Sri Lanka Guesthouse Explorer (Tour-2)

Day 1 & 2: Upon arriving in Sri Lanka, transfer to Sea Shells, a small beachfront hotel in Negombo - a popular and youthful beach resort just a few minutes drive from the airport. This is an ideal location from which to explore Negombo’s vibrant cultural heritage: ride on a catamaran as it sets sail in to the sunset; take a boat ride along the centuries-old Dutch canals that wind through the town; experience Negombo’s Colonial heritage including Catholic churches and the ruins of the Dutch Fort; visit the harbor early morning to see the catamarans come ashore, filled with the night’s catch of numerous varieties of fish, prawns, crab and lobster. For those interested in nature and the wilderness, take a boat ride into the Muthurajawela marshes and the Negombo Lagoon, home to numerous species of birds and fish, dragon flies and monitor lizards.

Accommodation profile: Owned by Jetwing Hotels with unique holiday properties in Negombo, Galle and the hill country, Sea Shells is a charming newly refurbished hotel set on a picturesque stretch of beach. All rooms have beach frontage and dining is arranged even on the beach under the stars.

Day 3 & 4: Today you head to Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. Check into Lion Rock Hotel situated just minutes from the magnificent Sigirya rock fortress. Over the next two days, explore the ancient ruins of the Sigiriya Fortress built in the 5th century by King Kasyapa. The ruins of the fortress upon the huge rock, the wall frescoes, and the symmetrical royal gardens surrounding the rock are amazing feats of this period. Dambulla Cave Temple is also a must-see with its rock ceiling covered in one large sweep of colorful frescoes, some of which dates back to over 2,000 years. This cave temple has the largest number of Buddha statues all housed in one place including a 14 meter long, colossal figure of the recumbent Buddha carved out of the rock.

Accommodation profile: The Lion Rock Hotel ticks all the boxes when it comes to good budget accommodation: clean and comfortable rooms, tasty food in hygienic surroundings and a welcoming atmosphere. There are also great views of Sigiriya Rock over a small fruit garden.

Day 5: The journey from the cultural triangle to Sri Lanka's hill capital - the small lakeside city of Kandy - will occupy most of the morning. On the way, visit the ancient Aluvihara rock temple, located in Matale. Aluvihara is of great significance in the history of Buddhism. It was here that the oral teachings of the Buddha were committed to writing – the Tripitika - for the first time in 3rd century AD. Once in Kandy, check into Randholee Hotel, nestled in the Hills of Heerassagala. Visit the Temple of the Tooth where a sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha is enshrined since 4th Century A.D. In the night, you will be able to experience the magnificent Kandy Perehera – a unique procession that winds itself through the streets of Kandy with scores of elephants, dancers and drummers.

Accommodation profile: Randholee is nestled in the Hills of the rural village of Heerassagala in Kandy. Set on 2 ½ acres of wooded land with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains from Kandugannawa to Gampola, Randholee is a peaceful holiday getaway situated close to nature.

Day 6 & 7: Today you head for the southern highlands, a stirring land of lush tea plantations, majestic peaks and rushing waterfalls. We recommend you jump aboard the train – one of the great rail journeys in the world – and head for Ella, a small village that sits high on a ridge with magnificent views. Spend two nights at Grand Ella Motel situated on a mountain ridge with breathtaking views of the Ella Gap.

Accommodation profile: Grand Ella Motel might have an unpromising name, and might be run by the government-owned Ceylon Hotels Corporation, but it is not your typical state-run guesthouse. It is located high above a valley complete with soaring peaks, gushing waterfalls and boulder-strewn tea plantations, and has the feel and size of a high-class guesthouse. Hours can be spent in the gardens or your own private terrace absorbing the magical panorama of the Ella Gap.

Day 8: Today you travel southeast to the serene and tranquil town of 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), lush green paddy fields and lotus-filled lakes. Check into Tissamaharama Resort – a Government resthouse - an old colonial stop-off with a great lakeside location. Visit the Yala National Park located nearby. With a total protected area of 126,768 hectares, Yala consists of scrub plains, lagoons and rocky sections and offers the broadest cross-section of the country’s flora and fauna. In terms of game-viewing this is probably the best place to see all of the ‘big three’: elephant, leopard and water buffalo. It is estimated that Yala is home to about 35 Leopard making it one of the world's densest leopard populations. However, they are not always easy to spot. Countless other animals including sloth bear, deer, wild boar, crocodiles, monkeys and numerous species of birds can also be seen. We also recommend a visit the sacred jungle shrine of Kataragama. This holy shrine was built by the warrior King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century B.C. to pay homage to God Kataragama. This shrine is worshipped by people of many faiths. Each day at specific times, the shrines 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: Tissa Rest House is a property of the government’s Ceylon Hotel’s Corporation, and enjoys a beautiful location on the banks of ancient Tissa Wewa (Tank). Built by King Kavantissa about 2300 years ago, the Tissa Wewa attracts a variety of birds and butterflies. The property has been upgraded to include a swimming pool, several new rooms with scenic views, and other modern conveniences. Tissa is a convenient location from which to explore Yala and Kataragama.

Day 9 & 10: Today you head to the southern fishing village of Tangalle with secluded cove-like beaches and turquoise waters. Relax and enjoy two nights at Mangrove Garden set on a beautiful secluded beach. Visit Rekuwa, a small fishing village just a few minutes walk away where a fascinating marine turtle conservation project is helping to save this endangered species. We recommend visiting the project at night with a conservation guide. If you are lucky you will see one of the giant turtles swim ashore to lay its eggs.

Accommodation profile: Mangrove Garden offers rudimentary wooden cabanas on a gorgeous stretch of beach, in the south coast village of Tangalle. This deliberately rustic settlement appeals to independent travellers yearning for tranquil and natural surroundings. Marine Turtles often come ashore here at nights to nest.

Day 11, 12 & 13: Travel to the south coast fishing village of Ahangama situated between Galle and Matara where you will stay for three nights at Easy Beach – which is surrounded by some of the South coast’s best surfing beaches. Visit Galle’s 17th century Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Much of the old Fort, a small walled city with about 300 homes and an old-world feel, still remain with its well preserved bastions, public buildings, churches, lighthouse and a maze of narrow streets. Based at Mirissa Harbour, Mirissa Water Sports offers exciting water sports activities such as sailing, fishing, coastal cruises, river trips, sea kayaking, snorkeling and boating activities for visitors to the South coast. Mirissa Water Sports is a charitable organization helping to generate employment for the youth from the tsunami affected coastal areas.

Accommodation Profile: Easy Beach is blessed by some of the South coast’s best surfing beaches and will particularly delight surfing enthusiasts. This eight bedroomed guest house is popular with youthful surfers and independently-minded travellers who have grown to love the genial, laid-back atmosphere encouraged by the Norwegian owners. An airy café-style eating area opens onto palm-fringed gardens and a coral-protected beach.

Day 14: Depart in good time for your flight home.