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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 Madulkelle 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Galle
Occupying one of the best spots on Thalpe beach, on SL’s South Coast, with a seascape to die for. Sleek and minimalist interiors and just nine suites with four-posters and…
Tea Country
Breathtaking views from 18 canvas lodges spread over a tea plantation in the Knuckles Mountains, each providing private facilities and ultimate tranquility. Campaign furniture and superking beds. This is glamping…
Colombo
Grand dame of Colombo hotels and one of the most iconic colonial hotels in Asia. Legendary history of grace, elegance and courtesy, enjoyed by Noel Coward and Mark Twain. Sumptuous…
Yala National Park
Kulu offer the untamed SL jungle in the safest, most comfortable, and environmentally responsible way. Each tent has ensuite bathroom with shower, toilet and sink. All look over a watering…
Duration: 11 Days | Price: From £3,700
Contact us now to customise this itinerary.
This itinerary would typically cost from £3,700 inclusive of international flights staying in the specified hotels and having the services of a private chauffeur and guide.
The costs vary based on season, flights, room type and board basis. All our holidays are tailor-made and can be created around your budget.
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.
All Yonder holidays include flights, carefully curated hotels. private drivers, expert guides and local concierges alongside 24/7 support from Yonder should it ever be needed so you know you are in safe hands.
We are immensely proud of our unique and in-depth expertise of the destinations we offer. Unlike some travel companies, each hotel we feature is handpicked and personally experienced by us so we can give you the inside story. We also carefully choose our guides based on their their exhaustive knowledge and professionalism to ensure you have a perfect holiday.
We love to chat. Tell us about your Yonderlust, your travel tastes, your wishes and desires. The more we know the better and we will make a few suggestions based on extensive our first-hand experience.
Once we‘ve glimpsed your travel soul we will start crafting your unique itinerary. And then we will refine it until you’re as excited as we are.
When you are ready to go Yonder you can make your reservation. We usually take a 30% deposit (but this can vary depending on your holiday). The balance payable 90 days prior to departure. Best of all, booking with Yonder really is headache free. You have complete financial protection for all holidays which include flights through our ATOL licence (11237).
And once you’ve booked, you can be absolutely sure that you’ll have someone to turn to whenever you need to. We will be there for you 24/7.
Please get in touch by phone, by email or by filling in our simple enquiry form so that our travel experts can get in touch to discuss your perfect tailor-made holiday.
Occupying one of the best spots on Thalpe beach, on SL’s South Coast, with a seascape to die for. Sleek and minimalist interiors and just nine suites with four-posters and rich linens. Amazing fusion food completes a formula that oozes quality.
Everything about this Yala accommodation choice is superb. Each of the 14 ‘huts’ is a luxurious, private pavilion with deck and plunge pool surrounded by nature. Excellent food and the sunken bar a delight with crashing waves providing a soundtrack.
Tea Country perfection and SL’s first Relais & Chateaux property. Timelessly elegant individual bungalows, each with their own butler, unified by exceptional service, exquisite food and views to die for. Bygone era luxury, relaxed and intimate, and dining a delight.
Breathtaking views from 18 canvas lodges spread over a tea plantation in the Knuckles Mountains, each providing private facilities and ultimate tranquility. Campaign furniture and superking beds. This is glamping at its very best. And yoga on tap.
Perfect place to recuperate after a long flight. A restored manor in an idyllic rural setting. Interiors are a triumph of creativity. Rooms have four-posters and oversized bathrooms. Excellent food. Z Spa is amongst the best on the island.
Grand dame of Colombo hotels and one of the most iconic colonial hotels in Asia. Legendary history of grace, elegance and courtesy, enjoyed by Noel Coward and Mark Twain. Sumptuous rooms, marble lined lobbies and superb dining experiences.
Kulu offer the untamed SL jungle in the safest, most comfortable, and environmentally responsible way. Each tent has ensuite bathroom with shower, toilet and sink. All look over a watering hole rich with wildlife. Divine torchlight dining and excellent safaris.
Formerly the fabled New Oriental Hotel, now magnificently reborn as an Aman hotel, the Amangalla Galle is a sumptuous blend of colonial opulence with contemporary minimalism. Teak floors, antiques, views of the fort and tranquil gardens in the heart of a bustling city.
Former residence of the world's first female prime minister oozing elegance and style and now Colombo’s leading boutique hotel. The ten suites have four-posters and sumptuous bathrooms. Discrete service make these digs some of the sexiest in the Indian subcontinent
A sumptuous combination of superb rooms, perfect service and views to die for in a coastal wilderness retreat. 80 spacious rooms with hardwood floors and glorious rain showers Sublime food and torchlit dinner among the dunes can be arranged.
Meticulously restored plantation manager’s bungalow on Up Country tea estate near Ella, with views over the Demodara valley. All five bedrooms have high ceilings, tasteful furnishings and elegant bathrooms. Lovely gardens and heavenly pool.
Occupying a hillside tea plantation of 12 acres with stunning views, Suites are a striking blend of antiques, contemporary fashion and custom-designed fabrics. The Kahanda Kanda resort restaurant is amongst the best on the South Coast.
