From the airport, transfer directly to Club Villa, an elegant
19th century villa set in a small coconut plantation close
to the sandy beaches of Bentota. The first restoration of
this villa was done by Sri Lanka’s iconic architect,
Geoffrey Bawa. Relax here for two nights by the waters of
the Indian Ocean. Bentota and the surrounding areas including
Ambalangoda and Hikkaduwa - all share a vibrant cultural heritage
including folklore, music and dance as well as architectural
influences from the Dutch period. Many temples, kovils, churches
and mosques are situated along the coast. The Bawa Brief Gardens
in Bentota, a fascinating landscaped garden created by Geoffrey’s
brother, Bevis, is also well-worth a visit.
Holiday highlights
• 2008 Literary Festival and Galle’s
artistic renaissance
• Hill country’s lush tea plantations and gushing
waterfalls
• Kandyan heritage and ancient temples
• Turquoise seas and rural fishing villages of the South
Coast
• Stays in restored colonial bungalows
• An insight into Sri Lanka’s ancient as well
contemporary architecture.
Itinerary:
Day 1 & 2: From the airport, transfer directly
to Club Villa, an elegant 19th century villa set in a small
coconut plantation close to the sandy beaches of Bentota. The
first restoration of this villa was done by Sri Lanka’s
iconic architect, Geoffrey Bawa. Relax here for two nights by
the waters of the Indian Ocean. Bentota and the surrounding
areas including Ambalangoda and Hikkaduwa - all share a vibrant
cultural heritage including folklore, music and dance as well
as architectural influences from the Dutch period. Many temples,
kovils, churches and mosques are situated along the coast. The
Bawa Brief Gardens in Bentota, a fascinating landscaped garden
created by Geoffrey’s brother, Bevis, is also well-worth
a visit. Accommodation profile:Club Villa was one of the island's first boutique hotels and remains one of its most popular, especially for those who enjoy the privacy of smaller hotels. Spotlessly clean and comfortable with antique furnishings, Club Villa offers a calm and tranquil ambience in a garden setting. A fabulously long beach is a short stroll away, across a rail track and through a small coconut grove. The food is also acclaimed, especially at night with the garden light by lanterns.
Days 3, 4 & 5: Travel along the west coast to the historic city of Galle to participate in the 2008 Literary Festival. Check into the Malabar House, a boutique villa housed in a fully restored colonial town house in the heart of the Galle Fort. We have allocated three nights within the Galle Fort although the Literary Festival itself continues for a period of 5 days. Dates can be revised depending on the Literary Festival activities that you wish to registered for. Full details of the 2008 programme will be announced on the festival website http://www.galleliteraryfestival.com
and we recommend that you register early to avoid disappointment. The historic Galle Dutch Fort is a small walled city with about 300 homes and an old-world feel. Hours can be spent exploring the maze of narrow streets lined with quaint houses, Dutch and British period buildings still in use, and a growing collection of art galleries, antique shops and restaurants. There are many fine beaches a few miles along the coast.
Accommodation profile: Malabar House is a recently restored town house situated within Galle's 17th century Dutch Fort. Tastefully furnished with pieces from all over Asia, the house is a perfect base from which to experience life within Galle Fort. The house is close to the Ramparts and small beaches that are great for a morning dip. The high walls allow gentle sea breezes to flow through the house providing shelter from the midday heat. The front entrance is on the main street running east to west.
Days 6, 7 & 8: Today you travel along the
scenic south coast to Mirissa where you will stay three nights
at Mount Cinnamon, in Mirissa Hills, designed by the renowned
Sri Lankan architect, Anjalendran. This magnificent villa, sits
atop a hill amidst a cinnamon plantation, with surrounding panoramic
views of the southern wilderness and the beautiful Mirissa and
Weligama Bays. Beautiful bays are only ten minutes drive away.
For the more adventurous, a jeep safari to the Yala wildlife
park with 400 sq. miles of jungle with herds of elephants, sloth
bear, deer, wild boar, monkeys, crocodiles and a variety of
bird species is an interesting day’s excursion. Alternatively,
consider a trip to Tissamaharama (or “Tissa” as
it is most frequently referred to) which was the capital of
the ancient Ruhunu Kingdom in the 2nd century B.C. Tissa is
dominated by lakes and gigantic semi-circle shaped Buddhist
Dagobas (temples) that reach majestically to the sky, their
brilliant-white radiance contrasting with the surrounding luminous
green paddy fields and lotus-filled lakes. The ancient jungle
shrine of Kataragama, a pilgrimage site that has religious and
historical significance for all main world religions, is another
attraction. Each day at specific times, the shrines at Kataragama
come alive when poojas (devotions) are presented to the Gods.
The baskets filled with fruit and flowers, the aromas from burning
incense and oil lamps, the sounds of dashing coconuts, clanging
bells and continuous chanting all combine to provide a mesmerizing
experience.
Accommodation profile: Mount Cinnamon is a modern tropical
villa designed to capture the surrounding panoramic views and
lying in a tranquil setting.
Interiors are adorned with local
art and a dramatic sculpture by the famous local artist, Laki
Sennayake. The sitting and dining rooms open onto a manicured
lawn and views towards the breathtaking Weligama and Mirissa
Bays. The other side leads to a courtyard and the deep blue
swimming pool.
Days 9 & 10: Today you leave the coast
and journey inland to the southern highlands - a land of misty
mountains and tea covered hills. Here you will stay two nights
at Netherbyres, a century old refurbished plantation bungalow
in Haputale. The surrounding tea estate enjoys spectacular sunsets,
fresh air and cooling up-country breezes. Nearby attractions
include Adisham, a Benedictine Monastery with a century old
stone buildings, and several waterfalls including Dunhinda,
Diyaluma, and Ravana Ella.
Accommodation profile: Set amidst a working tea plantation in Haputale, 4,500 feet above sea level, Netherbyres is a charming colonial bungalow with surrounding views of the mountains. The building is designed with stone walls, roof with oak shingles and working fireplaces. Hours can be spent in the front verandah taking in the breathtaking views - the mountain peaks as they peer through the morning mist and the burnt orange skies of the setting sun - an experience not to be missed.
Days 11 & 12: This morning you hop on aboard a train and head to the hill capital, Kandy. Noted as one of the greatest rail journeys in the world, the dramatic landscape of the hill country stirs the senses - winding past lush tea plantations, majestic peaks and rushing waterfalls. Once in Kandy, check into Helga's Folly a thoroughly individualistic slice of art nouveau overlooking Kandy Lake.
Accommodation profile: Helga's Folly, in
the eyes of its owner, Helga de Silva Blow Perera, is not a
hotel but "an anti-hotel." Helga's grandfather, George de Silva,
architect of Sri Lanka's independence, would never have imagined
that the family hotel would turn out like this. Its welcoming
atmosphere and hint of high-camp will appeal to those seeking
an imaginative alternative to routine hotel life. They will
find it an enchanting and alternative place, decorated by antiques,
family heirlooms, wax-laden candlesticks straight out of a Gothic
novel, and endless flights of fancy.
Days 13: Head to the capital of city of Colombo for your final night. Check into the Galle Face Hotel, hailed as a masterpiece of Victorian architecture in the heart of the city. We recommend a relaxing and restful final night with a sumptuous sea food dinner at the hotel's Seaspray restaurant. Alternatively, consider the Paradise Road Gallery Café which was once the office of the famous architect Geoffrey Bawa. This restaurant has a unique ambience with courtyards, ponds, walkways and open pavilions and provides for a memorable dining experience with an exceptional fusion menu and mouthwatering desserts. The premises also serve as an art gallery that promotes the creative talents of young local artists.
Accommodation profile: The Galle Face, hailed as a masterpiece of Victorian architecture, retains the dignified and polite atmosphere that gave it such fame in the colonial age. Sympathetic renovations and refurbishments are helping to protect its historic status in more demanding times. Rooms have polished wooden floors and panelling and antique furniture, and few fripperies. The Seaspray restaurant, specializing in sea food, is blessed by an ocean frontage. There is nowhere better to watch a Colombo sunset than from its immaculate terrace and gardens.
Day 14: Depart in good time for your flight
home.
Cost: TBC
Package price includes:
• 13 night’s BB accommodation
on twin-sharing basis
• Private airconditioned car and English-speaking
driver for tour and transfers
• First class train from Haputale to Kandy
• Entrance fees: Temple of the Tooth, Brief
Gardens
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our licence ]
From the airport, transfer directly to Club Villa, an elegant
19th century villa set in a small coconut plantation close
to the sandy beaches of Bentota. The first restoration of
this villa was done by Sri Lanka’s iconic architect,
Geoffrey Bawa. Relax here for two nights by the waters of
the Indian Ocean. Bentota and the surrounding areas including
Ambalangoda and Hikkaduwa - all share a vibrant cultural heritage
including folklore, music and dance as well as architectural
influences from the Dutch period. Many temples, kovils, churches
and mosques are situated along the coast. The Bawa Brief Gardens
in Bentota, a fascinating landscaped garden created by Geoffrey’s
brother, Bevis, is also well-worth a visit.
