Slow Travel, Tea & Trains with Teardrop Hotels

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.