Itinerary – Wellness
TWIN SHARE, DATES FLEXIBLE
Dates for this trip can be customised for your group – tell me when you’d like to go.
Why wellness?
Travel gives us perspective. It helps us reflect on our lives and allows us to see new possibilities. It reconnects us with ourselves.
The Wellness Itinerary was created especially with these things in mind. Combining visits to Sri Lanka’s inspiring ancient sites and temples, yoga and meditation, exquisite food, breathtaking accommodation locations and plenty of free time to relax, this trip will have you returning home feeling nourished and rejuvenated.
Arie Lagoon Hotel, Negombo
DAY 1
COLOMBO AIRPORT – NEGOMBO
On your arrival into Colombo Airport, you will be welcomed by Nina and transferred to your hotel in nearby Negombo. Relax before an evening dinner with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation: Arie Lagoon Hotel, Negombo
Anuradhapura
DAY 2
NEGOMBO – Anuradhapura – DAMBULLA
This morning we begin our journey. In our private, air-conditioned mini-van we drive to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, which was for a thousand years the kingdom of kings and queens of Ceylon. We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before taking a tour of the city. We then proceed to our hotel in Dambulla, check in and have dinner.
Accommodation: Amaya Lake, Dambulla
Myself (third from the left) with guests, preparing to climb Sigiriya!
DAY 3
DAMBULLA – SIGIRiYA – Habarana – dambulla
One of my favourite days on the tour: today we venture to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD) to protect him from his rivals, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is known as the 'Fortress in the Sky'. We tighten our laces and head to the top, taking in water gardens and frescoes along the way. Afterwards we visit the traditional village of Habarana for a bullock cart ride and an authentic Sri Lankan meal.
Accommodation: Amaya Lake, Dambulla
Temple of the Sacred Tooth, Kandy
DAY 4
dambulla – kandy
We begin our day with an early morning, one-hour yoga session, followed by breakfast at the hotel. After checking out, we proceed to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Dambulla Cave Temple. The largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, it is a sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists the world round. Afterwards we set out for the cool, high altitude climes of Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings. We visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, believed to house the left upper canine of the Lord Buddha himself, and are given a talk by a resident monk.
Accommodation: Amaya Hills, Kandy
‘Field to fork’ cuisine at Jetwing Kaduruketha’s restaurant, where the produce used in the kitchen comes from onsite organic gardens.
DAY 5
Kandy – ella – Wellawaya
After breakfast we drive to the Nine Arches Bridge in Ella, one of Sri Lanka’s best examples of colonial-era railway construction. We then make our way to Jetwing Kaduruketha, a luxurious eco agro-resort.
Accommodation: Jetwing Kaduruketha, Wellawaya
Evening pooja at Kathragama temple
DAY 6
Wellawaya – Kataragama – Tissamaharama
Today we journey onwards to Kataragama, a pilgrimage town sacred to Buddhist, Hindu and indigenous Vedda people of Sri Lanka. After checking into our hotel and lunch at a local restaurant, we will visit Kiri Vehera temple, a structure that dates to 3BC. We will then attend Kataragama Devalaya temple for the evening pooja (blessing).
Accommodation: Oak Ray Wild Yala, Tissamaharama
Kirinda Temple
DAY 7
Tissamaharama – Kirinda Temple – Tissamaharama
An easy day today with a morning visit to Kirinda Temple and an afternoon at leisure. Kirinda Temple is an imposing cliff-top Buddhist shrine, which includes a stupa and huge standing Buddha, dedicated to Queen Viharamahadevi (2BC).
Accommodation: Oak Ray Wild Yala, Tissamaharama
Kurulu Estate
DAY 8
Tissamaharama – Rakwana
Today we travel to Kurulu Estate, where we will spend the next three days doing yoga, meditation and enjoying free time and relaxation in a picturesque environment. This small, mountainside resort is blessed with a cool climate and breathtaking views. Enjoy a delicious vegetarian menu made from home-grown ingredients, a rain shower, birdwatching, jungle-walking and optional excursions to local sites. One-hour meditation session offered in the evening with a Buddhist monk.
Accommodation: Kurulu Estate, Rakwana
Meditation at Kurulu Estate
DAY 9, DAY 10
Rakwana
Two heavenly days of tranquility. After a delicious breakfast we will enjoy a morning of yoga and meditation led by a Buddhist monk. Afterwards enjoy another delightful lunch followed by time to yourself to read, walk, sleep or visit the local market.
Accommodation: Kurulu Estate, Rakwana
Galle Fort
DAY 11
RAKWANA – GALLE
Today we explore my favourite city, magical Galle, built by the Portuguese in 1619 and expanded upon in subsequent centuries by the Dutch and the British. Inside Galle Fort you’ll discover imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions and museums, stylish cafes and quirky boutiques. Dinner at the hotel, which is situated inside the fort itself.
Accommodation: Yara Hotel, Galle Fort
Farewell Sri Lanka!
DAY 12
GALLE – COLOMBO AIRPORT
This morning after breakfast, we say farewell as guests transfer to Colombo Airport.
Want to know more?
“Once again you and your fantastic little tour company managed to get the balance just right in so many ways for your eclectic group of guests. From the cultural and historic to the natural and everyday sights, sounds, smells and activities of this amazing country we were left enchanted and amazed on a daily basis (even for me on the second time around).”
INCLUSIONS
Eleven nights accommodation, applicable taxes, breakfasts and dinners. Sightseeing, activities and entrance fees as specified in itinerary. Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English speaking driver/guide. Land content only.
*TERMS & CONDITIONS
Pricing will be confirmed at time of reservation. Strict deposit and final payment details apply (see below). For more information please contact Nina's Pathways. Visas and international airfares are not included. For full terms and conditions click here.