Sri Lanka Tour | Sri Lanka for explorers

Sri Lanka reveals itself step by step: lively markets, ancient temples, misty tea plantations and deserted beaches where time seems to slow down. This journey takes you off the beaten path, where every day brings a new discovery: a ritual, a scent, a smile. Perfect for travellers seeking authenticity and adventure, with the comfort and style of Caractère.

Important information:

An international passport is required, valid for at least 6 months after return, with at least 2 blank pages.
A valid visa is required.
No special vaccinations are required, but are recommended. When traveling to Sri Lanka we recommend vaccination against DTP and Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and TB. Vaccination against yellow fever is only mandatory for Sri Lanka if you have been in a country with yellow fever 7 days before entering Sri Lanka. This also applies if you have made a transfer and spent more than 12 hours in the yellow fever country in question. There is no risk of malaria. We do recommend seeking advice from your family doctor or the Tropical Institute.

Day 1: Arrival in Sri Lanka → Kandy

Upon arrival in Colombo, you’ll be welcomed by your private chauffeur-guide, who will accompany you throughout your journey. He’ll take you to Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, surrounded by lush green hills in the heart of the island. The three-hour drive offers your first glimpse of the landscapes, scents and colours that define this country. Check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 2: Kandy

After breakfast, set off on a cycling tour along the Three Temples Loop, accompanied by a local guide. The route winds through hills and quiet villages where daily life unfolds at a gentle pace. Along the way, visit three 14th-century Buddhist temples, each with its own charm: Gadaladeniya, known for its stone carvings, Embekke, with its intricately carved wooden pillars, and Lankatilleke, a rare site where Buddhism and Hinduism meet.

In the afternoon, explore the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy’s spiritual heart, which houses the sacred tooth relic of Buddha. During the Puja ceremony, drums, incense and flowers fill the air, creating an atmosphere of reverence and devotion. Dinner and overnight in Kandy.

Day 3: Gal Oya

After breakfast, depart for Gal Oya, a four-and-a-half-hour drive through increasingly wild and verdant scenery. On arrival, settle into your glamping site, surrounded by nature and far from the bustle of the city.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on Senanayake Samudra Lake, the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka and the heart of Gal Oya National Park. As your boat glides across the water, elephants drink along the shores, colourful birds fly overhead and—if you’re lucky—a herd swims gracefully between the islands. The stillness and beauty of the landscape make this an unforgettable experience. Dinner by candlelight and overnight under a starlit sky, with the sounds of the jungle all around.

Day 4: Gal Oya

After breakfast, meet the Veddah chief, leader of Sri Lanka’s oldest indigenous community. During a guided walk through the forest, he shares ancestral knowledge about medicinal plants, hunting techniques and sacred traditions passed down for generations.

In the afternoon, visit the organic farm around the camp. Wild Glamping Gal Oya operates sustainably, cultivating its own vegetables and herbs. With the gardener or naturalist, learn about the crops and lend a hand in the garden. Dinner prepared with fresh produce from the farm and overnight in the tranquillity of nature.

Day 5: Ella & Haputale

After breakfast, depart for Haputale, stopping en route in Ella for a short hike to Mini Adam’s Peak (1,141 m), offering panoramic views of the southern valleys. The trail passes through lush tea plantations where pickers in bright saris work between the rows. Later, visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a masterpiece of colonial engineering rising gracefully from a green valley. Continue to Haputale for dinner and overnight surrounded by misty hills.

Day 6: Haputale

This morning, set off on a Tuk-Tuk ride to the Lipton Seat, where tea magnate Sir Thomas Lipton once surveyed his plantations. The winding roads lead through endless green slopes before opening to a breathtaking view over the valleys below.

In the afternoon, visit the historic Dambatenne Tea Factory, founded by Lipton in 1890. Learn about the full process of making Ceylon tea—from hand-picking to oxidation—and enjoy a tasting session.

End the day with a peaceful moment of forest bathing in the hotel’s garden. Stroll along quiet forest paths, listen to the birdsong and feel the calm of nature. Dinner and overnight in Haputale.

Day 7: Tangalle

After breakfast, leave the hills behind and head south towards Tangalle. The three-and-a-half-hour journey passes colourful villages and scenic countryside before reaching the coast. Check in at your seaside hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or by the pool. Dinner by the ocean and overnight in Tangalle.

Day 8–9: Tangalle

Enjoy two full days at leisure. For those seeking adventure, take a whale- and dolphin-watching excursion from Mirissa (November to April). The surrounding waters are home to sperm whales, Bryde’s whales, and, with luck, the majestic blue whale. Playful dolphins often accompany the boats, adding to the magic of the experience. Return to your hotel for dinner and a peaceful evening as the sun sets over the sea.

Day 10: Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Colombo Airport for your return flight to Belgium, bringing home not just souvenirs, but memories of a country that reveals its beauty one step at a time.

What is the indicative price of this journey?

Dreaming of this trip? For this unique experience, prices start from €4,000 per person, including flights. The exact cost depends on your preferences and the time of travel.