A 14 DAY IMMERSIVE TOUR - EXCLUSIVE TO RAMSGATE TRAVEL SERVICE
Sri Lanka – once known to many of us as Ceylon, and before that Serendip, – is a beguiling tropical island nation immediately south east of India, and a mere 10 hours non-stop flight away from Melbourne and Sydney.
For perspective, it is approximately the size of Tasmania; it's a place of breath-taking landscapes - from tropical palm-fringed beaches to stunning hill country, carpeted in lush green tea plantations, to ancient historic sites.
It is also a place of beautiful colonial towns with cobble-stoned streets and colonial Dutch and Portuguese architecture.
Sri Lankans are warm and hospitable, and love nothing more than to share a meal with visitors – whether it is a fiery curry or a simple feast of freshly caught seafood.
We will listen to the elephants trumpet, monkeys chatter, and look for leopards on a private game viewing drive in the wonderful Yala National Park – home to one of the world’s largest concentrations of the elusive leopard. We will sip tea at a grand colonial tea house, ride an historic train and marvel at the famous stilt fishermen of Galle.
Sri Lanka is a gem hiding in plain sight. We are delighted to reprise our very successful 2026 tour and warmly invite you to join us.
ANNE & BARRY ROGERS
Tour Managers
Accommodation and Meal Plan:
• Accommodation on Bed and Breakfast basis at Jetwing Blue (1 night), Jetwing Kandy Gallery (2 nights), Heritance Tea Factory (2 nights), Fort Bazaar (2 nights), Galle Face Hotel (2 nights)
• Accommodation on half board basis at Heritance Kandalama (3 nights)
• Accommodation on All Inclusive basis at Chena Huts (2 nights)
• A scenic train ride from Kandy to Nanu Oya - strictly subject to availability
• Tips / gratuities and porterage
Guided Visits and Excursions:
• Dambulla cave temple
• Anuradhapura
• Sigiriya
• Spice Garden
• Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden
• Temple of the Tooth
• Cultural Dance Show in Kandy
• Tea Factory and Estate
• Colombo city tour
Hosted Experience:
• Kamatha Sri Lankan dining experience
• 02 x Game Drive at Yala National Park (shared safari)
• Group walking tour of UNESCO Galle Fort with a heritage guide
Complimentary Amenities:
• Welcome pack from Sri Lanka In Style
• Bottled drinking water during transfers and sightseeing
VAT (Value Added Tax) & Tourism Tax
Day 1 | Saturday 28 March - Negombo
Late evening arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, where we will be met and transferred the short distance to the beachside town of Negombo for a comfortable overnight stay before our touring begins in earnest tomorrow.
Overnight: Jetwing Beach - Deluxe room
https://www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwingbeach
Day 2 | Sunday 29 March - Kandalama (B,D)
After a leisurely breakfast, we will depart for Kandalama, with a visit to the Dambulla cave temple en route. The Dambulla Golden Cave temple is a vast isolated rock mass – 500 ft high and a mile around the base which dates back to the 1st century BC. King Walagamba spent 14 years’ exile (from Anuradhapura) in the cave during his reign from 103BC-77BC. Our home for three nights is the utterly splendid Heritance Kandalama designed by renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, and set in 211 acres of protected forest in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. To visit and stay here is a special treat. This evening we will enjoy welcome drinks before dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Heritance Kandalama - Panoramic room
https://www.heritancehotels.com/kandalama/
Day 3 | Monday 30 March - Kandalama (B,D)
This morning is at leisure – yours to enjoy the amenities of our beautiful resort.
In the afternoon we will take a 90 minute drive to visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura, documented as the first city in Sri Lanka, and dating back to 4th century BC. During this time, Buddhism became the established religion of the country, signified by the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya and other temples and ruins throughout the town.
Overnight: Heritance Kandalama - Panoramic room
https://www.heritancehotels.com/kandalama/
Day 4 | Tuesday 31 March - Kandalama (B,D)
Today we will take a short drive to visit Sigiriya Rock, an ancient rock fortress and palace built by King Kasyapa in 5th century AD. It served as the capital of the kingdom for a brief period. Today it is famous for the Sigiriya Frescoes found on the rock-face, and it is also an iconic climbing spot for visitors. Those among us with the energy to do so will have an opportunity to make the climb.
Overnight: Heritance Kandalama - Panoramic room
https://www.heritancehotels.com/kandalama/
Day 5 | Wednesday 1 April - Kandy (B,D)
After breakfast, we will drive 2½ hours to Sri Lanka’s hill capital – Kandy.
En route, we will visit the fabulous Matale Spice Garden and explore Sri Lanka’s rich history of spice cultivation. The garden provides an opportunity to learn about the various spices grown on the island, such as cinnamon, pepper, cardamom and cloves. A guided tour will give us an insight into the many and varied uses and medicinal benefits.
Our home for two nights is the beautifully designed Jetwing Kandy Gallery, renowned for its stunning native setting.
Overnight: Jetwing Kandy Gallery - Luxury room
https://www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwingkandygallery/
Day 6 | Thursday 2 April - Kandy (B,L,D)
Today’s activities commence with a visit to the Peradeniya Royal Botanic Garden located close to Kandy, and one of the most expansive and beautiful in Sri Lanka. Spanning more than 60 hectares the garden is home to a vast variety of tropical plants, orchids, and towering trees. There is a renowned royal palm avenue, and orchid house.
For a complete change, our next visit will be to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, located in Kandy, and one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist sites. The temple houses the revered tooth relic of Lord Buddha and is an important pilgrimage destination, as well as a beautiful example of the distinctive Kandyan architecture.
Today’s lunch will be at a special venue on the outskirts of Kandy.
This evening we will enjoy a vibrant and colourful dance show featuring traditional forms of Sri Lankan dance, rhythmic drumming, and elaborate costumes.
Overnight: Jetwing Kandy Gallery - Luxury room
https://www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwingkandygallery/
Day 7 | Friday 3 April - Nuwara Eliya (B,D)
Today’s highlight is a ride on the beautiful old train which runs from Kandy to Nanu Oya. Our route passes through the dramatic highland landscape, and winds through lush tea plantations, soaring peaks and rushing waterfalls.
From Nanu Oya, we will drive the short distance to our home for two nights, in Nuwara Eliya; the incredibly beautiful Grand Hotel – a colonial masterpiece, dubbed the Grand Dame of South Asia, and set in acres of stunning gardens.
This very special pocket of Sri Lanka is often called Little England, and is filled with beautiful colonial buildings and exquisite gardens.
Overnight: The Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya
https://www.thegrandhotelnuwaraeliya.com/
Day 8 | Saturday 4 April - Nuwara Eliya (B,L,D)
* “Lunch” will be an early high tea service*
Tea lovers rejoice! We are in the “Garden of Tea-den”. Sri Lanka boasts endless, lush, tea covered hills, stretching from the high altitude of Nuwara Eliya to the lowlands below. We will explore the fascinating tea production process, and naturally sample some of the finest Ceylon tea and, of course enjoy a special high tea.
A “must do” in Nuwara Eliya – even for those unlucky souls not staying – is high tea at The Grand. Of course we must indulge, and we will, taking an early afternoon tea service instead of lunch, and a later dinner. There will be some time in the afternoon to enjoy the facilities of the hotel – and of course the gardens.
Overnight: The Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya
https://www.thegrandhotelnuwaraeliya.com/
Day 9 | Sunday 5 April - Yala (B,L,D)
The Yala National Park is a 1200 square km jungle home to a vast array of flora and fauna - the latter roaming amongst the ruins of ancient civilisations - Indiana Jones springs to mind! Yala is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
After checking into our luxury cabins (each with a private pool), we will embark on safari and enjoy an afternoon game drive.
Chena Huts is a luxury resort with meals and drinks included for the duration of our stay.
Overnight: Chena Huts
https://www.ugaescapes.com/chenahuts/
Day 10 | Monday 6 April - Yala (B,L,D)
This morning, we will take another game drive into the park’s diverse landscapes which range from dry plains and grassland, to dense forests and lagoons. We will watching for elephants, sloths, crocodiles and of course the elusive leopard - sightings of which are renowned in Yala.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy our beautiful accommodation.
Sundowners and canapes on the beach (elephant visits permitting!) are a special way to end the day.
Overnight: Chena Huts
https://www.ugaescapes.com/chenahuts/
Day 11 | Tuesday 7 April - Galle (B,D)
This morning we will travel along the coast to the UNESCO-listed fort town of Galle, a charming little city built by the Portuguese in 1588, and which offers a glimpse into the Sri Lanka’s colonial past, with cobbled streets, ancient churches and vibrant markets.
Our luxury heritage accommodation is at the beautiful Fort Bazaar hotel, formerly the residence of a spice merchant.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy.
Overnight: The Fort Bazaar - Bazaar room
https://www.teardrop-hotels.com/fort-bazaar/
Day 12 | Wednesday 8 April - Galle (B,D)
This morning we will take an early morning walking tour with a heritage guide.
Galle is a captivating blend of history, culture and natural beauty. At its heart is the ancient Galle Fort where our hotel is located among boutique shops, and charming cafes. Beyond the city walls are Galle’s pristine beaches (home to the famous stilt fishermen), panoramic ocean views and Sri Lanka’s National Maritime Museum showcasing the region’s rich sea-faring history.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy.
Overnight: The Fort Bazaar - Bazaar room
https://www.teardrop-hotels.com/fort-bazaar/
Day 13 | Thursday 9 April - Colombo (B,D)
This morning we leave Galle, and continue our coastal drive to Sri Lanka’s bustling capital - Colombo, where colonial architecture meets contemporary sky-scrapers, offering a rich blend of history, culture and coastal beauty.
Upon our arrival, we will take a city tour, which will include a visit to the fabulous Pettah market.
Our hotel in Colombo is the “grand old lady” of Colombo, the Galle Face Hotel where heritage meets luxury, on the seafront beside the Galle Face Green.
Tonight we will enjoy a special farewell dinner.
Overnight: The Galle Face Hotel - Balcony seaview room
https://gallefacehotel.com/
Day 14 | Friday 10 April - Colombo (B)
Today is yours to enjoy for some last-minute shopping perhaps, or just to relax in our beautiful surroundings at the hotel, where your rooms are held until our departure for the airport at 9pm.
We will meet for a small farewell reception prior to our departure.
Our respective flights to Australia depart shortly after midnight, with a mid-afternoon arrival time.
