HIGHLIGHTS OF SRI LANKA & CRICKET IN GALLE

DAY 1: DEPART UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Colombo.

DAY 2: TRANSFER TO RURAL GAMPAHA

Upon arrival, your chauffeur-guide will transport you to rural Gampaha where you will be for a two-night stay.

DAY 3: EXPLORING GAMPAHA

You can enjoy any number of complimentary activities during your stay at the Horathapola Coconut Estate. Take a tour of the estate, relax amongst its tranquil gardens, or explore the local villages with one of the staff on a leisurely bullock cart ride.

DAY 4: TRANSFER TO THE CULTURAL TRIANGLE

Your journey to the Cultural Triangle will take around 4 hours today.

DAY 5: POLONNARUWA & ELEPHANT SAFARI

You’re set for a full day experiencing both Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural highlights. Your excursion begins amongst the magnificent World Heritage ruins of Polonnaruwa. Lunch will be followed by an afternoon visit to national parks, a great place to spot wild elephants.

DAY 6: SIGIRIYA & FARM VILLAGE EXPERIENCE

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, 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 7: TRANSFER TO KANDY

The journey to Kandy will take around 3 hours today where you will be staying for 2 nights. In the afternoon, you can wander through the Sacred Temple of the Tooth, one of the world’s most important Buddhist shrines.

DAY 8: 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 9: TRAIN FROM KANDY TO HATTON

Your driver will take you to the station this morning where you will board a train for a scenic, 2-and-a-half-hour ride through the hill country. Sit back and relax as the train ambles along almost at walking pace in some places. You can enjoy the scenery and the timeless, unhurried charm, while also having the opportunity to mix with locals. You will transfer to your accommodation in Hatton, where you will spend the next two nights soaking in the beauty and the cool climate of this beautiful, mountainous region.

DAY 10: EXPLORING HILL COUNTRY

It’s all about exploring the Hill Country today. You can hike to the summit of Adam’s Peak, or through the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, visit colonial-era Warleigh Church or a local Hindu kovi. Perhaps you may want to learn about Sri Lanka’s hill-dwelling leopards at a local research station or wander through the beautiful tea estates on your own or with a guide. The choice is yours. We highly recommend the complimentary tea factory visit though, as it is a great opportunity to learn more about the country’s most iconic and refreshing export.

DAY 11: TRANSFER TO GALLE

You will journey travel down through to the country with your chauffeur-guide to Galle today for a 6-night stay. Enjoy some welcome drinks with the ETG team in the evening at a local hotel. The Co-Founder, Head of Travel & Local Experience Manager will be on hand to chat about Sri Lanka, cricket and to offer any advice or support.

DAYS 12 - 16: ENGLAND VS SRI LANKA - GALLE TEST MATCH

Enjoy five days’ worth of cricket as England takes on Sri Lanka at the Galle Test Match. Your tickets to all matches are included, as well as lunch outside the grounds each day.

DAY 17: FLY HOME

Your driver will take you to Colombo Airport for your flight back to the UK.