Sri Lanka 2023
Hidden Gems & Highlights
with Anna
January 7 - 17, 2023
Hidden Gems and Highlights is a 5-Star Luxury Heritage Experience taking you through the historical heartlands of the Teardrop Isle.
You'll stay at some of the finest hotels in Sri Lanka - iconic and historical - and savour their world-class cuisine at special dining events; Spend a night under canvas in a luxury elephant safari camp; Take one of the most spectacular train rides in the world; See all nine UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka, and experience some of the Hidden Gems - people and places - that I've discovered whilst living here.
"A massive thank you for creating a truly memorable trip.
The love and attention to every detail was so appreciated " Liz. M, New Jersey, USA (2021 Tour)
After many visits and the last 18 months spent living here in Sri Lanka, I have combined my favourite secrets spots, must-see historical destinations, together with hotels that offer unique qualities and outstanding cuisine.
"Thank you for embracing us with open arms and giving us so much love and care. An unforgettable journey and experience of a lifetime. We'll cherish these memories xxx" Poulami J. India (2021 Tour)
"Thank you for all of your time, effort and grace for coordinating this trip! Many Hidden Gems throughout the whole experience, on multiple levels." Carrie and Peyman, USA (2021 Tour)
Day 01
From COLOMBO to UDAWALAWE (1 night)
From a C.17th Dutch fort to a C.3rd temple, an elephant safari and a night under canvas
We'll head towards Tangalle, to before turning inland to visit the C.3rd Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara temple where one of the 32 seedlings germinated from the original Bodhi (the holy bo tree branch brought from India and planted in Sri Lanka when Buddhism was first introduced to the country) was planted.
Udawalawe, 90 minutes away, is our lunch destination on the edge of the national park situated on the border of the arid and wet zones, an area famed for its dense elephant population and birdlife - all to be discovered on your extensive afternoon jeep safari. Return to your tented 'glamping' camp for campfire drinks and an outstanding dinner this evening.
Included: B/L/D
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Tented Luxe Camp very close to Udawalawe National Park in a picturesque riverside location
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Park Entrance
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3 1/2 hr safari (this park is renowned for its large population of elephants)
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Special event campfire dinner
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Day 02
UDAWALAWE via ELLA to NUWARA ELIYA (2 nights)
A 'world's best' train trip through the central mountains & dinner at the famous Hill Club
Awaken this morning to the cries of the wild - you're surrounded by wild Nature! Breakfast on Sri Lankan favrourites at our camping lodge before driving to Ella. Climbing steadily into the clouds, cooler and forested, the scenery is lush and dramatic. Visit Lipton's Seat, where Thomas Lipton, the man who made tea famous, surveyed his endless plantations.
Today you will take what has been described as "the most picturesque train journey in the world", riding in comfort in the Observation Car where A-reserve window seats have been reserved for you. Arriving in the quintessential hill town of Nuwara Elia - the heart of the island's famous tea indistry. A wonderful Heritage Hotel awaits you. The 1865 Tea Estate of St Andrews. You'll stay in Deluxe Room, and tonght be treated to a special private BBQ at St Andrews'.
Included: B/L/D
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A-Reserve seats in the Observation Car for the train journey from Ella to Nuwara Eliya
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Lunch in Ella (depends on departure times, yet to be announced)
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5-star Nuwara Eliya Hotel: JETWING ST ANDREW'S (2 nights, Deluxe Room with mezzanine)
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Your Deluxe Room at Jetwing St. Andrew’s is the ideal mountain respite with ample space for comfort and relaxation on your holiday in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Hotel amenities are the simplest of pleasures. Earthen tones adorn the décor with timber floors and ceilings that house charming vintage furniture, but the gift of Sri Lanka's gentle, professional hosputality hospitality goes beyond – with signature luxuries such as a separate attic area with two single beds in addition to the king-sized bed below, complete with an individual heating unit for warmth in our cool climes.
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Special event BBQ Dinner at St Andrews
Day 03
MORNING TREK on HORTON PLAINS to WORLD's END (2/2 nights)
UNESCO Heritage Site & Biodiversity hotspot, Tea Planter's tour and a Dinner Surprise!
Arise early for an exhilirating morning of guided trekking in the Horton Plains National Park. 32 km from Nuwaya Elia, at 2300m, its cloud forest and grasslands are home to many endemic species. Survey the stupendous landscape from the sheer precipice of World's End.
Return to your hotel for brunch and a rest before the afternoon at leisure. Stroll through the quaintly English village, enjoy some golf, make time for High Tea at The Grand, before a very special event dinner tonight. Este will hold a masterclass this afternoon.
For this prefering not to trek, alternative activities, can be arranged - or you may like to savour time to relax at the hotel.
Included: B/D (because you will return to the hotel by late morning for breakfast after your trek, lunch is optional today)
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Guided early morning trek on Horton Plains (BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT - CLOUD FOREST ZONE)
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Afternoon tour of Nuwara Eliya
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Afternoon masterclass with Este
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2nd of 2 nights at St Andrews (Deluxe Room)
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'wow' special event dinner (I don't want to spoil the surprise!)
Day 04
NUWARA ELIYA to KANDY via the '18 BEND ROAD' (1 night)
stupendous mountain journey, to meet the island's Indigenous peopel, the Veddas
After breakfast we set out, through lushly carpeted tea hills, our journey doted by small vilages and huge tea estates. Heading North-East, before we reach the steep eastern falls of central hills, we will visit the Pidurutalagala Shrine.
100 Km from Nuwara Eliya,we will encounter the people widely regarded as Sri Lanka's indigenous population.
The Veddas' lifestyle is determined entirely by the seasons of their natural habitat - the deep forests far away from streetlife. Our meeting with them could not provide a starker contrast to the kingly city of Kandy, home to the last of the Kandyn Kings, but a fitting reminder of the legendary toughness of the island's mountain inhabitants attested to by would-be conquerors and pilgrims alike. Specatcular screnery as we cross Hunnasgiriya and the famous 18 hairpin bends on the road to Kandy!
Arriving in Kandy, we'll walk from our hotel to a historic lakeside location for cocktailsoverlooking the lake, followed by a la cartre dinner.
Included: B/L Kandy Hotel (1 night)
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Arranged visit to Veddahs village
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Pre-dinner cocktails from a historic balcony overlooking the Royal Lake (UNESCO World heritage site)
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You have a balcony room overlooking the Royal lake of Kandy, at the historic QUEEN'S HOTEL , over 160 years old .
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One of Sri Lanka's historic hotels, situated in the heart of Kandy,facing the splendid Royal lake built by the last King of Kandy - indeed Sri Lanka.With a history of over 160 years , The Queen's Hotel is a British Colonial style luxury hotel - the former governor's residence, and one of te oldest hotesl in the country.
Day 05
KANDY and the Road to DAMBULLA (3 nights)
Peradinya Gardens, Lunch with a Tea Planter & Dambulla's magnificent Buddhist caves
After breakfast you'll visit the famous Peradiniya Gardens, a vast botanical sanctuary of flora gathered from equatorial locations worldwide - the orchid house is spectacular! We will spend time in the Kandy Museum, a small but rare collection of items that reacall life and times of the last rulers of the island - wonderful chronicles exist from these times to bring these centuries to life.Then a short walk to enjoy a la carte lunch by the royal lake.
Our 72 km drove northwards to Dambulla brings us to a series of caves painted in the evolving ' Kandy Style' by successive generations of Buddhist monks, who, patronised by Kandy's kings, have left a chronicle of courtly style as well as spiritual stories.
Your hotel for the next three nights is simply spectacular. Designed by Geoffrey Bawa, your deluxe room has a jungle-hidden sky-balcony from which to view the wilderness and lake that reaches as far as the eye can see ... wildlife, bird life, a sanctuary of Nature.
Included: B/L/D
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Entrance to Peradiniya Botanic Gardens
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Entrance to Kandy Museum
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a la carte lunch
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Entrance to Dambulla Caves (UNESCO World Heritage site)
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Dambulla Hotel (3 nights) at the fabulous HERITANCE KANDALAMA designed by Geoffrey Bawa.
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DELUXE ROOM with BALCONY (room size 27 sq ft)
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Dinner at your hotel
Day 06
SIGIRYA and RITIGALA DISCOVERY DAY in DEPTH
the impregnable rock fortress and its famous art, and a jungle-hidden monastic gem
Family squabbles, battles, fratricide ... history swirls through the valleys and across mountain tops here like mist, and nowhere more than King Kasjyapa's C.5th pinnacle fortress of Sigirya. Occupied by monks for another 900 years, it fell silent in the C.14th, its only witnesses the silent frescoed maidens whose identities remain beautifully enigmatic.
Not far away, hidden amongst dense junge, the much-less visited monastic sanctuary of Ritigala, whose hospital can still be glimpsed amongst picturesqe ruins. Weather permitting, we'll take a canoe ride on the lake shown in the video on this page - a secretive spot full of birdlife. Tonight you'll experience an authentic clay pot Ayurvedic dinner, and we 'll have time to make art with Este.
Included: B/L/D
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Entrance to Sigiriya Medieval Site and Museum ( UNESCO World Heritage site)
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Lunch in Sigiriya
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Entrance to Ritigala monastery
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Afternoon birdwatching from a kayak ride on a secluded lake (it's the lake that appears at the top of this page in the video)
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Special Ayurvedic clay pot dinner where you'll learn about the medicinal qualities of Sri Lankan food
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Art tutorial with Este
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The Kandalama Hotel (2/3 nights)
Day 07
The medieval kingdom of POLONNARUWA
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Sri Lanka's Chola and Sinhalese kingdoms.
For three centuries, Polonnaruwa was the royal capital of the Chola and Sinhalese kingdoms, reaching is zenith in the C12th/ Despite being almost 1000 years old, she is much younger than Anuradhapura and better preserved. The vast archaeologcal park is a wonderful place to sit and sketch, the museum a treasure trove.
Depending on our pace today, we could include towrads the end of the day, a visit to the Minneriya National Park, a dry zone landscape with significant elephant populations. Another safari anyone ?
A masterclass with Este is planned for this evening at your hotel.
Included: B/L/D
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entrance to museum and ancient site of Polonnaruwa (UNESCO World heritage site)
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Home-cooked lunch in Polonnaruwa with a local family who will show us around their spice gardens and paddy fields.
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Optional elephant safari at Minneriya National Park (it depends on our timing and will be separately payable)
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Dinner at Kandalama Hotel with a tutorial with Este
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3rd of 3 nights at The Kandalama Hotel, Dambulla
Day 08
DAMBULLA to ANURDHAPURA to NEGOMBO (1 night)
From the ancient Buddhist capital to a final night at your luxury beachside hotel
Today we journey 100 km in a Northwest direction to reach the UNESCO site of the oldest of Sri Lanka's royal cities. Anuradhapura first became the capital in 380 BC. under Pandukabhaya, but the city acquired special importance even under Devanampiya Tissa (247-207 BC), during whose reign Buddhism came to Sri Lanka, and was for centuries the centre of Thervada Buddhism. It's a sprawling, rambling complex, much added to over centuries, but as a site of Buddhist veneration it is one of the most important in the world.
Our journey southwards will include stops at significant temples en route before we reach Negombo and our celebration dinner.
Included: B/L/D
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entrance to museum and site of The Sacred City of Annuradhapura (UNESCO World Heritage site)
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Lunch in Annurahapura
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5-star beachside hotel- DELUXE ROOM (65 sq m) - Jetwing Beach Hotel
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Exceeding the expectations of a Sri Lanka beach hotel, the Deluxe Rooms at Jetwing Beach have been designed to immerse you in absolute seaside luxury with a private balcony or terrace that extends into the beautiful coastal landscape.The furnished earthen tones of every room embody an elegant aesthetic that is naturally welcoming. And as added pleasures of our legendary hospitality, each Deluxe Room also features a plush bathroom with a rain shower enclosure, among a host of various other modern essentials such as free Wi-Fi, a mini bar, and a satellite TV with a DVD library on request.
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Fine dining celebration dinner at THE BLACK CORAL restaurant - possibly the finest dining experience in Sri Lanka
Day 09
Your Tour ends after breakfast
We'll arrange the transport for your onward journey, the airport is nearby.
This is a well-balanced itinerary that won't wear you out with too-long days or steal your time with shops and tourist traps. We spend 2 and 3 nights at the same luxury hotel in 2 destinations to minimise packing and unpacking.
It includes UNESCO World Heritage archaeological sites, mesmerising tea country and opportunities to meet fascinating people I've come to know in my time here. Chat with a tea planter over lunch, dine in a vintage railway carriage, trek the UNESCO biodiversity hotspot of Horton Plains. You'll get A-class window seats on the world famous train journey through the central hills, safari with elephants, witness ancient Buddhist cave paintings and meet the indigenous peoples of this island, the mountain-dwelling Veddahs in a deeply-hidden forest community.
WHAT YOUR TOUR INCLUDES
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9 days/8 nights private guided tour with Anna
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complimentary art masterclasses and tutorials with Este Macleod
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luxury coach with extra leg room (33-seater converted to 18 seats)
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private national guide throughout
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staying in 5-star properties (6 nights), Historic property (1 night), tented glamping (1 night):
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Luxury facilites at wildlife lodge, Udawalawe ( 1 night)
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Deluxe Rooms at St Andrews Heritage Estate by Jetwing, Nuwara Eliya (2 nights)
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Luxury Rooms at Kandalama Hotel - designed by Geoffrey Bawa (3 nights)
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Riverside Balcony Room at Queen's Hotel Kandy (this hotel is more than 160 years old) (1 night)
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Beach Side Room at Jetwing Beach, negombo (1 night)
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8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners (inluding 3 fine dining experiences, Ayurvedic clay pot dinner, family farmlands home-cooked lunch, and jungle lodge fireside dinner)
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all entrances to monuments and parks:
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Udawalawe National Park
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Dambulla UNESCO site
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Peradinaya Botanic Gardens, Kandy
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Kandy Museum (Kandy is a UNESCO destination)
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Sigiriya UNESCO site
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Polonnaruwa UNESCO site
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Annuradhapura UNESCO site
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Ritigala archaelogical site
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Visit to the Veddahs
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Elephant safari ay Udawalawe National Park
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Boat ride near Ritigala
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A-Reserve Observation Car train ticket for hill stations adventure
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complimentary cocktails in Kandy
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comlimentary bottled water for the journey each day
NOT INCUDED:
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extra safari or other activities not in the program
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minibar and other items consumed or purchased at hotels including laundry, phone, and media services
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gratuities for porterage and other services - we'll have a group 'tip tin' so that personnel are tipped by Anna for the group. - I'll let you know the budget for this.
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transport after arrival at hotel in Negombo at conclusion of tour.
SINGLE : USD $POA
DOUBLE or TWIN: USD $POA (2 persons)
Secure your place on Hidden Gems with a $500 deposit per person
Please let me know if I can reserve your place and I'll forward payment details