresh fruits and Hibiscus tea sauce are some examples of a menu that appeals to both the intellectual curiosity as well as the palate of any gourmet.

After breakfast and a leisurely morning in your bungalow before transferring to Castlereagh Reservoir to catch your seaplane to Mattala Airport on Sri Lanka’s south coast. It is a 45min land transfer to your lodge before check-in.

Yala National Park Shared Game Drive (2.5 – 3hrs)

One shared game drive per night is included in your stay at Wild Coast. The team strives to redefine game drives by taking a holistic approach to the wilderness, with passionate rangers that are experienced, knowledgeable, have an eye for detail and are well-versed in how to showcase the entire spectrum of biodiversity found in our jungles. They are also adept at interpreting the signs of the wild to deliver a fascinating narrative to make our game drives quite the distinct experience.

Bundala National Park Birding Experience (4hrs)

Spend a morning in the company of a birding specialist in Sri Lanka’s foremost national park for bird watching. Bundala National Park’s wetland and saltern habitat is home to a large collection of resident birds, as well as migrants that visit every winter, from waders to raptors. Our ranger will provide an interesting narrative by guiding you on the individual species that are visible as well as an overview of how individual birds are identified, behavioural and migratory patterns, and also give a description of the wetland ecosystem as a unique and important habitat. Sightings of other key species such as elephants, crocodiles, wild boar, buffalo, spotted deer, and terrestrial birds can be expected. A picnic breakfast at a scenic location in the park caps off the morning!

The rest of the day is at leisure until your afternoon shared game drive.

After breakfast, enjoy your last leisure morning at Wild Coast before departing for Weligama along Sri Lanka’s southern coast (approx. 150km, 2hrs), where you will check into your coastal resort.

Galle Fort Exploration (1.5hrs)

The Galle Fort exploration on foot focuses on the host’s experience of growing up in the area and presenting it not as a tourist attraction, but as an extension of his ‘home’ – one filled with history, heritage, cultural integration and soul. Through his eyes and narrative, explore the layers of social fabric of a multi-ethnic melting pot of why Galle Fort is significant to world heritage. Your host may bump into other locals who make up the tapestry of personalities that give the ‘living’ Fort its vibrancy and character.  Visit historic points of interests like ancient churches, mosques and museums, walk the Fort’s ramparts at sunset, and explore the cobblestone streets. Explore the nooks and crannies not on the commercial tourist routes and soak up the vibe of one of the most unique places in the world. Our host is a direct descendant of one of the first gem merchants of the Fort – Sri Lankan gems were a key draw (along with spices) for merchants and tourists during the Fort’s glory days centuries ago.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Cinnamon Plantation Visit (1.5-2hrs)

The quest for spices – especially cinnamon – shaped the destiny of our island centuries ago and is thus a key part of the island heritage. Our cinnamon experience centres on a visit to a working cinnamon plantation a short distance inland. See first-hand how cinnamon is planted, harvested, peeled, and the quills are prepared. Your guide will also explain cinnamon leaf bundling and the entire process of cinnamon oil extraction, as well as the surprising uses of it. The experience is topped off with a tasting of cinnamon-infused beverages.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Enjoy a leisure morning at your resort before your transfer to Colombo Airport for your onward journey. If you have a late flight, we can arrange a day of exploring bustling Colombo and dine at some of the upcoming local restaurants.