Colombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Hatton & Galle
Family Travel, History & Culture
The legendary Sri Lanka has been romanced through 2,000-year-old Hindu epic of Ramayana that its ancient history and legends merge. Its strategic location in the maritime Silk Road further cements its mythology by Arab merchants and the British Empire.
There’s no wonder that with its plethora of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, quaint beaches, colonial towns, gorgeous tea-covered hills and delicious cuisine, Sri Lanka has remained a favourite for most!
Arriving into Colombo, you will be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, proceed on a Colombo walking tour with Mark Forbes, a Sri Lankan storyteller to get acquainted with various colonial and post-colonial sites in the capital.
This morning, we will drive 174km or about 4 hours to Sigiriya. Along the way, stretch your leg to explore the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple. This drive can be replaced with a flight at a supplement cost.
Set off to Polonnaruwa (UNESCO), the 11th century capital of ancient Sri Lanka. Enjoy home-cooked lunch and demonstration at the heart of ‘Rice Country’ where your host will demonstrate how to prepare curries from local vegetables and fishes. Thereafter, we embark on a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park in search of elephant herds.
Beat the hordes of tourists with 7am climb up the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya. On the summit of this huge rock is the remains of a palace built by King Kasyapa, accessible through 1,000 stairs (about 1 hour). Then, we transfer 98km or about 2h 45m to Kandy. Enjoy a Kandy walking tour through the town centre with its shop houses and marketplaces. Stop for a tea at the historical Queen’s Hotel followed by a Puja Ceremony at the Temple of Tooth (UNESCO), housing Sri Lanka’s most important artefacts. Huge crowd may be expected in the temple.
Your morning starts with an educational walk through Royal Botanical Garden with Professor Palipana, a Botanist and an author. A drive of 75km or about 3 hours brings us to Hatton, a picturesque hill station with tea gardens rolling off the mountains in every direction.
We devote the entire day to explore the Hill Country (UNESCO). Visit a tea factory to learn the arduous process to turn delicate leaves into the eponymous Ceylon tea. Afterwards, let us whisk you for a 14km trek through hillside villages, farmlands, tea estates, forests and a waterfall. This trek can be shortened or lengthened to suit your requirements.
A long scenic drive of 247km or about 5.5h leads us to the charming Galle Fort. This drive can be replaced with a flight at a supplement cost.
Our morning walking tour of Galle Fort (UNESCO) will bring us through secret spots and hidden backstreets, discovering how Galle thrived as a merchant trading spot for thousands of years.
Jetwing Colombo Seven • Aliya Resort & Spa Sigiriya • OZO Kandy • The Argyle Hatton • Fifty Lighthouse Street Galle
A modernised heritage hotel located at the upscale neighbourhood of Cinnamon Gardens and beautiful swimming pool overlooking the city.
(Refurbished: 2017; Rooms: 91)
Surrounded by rolling fields and lush indigenous trees, this barefoot resort is blessed with a stunning backdrop of the Sigiriya rock.
(Refurbished: 2012; Rooms: 96)
Stylish, comfortable rooms with scenic views of the surrounding mist-covered mountains, just minutes away from the Temple of the Tooth.
(Refurbished: 2015; Rooms: 122)
A charming hideaway spreading 1.2 acres on a hilltop overlooking the blankets of emerald tea hills of Hatton.
(Opened: 2018; Rooms: 38)
Embraced by the historic ramparts of the fort, this boutique villa is elegantly furnished with modern design. (Opened: 2007; Rooms: 5)
View MoreShangri-La Hotel, Colombo • Jetwing Vil Uyana Sigiriya • Ellerton Bungalow Kandy • Camellia Hills Hatton • Fort Bazaar Galle
An urban escape overlooking the Indian Ocean, yet with direct access to the capital’s most extensive shopping mall and vibrant social scene.
(Opened: 2017; Rooms: 541)
Set on a purpose-built wetland, this is hidden sanctuary artfully blends rustic tradition with a contemporary villa style.
(Refurbished: 2017; Rooms: 30)
A quaint hilltop estate at 2,400 metres above sea level surrounded by a nine-acre garden, this bungalow is just a short 30-minute drive from Kandy.
(Opened: 2008; Rooms: 9)
Super-intimate boutique option with a view of the Castlereagh Reservoir and the surrounding tea-wrapped hills.
(Opened: 2017; Rooms: 5)
Historic merchant home strategically positioned on Church Street within the fort. The design is an artisanal blend of colonial and contemporary influences.
(Refurbished: 2016; Rooms: 18)
Residence by Uga Escapes Colombo • Water Garden Sigiriya • Coffee Bungalow Kandy • Ceylon Tea Trails Hatton • Amangalla Galle
This intimate Victorian townhouse-styled resort is strategically placed at the tranquil Park Street and had welcomed governors, maharajas and nobilities throughout history.
(Opened: 2015; Rooms: 11)
Boasting one of the most scenic views of the Sigiriya rock, architect Channa Daswatte has carefully incorporated this luxury villa to blend with its natural surroundings of 2,000-year-old water garden and pristine waterways.
(Refurbished: 2016; Rooms: 30)
Perched amidst the Kandy Hills just 10 minutes’ drive from the Temple of the Tooth, this bungalow cleverly incorporates its colonial history into a timeless boutique experience. If you love charming architecture with panoramic views, this retreat is for you.
(Opened: 2018; Rooms: 7)
Housed on historic tea planter residences with gracious furnishings, butler service and gourmet cuisine. (Opened: 2005; Rooms: 27)
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A colonial grande dame set within the ramparts of the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort with some of the best spa and cuisine in the historic town.
(Opened: 2005; Rooms: 33)
Kindly call us at (65) 6219 1359 if you require any immediate assistance.
Call us at +65 6219 1359 or email us at enquiry@intriqjourney.com to start planning for a holiday that is completely tailored to your preferences.
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