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Slow Travel, Tea & Trains with Teardrop Hotels

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Slow Travel, Tea & Trains with Teardrop Hotels

Experience Travel Group

Slow Travel, Tea & Trains with Teardrop Hotels

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Forget rushing around from one stop to another; this itinerary showcases how you can experience the best of Sri Lanka – but slowly... and travelling by rail and road. We teamed up with Teardrop Hotels to create this exclusive trip – combining their characterful properties (via the remarkable train journeys between them) and ETG's classic experiences.  

It's a winning recipe for an immersive and luxurious holiday experience if we do say so ourselves.   

Aboard the train, you'll snake along the southern coast from Kumu Beach to Fort Bazaar in Galle. You'll journey along tracks clinging to the breathtaking hill country between the restored tea bungalows at Nine Skies and Camellia Hills and on to rural Gampaha. The train provides transportation and an opportunity to connect with locals, experience their way of life, and immerse yourself in the island's history. Some train stations date back to the colonial era and feature unique architectural styles, adding to the overall experience.  

The slow pace, charming hotels and train journeys are only some of what there is to enjoy - two gentle hikes along the Pekoe walking trail, a tour of Galle Fort and several other unique experiences will make this holiday exceptionally memorable.   

Highlights include:   

  • The breathtaking views and sites on one of Asia's most memorable train journeys
  • Exceptional heritage hotels that celebrate the island's history, diversity and beauty
  • Curated and exclusive walks and experiences that bring out the magic of travel in Sri Lanka

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is a jumping-off point for your adventure. We can tailor it completely to suit your budget, pace and style. Talk to us today about how this suggested itinerary could inspire your holiday.  

 DAY 1 Depart the UK  

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Sri Lanka  

Day 2-4 R&R at Kumu Beach  

On arrival, meet your chauffeur-guide and head straight to Kumu Beach for some R&R to ease you into the holiday. Tucked away in an elevated position, Kumu feels very private and has fantastic beach views. It's heavenly to wake up to the sounds of the Indian Ocean lapping outside your room. Kumu is small enough that the staff will get to know you, but it has all the necessary facilities. And the food - a modern Sri Lankan fusion - is a real winner, too.   

During your stay, there is time to delve into the local arts and crafts scene or visit nearby Kosgoda, a turtle-nesting beach. There is also the opportunity to visit Lunuganga, the former home of legendary architect Geoffrey Bawa, who spent forty years transforming this abandoned rubber and cinnamon estate into an idyllic garden paradise. After lunch at the house, you will visit the nearby Brief Garden, Geoffrey Bawa's brother, Bevis Bawa's home and beautifully landscaped garden.  

Day 5 & 6 FORT BAZAAR IN GALLE FORT  

Relaxed and recharged, it's time to hop aboard the local train for the journey from Bentota to Galle; though the journey is just an hour, travelling along the coast is a unique experience and a great way to get a taste of local life. In Galle, you'll stay in the fort and spend a day with a local archaeologist exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also stop at a traditional Dutch House for tea with a local family that has lived here for generations.  

DAY 7–9 Nine Skies, Nine Arches & Nine Kilometres!  

From Galle, you'll travel north by road with your guide towards the hill country, breaking the journey on route to explore Budurugala Temple.   

On arrival in the hills, check in at Nine Skies - a beautiful, refurbished 5-bedroom tea bungalow with marvellous views. Spend three nights here enjoying the lovely personal service and the working tea plantation. Route 16 of the Pekoe Trail captures the essence of Ella. It's a 9km trek that takes you from the energy of Ella town to some standout attractions, all against a backdrop of the tea plantations. Not far from Ella, the trail reaches the remarkable Nine Arch Bridge (the inspiration for the name of your accommodation). From the bridge, you can view the towering arches below. As you veer from the tourist trail, the path continues through villages and vegetable farms into serene tea gardens, ending in Demodara.  

Day 10-12 Camellia Hills & Castlereagh Reservoir  

Your journey continues as you board the train to travel from Ella to Hatton – this leg of the train route is particularly scenic, and your guide will be on hand to point out some of the most exciting sites. On arrival in Hatton, you'll check in at nearby Camellia Hills for a 3-night stay.  

The views across Castlereagh Reservoir are superb and surrounded by nature. Join the resident naturalist for a guided bird-watching trail; the garden boasts over 20 bird species, including the endemic Yellow Fronted Barbet and Sri Lankan Hanging Parakeet. During your stay, you'll also have a chance to take a scenic drive to Fairlawn Falls for a leisurely walk and picnic amidst undulating tea estates. Your guide will lead you through the lower forest and tea estates to see the four-meter waterfall. You can hike Section 6 of the Pekoe Trail too, and you’re efforts will be well rewarded.  

Day 13 & 14  The Wallawwa 

Take the train from Hatton towards Colombo, disembarking at Gampaha. Head to The Wallawwa for the last two nights; this converted manor house is the perfect place to round off the holiday. Relax by the pool, enjoy the spa and gardens, take a boat trip along the nearby canal, or explore Negombo's fort and fish markets.  

Day 15 Fly Home  

It's just a 15-minute transfer to the airport for your flight home. Depart Sri Lanka on your flight back to the UK. 

 

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, our holidays typically cost between £4,000 and £6,000 per adult depending on trip length and time of year as well as the hotels and flights involved. We offer child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

  • International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
  • Accommodation as described
  • Privately guided tours and transfers
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
  • Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
  • 24-hour in-country backup while away
  • Your dedicated travel expert in the UK 

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Camellia Hills

Camellia Hills, Hatton

A contemporary tea planter's bungalow with stunning views across the Castlereagh Reservoir.

Fort Bazaar

Fort Bazaar, Galle Fort

A beautiful boutique hotel right inside the UNESCO listed Galle Fort.

Kumu Beach

Kumu Beach, Balapitiya

An intimate beach hotel with attentive staff and panoramic views over the Indian Ocean.

Nine Skies

Nine Skies, Demodara

A restored bungalow sitting on a working tea plantation providing an all-inclusive stay with personalised service and wonderful views.

Wallawwa

Wallawwa, Negombo

Superb boutique hotel located close proximity to the airport

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Buduruwagala

Buduruwagala, Ella

Ancient rock carvings deep in the dry jungle west of Wellawaya.

Galle Fort

Galle Fort, Galle Fort

Explore Galle's beautifully preserved fortified city

Pekoe Trail

Pekoe Trail, Ella

Walking the Pekoe Trail provides the chance to see Sri Lanka's beauty, meet with local people, and learn about the culture of tea.

Tea Factory Visit

Tea Factory Visit, Nuwara Eliya

See the inner-workings of a tea factory and follow the process from plucking the bud to brewing a cup

Train through the hill country

Train through the hill country, Kandy

One of Asia's great train journeys, with spectacular views from start to finish.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'Slow Travel, Tea & Trains with Teardrop Hotels '

More Holiday Suggestions

Birdlife and Natural Wealth of Sri Lanka

Birdlife and Natural Wealth of Sri Lanka

This holiday is ideal for those who love nature, especially birdlife. Visit the beautiful rainforests, coast, and wetlands of Sri Lanka.

Digital Detox in Sri Lanka

Digital Detox in Sri Lanka

Step away from the everyday for a one-of-a-kind holiday. Truly off-the-beaten-track with accommodation in our favourite "eco & unique" hotels.

Nature Trails and Cultural Tales

Nature Trails and Cultural Tales

Unique two-day walking trail in the hills with an off-the-beaten-track safari and Sri Lanka's ancient cultural sites.


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Don’t just see Asia - feel Asia.

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  • Destinations
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