Eastern Sri Lanka – off the beaten track

Enjoy a Sri Lankan breakfast, complete with egg hoppers at the resort before departing for Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. We take a tour of a local village, ride a bullock cart and take a catamaran across the lake and participate in local cooking demonstrations. After enjoying an organic lunch at a local farmers house we arrive at our accommodation for the evening, Galkadawala Forest.

This unique property considers that tourism should be a means of renewing abandoned environments which once supported cultural heritage. In these circumstances, the vitality of the owners value systems combined with the tranquil balance of our lives could be shared with guests who seek their hospitality. It is only then that the experiences you seek for which they travel to distant lands, may be truly fulfilled. Guests can enjoy bathing in the village lake and relaxing under the trees in the evening.

Hotel: Galkadawala Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

We recharge our energy with an early nutritious breakfast before climbing Pidurangala Rock. Monks have lived in the caves in the Pidurangala area on and off for over 2,500 years. The area came into prominence when Kasyapa, the King who built the famous Sigiriya rock fortress, moved the monks living around Sigiriya Rock to a newly refurbished monastery at Pidurangala. The views from the top of the climb across the countryside to Sigiriya provide a unique perspective of the Sri Lankan landscape.

In the evening you have the opportunity to visit the nearby Ritigala Monastery before enjoying dinner and relaxing back at the tranquil Galkadawala Forest Lodge.

Hotel: Galkadawala Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Our journey today takes us towards Eastern Sri Lanka’s  coastline in Trincomalee. Along the journey we visit hot water springs near Kanniya which locals believe to have healing powers. On arrival in Trincomalee we visit the Hindi Koneswaram Temple and the breathtaking Lovers Leap. Ravana’s Cleft, as the Hindi’s call it has several histories surrounding its name that your guide will explain, however the 350ft drop into the sea below features heavily in all stories. In the afternoon you can explore the city of Trincomalee, including it’s beach lined bays, historic buildings and local markets.

Hotel: Amaranthe Bay Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Located 1km off the coastline of Sri Lanka, Pigeon Island is a snorkelling paradise. The shallow reefs make snorkelling just as exciting as diving as you swim with a variety of fish off the island shores. May to August provide the calmest seas and best conditions for snorkelling and other marine activities. During this period an optional whale watching excursion can be arranged. While in Trincomalee we can cycle across the local countryside, a splended way to see the landscape slowly and visit Marble beach. History buffs may appreciate a visit to the Trincomalee war cemetery and those seeking to embrace the local fishing culture can go fishing with the locals.

Hotel: Amaranthe Bay Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner