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 stop—Weerawila Sanctuary.

You’ll be based at Flameback Eco Lodge, a beautifully designed retreat hidden in the bush right on the lakefront. Luxury tents with air-conditioning, a serene pool, and attentive service combine with thoughtful aesthetics to create a place that feels both intimate and indulgent. It’s the kind of spot where you can simply pause, listen to the birdsong, and let the slower rhythm of the countryside sink in.

What makes Flameback special is its location. From here, you have effortless access to three remarkable national parks as well as historical sites.

• Yala – world-famous for its frequent leopard sightings.

• Lunugamwehera – a quieter, more tranquil safari experience.

• Bundala – an internationally important wetland, renowned for its birdlife.

On your first evening, the adventure begins close to the lodge.
A short 10-minute jeep ride brings you to Debarawewa Lake for a guided bird-watching nature trail with the resident naturalist. This man-made reservoir, bordered by dense woodlands and waterways, teems with life. With binoculars in hand, you might spot black-headed ibis, crested serpent eagles, rosy starlings, large egrets, and red-wattled lapwings as the sun sets over the water.

The next morning begins with a village cycle ride.
Pedal through quiet backroads and immerse yourself in the rhythm of rural life. Along the way, you’ll pass emerald-green paddy fields and see firsthand the pride farmers take in cultivating rice, their most vital livelihood. Pause for a refreshing king coconut (thambili), wood apple juice, or fresh watermelon, then continue to meet local artisans. From meticulous pottery making and chena farming to Palmyrah weaving, each encounter reveals traditions that remain humble, artistic, and deeply connected to the land.

Afternoon – the choice is yours:

• Head out on a safari drive into the national park of your choice — Yala, Lunugamwehera, or Bundala.

• Explore the historic city of Tissamaharama, where the impressive Tissamaharama Stupa rises above the landscape. Built in the 3rd century BCE, it is the largest stupa in southern Sri Lanka and an enduring symbol of the island’s ancient Buddhist heritage. The city itself is home to several other age-old stupas and tranquil surroundings

• Or stay close to the lodge and enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the lake, letting the day slip into a restful evening surrounded by nature.

After breakfast, set out from Weerawila and journey west towards the coast, arriving at Mihiripenna Beach.
Your stay here is at Sielen Diva, an elegant boutique property set directly on the beachfront. The villa-style accommodation blends modern luxury with coastal charm, offering spacious rooms with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Each suite is thoughtfully designed with floor-to-ceiling windows, stylish interiors, and private spaces that let the sound of the waves and the sea breeze become part of your stay. The infinity pool overlooking the beach, lush gardens, and attentive hospitality make it a truly indulgent retreat.

The villa is perfectly situated: tucked away on tranquil Mihiripenna Beach, yet just minutes from the lively sands of Unawatuna and the cultural treasures of Galle Fort.

The rest of the day is yours to unwind.
Relax on the quiet beachfront, take a dip in the pool, or simply stretch out with a book as the waves roll in. For those who wish, a short drive brings you to Galle, where cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and boutique cafés await. But for many, the real luxury here is slowing down and enjoying the serenity of the beach itself.

Morning – Dalawella Beach
After breakfast, head to nearby Dalawella Beach for a morning swim and snorkel. Arriving early, around 8:00–9:00 am, gives you the best chance to have the beach mostly to yourself before the crowds arrive. From November to April, sea turtles regularly visit this calm stretch of shoreline, offering an unforgettable opportunity to swim alongside them in their natural environment.

Evening – Galle Fort
Later in the day, make your way to the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site where colonial ramparts overlook the Indian Ocean. Explore the cobblestone streets and Dutch-era architecture by cycle, weaving past boutiques, cafés, and art galleries. As the sun sets, the fort comes alive with warm light and sea breezes, making it a magical setting to end your day.

On your last day of the tour!