You’ve arrived & your first point of call is the luxurious boutique hotel, the Wallawwa. An old colonial manor house, which has been lovingly restored, nestled amongst three acres of magnificent manicured gardens. Only 15 minutes away from the airport, the Wallawwa is the ideal place to drop your bags & relax.

After a sumptuous breakfast, your journey begins. Get up close and personal with Sri Lanka’s famous elephants at the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. The picturesque orphanage overlooks the Maha Oya river and is home to over 90 elephants, feel free to feed them during feeding time and watch them bath in the river while you have lunch at one the many restaurants overlooking the river. After getting close with Sri Lanka’s friendly giants you depart through up towards the central province & towards Dambulla, once home to numerous Sinhala Kings is where Sri Lanka’s deep-rooted history stems from. En route to your hotel we take you to the world heritage listed Dambulla rock temple. Your first taste of Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist culture will certainly leave an impression. The rock ceilings are painted with intricate patterns of Buddhist images following the natural contours of the rock, with its gold sheen illuminating the caves. Let the afternoon breeze a top the large rock mountain cool you down & let us escort you to you overnight stay at Vil Uyana in Sigiriya.

Overnight at Vil Uyana, Sigiriya

Your day begins with the formidable rock fortress of Sigiriya that is only minutes away. Dubbed the 8th wonder of the world, the entrance begins between two large rock carved lion paws, a small climb to the peak & you can relax as the swift breeze cools you down, lookout at some of the best views the country offers & cool your feet in the large rock carved pool once used by Sinhala kings.

The climb may be a perfect excuse to come back to the Vil Uyana & make the most of the lifestyle hotel that is tourist attraction in itself. Combining local village concepts with modern design that provides guests with a luxurious and well-equipped exclusive dwelling. These private abodes are situated within a lush tropical environment, over a wind swept expanse of pristine paddy field and on the calm waters of a private lake.

Continue along the historical trail and proceed to Polonnaruwa, the second ancient capital of Sri Lanka dating back to the 11th and 12th AD. Numerous monuments are found in this city and the "Gal Vihara" complex is one of the best among them with the fine sculptures of the recumbent, standing and seated Buddha.

Overnight at Vil Uyana, Sigiriya

Proceed to Kandy, en route visit the spice garden and batik factory at Matale. Continue on the paths once taken by the Kings, heading towards the Royal city of Kandy, the last Sri Lankan Kingdom. The picturesque town is home to the famous Buddhist pilgrim site the Dalada Maligawa also known as the Temple of the Tooth, home to the sacred tooth of the Lord Buddha. Thereafter visit a gem museum and witness the process of gem cutting and polishing. In the evening view the Kandyan cultural performance in the heart of Kandy town.

Overnight at Kandy House

Nestled amidst lush mountains in the north of the island’s hill country, the city was home to Sri Lanka’s last independent kingdom. Visit the Dalada Maligawa also known as the Temple of the Tooth and which is home to the sacred relic of the tooth of the Buddha.

The Sacred Tooth Relic of the lord Buddha is the most venerated of worship for Buddhists which is now protected in the Kandy Temple, The Kandy temple is considered the foremost sacred place of worship in the Buddhist world." The last kingdom in the history of Sri Lanka ended when the British army captured Kandy in 1815 and ruled for almost 133years before they gave independence to Sri Lanka in 1948. It is from this year that Colombo was made the Capital of Sri Lanka. Kandy was also known as Senkadagala

Overnight at Kandy house

After experiencing the rich Sinhala history & culture of Kandy your next stop is the township of Nuwara Eliya, also affectionately known as ‘Little England’. Traveling by train, experience a train journey aficionados rate as one of the best in the world. The train departs at 9.30 am & before you know it your winding your way through tunnels, up mountains & in & around tea plantation soaking in the fresh crisp air as your smiled at by the tea plantation workers. Like a 1940’s romantic film you disembark & enter a world reminiscent of a quaint English village, you’re the escorted to the fine old English resort known as the ‘Hill club’. The building itself is constructed of stone and timber. The club founded in 1876 by British coffee planters still maintains a lot of the traditions & rules set in 1876 so take the opportunity to be taken back in time while sipping your Brandy by the fire place.

Keeping in theme your overnight stay is at the 100 year old luxurious British Elizabethan era manor house once the home to Sir Edward Barnes the Governor of Ceylon from 1830 to 1850

Overnight at The Grand hotel

A grand day awaits & the choice is yours. Relaxation, adventure or leisure,below our some of our suggestions.

Hakgala Botanical Garden
Visit one of the three botanical gardens in Sri Lanka, Hakgala Botanical Garden, with over 10,000 species of flora planted here the Garden has for years been popular with tourists & locals a like. The garden is noted for its ferns, roses and medicinal plants. Hakgala means "jaw rock", referring to a legend about the monkey god Hanuman.

Golf
A Established in the late 19th century, you will be taken back in time once again, reminiscent more of the Scottish highlands than Sri Lanka, this 18-hole golf course was built by British servicemen in 1889. For golf buffs, the course is certainly one that rewards those with a straight drive. The beautiful pine trees line each hole so stay on the fairway. Par 70 (Ladies: 72), 5550 meters (4867m)

Worlds End at Horton Plains.
Don’t let the name scare you but Worlds End provides you with an unparalleled panoramic view of the Sri Lankan highlands. Horton Plains was recently (July 2010) included in UNESCO’s list of natural World Heritage sites, this melting pot of flora & fauna will provide you with an enjoyable hike which isn’t too strenuous but will certainly make you break a sweat. The site was a famous hunting ground for the British during the 19th century, so don’t be a surprised if you bump into a leopard. Once you reach the summit your feet will be above the clouds as you look down the steep cliff face, the site is also known as “lovers leap” and according to legend was where two lovers Monica and Brito jumped to their death when their families objected to them being together. Since then several other couples have committed suicide at the cliff and death still haunts it today.

After Breakfast drive to Tea Trails & let the resident Tea Planter show you first hand the age-old tea making process. Follow the trail of the planters of old Ceylon, as they trekked through the dense jungle looking for the best slopes on which to plant tea. Then on to watch the tea plucker’s pick two leaves and a bud with deft hands. Then to the factory where the all-important conversion to "made" black tea happens.

Your overnight stay is at Castlereagh Bungalow. Hidden in a wooded dell close to the water, this century old bungalow offers unrivalled water views and superb garden suites to suit every taste. Elegant parquet floors all around with open fireplaces in the dining and drawing rooms, evokes recollections of the life and times of the tea planters who once lived here. In the extensive grounds summerhouses can be found where tea is served and a good book enjoyed until the sun goes down over the water and it's time for sundowners on the terrace.

Overnight at Castlereagh Bungalow

As you wake up to the soft light & crisp misty air, enjoy a relaxing breakfast & get ready to put on your favorite safari suit as you’ll be going to the world famous Yala national park. As your friendly tracker navigates his way through dry-mixed evergreen forests, bush land, water holes and seaside forest you’ll hear rustling in the bushes, what could it be? A monkey, a deer, a sloth bear, a crocodile or maybe a peacock all of whom roam freely. The guide slams his brakes, you pause, you look around, you hear a tree branch fall, all of a sudden you hear a trumpeting roar, then there they are staring at you, a herd of Elephants. Before you know it they move across on to the road only meters away. You have just met one of the main characters in the jungle book world of Yala national park. Like Jungle book itself, Yala is home to many characters the main protagonist is the elusive leopard, like any domineering character they come out when you least expect, roaming around looking for prey, could you be next? Hopefully not. Further on, a gang of grey langur monkeys bound across the arid earth creating circles of dust, their long, coiled tails silhouetted against the sun. To your right, their chins just hovering above murky water, are wide­eyed water buffalo, their bodies submerged in a waterhole. At dusk it’s time for you to retreat to your overnight stay at the Yala village hotel.

As the morning sun rises you’ll be awoken to the sounds of the orchestra of wildlife playing at the wildlife sanctuary next door. As the wildlife wonder to the waterhole, you depart to the amazing beaches of Bentota. The beach resort is both discreet as it is accommodating to tourists. Take the opportunity to hop on board a single propped boat from the rivers edge. Duck your heads as you go under the bridges and though the mangroves. With the captains keen eye your able to see a variety of wildlife. Along this tour you stop at Cinnamon Island and the Koduwa Temple. Hidden amongst the mangroves is a tiny island where cinnamon grows in abundance. The sole family on the Island will happily share with you the process of how cinnamon sticks and cinnamon oil is made.

One of the many highlights of Bentota is the famed Bevis Bawa’s Brief Gardens. This paradise garden was sub dived into themes from sweeping lawns to romantic alcoves & garden sculptures. Once a working sanctuary for Sri lankas greatest artists, architects & designers, take the moment to embrace Sri Lankan art & garden culture. Your connection with the famous Bawa family doesn’t end there; you have the pleasure of staying at club villa, a boutique hotel designed by none other than world-renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa.

Overnight at Club Villa Bentota

Another relaxing day by the beach awaits or if that adventure streak is still brewing within, make the most of the exhilarating range of water sports on offer. Benefiting from a large flat estuary at the mouth of the Bentota Ganga, ensures safe waters all year round for wakeboarding windsurfing, waterskiing, banana rides, donuts, kayaking and jet ski, just make sure you HOLD ON!

Overnight at Club Villa Bentota

A brisk 2.5 hour drive along the coastline & you’ve entered the capital, Colombo. The idea of a charming metropolis may be contradictory but Colombo certainly exhibits this through its colonial influences.

Energetic traffic runs through the city towards the district of Fort, the historic centre of the city that has become the central business district. The countries post war economy thrives within the walls of gracious buildings from the Dutch, Portuguese and British colonial eras in the area. A short walk away is a beehive of commotion within the Pettah bazaar open market district, from colorful fabrics, to gems & vegetables its all here, so sharpen your bargaining skills, you could walk away with a bargain. Your last night in Sri Lanka deserves to be in a place again rich in culture & peaceful enough for you to reflect on your amazing journey, it is therefore fitting that you spend your final night at Park Street Hotel one of the finest boutique hotels in Colombo hidden in the the leafy quiet Park street. This beautifully restored 250-year-old colonial bungalow is the ideal place to spend your last night in paradise.

Overnight at Park Street Hotel

Your time in the beautiful isle has come to sadly come to an end. Make the most of that final sip of Sri Lanka’s fine tea over breakfast, pack your bags knowing you’ve experienced something that very few can. Have a safe trip & we sincerely hope you enjoyed your journey.

Well we don’t blame you. We at Gullivers firmly believe that there is no end to what we can offer in terms of making your travel experience not just a holiday but a journey that you’ve dreamt about, the journey that will give you stories to share with friends & family back home without the cliché’s. For that reason are more than happy to extend or modify this itinerary to your exact needs. Perhaps you want to spend more time on the beach or on the cultural trail? Or maybe you want to get a bit more adventurous & climb the famed ‘Adam’s peak’, whatever it may be Gulliver’s thrives & has done for nearly 20 years in bespoke travel.