Eco-lodge stay in Sri Lanka
Hidden sanctuaries and preserved ecolodges between Sinhalese rice fields and tropical forests
Duration
13 days
From
€1,565/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior
The spirit of travel
This circuit in Sri Lanka invites you to discover the island through a journey blending nature, heritage, encounters and relaxation.
From arrival in Colombo to stays in eco-lodges, from cultural sites to tropical landscapes, this stay offers an authentic approach to the country, between villages, temples, tea plantations, safari and coastline.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Sri Lanka
Aéroport international de Bandaranaike → Anamaduwa
Upon your arrival at Colombo airport, you are welcomed by your driver as you exit. Heat, scents and light mark your first moments on the island: you are now in tropical land.
You then take the road to Anamaduwa, the first stage of your journey.
Along the way, stop in Chilaw to visit the Munneswaram Hindu Kovil. This Hindu complex brings together five temples, including a Buddhist temple, illustrating a certain religious openness.
The main temple is dedicated to Shiva and surrounded by other sanctuaries devoted to important figures of the Hindu pantheon, such as Ganesha and Kali. Many myths surround this place, also linked to the epic of the Ramayana and its hero, King Rama.
You then head to the Anamaduwa region for a stay in the heart of nature at The Mud House.
From this accommodation, several activities can be considered: exploring the countryside by bike, kayaking on the lake or participating in a cooking class.
You also have the opportunity to discover the local way of life in this arid region, where the land can be unforgiving.
Immersive Day and Nature Activities at The Mud House
You fully enjoy your day at The Mud House, in a natural environment conducive to relaxation. On site, several guided activities are offered and included in your stay.
Among them, you can in particular take part in a visit to a temple located in a nearby village, go bird watching, take short hikes, do kayaking on the lake, discover historic sites or even take part in a cooking class.
Note that travel within the property is done by bike, allowing you to move freely in this natural environment.
Route to Sigiriya
On your way to Sigirîya, you discover the Silvakanda agroforestry estate, a preserved 20-hectare site cultivated by several generations of farmers.
Around the coconut plantations, you discover a wide variety of spices and fruits, including cinnamon, areca nut, nutmeg, cocoa, mango and guava.
In the heart of this estate, you stroll through the Robusta coffee fields, visit the cocoa and cinnamon plantations, then discover the post-harvest processing steps.
At the end of your visit, you taste authentic Sri Lankan snacks, followed by seasonal fruits for dessert.
You then continue with the discovery of Dambulla, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Perched at the top of a hill, its Buddhist caves contain murals as well as numerous Buddha statues in different postures, spread across a set of five caves.
The visit also allows you to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the surroundings.
Please note: this visit requires good physical fitness due to the large number of steps to climb.
Pidurangala & Polonnaruwa
In the morning, you can climb the hill of Pidurangala, located right next to the Lion Rock and discover its archaeological interest.
This nature walk allows you to enjoy a clear vantage point, particularly over the Sigiriya Rock and the Minneriya National Park nearby.
At the summit, you will contemplate the ruins of a monastery, Buddha statues and caves.
This walk also has the advantage of being still relatively uncrowded during the day, even though there is significant affluence at sunrise and sunset.
Allow approximately 30 to 45 minutes for the climb. It is advisable to wear good shoes, as part of the route requires climbing over rocks. This outing is not recommended with young children.
Note: good physical condition is necessary for this visit, due to the number of steps to climb.
In the afternoon, we suggest you explore Polonnaruwa, an ancient city spread over about ten square kilometers.
Royal capital of Sri Lanka in the 11th and 12th centuries, it reveals ruins of palaces, temples, as well as Kalu Gal Vihara, a set of four Buddha statues carved in granite.
The archaeological museum also deserves a visit, as do the surroundings of the Parakrama Samudra Lake. To make this discovery even more enjoyable, you can explore the site by bicycle, a means particularly suited to the terrain and the site.
Route to Digana
On the way to Digana, take time to visit the temple of Nalanda Gedige. Brought to light by British archaeologist Bell and now protected by UNESCO, this temple remained hidden for a long time in the heart of the central forest. Its dating has sparked much debate among archaeologists, but the most widespread hypothesis places its construction around the 8th century, making it one of the oldest Hindu temples in Sri Lanka.
You then reach Kandy, the last royal capital of the island, which still retains an aristocratic atmosphere. You discover the city center on foot, starting with the Tooth Temple. The site, richly decorated, houses the relic of Buddha's tooth.
Continue with a walk around the lake, for approximately 4 kilometers. Nearby, the vegetable market, very lively and sometimes crowded with touts, is also worth a visit for the diversity of its products and the atmosphere it exudes.
Depending on your preference, you can also attend one of the three ceremonies held at the tooth temple, at 5:30 am, 9:30 am and 6:30 pm, with times potentially varying slightly depending on the seasons. At 5:00 pm, it is also possible to attend a Kandyan dance performance, representing the festivities organized in Kandy during the Esala Perahera festival.
Village walk to Naranpanawa
3-hour walk with guide and swimming, through Kandyan villages, forest gardens and rice paddies worked by water buffalo.
Discovery at a local home of the production of molasses and jaggery (palm sap sugar) and introduction to the local flora (clove, pepper, nutmeg, coffee, cocoa, breadfruit tree, areca nut, mangosteen, mango, passion fruit, rambutan, banana, papaya).
After approximately 2 hours of walking, arrival at Naranpanawa by Huluganga, the bathing place of the Kings of Kandy and setting for a Sunlight advertisement. Its name is said to come from « ne-ran-panawa » (« no golden comb »), in memory of a golden comb lost by a king.
Local residents wash themselves, clean their laundry and buffalo, and extract sand there.
Swimming possible in a deep pool upstream or in a private area by the water with a hut for lunch and changing.
Peradeniya and its Botanical Garden
On the way to Maussawa, we suggest you visit the Royal Botanic Garden of Peradeniya, located on the banks of the Mahaweli River. This garden, among the most famous in the world, brings together nearly 4,000 plant species over more than 60 hectares.
As you visit, don't miss the avenue of royal palms, the cannonball trees, the orchid collection and the colorful flower beds. This stop offers a lovely stroll through a renowned site.
On the way, we also recommend taking a break at the Ramboda Falls, which rank among the highest in the country. The contrasts between rock, water and foliage create a particularly striking ensemble.
Discovering Massawa and Its Surroundings
You join, in the central region, a small laboratory of sustainable and ecological tourism set in the heart of 20 hectares of tea lands. After significant natural restoration work, the site now houses a forest close to what it may have been originally.
Several guided hikes can be organized depending on the weather and your level, in order to discover ancient varieties of plant species, both biodiverse, endemic and traditional. This varied habitat is also home to numerous birds, butterflies and other endemic species.
You also visit the traditional transformation workshops of plants, vegetation, vegetables and fruits intended for the manufacture of Kitul.
The program also includes a guided visit of Halpola village, the jungle, the rice fields and the traditional temple, as well as swimming in the river or in the waterfalls of the wild forest located nearby.
Safari by jeep in Udawalawe National Park
In the afternoon, you set off for a jeep safari in Udawalawe, through this Udawalawe National Park of tall grassland, known for its elephant population and rich birdlife.
You may also spot crocodiles, bears, sambar deer, monitor lizards, and sometimes even leopards if you're lucky.
Accompanied by a naturalist guide, you benefit from their explanations throughout the visit, as well as their keen eye for spotting animals hidden in the undergrowth. The park was created in 1972.
Jeep included. Park entrance fees are to be paid on site.
Sacred Rock of Mulkirigala
Located approximately fifteen kilometers from Tangalle beaches, the Mulkirigala rock invites you to discover a sacred site.
Developed over the years by the Sinhalese, first in the caves then on the plateau, the site preserves beautiful historical testimonies through its paintings and sculptures.
This visit also allows you to enjoy an open viewpoint over the surrounding crops and dwellings, with varied colors.
Beach holiday on the beaches of Sri Lanka
Your beach stay begins today, with many excursion possibilities in the surrounding area. Between culture, sports activities and nature discovery, Sri Lanka's beaches offer new escape opportunities every day.
Depending on the season, you can set out to observe dolphins, whales or the many tropical fish present along the coast. It is also possible to encounter a giant turtle. This discovery allows you to measure how rich, varied, and yet fragile the marine life is.
On site, you can also try a water sport, or simply enjoy the beach. It's also an opportunity to taste fresh fish facing the sea, feet in the golden sand, while admiring the sunset light carried by the ocean breeze.
Moment of relaxation at the estate
Upon arrival at your accommodation, you are welcomed by Ranjan, the property owner. Welcoming and interesting, he allows you to learn more about the many community and environmental projects being carried out in the region.
You then enjoy a moment of relaxation at the hotel, in a calm environment.
Colombo, a modern pre-departure safari
Here comes the last day of your visit to our beautiful paradise island.
We hope you will keep wonderful memories of your stay with us in Sri Lanka.
Your transfer to the Colombo - Bandaranaike airport is organized so you can take off with complete peace of mind.
We wish you a good trip and a safe return home!
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Travel Insurance
- Beverages during meals
- Lunches and dinners during the tour (except as otherwise stated above)
- Visits and activities not mentioned in the included services
- Visa fees, to be obtained online on the website https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/
- Tips (expect approximately 3000 LKR per day for the driver, to be given at the end of your trip according to your satisfaction)
- Personal expenses
Included
- Private air-conditioned micro van transport with English-speaking driver-guide or English-speaking driver accompanied by local guides at cultural sites, throughout the duration of the stay
- Vehicle toll fees, fuel costs and parking, as well as driver meals and accommodation
- Round-trip transfers on arrival and departure, in a private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide, in a minivan
- Accommodation in a double room, subject to availability at the time of booking
- The meal plan according to the hotel table
- Water available during your stay thanks to a jerry can present in the vehicle, so you can refill your water bottle
- A surprise gift upon your arrival, sourced from fair trade
- Government taxes
- Agroforestry estate & processing center experience - Kurunegala
- Trek #3: 4 km walk in the village of Digana (village walk and River Bath) with Polwaththa Eco Lodge
- A yoga session at Polwaththa Eco Lodge
- A half-day safari by jeep in Udawalawe National Park (jeep only)
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers from the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Sri Lanka for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Sri Lanka, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your entry date into the country and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada must obtain a Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA – Electronic Travel Authorization) before arriving in Sri Lanka. There is no visa exemption on arrival for a tourist stay.
The ETA can be obtained online via the official Sri Lankan government portal and allows a tourist stay of up to 30 days, with the possibility of extending your stay in the country up to a maximum of 90 days with the Sri Lankan Immigration Department.
Authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
a confirmation of accommodation reservation.
Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Before your arrival, you must obtain a Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), issued by Sri Lankan authorities.
This electronic visa must be requested online on the official Sri Lankan government website. Required information includes:
passport information
flight and itinerary details
address of your first accommodation in Sri Lanka
personal information and contact details
The ETA is generally issued within a few hours to a few days. It is recommended to submit your application at least 48 hours before departure. The digital confirmation must be presented to immigration on arrival.
Health and Vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Sri Lanka from the EEA, Switzerland or Canada. However, certain vaccinations are recommended by health authorities, particularly against:
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
typhoid,
rabies (in case of risk activities or extended stay in rural areas).
Precautions against malaria and dengue may be recommended depending on the regions you visit. Consult a doctor or an international vaccination center before your departure.
Traveling with Children
Minors must have their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay and their own ETA.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, a territorial exit authorization may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should check with the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and medical expense coverage abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the full policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for following the proper procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their entire trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Yes, an electronic travel authorization (ETA) is required and must be obtained online before departure (approximately 50 USD, valid for 30 days). A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date is required. Processing is typically fast (within 72 hours). Please verify current requirements on the official Sri Lankan portal.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a bespoke quality trip, budget between 130 and 210 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1,100 euros return) are additional. Sri Lanka combines beaches, culture, nature and tea in a compact territory.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt every itinerary to travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and depart with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage, which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Cultural Triangle
Itinerary Designer in the Heart of Sri Lanka, based in Colombo
Sri Lanka is a country that constantly shifts in scenery and atmosphere. You can go from tea plantations to temples, then to the ocean, while always keeping that sense of gentleness in your journey.
— Catherine
