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| Histories, hills and hush |
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| From the cultural triangle to the hill country, this journey will take you to some of the island’s most
famous sites – four individual locales that offer their own unique experiences. After a first night’s
reinvigoration in Negombo, you will travel to Dambulla where you will be ideally based to take in the
historic sites and raw natural beauty of this spectacular region. From here, travel to the hills and stay in a
beautiful colonial bungalow surrounded by tea before finally basking in the hush of your last destination,
Tangalle, where you can enjoy a whole week of sun, sea and serenity in an innovative beach villa doing
as much, or as little as you choose. |
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| Day 1 North West Coast |
| On your arrival we will take you the very short distance to The Wallawwa, an antique boutique hotel
surrounded by mature tropical gardens. Here, you can take advantage of the excellent ‘Z Spa’ where
travelling tension will be expertly pummeled and massaged away. |
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| Location: Negombo |
| The Negombo area is historically famed for its cinnamon, coconut plantations and fishing. On your
doorstep is the Muthurajawela Wetlands, a large area of brackish land that attracts a wide variety of
water-loving birds including herons, kingfisher, storks and ducks whilst the Negombo Lagoon and
countless beaches are all within a very short drive. The Negombo area is the heartland of Christian Sri
Lanka and the town is frequently referred to as ‘Little Rome’; many residents – Tamil fishermen or
karavas - converted en-mass to Catholicism under the influence of Portuguese missionaries in the midsixteenth
century. Catholic shrines and huge churches scatter the town, roadsides and characterise little
rural villages that can easily be visited on foot. Fishing still dominates the local economy and the vista of
the karava sailing boats on the open ocean still makes for a spectacular sight. |
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| Accommodation: The Wallawwa |
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| This eighteenth century manor house situated in the picturesque village of Kotugoda has been
beautifully renovated so that the magnificence of the past merges seamlessly with the luxuries of the
present. Much more than a transit hotel, the Wallawwa is enveloped by spectacular mature gardens, all
of which were planted, preened and perfected by the previous owner, a lawyer from Kandy whose
entire library collection was bequeathed with the house on its sale. The Wallawwa’s larger-thanaverage-
spa is the ideal place to wind down and relieve the stress of travelling whilst from its sociable
verandah you will be tempted by delicious and innovative cuisine. |
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| Days 2-4: Cultural Triangle |
| After a night of idyllic relaxation, we will take you into the dry zone plains of the Cultural Triangle to
reach your second destination, the spectacular Kandalama Hotel in Dambulla. |
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| Location: Dambulla |
| Located in the heart of the Cultural Triangle, Dambulla is the ideal base for exploration into the Cultural
Triangle. Famed for its atmospheric caves filled with little masterpieces of Sinhalese Buddhist art, they
are hidden within an enormous granite outcrop that rises 160m above the plains below. A climb to its
summit will reward you with views over dry scrub jungle as far as Sigiriya, a magnificent fifth century
rock fortress and World Heritage Site that is easily one of the island’s most memorable attractions.
Sigiriya can be visited from Dambulla, as can the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.
The famous Gathering of Asian elephants in nearby Minneriya National Park from August to October is
one of the most exciting natural phenomenons in the country where as many as three hundred
elephants can be seen at one time. |
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| Accommodation: Kandalama Hotel |
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| The Kandalama Hotel is one of the island’s most famous hotels. Built into a hillside, it is cleverly buried
under a layer of tropical greenery that cascades down its steep façade. Overlooking the beautiful
serenity of the Kandalama Lake and Sigiriya Rock, this austere jungle palace is one of Geoffrey Bawa’s
finest architectural works of art. Surrounded by scrub jungle inhabited by many species of wildlife
Kandalama’s sensitive immersion in nature has won it many environmental awards. Rooms are stylishly
furnished and have big picture windows to make the most of the stunning panoramic views. Relax in the
Six Senses Spa, cycle the peaceful back roads through rural villages and explore the lake by boat or the
Kandalama Rock by foot to gain the best vantage point for the unforgettable views. |
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| Days 5-6: Hill Country |
| On leaving the rustic beauty of Dambulla you will begin your journey south to arrive at The Lavender
House in Pussellewa, a magnificent colonial bungalow surrounded by the glorious green tea fields of the
central Hill Country. |
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| Location: Pussellewa |
| Located half-way between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, Pussellawa boasts some spectacular mountain
scenery. Roads wind through endless hairpins as they traverse the hilly terrain and curve around verdant
green tea plantations that merge with the bright blue sky. Pluckers can be observed high up in the hills
and opportunities for walking through the tea estates and seeing them at work are numerous. The
nearby Kotmale Reservoir offers some exciting trekking opportunities. Other activities include cycling,
nature walks, waterfall trips and visits to the Helboda Tea Factory where you can observe the
production of tea and learn how it makes its way from bush to teacup. |
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| Accommodation: The Lavender House |
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| Surrounded by seven acres of beautifully tended-to gardens, The Lavender House is a late-nineteenth
century converted tea planter’s bungalow. Each of the five rooms is decorated with traditional pieces
that give them their own individual character and have access to their own private garden courtyard
gardens. The long driveway to reach the property heightens its privacy and highlights its idyllic position
overlooking tea fields and misty mountains. The cuisine, made from fresh organic produce, is best
enjoyed beside the large infinity swimming pool or on the verdant lawn as you take in the views. |
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| Days 7-14: South Coast |
| On the morning of your seventh day, you will continue your journey south and arrive at your final
destination, Kadju House beach villa near Tangalle. After a busy first week spent sightseeing and
travelling, you can now enjoy an uninterrupted week on the south coast, doing as little or as much as
you please. Swim in the ocean or visit a nature reserve; indulge in a massage or lounge in the pool; try
your hand at Sri Lankan cookery or partake in one of Kadju’s unique enriching experiences. |
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| Location: Tangalle |
| Located in the heart of the Deep South, a destination in its own right, Tangalle is a veritable paradise of
natural delights. Picture postcard beaches, carefully hidden between headlands or located within secret
coves, are largely deserted and devoid of footprints as the gentle wash of the ocean erases any from
view. Columns of palm trees fringe the ocean, great boulders litter the beaches and further beyond in
the wildlife-enriched woodland, birds soar over the rooftops of picturesque rural village homes. Life is
unhurried and the mood, relaxed. |
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| Accommodation: Kadju House |
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| Perfect for a couple, family or groups of friends, this four-bedroom villa is privately enveloped by the
rich natural environs of Seenimodera, near Tangalle, whose deserted beach is only a two minute walk
down the hillside. Kadju’s design is simple, minimalistic and uncluttered so that it seamlessly merges
with nature by providing a luxurious frame for the spectacular views. Peacocks leave wet foot prints on
the floor of the Kadju House pavilion and parrots, kingfishers, fish eagles, monkeys, mongooses and
monitor lizards frequent the garden and kadju (cashew) grove, after which the house was named.
Kadju’s innovative design, subtle luxuries and high level of personalised service from our excellent staff
team represents discreet barefoot luxury at its very best. Your privacy is guaranteed; just one booking
secures exclusive use of the whole villa. |
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| What's included : |
* Air-conditioned car and English-speaking driver for tour and transfers
* Pick up and drop off at the airport
* One night at The Wallawwa on a half-board basis
* Three nights at The Kandalama, on a full board basis
* Three nights at The Lavender House on a full board basis
* Seven nights at Kadju House on a full board basis
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| What's not included : |
* Scheduled international & domestic flights
* Comprehensive travel insurance
* Spa treatments, additional trips & tours
* Gratuities and personal expenses |
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| Contact us |
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| Guest Comments... |
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"Many thanks for organising a truly brilliant and memorable holiday. Your service was really superb from beginning to end. ."
"We did not expect the very high standard of service that you personally and your company provided. "
"We have you to thank for such a seamless and wonderful experience.
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"Sri Lanka In Style, thank you for all the pampering and attention to detail, it really was a fantastic experience."
"Sri Lanka exceeded all our expectations. We loved everything about the trip. We want to go back and experience more." |
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