Hills And Thrills

Day	Place	Highlights	Hotel Options
1-3	Tea Country 1	Tea factory experience; Walk on the plantation trails	Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge
3-5	Yala National Park 2	Private safari; Wildlife galore; Expert naturalists	Kulu Safari Camp
6-10	Galle and southern beaches 3	Walking tour of Galle Fort; Beautiful beaches	Frangipani Tree
10-11	Colombo 4	Grand colonial era hotel; Historical tour of Colombo by tuk tuk	Galle Face Hotel

Sample itinerary in full

Remember: Every Yonder itinerary is uniquely created to suit our individual clients. Destinations, hotels, lengths of stay and even modes of transport are all decided by you, with the help of our local knowledge and expert guidance.

DAYS 1-3 | Tea Country

Highlights: Tea factory experience; Walk on the plantation trails

Your driver guide will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall to ensure you make a swift escape. You’ll journey through the Sri Lankan hinterland towards Madukele Tea and Eco Lodge. The lodge lies above 1,000m amongst verdant carpets of tea bushes stretching as far as the eye can see. Every so often, tea pluckers are visible in their bright saris working away to deliver the tips to the weighing stations before the sacks are transported to the tea factory. You’ll see the complete cycle during a visit to the local working tea factory and realise that Blighty’s favourite drink is produced by seriously old fashioned processes. Wandering on one of the trails between the tea bushes is a fabulous experience. Pay attention and you’ll see a staggering array of birds and other wildlife.

Highlights

Tea Factory tour

(Included half-day tour)

Join us on a guided tour to a traditional working tea factory, where you’ll delve into the journey of tea from leaf to cup. Witness the intricate processes of withering, rolling, fermenting, drying, and grading, each contributing to the unique flavour and aroma of world-renowned Ceylon Tea. The factory is alive with the scent of fresh tea leaves and the rhythmic sound of machinery and you’ll get to know some of the skilled workers whose expertise is integral to the tea-making process.

Guided tea plantation hike

(Included half-day tour)

Experience the tranquillity of Sri Lanka’s tea country on a guided walk along authentic pluckers trails. This serene journey takes you through lush tea plantations, where the landscape is a verdant tapestry of neatly trimmed tea bushes. As you walk, gain unique insights into the life of tea plantations, observing workers skillfully harvesting tea leaves. The changing scenery, from manicured gardens to natural forested areas, offers a peaceful backdrop for contemplation.

Your included hotel

Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge

Your alternative hotel choices

Ceylon Tea Trails

Nine Skies

Living Heritage Koslanda

Jetwing St Andews

DAYS 3-5 | Yala National Park

Highlights: Private safari; Wildlife galore; Expert naturalists

An early departure is needed to for the drive to Yala national park. The luscious green highlands will be left behind as you wind through the centre of the country towards the coast and the arid scrub lands. On arrival at Yala, you’ll head for the park’s perimeter where you’ll transfer into a safari vehicle for the final couple of kilometers to the Kulu Safari camp. You’ll have time to go out on three game drives; two at dawn and one at dusk as these are the prime times to witness leopards, sloth bears, jackals and much else besides. Lunches and dinner are an al fresco affair served back at the safari camp. And look out for the plethora of wildlife that lives around the camp, from wild boar, to crocs, to the occasional elephant.

Highlights

Yala National Park Game Drives

(Included full-day tour)

Embark on a thrilling wildlife safari in Yala National Park, renowned for its diverse array of animals, including one of the world’s highest densities of leopards. Our private guided safari takes you across varied landscapes – dense jungle, open grasslands, wetlands, and beaches. Keep an eye out for majestic elephants, elusive leopards, sloth bears, and a plethora of bird species. Each turn in the park promises a new and exciting encounter, making this game drive an essential experience for nature enthusiasts.

Your included hotel

Kulu Safari Camp

Your alternative hotel choices

Jetwing Yala

Chena Huts

DAYS 6-10 | Galle and southern beaches

Highlights: Walking tour of Galle Fort; Beautiful beaches

After your final morning game drive, you’ll once again team up with your driver guide to journey along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. This time you’ll know that the end of road will be the beach and the chance to kick back and relax amid the luxurious surroundings of the Frangipani Tree. Beautiful suites and simply amazing fusion food – crab curries, lamb tagines. Work it off in the pool or on the tennis courts. Take a 15-minute tuk tuk ride to Galle and explore the stunning Dutch colonial fort and the famous Test cricket ground.

Highlights

Galle Guided Walking Tour

(Included half-day tour)

Take a guided walking tour through historic Galle Fort with a local historian, delving into the city’s fascinating colonial legacy. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, a blend of European and South Asian architecture, tells stories of conquests and commerce. Wander through cobbled streets lined with Dutch-period buildings, quaint boutiques, and art galleries. Visit the iconic lighthouse and the fort’s churches, culminating in a magical sunset on the ramparts.

Your included hotel

Frangipani Tree

Your alternative hotel choices

Kahanda Kanda

Amangalla

Fort Bazaar

DAYS 10-11 | Colombo

Highlights: Grand colonial era hotel; Historical tour of Colombo by tuk tuk

As your holiday in Sri Lanka draws to a close, it’s time to experience the big smoke. You’ll head for Colombo on the swish new highway and pull up at The Galle Face Hotel, aka ‘The finest hotel east of Suez’ and this will be your base from which to venture into Sri Lanka’s buzzing and rapidly evolving capital. Maybe a final massage, some shopping at the beautifully restored colonial era buildings of Independence Arcade, a visit to the national museum or some truly cosmopolitan food on Park Street Mews will cap your memorable trip. Or perhaps you will just relax in your magnificent hotel and discover how it earned its lavish reputation. The following morning after breakfast, you’ll check out of the Galle Face make the shortish journey through Colombo towards the airport for the direct lunchtime flight back to the UK.

Highlights

Colombo city tour with photographer

(Included half-day tour)

Join our afternoon tour of Colombo, guided by a local photographer. Explore ancient temples, the bustling Pettah market, and colonial-era landmarks. This tour offers a unique perspective on Colombo’s rich cultural tapestry, framed through the eye of a camera.

Afternoon tour of Colombo

(Included half-day tour)

Experience the vibrant energy of Colombo on our comprehensive guided city tour. Explore the city’s melting pot of cultures, visiting landmarks like the Gangaramaya Temple and Independence Square. Wander through bustling markets, taking in the scents of spices and lively atmosphere. Drive along the Galle Face Green and explore Colombo’s colonial past and modern architecture. This tour captures the essence of Sri Lanka’s capital, offering an engaging overview of its rich history, culture, and urban dynamism.

Your included hotel