CRICKET IN GALLE & KANDY

DAY 1: DEPART UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Colombo.

DAY 2:  COLOMBO

Your private chauffeur will meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation where you will stay for two nights.

DAY 3: COLOMBO CITY WALK

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 4: GALLE

This morning’s 2.5 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.

DAYS 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9: ENGLAND VS SRI LANKA – GALLE TEST MATCH

Enjoy the 5 day test match at the picturesque Galle Stadium. Lunch is included outside of the ground each day. On day 7, the ETG team will be hosting drinks and canapes at a local hotel. All guests are welcome to catch up with fellow cricket fans with a cold drink in hand.

DAY 10: HAPUTALE

Today your driver will transfer you to  Haputale in the mountainous region of central Sri Lanka, otherwise known as ‘Hill Country’ where you will be for a two-night stay.

DAY 11: WALKING THROUGH TEA COUNTRY

Founded by Sir Thomas Lipton in 1890, the Dambetanna Tea Estate is one of Sri Lanka’s most renowned tea estates. Take a short and easy walk up to the famous viewpoint at ‘Lipton’s Seat’ to appreciate some truly spectacular panoramas across the tea estates and the landscapes of Southern Sri Lanka.

DAY 12: KANDY

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 13: ENGLAND VS SRI LANKA – KANDY TEST MATCH

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

DAY 14: 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 15: ENGLAND VS SRI LANKA – KANDY TEST MATCH

Enjoy day three of the Kandy Test Match. Your lunch is provided outside of the ground again today.

DAY 16: ENGLAND VS SRI LANKA – KANDY TEST MATCH

Enjoy your last test match today. Departure time is flexible depending on the state of the day’s play. The journey to your hotel in rural Gampaha will take 3.5 hours.

DAY 17: FLY HOME

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