Trip Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival / Columbo Arrive in Columbo, the trade and commercial capital has long been the traditional gateway to the Orient. Sri Lanka’s largest city is located on the west coast and draws together the many cultures, religions and influences that foreign trade have brought into a kaleidoscope of sounds and colour. The original traders and settlers, the Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch and the British have left churches and monuments, names and costumes, food and parts of their languages. Explore and enjoy the afternoon and dinner at your leisure. Overnight at the Colombo Court Hotel & Spa.
Day 2
Columbo Explore the city on a drive around its many influences including Parliament House designed by Geoffrey Bawa, Asia’s most celebrated and influential 20th century architect. Local favourite Barefoot Café for an alfresco lunch and shopping. Return to the hotel followed by walking tour to visit the heritage part of Colombo City, including the Dutch Fort and Old Dutch Hospital now host to high end restaurants, bars and shops. Move on to the lighthouse for sunset photos and drinks at the Galle Face hotel, the oldest hotel east of the Suez. Continue along Galle Face Green promenade for dinner at the famed ‘Ministry of Crab’, one of one of the best restaurants in Asia. Overnight at the Colombo Court Hotel & Spa.
Day 3
Columbo / Galle Breakfast time. Journey to the historic town of Galle. The ancient trading post of Galle was an essential port of call for Chinese, Persian, Arab and Indian traders. Javanese and Sumatrans came later followed by Marco Polo in 1299 AD. The Portuguese arrived in the 1500’s and built a settlement with a fort of palm trees and mud. This was captured by the Dutch (and finally the British) who built the 400-year-old fort. Narrow streets remain in use and the community within the fort is a bustle with daily life – a living-breathing town, hidden within fortified walls of this ancient, maritime citadel. Afternoon walking tour exploring Galle Fort, overflowing with landmarks, strolling past the Dutch church, the spice warehouses, the Kacheri or Town Hall, the lighthouse and ramparts. Near the old Arab mosque are streets leading to cricket fields surrounded by ancient frangipani trees. There are a variety of exclusive boutique stores to explore. Dinner and overnight at the The Heritage hotel.
Day 4
Galle Early morning visit to the local fish market to see the fresh catch of the day, such as yellow fin tuna, calamari, sear fish, mullet, prawns and crabs being traded. Visit the Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum followed by a photo stop at the famous ‘Stilt Fisherman’. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. Optional early evening activity: Drive to Kosgoda to visit the Turtle hatchery farm operated by the Wild Life Protection Society of Sri Lanka. Established in 1981, the objective of the society was to protect Sri Lanka's turtles from extinction. See the huge tanks filled with new born but lively hatchlings. After being fed the hatchlings are taken to the sea and released when they are 2-4 days old. Although October to April is the main laying season, eggs can be found throughout the year. Guided tour of the conservation centre. Cocktails on the beach for sunset followed by the memorable opportunity of releasing three day-old turtles to the sea. This is truly one of the most heart-warming experiences you will encounter during the tour. Dinner and overnight at the The Heritage hotel.
Day 5
Galle / Wadduwa Breakfast time. Journey to Wadduwa and check in to the resort. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure exploring the resort. Dinner and overnight at the Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort.
