Nature Trails and Cultural Tales

Depart the UK on your flight to Colombo.

Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your chauffeur guide before being transferred to your hotel near Galle, where the journey truly begins.

The following morning, your first full day is spent in the company of a local archaeologist, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort. Wander at leisure through the fort’s storied streets, originally built by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch during the colonial period. To break up the day, pause for tea at a traditional Dutch House, where a local family — who have called this place home for generations — welcomes you in.

Then, on day four, the focus shifts to the open ocean. Head out by boat in search of whales and dolphins, with blue whales and pods of spinner dolphins commonly spotted just a few miles off the coastline — an unforgettable start to the day.

From Galle, your guide will drive you to your hotel in Demodara. Nestled on a working tea plantation, it’s a small hotel with lovely personal service. It’s also a great little base for walking some of the Pekoe Trail.

Your first morning of trekking starts early at nearby Demodara Railway Station – arriving at around 6:30 am, you’ll see the local villagers on their morning commute. Afterwards, following a picnic breakfast at the Black Bridge, your guide will join you for the 11km section of the 300km Pekoe Trail. The scenery is glorious, with vibrant green hills lined with rows of tea bushes punctuated by spectacular views. Later, you’ll return to Nine Skies, where you can relax and refuel with an afternoon tea on the terrace.

Meanwhile, your second morning of trekking will begin in the small village of Ella, where you’ll start the next 9km section of the Pekoe Trail with your guide. Not far from Ella, you will soon reach the remarkable 9-Arch Bridge (the inspiration behind the name of your accommodation).

From there, from the bridge, you can view the towering arches below and an abyss of rich green filled with tea plants and swaying tropical palms. Throughout this stretch of the trail, you’ll likely see tea pluckers and farmers who will be pleased to take a moment to demonstrate their skill or even stop you for a chat along the way.

From Ella, travel with your chauffeur guide to Gal Oya National Park. Here, take a boat safari, spotting wildlife from the water. With a bit of luck, you will see elephants swimming in the lake. After lunch, continue your safari by Jeep to Nigala, a less-visited part of the park. Here, look out for wild boar, deer, and sloth bears. Continue into the park on foot to be closer to the wildlife.

Beyond the wildlife, whilst at Gal Oya, you can take a cooking lesson with the lodge’s resident chef or explore the organic farm.

Continue north with your chauffeur guide to the Cultural Triangle.

During your time here, you will be able to experience the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Pidurangala Rock Temple. A hike to the latter’s summit rewards you with stunning views of Sigiriya. Beyond the well-known sites, you can also explore local life with our local village experience.

From the Cultural Triangle, the road leads you back to Colombo. Your final day is best spent immersed in the heart of the city, where a food-focused walking tour is woven into a carefully chosen selection of highlights. Street food is sampled, hidden corners are uncovered, and the city’s layered history is felt at every turn. A fitting farewell to an extraordinary journey.