CRICKET IN GALLE & HIGHLIGHTS OF SRI LANKA

DAY 1: DEPART THE UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Colombo.

DAY 2: TRANSFER TO RURAL GAMPAHA

Upon arrival at Colombo airport, your chauffeur-guide will transport you to your first hotel in rural Gampaha.

DAY 3: RELAXATION IN RURAL GAMPAHA

Wake up in the beautiful, peaceful Sri Lankan countryside where you’ll find yourself surrounded by countless coconut farms and pineapple plantations. This serene environment makes for the ideal place to relax. Perhaps you’ll want to venture out and wander through the rice paddy fields, visit local temples or colourful markets, interact with local villagers or go bird watching.

DAY 4: TRANSFER TO GALLE

This morning’s 3.5 hour drive will take you to Galle, the capital of the south, where you will spend the next 6 nights. In the evening, the ETG team will be hosting welcome drinks at a local hotel. You will be joined by the Co-Founder, Head of Travel and Local Experience manager to talk all things cricket, as well as offering advice and support.

DAY 5: ENGLAND VS SRI LANKA – GALLE TEST MATCH

Have your red, white and blue colours at the ready as the first day of the England vs Sri Lanka test match kicks off today at Galle Stadium. Your match tickets are included, as well as lunch that can be enjoyed outside of the grounds each day.

DAY 6: EXPERIENCING & EXPLORING GALLE

Start the day with a morning visit to a bustling fish market where you will be able to choose some fresh produce to bring with you to a nearby cooking class. Using clay pots and a fire stove, you will learn to prepare your fresh vegetables and spices the local way to dish up a local lunch. After relaxing on a beach nearby, in the late afternoon, a local guide will bring the old Fort area of Galle to life as you wander around the charming backstreets.

DAYS 7, 8 & 9: ENGLAND VS SRI LANKA – GALLE TEST MATCH

Enjoy the last three days of the test match while taking in the picturesque grounds with a lively atmosphere and passionate fans. Drinks and canapes will be held at a local hotel by the ETG team on day 7 where guests are welcome to catch up with fellow cricket fans with a cold drink in hand.

DAY 10: TRANSFER TO YALA NATIONAL PARK

You will journey 3 hours to your next accommodation near Yala National Park for a two-night stay where you will venture into the less explored parts of the park. Enjoy an al fresco lunch before taking a sunset safari drive with a local naturalist to spot birdlife and game such as leopards, elephants, buffalos and wild boar.

DAY 11: SAFARIS

Your day will consist of two safari drives in Yala National Park, commonly one at sunrise and one at sunset. You’ll have a chance to relax back at camp, soak up the tranquil surroundings and enjoy an atmospheric lunch. There are plenty of activities that can be organised, such as kayaking, small walks and even a Sri Lankan cookery lesson.In the evening, expect a beautiful lit campsite with a roaring campfire.

DAY 12: SAFARI & DEPARTURE

Wake up early and enjoy tea in your tent before taking your final safari. Your chauffeured guide will then take you up into the scenic eastern hills of Bandarawela. Covered with tea plantations and forests clinging to hillsides, the region is home to cool climates and magnificent views.

DAY 13: WALKING, WATERFALLS & A TEA ESTATE

Enjoy a short drive to the hill town of Ella.Here you will have a chance to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery that Sri Lanka’s has to offer. Start with an early morning walk up to the summit of Little Adam’s Peak to take in the spectacular views of the Ella Gap. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before visiting the dramatic Ravana Falls and touring a working tea estate in the afternoon.

DAY 14: TREKKING THROUGH TEA CLAD HILLS

Your guide will take you on a trek today through the hills in Bandarawela. This is a stunning part of the country where you will find some wonderful views along the way before having a traditional meal for lunch in a local home.

DAY 15: TRAIN FROM BANDARAWELA TO NANU OYA

You will be driven to the station this morning by your guide where you will travel by train through the hill country for two and a half hours. This journey provides a unique perspective of rural Sri Lankan life. Sit back and enjoy the scenery and timeless, unhurried charm while mixing with the locals. Your driver will then meet you at the station and transport you to Kandy where you will stay for three nights. Venture out in the afternoon to Kandy’s Sacred Temple of the Tooth that is believed to hold a tooth belonging to Buddha.

DAY 16: ENGLAND VS SRI LANKA – KANDY TEST MATCH

Gear up or a full day of cricket as you watch the England vs Sri Lanka Test Match at Kandy Stadium. Lunch is also provided outside of the ground.

DAY 17: CONTRASTS OF KANDY

An early start today will ensure you have a chance to explore the Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya before the sun gets too hot. Then take a short, scenic drive to Suriyakantha, a fascinating heritage home and cultural centre. After enjoying a fascinating guided walk through a 200 year-old house filled with paintings, art, photographs and treasures from the Sigiriya excavation site, you will sample a delicious Sri Lankan lunch. Return to Kandy in the afternoon where you can shop or visit St Paul’s Church if you wish.

DAY 18: TRANSFER TO THE CULTURAL TRIANGLE

A three-hour drive will transport you to the ‘Cultural Triangle’ this morning. In the afternoon, you will venture to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a really special World Heritage site. The caves are home to no fewer than 157 various Buddha statues, religious murals and fantastic views across the surrounding landscapes.

DAY 19: VILLAGE CYCLE TOUR & RUINS OF POLONNARUWA

Your cycling tour begins this morning at the Giritale reservoir, where you will cycle 10km on back roads, past scenic farmlands and small villages. Rest and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before spending the afternoon exploring the second oldest of Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms by bike, Polonnaruwa. It is home to a magnificent collection of monuments, including the stunning Gal Vihara rock sculptures.

DAY 20: SIGIRIYA & FARM VILLAGE

An early start this morning will ensure you avoid the crowds and heat at the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. It is a great testament to the extraordinary engineering prowess of Sri Lanka’s inhabitants around 1,500 years ago. While the climb may be at times steep and arduous, the incredible views at the top are well worth it.

You will later travel by tuk-tuk and tractor around a number of local farms in a timeless, peaceful setting away from the tourist hotspots. Learn first-hand about the life and work of the villagers and their crops before meeting the farmers and their families and enjoying a home-cooked lunch entirely from the land.

DAY 21: TRANSFER TO COLOMBO

Travel to Colombo this morning. In the afternoon, you can enjoy an informative walking tour around Colombo in the company of a passionate and engaging local guide who will open up the cultural heart of the city to you. This unique excursion provides a real insight into the influences, traditions and cultures that have shaped and formed the Sri Lankan capital over the intervening centuries.

DAY 22: ENGLAND VS SRI LANKA – COLOMBO TEST MATCH

Head to Colombo stadium to watch the England vs Sri Lanka test match. Your lunch is included and will be served outside of the grounds.

DAY 23: COLOMBO BY TUK TUK

Delve deeper into the life, history and heritage of Colombo today on a tuk-tuk tour as your driver manoeuvres through the back streets. You’ll explore the city’s biggest attractions, friendliest shops and best kept secrets.

DAY 24: FLY HOME

You will be picked up by your driver and taken to Colombo airport for your flight back to the UK.