Great Loop of Sri Lanka

No sooner have we set foot on the ground than our driver welcomes us warmly at Colombo airport. The heat, the scents, the light… everything seems new. We have truly arrived in Sri Lanka.

We then take to the road along the western coast of the peninsula to reach Negombo. Nicknamed the "Little Rome", this city is well known for its small villages, its rustic markets, its kilometers of golden beaches, its natural park and especially its water activities.

We let ourselves be captivated by the relaxed atmosphere of this seaside resort, located just a stone's throw from the airport. For example, we could relax by strolling through its streets and admiring its magnificent setting. We would pass by its colonial churches and its canal. We would also take a tour of its fish market.

Depending on the weather, we can also board a boat ride along the Dutch canal and thus enjoy a magnificent sunset.

After breakfast, we could set off for a very special visit, that of the fish market in Negombo. It is a true family institution here! We stroll along the surrounding beaches where the fish are dried, then we take a tour of the market. In the mornings, except on Sundays, we can observe negotiations between fishermen, merchants and consumers around the stalls. We can then walk to the lagoon and admire the numerous boats.

We head north towards the remarkable site of the Cultural Triangle. Indeed, we are heading towards the remarkable holy city of Anuradhapura. Over 50 km², royal ruins adorn the place. Several Buddhist temples still receive pilgrims from all over.

Along the way, we visit the Munneswaram Hindu Kovil in Chilaw. It is a Hindu complex bringing together 5 temples, including a Buddhist temple, highlighting the surrounding openness in matters of religion. The central temple dedicated to Shiva and surrounded by temples of other important figures in the Hindu pantheon such as Ganesha and Kali. Many myths surround this temple, which is also associated with the popular Indian epic Ramayana and its hero, the legendary king Rama.

We can visit Mihintale, located about fifteen kilometres from Anuradhapura, and considered as a gateway to Buddhism. We climb the approximately 1800 steps that lead to this hilltop village, and we are then rewarded with one of the most magnificent landscapes. It is in these places that Mahinda, the disciple of Buddha, came to settle to spread his master's word, a good opportunity to learn more about this ancient culture.

Visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura and the royal ruins that extend over more than 50km2. There you will find a multitude of Buddhist temples still in use as well as the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree.

If we choose to take this tour, our driver will show us the most beautiful dagobas and tell us about the prosperity of this city that lasted more than ten centuries.

In the afternoon, we set out to explore the natural reserve of Ritigala on foot. The places are enhanced by the ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery hidden by lush jungle. The walk in the shade of the trees is very pleasant.

Check-in at our hotel in Sigiriya, where we spend the next 3 nights.

Our itinerary for this day passes through a mountainous region. We set out to discover the city of Kandy. The last monarchical capital of Sri Lanka, it is currently a sacred place for Buddhist pilgrims.

Along the way, in the heights of Matale, we can discover the Aluvihare temple, located on a rocky promontory surrounded by hills. This temple is of paramount importance in the history of Buddhism on the island, as it was created in the 3rd century BC, shortly after the introduction of Buddhism to the territory. It contains frescoes and Buddha statues. It is here that the oldest Buddhist writings were written and preserved, carefully transcribed by the monks on palm leaves.

Visit of the famous Tooth Temple. This charming temple, an important pilgrimage site, is said to house a relic of one of Buddha's canines.

Let us then set off for a walk around Victoria Lake (approximately 4 km) before stopping at the vegetable market located nearby. Very lively, the market immerses us in a friendly and colorful atmosphere.

Depending on our mood, we can also attend one of the three ceremonies held in the tooth temple at 5:30 am, 9:30 am and 6:30 pm, times varying slightly depending on the seasons. At 5:00 pm, it is also possible to attend a Kandyan dance show representing the festivities held in Kandy during the Perahera festival.

In the morning, we set out to discover three temples particularly renowned around Kandy. All dating from the 14th century, although belonging to different artistic periods, each has its own distinctive features and interest.

The stone temple of Gadaladeniya is decorated with wall panels adorned with lions and dancing figures that are relatively well preserved.

The Lankatilaka Vihara is, for its part, made of brick, including the vault, a testament to acute craftsmanship. It is actually a double temple with two entrances, one leading to a space dedicated to Buddhism, in reflection of which a Hindu place of worship is offered; the first being linked to the belief of the King of the Gampola dynasty, and the second to that of the Queen.

The third temple is that of Embekke Devalaya famous for its rich carved wooden decoration, the main material used for its construction.

We head towards the mountains and the small town of Hatton.

We then reach the Castlereigh reservoir, a magnificent artificial lake offering lovely walks. We make sure to visit the Warleigh Christ Church, a charming building constructed in 1878 by the English governor of the time.

Check-in at our accommodation.

Road through the mountains, with beautiful viewpoints, notably the Saint Clair waterfall.

We then head to Nuwara Eliya, a small city perched high (at 1800 meters altitude) which has a very British charm with its Anglican church and houses with Georgian architecture. Its mild and pleasant temperatures and large parks promise an enjoyable walk through the city. Also known as "Little England", this city famous for its colonial grandeur retains a charm with British influences thanks to the typically Anglo-Saxon mark found everywhere, particularly in its architecture.

This holiday resort enjoys very mild temperatures, and it is highly sought after by Sri Lankans during the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year period in April.

It is a starting point for many excursions in the region. The view of the surrounding peaks and valleys is magnificent!

We explore the charming city center and Victoria Park on foot and enjoy the beautiful gardens and if you feel like it, we experience the tranquility of a boat ride on the picturesque Gregory Lake.

The Hakgala Botanical Garden is located 9 km from Nuwara Eliya, on steep terrain. Less well-known than the one in Peradeniya, it is nonetheless worth a visit for its collection of nearly 10,000 plants, including roses and orchids. The best season to visit and enjoy the blooms is from April to September.

We then board a train at the station in Nanu Oya for an enchanting journey through the heart of Sri Lanka's mountains, perched on steep mountainsides, alternating between tunnels and elevated bridges. Before our eyes unfold some of Asia's most beautiful landscapes, made up of tea plantations stretching endlessly.

Our driver picks us up at the station in Haputale to continue our journey.

(Seating subject to availability)

We invite you to climb Little Adam's Peak. We start by crossing through magnificent tea plantations displaying different shades of green; then we join the ridge line leading to this easily accessible summit that nevertheless offers a particularly interesting panorama over the entire area. We dedicate 2 good hours to this hike if we want to take our time between photos and conversations with passing tourists.

Good shoes and a hat are highly recommended, as well as a water bottle to quench your thirst.

Journey to the southern plains. We admire the beautiful Ravana Falls.

In the afternoon, we board a jeep for a safari within the Udawalawe National Park, renowned for its elephant population. The latter, created in 1972, has an interesting population of elephants and a multitude of bird species. We can also spot bears, sambar deer, monitor lizards, crocodiles and leopards.

Today, we're heading to "Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home". This is a sanctuary for young pachyderms. They are cared for there and then released into the wild at a certain stage of their lives. (optional)

We will have no physical contact with the elephants, in order to minimize interactions with humans, but we can admire the young elephants being fed by volunteers! A pleasant and captivating experience for all nature and wildlife enthusiasts.

We then head to Sinharaja Nature Reserve.

Our beach stay begins today and a multitude of excursions await us in the surrounding area. Culture, sport, nature discovery, the Sri Lanka beaches are looking beautiful daily.

Following the seasons we can go to meet dolphins or whales, or tropical fish in abundance that the coastline offers. Here, we can come face to face with a giant turtle for example! We will see how rich and varied marine life is and equally fragile.

We can also venture into discovering a new water sport or more simply lounge on the beach, let's not forget to taste fresh fish on the beach with our feet in the golden sand, admiring the light of a breathtaking sunset, enveloped by a relaxing ocean breeze.

Check-in at our beachfront accommodation in Weligama for the next 3 nights.

Our guide takes us on a charming bicycle ride through rice fields, villages and vegetable gardens. The loop starts at Wijaya, near Talpe then crosses the Eluvila bird sanctuary to reach rice fields bordered by quiet paths and roads.

Following in the footsteps of pilgrims and travelers, we reach an Ambalama which is a typical structure designed to shelter passing travelers. This will be an opportunity to refresh ourselves by tasting a freshly picked "King Coconut".

The walk ends peacefully in a quiet and restful atmosphere.

Visit to the city of Galle, an architectural gem with diverse colonial influences.

The fort, built in the 17th century by the Dutch, is a peaceful and welcoming village, totally disconnected from the rest of the city. We will walk along the ramparts, and we take the opportunity to greet the lighthouse and take in the sight of the many churches as well as the small shops.

Night in a charming accommodation located in the fort.

A 10 min from Galle, we depart to visit the Sooriya Weaving Mills, a company that manufactures traditional colorful fabrics. We discover how raw thread is transformed into colorful fabrics, step by step. You can even try to make your own fabric.

The last day of our visit to our beautiful paradise island has arrived. 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 peace of mind. We wish you a good flight and a safe journey home!