Sri Lanka Wellness Getaway: Cultural Excursions, Outdoor Aventures & Historic Sites - 13 Days

Highlights

• Relax and revive with curated wellness treatments at Kandy's Santani Resort
• Brave the thrilling climb to the top of Ambuluwawa Tower for panoramic views
• Spend three nights in Sri Lanka's tea country with tours and outdoor activities
• Go swimming and surfing on the pristine white sand beaches of Tangalle

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Kandy, Welcome to Santani Resort

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Your flight lands in the city of Colombo, where you'll be met by your driver for your transfer to Kandy, a UNESCO-listed city known for its Royal Palace, which sits on the edge of serene Lake Kandy and houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha within the Dalada Maligwa (Temple of the Tooth). You'll be staying at the Santani Wellness Resort, which sits approximately 20 miles (32 km) outside of town, located on a former tea estate that encompasses more than 100 acres (40 ha) of lush greenery, with serene forests and rolling hills. 

Upon arrival, you'll meet with the resort doctor for a personalized wellness consultation with a body type analysis and individual lifestyle goals. Afterward, you're free to unwind, taking advantage of programs that include yoga, Ayurveda treatments, spa services, and more. Their spa area offers a steam room, cedar wood sauna, and an open-air thermal pool. Schedule a massage or other treatment, and enjoy a meal at their onsite restaurant, which has floor-to-ceiling windows and incredible views of the nearby mountain ranges. You can also head into town and explore Kandy on your own. 

Day 2: Wellness at Santani: Rebalance & Revive

Spend today exploring the luxury wellness amenities offered at Santani Resort. Based on your individually curated program, you can rebalance to offset low energy levels, detox to cleanse residual toxins from the body, and more. Take a yoga or meditation class, indulge in one of the onsite spa's many body treatments, or soak in the thermal salt water pool. The resort also offers guided group walks and lifestyle discussions on finding optimum health.

Day 3: Tour the Royal Palace of Kandy

Learn more about one of the historic sites that make Kandy such an important part of Sri Lanka's heritage. Together with your expert guide, visit the Royal Palace and Temple of the Tooth. Once the official residence of the kingdom's monarchs, the palace was originally constructed in the 14th century, then rebuilt in the 16th century after Portuguese invaders destroyed it.

An important pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide, the highlights of this complex include the Audience Hall, the Queen's Palace, the King's Palace, and the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic, which houses the left canine tooth of Lord Buddha. Visitors should keep in mind that attire covering the shoulders and knees is required, and footwear and hats must be removed before entering the temple. 

Day 4: Guided Excursion to the Magical Tower of Ambuluwawa

Today's tour takes you to the real-life fairy tale of Ambuluwawa. Located in the community of Gampola and part of the Ambuluwawa Diversity Complex, this multireligious sanctuary was built on top of Ambuluwawa Mountain in 2009 as a symbol of unity across religions. Meet your guide and travel via tuk-tuk through rich landscapes and dense forests, disembarking at the tower.

Brave the thrilling 3,567-foot (1,087 m) climb to the top, where you'll be rewarded with endless panoramic views. Due to the steep climb, keep in mind that this excursion isn't appropriate for those with serious health restrictions. Afterward, return to Santani, where you can continue your wellness journey with a massage or detox session. 

Day 5: Art & Philosophy Experience: Meet Local Artists in Kandy

Discover Kandy's arts and culture scene with a visit to the home of a local artist. This region is often referred to as the artistic heart of Sri Lanka, with some of the best national art originating from the Kandyan hill country. You'll have the opportunity to visit two of the island's prominent local artists. Together with your guide, meet your hosts, a father-daughter artist team. Visit their studio and see completed artwork as well as works in progress. Learn about their process and the meaning behind different pieces, ending with tea on the veranda as you chat about philosophy, music, and of course art.

Day 6: Kandy's Three Temple Loop

Start your morning with more holistic wellness treatments at Santani, enjoying a sauna, swim, or perhaps a group yoga session, then set out with your guide on Kandy's Three Temple Loop. Your tour takes you along the picturesque Sri Lankan countryside and into the central highlands, where you'll arrive at the 4-mile (7 km) trail that takes you to the temples. Your first stop will be at the temple of Gadaladeniya, built in the 14th century and famed for its stunning stone carvings. See the towering Buddha statue and architecture here, as your guide discusses the shared influences of Buddhism and Hinduism. 

Next, hop on a tuk-tuk for a ride through scenic paddy fields to reach the second temple of Lankatilaka Vihara, which sits on the crest of Panhalgala rock, overlooking the Hantane Mountains. Built in the 14th century, the complex includes a main temple that has different sections dedicated to Hindu gods such as Vishnu and Ganapati. See the Buddha Image House, with its unusual architectural designs and wall paintings, and nearby you can also see a large stone image of Buddha's footprint.

Before visiting the third and final temple, you'll make a stop at a local plantation to meet the farmers and take in the sights and smells of coffee, tea, and pepper. Continue to Embekka temple, where you'll find a Hindu shrine, incredible wood carvings, and breathtaking views across the surrounding landscapes. Return to Santani late in the day and get a good night's rest for tomorrow's adventures. 

Day 7: Transfer to Hatton, Free Afternoon in Tea Country

Your next destination is Hatton, a town in the Nuwara Eliya District. Situated high above sea level, this region has a climate unusual for Sri Lanka, with misty altitudes and cooler temperatures that make it a haven for growing colorful flowers and exquisite teas.

Meet your driver for the scenic, two-hour drive, then arrive at your accommodations, Ceylon Tea Trails Castlereagh Bungalow. Perched at an altitude of more than 4,000 feet (1,250 m) in the panoramic Ceylon tea region, this opulent retreat offers rooms with walk-in rain showers, luxury bedding, options for terraces with garden views, as well as 24-hour butler service.

Once you've settled in your room, you're free to step out on your own. Hatton is known for its natural beauty and you'll find hiking, waterfalls, and tea plantation tours available. Visit sites such as St. Clair or Rajamalay Waterfall, go kayaking on Castlereagh Lake, or head to Senteliyas viewpoint for incredible sunset views. You can also walk around town, checking out local restaurants and shops. 

Day 8: Visit the Dunkeld Tea Factory, Ceylon Tea Trails Culinary Experience

Join an informative and entertaining guided tour of Dunkeld Tea Factory this morning, as you learn more about Sri Lanka's most famous export. Meet your host and resident tea farmer, who will delve into all things tea—from the history of Ceylon tea, early colonial settlers, the inner workings of the tea factory, and how the remarkable flavors are crafted and refined. End with a sampling of delicious tea, coming away with a better understanding of Sri Lanka's tea heritage.

This evening, keep the tea theme going with a tea-focused dinner at Ceylon Tea Trails. Highlighting the subtle flavors of tea with traditional Sri Lankan dishes, this signature experience is unique to the resort. Sit down for a series of tea-infused dishes, blending locally grown produce with the gastronomic delights of Sri Lanka, while also learning more about the tea industry and its importance.

Day 9: Day at Leisure in Hatton: Historic Sites & Outdoor Adventures

Your last day in Hatton is all your own, offering the perfect opportunity to explore more of this fascinating region. Visit historic sites such as Christ Church Warleigh, an Anglican church built in the 1800s by British planters. The stone exterior showcases traditional colonial architecture, and inside you'll find timber pews, stained glass, and a lovely carved wooden altar. You can also visit local temples, exploring the Buddhist temple of Shri Nigrodharamaya, or the impressive Sri Muthumariamman Hindu temple. 

Stop by the Singha Malai Tunnel, or Poolbank Tunnel, Sri Lanka's second longest railway tunnel, to watch the trains, then hike to the top of Adam’s Peak. This more than 7,000-foot (2,243 m) mountain is one of the region's most sacred, with pilgrims of all faiths visiting it every year. The mountain is most known for the Sri Pada, or sacred footprint, a large hollow in the rocks that resembles the print of a human foot and is said to be the print of Buddha. The hike to the top and back down totals about 5.5 miles (8.9 km) and is considered moderately challenging. Return to your hotel in time for dinner. 

Day 10: Transfer to Tangalle, Explore

Today, you're off to Sri Lanka's southern province and the beachside town of Tangalle, an important fishing port in the region and a popular holiday destination for both tourists and locals. Meet your guide after hotel checkout for the two-hour drive, a scenic journey along villages and jungles, culminating with the golden sand beaches of Tangelle and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Arrive and check into your hotel, the Amanwella, a secluded beachfront oasis offering suites with private plunge pools, ocean views, and an on-site spa with a wealth of amenities.

Once settled, head out to see the incredible beaches! Visit Tangalle Beach, an expansive stretch of white sand with shady palm trees banked by numerous bars and restaurants, or head to Goyambokka Beach, which has cocoa and palm trees and rentals for sunbeds, loungers, and hammocks. And if surfing is on the agenda, make your way to Hiriketiya Beach, located about 20 minutes out of town in a horseshoe-shaped bay, with surf that is considered some of the best of Sri Lanka's south coast.

Day 11: Visit the Rock Temples of Mulkirigala

Get your steps in today with a visit to the temples of Mulkirigala, whose magnificent rock-cut caves date back to the 3rd century CE. Meet your guide after breakfast and make the 25-minute drive to the temple, where you'll ascend a series of stairways and terraces that take you past ancient carvings, statues, and inscriptions and to their sacred Bo tree. Admire the remarkable intact paintings depicting Buddhist history as your guide shares information about the artistic works here, and climb to the top of the temple's stupa for endless views of the countryside.

Day 12: Birding Fun at Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary

Your final full day in Sri Lanka takes you on a bird-watching expedition in Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary. This lagoon, which sits near the sea and is surrounded by mangroves and salt marshes, is home to more than 180 species of native and migratory birds and a large variety of smaller mammals.

Depart before dawn, accompanied by your local guides and traveling either on foot or by boat. See rare birds such as the black-capped kingfisher, reef heron, or glossy ibis, and other animals that include crocodiles, water monitors, and toque macaque monkeys. Return to your hotel in the afternoon and have lunch, or head to town for some last-minute souvenir shopping. 

Day 13: Transfer to Colombo, Depart

It's time to bid farewell to Sri Lanka. Your driver will collect you from your hotel this morning, transferring you to Colombo airport for your flight home. Safe travels! 

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