Slow Travel with Teardrop Hotels | Experience Travel Group

Forget rushing around from one stop to another. This itinerary showcases the best of Sri Lanka – but slowly... travelling by rail and road.

We teamed up with Teardrop Hotels to create this exclusive trip – combining their glorious boutique properties (via the remarkable train journeys between them) and ETG's classic experiences. It's a winning recipe for an immersive and luxurious holiday.

Highlights include:

The breathtaking views and sites on one of Asia's most memorable train journeys
Exceptional heritage hotels that celebrate the island's history, diversity and beauty
Curated and exclusive walks and experiences that bring out the magic of travel in Sri Lanka

Aboard the train, you'll snake along the southern coast from Kumu Beach to Fort Bazaar in Galle. You'll journey along tracks clinging to the breathtaking hill country between the restored tea bungalows at Nine Skies and Camellia Hills and on to rural Gampaha. The train provides transportation and an opportunity to connect with locals, experience their way of life, and immerse yourself in the island's history. Some train stations date back to the colonial era and feature unique architectural styles, adding to the overall experience.

The slow pace, charming hotels and train journeys are only some of what there is to enjoy - two gentle hikes along the Pekoe walking trail, a tour of Galle Fort and several other unique experiences will make this holiday exceptionally memorable.

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is a jumping-off point for your adventure. We can tailor it completely to suit your budget, pace and style.

This is a sample itinerary which we will tailor to suit you. Prices are dependent on destination, flights & dates but ETG holidays always include the following:

International flights (if required)
Guides, drivers & their tips
Accommodation
Specified meals & snacks
Your immersive experiences
Internal & regional transfers

Get in touch with us for your bespoke proposal
or see more on our ETG Pricing Guide

Call for a bespoke proposal 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

DAY 1 Depart the UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Sri Lanka

Day 2-5 R&R at Kumu Beach

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.

Day 6 & 7 FORT BAZAAR IN GALLE FORT

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.

DAY 8–10 Nine Skies, Nine Arches & Nine Kilometres!

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.

Day 11-13 Camellia Hills & Castlereagh Reservoir

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.

Day 14 & 15 The Wallawwa

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.