Wake up to a peaceful morning and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we begin our Sri Lanka expedition by immersing ourselves in its rich flavors.

Our culinary journey starts at the bustling Negombo Fish Market, where fishermen bring in the day’s fresh catch. Walk through the lively stalls, soaking in the aromas of the ocean and the vibrant energy of local traders. Here, you’ll learn how to identify the freshest seafood, understand the variety of fish available, and gain insight into how Sri Lankan cuisine is deeply connected to its coastal heritage.

From the market, we head to Wallawwa, where the chef will guide you through the art of Sri Lankan cooking. Using fresh ingredients sourced from the market and the hotel’s own organic garden, you’ll learn how to balance flavors with fragrant spices and cook traditional curries in clay pots—an age-old technique that gives Sri Lankan food its distinctive taste. Together, we’ll prepare a selection of dishes, including a seafood or chicken curry, a hearty lentil dhal, and an array of seasonal vegetable curries.

Finally, sit down to enjoy the meal you’ve created, savoring the authentic flavors of Sri Lanka in a serene garden setting. This hands-on experience is the perfect way to begin our journey, offering a true taste of Sri Lankan culture and hospitality.

Have a relaxing evening at your hotel, or head out to explore Negombo town with your chauffeur. Visit the town’s key highlights, including the historic Dutch Fort, charming colonial churches, and the serene Negombo Lagoon.

After breakfast, embark on the Heel Oya trek, a scenic 4-hour journey that takes you down a comfortable and gentle trail leading to the rural village of Heel Oya, nestled at the foothills of the Knuckles. This unspoiled village, far from mass tourism, offers a rare glimpse into authentic Sri Lankan life.

As you trek, pass through lush tea estates, pine forests, terraced paddy fields, and winding waterways. The misty hills and stunning viewpoints will captivate your senses, providing the perfect backdrop for reflection. Along the way, stop to refresh yourself with a cool dip in a natural waterhole, an ideal moment to unwind and embrace the serenity of the landscape.

In Heel Oya, engage with the local community and learn about traditional terraced paddy cultivation, a farming practice that continues without modern machinery. After exploring the village and immersing yourself in its culture, return to your hotel for a traditional village lunch, followed by a cooking demonstration. This hands-on experience will introduce you to the secrets of Sri Lankan cuisine, allowing you to create and taste authentic dishes prepared using fresh, local ingredients.

Return to hotel for a restful evening.

Today, you’ll leave the lush mountains behind and descend into Sri Lanka’s flat, arid dry zone. As you navigate hairpin bends, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views before continuing east along the highway. The landscape gradually shifts, with the climate becoming noticeably warmer and the dense wet-zone forests giving way to drier woodlands, where trees have adapted to the harsher seasonal conditions. While the wet zone is rich in biodiversity, the dry zone is home to many of Sri Lanka’s iconic large fauna.

Your destination is Gal Oya National Park, a hidden gem known for its stunning landscapes and peaceful atmosphere. One of the less-visited national parks in Sri Lanka, it offers a truly tranquil experience. Located in Sri Lanka’s Intermediate Zone, Gal Oya encompasses the vast Senanayke Samudra reservoir, surrounded by granite hills, lush grasslands, and serene water reservoirs. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, deer, leopards, and endemic bird species, offering a perfect retreat into nature.

Gal Oya National Park offers an abundance of beautiful spots to enjoy a relaxing afternoon, with the added benefit of being far from the crowds you’d find in other parks.

In the evening, a guide from the hotel will lead you to hidden rivers and tranquil waterfalls, where a delicious picnic awaits. Unwind and soak in the serenity of the surroundings, then embark on an exciting Jungle Drive to end your day with a sense of adventure.

Start your day with a refreshing morning boat safari at Gal Oya National Park, where you’ll glide through serene waters surrounded by nature’s beauty. Keep your eyes peeled for the playful splash of elephants, the graceful movements of deer, and the stealthy stillness of crocodiles basking in the sun. The air is crisp, the birds are singing, and you’ll feel completely immersed in the peaceful surroundings. It’s the perfect way to connect with nature and spot some of Sri Lanka’s iconic wildlife in their natural habitat.

“From January to May, Gal Oya National Park is lush and green, with the lake full and surrounded by misty mountains. This is when migratory birds arrive, and you might even see elephants swimming in the peaceful waters. From June to December, the park dries out, revealing open grassy areas where you can spot herds of elephants. Throughout the year, the park offers great chances to see different wildlife, including deer and crocodiles, in its ever-changing landscape.”

Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening. Your chauffeur will be available if you’d like to take a scenic drive and explore the surrounding area at your own pace.

Your hotel is located near one of the last remaining communities of the Veddha, the indigenous forest-dwelling people of Sri Lanka.

After breakfast, join a village elder for a walk through the jungle, guided by the wisdom of his ancestors. As you trek through the lush landscape, you’ll learn about local nature and hear fascinating stories of medicinal plants, ancient hunting grounds, and cave dwellings. It’s a rare opportunity to gain insight into the hunter-gatherer way of life in the forests of Gal Oya.

After a relaxed lunch, head into the park with one of our resident naturalists on a drive through the hidden Nilgala section, renowned for its rich abundance of medicinal plants. As you wind through the remote jungle, keep an eye out for elephants, deer, and a diverse array of vibrant birdlife, creating an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Leaving Gal Oya Lodge, you’ll head south to your next wildlife adventure—Yala National Park. Located in the more arid part of Sri Lanka’s dry zone, Yala’s landscape is a diverse mix of moist and dry monsoon forests, semi-deciduous woodlands, thorn forests, vast grasslands, freshwater and marine wetlands, and stretches of sandy beaches, making it a prime habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.

Spend the next two nights immersing yourself in the wilderness of Yala National Park, exploring its diverse landscapes and rich wildlife. From roaming elephants and elusive leopards to vibrant birdlife and unique flora, each safari drive offers a new and exciting discovery in this remarkable ecosystem.

In the evening, take a kayak out onto the tranquil waters of Kocchipathana Tank, which borders the Kulu Safaris campsite. This peaceful paddle offers a unique perspective of Yala’s remote wilderness, where you can observe a variety of bird species and soak in the natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s rural landscape.

Drive from Yala to Galle and check into your beachfront hotel, set within walking distance of the iconic Galle Fort. Here, you can enjoy the legendary charm of this historic coastal city, where colonial architecture, rich culture, and stunning ocean views come together. Spend a restful afternoon by the pool or relax on the beach, soaking in the peaceful surroundings before you explore the beauty of Galle.

In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through Galle Fort, soaking in the sunset views over the Indian Ocean, and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Your chauffeur is available to guide you through the fort, offering insights into its rich history and stunning landmarks.

After breakfast, embark on a bike tour through the enchanting city of Galle, offering a dynamic way to explore its cultural and historical treasures. As you pedal along the cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter well-preserved Dutch architecture, providing a glimpse into the city’s colonial past alongside its vibrant, modern charm.

Your cycling journey takes you past key attractions, from the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort to the renowned Galle International Stadium. The beauty of this bike tour is its flexibility, allowing you to customize the route to suit your preferences. Whether you choose a scenic coastal ride or dive into the rich cultural heritage of the city, this tour promises a personalized and memorable experience.

After lunch, your chauffeur will drive you to Dalawella Beach, where you can spot wild turtles swimming close to the shore. Local vendors sell small bags of seaweed, giving you the chance to gently feed the turtles if they come near. Just remember to be mindful and allow the turtles to approach at their own pace. Nearby, Wijaya Restaurant is the perfect spot to relax with an afternoon beer on your last evening in Sri Lanka. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and stunning views as you unwind, reflecting on your unforgettable journey through this beautiful island.

On your last day of the tour, after breakfast, we will take you to the airport for your departure. We wish you all the best and hope to welcome you again on your next adventure with us. Safe travels!