Colonial Sri Lanka: Kandy, tea country & Galle

Visit the beautiful botanical gardens on the outskirts of Kandy. Take a walk through the gardens, visit the orchid house and enjoy the riverside views. This will be followed with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, one of the most sacred sites for the Buddhist population. This evening visit a small theatre to watch a traditional Kandyan dance performance which lasts about an hour, showcasing some of the country's rich dance culture. It culminates with a dramatic fire walking show.

Today you will take a train south to the tea country, where you have fantastic views out over the tea plantations and pickers working the harvest. Depending on the time of the train, you may have the afternoon at leisure to enjoy some relaxation in this beautiful region.

Today you will be taken to see a local tea factory. Here you will get to see the process from start to finish. Enjoy seeing the leaves being plucked by hand in the tea fields, to sampling the variety teas if you wish. The rest of the day is at your own leisure. If you enjoy walking, this region is beautiful to get out and explore on foot.

This morning depart the tea country and head south along the coastline to Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where small back streets in the Dutch Fort provide a very charming experience. This is a long drive, usually taking most of the day, but your chauffeur-guide can suggest places for you to stop and explore along the way - there are a number of impressive waterfalls. Evening at your own leisure. Your hotel is located within the fort walls - you might like to explore the boutiques and restaurants in the fort this evening.

Today you have the time free to explore Galle at your own pace. You might like to visit some of the quirky shops, stopping in a local cafe for lunch.

When the weather is good, there are some lovely bicycle tours which can be done. There are many different routes which can be taken depending on your interests, your specialist will be happy to advise.

This morning you depart Galle and drive north along the coastline to your accommodation in Colombo. This drive can vary dramatically in time depending when you choose to depart, so it's worth discussing timings with your specialist. Rest of the day at your own leisure.

After breakfast you will be met by your chauffeur-guide and transferred to the airport for your onwards flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.