Nature Trails and Cultural Tales

Day 1  Depart UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Colombo

Day 2-4  Galle Fort

Meet your chauffeur guide and transfer to your hotel near Galle.

Spend your first full day with a local archaeologist exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort. Wander the streets of the fort, built by the Portuguese and Dutch in the colonial period. To break up the day, stop at a traditional Dutch House for tea with a local family that has lived here for generations.

On day 4, take a boat trip searching for whales and dolphins. Blue whales and pods of dolphins are commonly spotted a few miles off the coastline.

Day 5–7  The Pekoe Trail

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

Your first-morning trekking starts early at nearby Demodara Railway Station – arriving at around 6:30 am, you'll see the local villagers on their morning commute. After 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. 

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 reach the remarkable 9-Arch Bridge (the inspiration behind the name of your accommodation). From the bridge, you can view the towering arches below and an abyss of rich green filled with tea plants and swaying tropical palms. During 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.

Day 8-10 Gal Oya National Park

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.

Day 11-14  The Cultural Triangle

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.

Day 15  Colombo Food Tour

From The Cultural Triangle, drive back to the capital, Colombo. Spend your final day exploring the city with highlights, including a food focussed walking tour. 

Day 16  Return Home

Today your guide will drive you to Colombo airport for your return flight to the UK.

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