FLAVOURS OF CEYLON

Travel along the picturesque southern coast to the historic city of Galle where you will stay for two nights at 41 Lighthouse Street, a restored villa situated within the walls of the 17th century Dutch Fort. Savour delicious fusion dinners with American chef Alex Stanich. Have lunch at Kahanda Kanda, a boutique villa set in a 10-acre tea estate perched high above Koggala Lake. En route visit a cinnamon estate and learn of the processing of another one of Sri Lanka’s valuable crops. Lying within the walls of the Dutch Fort, the 41 Lighthouse Street is an ideal base from which to explore its heritage and see life unfold each morning within the Fort. Hours can be spent exploring the maze of narrow streets lined with Dutch and British period buildings still in use, the sturdy ramparts looking out to sea, the growing collection of art galleries, antique shops, cafes and restaurants. An adventurous hot air balloon ride is also on offer where you glide over paddy fields and rural villages.

This morning you will travel down to the south coast village of Tangalle. Secluded and less- developed than the other coastal areas, the south coast is famous for its cove-like beaches, turquoise seas, rural fishing villages, untouched wilderness and a deep rooted cultural heritage dating back to the ancient Ruhuna Kingdom. Spend three relaxing nights by the waters of the Indian Ocean at The Last House, designed by Sri Lanka’s iconic architect, the late Geoffrey Bawa. Here fresh sea food including prawns, crab and lobster is brought to the doorstep by fisherman. The seafood will be prepared into delicious dishes by the in-house chef. Visit the Tangalle harbour early in the morning to catch the buzz of the fish auction as the fishing boats come in with their catch. Stop by a wayside stall to taste a famous southern treat, buffalo curd & treacle. Visit Rekuwa, a small fishing village near Tangalle where a fascinating Marine Turtle Conservation project is helping to save this endangered species.

This morning you will drive to Dickoya, 4,000 ft above sea level, through the dramatic landscape of the southern highlands, a land of lush tea plantations, majestic peaks and rushing waterfalls. Here you will stay the next three nights at Norwood bungalow, one of four bungalows in the acclaimed Ceylon Tea Trails collection. Savour the "Tea experience" amidst the rolling tea covered hills of Bogawantalawa Estate. Learn about Sri Lanka’s famous crop - starting from the tea field where it all begins with the picking of “two leaves and a bud” to the factory where the processing begins. You can also taste and purchase teas from different regions which vary greatly. Ceylon Tea Trails also offers plenty of attractions for active-minded travelers including: guided trekking in the surrounding estates or a visit to Horton Plains, and mountain biking. The food is undoubtedly the best in the hill-country. Accommodation: Ceylon Tea Trails Day 8: Time to leave the cool highlands and twist your way down to the foothills of the central hills where you will spend over night at the Rainforest Edge, a eco-themed hotel located just minutes away from the Sinharaja tropical rain forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an international Biosphere Reserve. Here you have the chance to enjoy the hospitality of Sinharaja villagers in a beautiful natural setting. Traditional Sri Lankan cuisine is served made with organically grown fruit and vegetables straight from their own gardens. Here villagers are invited to share their knowledge of traditional Sri Lankan cookery with guests. Visit the Sinharaja Rainforest, a biological treasure trove which provides diverse habitats for numerous species of endemic fauna and flora not found anywhere else in the world.