Culture and nature: on the roads of Sri Lanka and its wonders

As you exit Colombo airport, you are welcomed by your driver. The heat, the scents, the light… everything seems new, you have arrived in tropical lands, with Negombo as your first stop.

Located on the west coast, Negombo is a beautiful beach resort nicknamed the "Little Rome" because of its numerous churches. We offer you a city tour to discover them as well as the beaches where fish are dried.

Take the opportunity to soak in the atmosphere of the vegetable markets and seafood markets, the largest in the country.

Weather permitting, you can also embark on a boat ride along the Dutch canal and enjoy a magnificent sunset.

Running through the heart of the city, the Dutch canal was once an important artery ensuring transport and trade. This long canal is nowadays much less used and mainly benefits explorers wishing to discover the city from a unique angle.

You thus set off on a route punctuated by stops. You then explore Negombo port, where many beautifully decorated boats rest at the quay, offering a singular multicolored spectacle.

You leave this lively space for the relative tranquility of the lagoon and its mangroves.

We offer you a very special visit to the fish market of Negombo. It is a true family institution here!

Stroll along the surrounding beaches where fish are dried, then take a tour of the market. In the mornings, except on Sundays, you can observe negotiations between fishermen, merchants and consumers around the stalls.

Then head to the lagoon on foot and admire the many boats.

On the way to Dambulla, make a stop at Kurunegala, halfway between Negombo and the Cultural Triangle.

Here are some interesting activities and sites to discover:

• Rocks of Kurunegala – Climb one of the city's famous rocks, such as Ethagala (the elephant rock), for a spectacular panoramic view of Kurunegala and its surroundings.

• Ridi Viharaya Temple – This historic Buddhist temple, located nearby, is renowned for its ancient architecture and murals.

• Kurunegala Reservoir – Enjoy a peaceful walk along this artificial lake surrounded by soothing natural landscapes.

• Kurunegala Archaeological Museum – Discover historical artifacts and cultural remains that trace the ancient history of the region.

• Local markets – Browse the city's markets to discover local products and authentic Sri Lankan crafts.

• Coconut plantation visit – Explore a coconut plantation to learn more about the local industry and observe the cultivation and harvesting of this precious resource.

These activities offer a wonderful insight into Kurunegala's natural, cultural and historical heritage.

Then head to your hotel in Dambulla for the end of the day.

On your way to Farm Stay Matale, located just a few minutes from the main road between Dambulla and Kandy, discover this hidden gem in the town of Matale.

This pioneering site in modern agricultural techniques emphasizes environmentally friendly processes.

Away from tourist crowds, this experience allows you to meet farmers and learn more about sustainable agriculture.

Begin your visit at the farm where you can observe various plantations as well as traditional and modern greenhouses. You will discover the innovative methods used to cultivate local products in respect for the environment.

Continue your exploration in the vegan factory, where you will have the opportunity to observe the creation of products made from plants.

The visit concludes with a delicious meal composed of ingredients grown on the farm, offering you a true taste of the land.

If you wish, you can also enjoy a bike ride around the estate, exploring the picturesque surroundings at your own pace and fully appreciating the natural beauty of the region.

Today, heading to Kandy, the last royal capital of the island, which retains a fascinating aristocratic atmosphere.

Set off to discover the city center on foot, starting with a visit to the Buddhist Temple of the Tooth, a richly decorated site that houses the precious relic of Buddha's tooth.

Then, enjoy a stroll around Kandy Lake, approximately 4 km, to appreciate the landscape. Close to the lake, you can wander through the vegetable market which is very lively, a perfect place to discover the diversity of local products and immerse yourself in the vibrant market atmosphere.

If you wish, you can also attend one of the three ceremonies held at the Tooth Temple, at 5:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., or 6:30 p.m., times which vary depending on the season.

At 5:00 p.m., don't miss the Kandyan dance performance, a traditional representation of the festivities that take place in Kandy during the Esala Perahera festival.

In the afternoon, set off to discover Kandy by tuk-tuk. This fast and convenient means of transportation will allow you to cross the city with ease while visiting the main points of interest.

You will discover the Kandy Lake, the city viewpoint, as well as the Bahirawakanda Temple with its gigantic statue of Buddha.

In addition to these must-sees, you will have the opportunity to discover other interesting sites such as the Bogambara Prison, the Dodamwala Bridge, and many more!

This tuk-tuk tour is ideal for enjoying the city while avoiding the density of traffic. Plan approximately 3 to 4 hours for this activity.

We suggest you visit the Royal Botanic Garden of Peradeniya, located on the banks of the Mahaweli River. This garden, one of the most famous in the world, is home to nearly 4,000 plant species across more than 60 hectares.

Don't miss the avenue of royal palms, the cannonball trees, the orchid collection and the colorful flower beds. This garden offers a beautiful walk and is a must-see for nature lovers.

We continue on the road and make a stop at the magnificent Ramboda Falls.

Then continue your journey towards Nuwara Eliya, the highest city in Sri Lanka, nicknamed the "country's vegetable garden".

Known as « Little England », Nuwara Eliya retains a marked colonial charm with its Anglo-Saxon architecture.

This hill station enjoys mild temperatures and is very popular with Sri Lankans during the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year in April.

It is also an excellent starting point to explore the region, with magnificent views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

We offer you the climb of Little Adam's Peak, a pleasant hike that begins with crossing magnificent tea plantations with varied shades of green.

You will reach the ridge line leading to this summit, easy to access, but offering an exceptional panorama over the entire region.

Allow approximately 2 hours for this hike, depending on your pace and the time you spend taking photos and chatting with other tourists. Good shoes and a hat are strongly recommended, as well as a water bottle to stay hydrated.

After the climb, head to the magnificent Rawana Falls, located at the exit of Ella. These waterfalls gush from a mountainside and are an ideal place for a break. You can even swim there, but stay careful and vigilant.

In the afternoon, set off for a jeep safari in the park, known for its tall grass and abundant population of elephants.

The park is also renowned for the diversity of its birds, as well as for crocodiles, bears, sambars, monitor lizards, and if you're lucky, leopards.

A naturalist guide will accompany you throughout the safari, offering his explanations and his keen eye to spot animals hidden in the undergrowth. The park was created in 1972 and offers a complete immersion in Sri Lankan wildlife.

(Jeep included. Park entrance is to be purchased on site).

We invite you to visit one of the best rehabilitation centers in Sri Lanka, the "Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home". This center cares for orphaned elephant calves until they are ready to be released into the wild.

No physical contact with elephants is allowed to minimize human interactions, but you will be able to admire the elephant calves being fed by volunteers.

It is a captivating experience for all nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Elephant feeding times are at 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. (duration: 20 minutes).

Continue your day by reaching the southernmost point of the island, Cape Dondra. There you will find the tallest lighthouse in Southeast Asia, which stands proudly on its promontory, facing the Indian Ocean.

Take a moment to appreciate the landscape and reflect on the glorious past of this tower, whose powerful beacon once guided many vessels.

The city of Matara, a major commercial city in the south of the island, invites you to a short walk through Matara Fort and the adjacent old quarter.

Built by the Dutch, this five-pointed star-shaped fort is an excellent example of 18th-century military architecture. The ruins are in good condition and offer a wonderful immersion into history.

Nearby, head towards the beach south of the bus station and admire the Paravi Duwa Temple, located on a small island connected to the mainland by a pedestrian bridge.

You then continue to Unawatuna, where you can enjoy the Unawatuna Beach.

Your guide takes you on a charming bicycle ride through rice fields, villages and vegetable gardens. The loop begins at Wijaya, near Talpe, then crosses the Eluvila bird sanctuary before reaching the rice fields bordered by quiet paths and roads.

You will follow in the footsteps of pilgrims and travelers by visiting an Ambalama, a typical structure designed to shelter passing visitors. This will be an opportunity to refresh yourself by tasting a freshly picked "King Coconut". The walk ends in a calm and restful atmosphere.

Welcome to the economic capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo. Begin your visit to this dynamic city with the Dutch fort district and the Dutch period museum (currently under renovation).

Next, discover the Pettah district with its lively bazaar, mosque and vibrant atmosphere. Continue your exploration in the City Hall district with its colonial buildings.

Stroll around Beira Lake to discover the Gangaramaya Buddhist temple.

If you are in Colombo on a Saturday, don't miss the Good Market at Race Course, a local organic and craft market. This will also be an opportunity to shop, have lunch in one of the modern restaurants and meet your local agent.

Finally, we recommend you head to Galle Face Green to watch a magnificent sunset. This place is a true popular meeting spot, both for families and for couples looking for romance.