Abercrombie and Kent Sri Lanka: Splendours of the Spice Island

• Discover the wonders of Sri Lanka with visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Anuradhapura, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and Galle Fort.
• Ascend to the top of Sigiriya Rock Fortress for an incredible panoramic view of the sunrise.
• Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s rich heritage as you enjoy a private Kandyan cultural performance, filled with song, dance, and vibrant traditional costumes.
• Experience an exclusive moment of access as you step into the sacred Shrine Room of the Temple of the Tooth.
• Wander the historic ramparts of colonial Galle with the guidance of a local archaeologist and heritage expert.
• Explore the iconic country estate of renowned tropical modernist architect Geoffrey Bawa, with a private tour of his stunning gardens.

10-day itinerary:

Day 1 | Arrive in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Arrive in Colombo and enjoy expedited customs clearance in a private lounge. An A&K representative will then transfer you to the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo.

Day 2 | Colombo – A Colonial Legacy
After a leisurely morning, visit a tea broker’s office for an insider’s look at tea identification and a tasting. Then, enjoy a walking tour of Colombo, exploring the 17th-century Old Dutch Hospital and the colonial mansions of Colombo Fort. Return to the hotel for a welcome dinner.

Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 | Cultural Triangle – Sacred City
After breakfast, drive to Thirappane, in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Check in at your resort, then cycle through the sacred city of Anuradhapura. Explore ancient monuments, palaces, and monasteries, including the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, believed to be the world’s oldest. Conclude the day’s adventures with a blessing near the sacred tree.

Ulagalla
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 | Cultural Triangle – Lion’s Rock
Hike to Sigiriya Rock Fortress to explore ancient ruins and enjoy stunning views. Afterwards, relax at the resort, then take a game drive through Nachchaduwa Nature Park, spotting wildlife. End the day with a Scenic Sundowner cocktail.

Ulagalla
Breakfast

Day 5 | Cultural Triangle – Design Your Day
Start with a visit to the resort’s organic garden for a Chef’s Table cooking demo, using fresh produce to prepare Sri Lankan dishes. After lunch, choose from one of the following activities:

• Tuk-Tuk tour through village streets
• Kayaking on a Jungle Reservoir
• Cycling through rural landscapes and visiting Buddhist temples.
  Return to the resort for leisure time.

Ulagalla
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 | Kandy – Gem-Cutting Workshop
Visit the Dambulla Cave Temples, home to ancient statues and murals. Continue to Kandy, where you’ll visit a gem cutter’s workshop to watch artisans at work and try your hand at cutting and polishing a gemstone. Learn about gem mining before heading to your hotel for dinner and a private Kandyan performance.

Jetwing Kandy Gallery
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 | Kandy – Temple of the Tooth
Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens with a botany professor, then visit a 300-year-old heritage house with a fascinating collection of artifacts. Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch before attending a pooja ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth. Experience VIP access to the inner Shrine Room to view the Sacred Tooth Relic. Return to your hotel for leisure time.

Jetwing Kandy Gallery
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 | Galle – Bawa’s Sanctuary
After breakfast, check out and visit Geoffrey Bawa’s former home in Bentota, where you’ll learn how he transformed an abandoned rubber estate into a tropical paradise. Enjoy lunch at the estate before heading to Galle for an evening at leisure.

Amangalla
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 | Galle – Cinnamon Experience
Visit Villa Mayurana, stopping to see stilt fishermen. Enjoy lunch and a cinnamon experience at the hotel’s spice plantation. Later, take a sunset walking tour of Galle Fort with a local archaeologist, followed by a farewell dinner.

Amangalla
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 | Depart Colombo
Transfer to Colombo airport for your departure flight.

Breakfast

Where you will stay:

Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo

A modern 35-story hotel overlooking the Indian Ocean and located next to Galle Face Green. It offers 500 stylish rooms and suites with ocean, Beira Lake, and city views, plus 41 residential-style apartments for extended stays. Enjoy three fine dining options serving Sri Lankan tapas, Chinese cuisine, and steak and seafood. A lounge offers cocktails and high tea, while amenities include an ocean-view pool, fitness centre, and Sri Lankan spa. Just an hour from Bandaranaike International Airport, this hotel combines luxury with proximity to major attractions.

Ulagalla

Located in the serene village of Thirippane, Ulagalla spans 58 acres of reservoirs and rice paddies. The resort centres around a 150-year-old mansion and features 25 eco-friendly villas. The Nikawewa Villa offers panoramic views and a private pool, while Ulagalla Villas include plunge pools and wildlife viewing. Amenities include fine dining, a spa, fitness centre, infinity pool, library, and bicycles. Ideal for those seeking a secluded retreat.

Jetwing Kandy Gallery