Overview
- Hatton
- Galle
These days we live in a stressful world, with deadlines, obligations and constant availability being the norm in our day-to-day lives. Even holidays can be demanding, as we strive to tick off as much as possible in one trip so we can cross that destination off our bucket list. We are all in dire need of escaping this fast-paced routine and finding some relief, and our Less is More itinerary provides just that.
This two-centre journey around Sri Lanka is slow-paced, allowing plenty of time to disconnect and recharge so that you leave the island feeling relaxed and reinvigorated. The gentle exploration of beautiful off-the-beaten-track places will remind you of life’s simple pleasures, give you an insight into Sri Lanka beyond the tourist trail and reawaken your appreciation of Mother Earth.
A relaxing holiday means spending less time in other places, but ultimately this is what makes the journey even more special. What you give up in quantity will be far outweighed by quality as you traverse the idyllic misty green hills of the tea country and unwind on the serene beaches of Sri Lanka’s coveted south-west coast.
Trip Highlights
Explore Castlereagh Lake by boat
Take in your stunning surroundings from the water.
Traverse the idyllic tea hills
Wend your way through tea plantations on foot or a bike.
Discover Galle beyond the tourist trail
Experience Ceylon cinnamon and Sri Lankan cuisine.
Relax on picturesque beaches
The coastline around Galle is a true tropical paradise.
Experience the hotels
Camellia Hills
A boutique tea bungalow overlooking a lake in Hatton.
KK Beach
A beautifully-designed boutique hotel on Koggala Beach.
Itinerary
8 NIGHTS / 9 DAYS
Transfer directly into the heart of Sri Lanka’s majestic tea country. The next four nights will be spent at Camellia Hills, a contemporary tea bungalow with exceptional design that sits above the spectacular Castlereagh Lake. Arrive in time for afternoon tea overlooking the lake and tea hills beyond.
Spend the morning by the pool, letting the sun melt away any lingering jet lag. In the afternoon, head out for a boat trip on the lake, and finish the day with an ice-cold gin and tonic on the balcony.
Explore the local trails around your hotel. There are a variety of routes to suit all inclinations, whether you want a full day’s hike or just a gentle stretch of the legs – just speak to the staff at Camellia Hills to find the best one for you.
Today, you will take in the glorious vistas of Hatton from a secret viewpoint whilst enjoying a delicious picnic lunch. There is plenty of time to go walking or cycling through the tea fields trails again should you wish to work up an appetite beforehand / stretch your legs afterwards.
Leave the dramatic, verdant scenery of the central hills behind and either drive (6.5 hours) or fly (less than an hour) down to Koggala, a laidback beach town on the south coast which is just a stone’s throw from Galle. Spend the rest of the day at leisure – we recommend The Kingfisher for relaxed beach dining tonight.
Galle’s 17th-century fort, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is well known to travellers, but what about the area surrounding the fort? Explore Galle’s idyllic inland countryside on a guided bike ride, passing small village markets, swaying paddy fields and spice estates before ending at a lunch spot or the beach. We also suggest visiting nearby Yatagala Temple today, if you have the energy.
This morning, visit a cinnamon plantation to learn all about the spice that has lured traders from across the globe to Sri Lanka for hundreds of years. Explore the estate with your guide and see how cinnamon is grown, peeled, distilled and processed for its varied uses in cooking, aromatherapy and Ayurvedic medicine. Afterwards, head to a wattle-and-daub hut in a nearby rural area and learn how to cook traditional Sri Lankan dishes. Finish the experience with a hearty lunch of the fare you have made, eaten the authentic way – on a banana leaf with your hand!
Today is a day for complete relaxation – we recommend staying on the beach! Wijaya Beach and Sugar Beach are both great beach cafés close to your hotel.
Transfer to the airport to begin your journey home – the drive will take between 2-3 hours.
Important Information
Our services include:
- Accommodation in selected hotel.
- Meals as mentioned (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner).
- English speaking guide.
- Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air conditioned vehicle.
- Entrance fees for mentioned visits.
- Private transfer from / to Bandaranayaka International Airport.
Our services do not include:
- Other meals than mentioned.
- Other services than mentioned.
- International and domestic flights.
- Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature.
