Galle walking tour – Sri Lanka’s hidden gem

Sri Lankan Farm and Spice Traditions Tour with Tuk Tuk ride

The Agro Park Millaniya is a great spot to enjoy the true hospitality of rural Sri Lanka while absorbing the sights and sounds of a typical village. As well as exploring this award-winning integrated farm, you'll also visit a Buddhist temple and go on a countryside tuk-tuk ride. As our expert local guide, Kasun says, ‘It's fun and interesting to learn so much about Sri Lanka's traditional agriculture and gastronomy in one location. I am always proud to watch guests discover and taste different local products. The little savoury snacks are a personal favourite.'On your way to the village, take time out to gather your thoughts in a historic Buddhist temple while admiring its artworks, rock carvings and other religious artefacts. Next, hop into a tuk-tuk for a rip-roaring ride through paddy fields and tropical countryside. Then, observe the local cinnamon-making process. You'll also visit Sri Lanka's largest banana gene bank, have a look around a pineapple plantation, and experience toddy tapping.There will be a chance to sample Kasun's favourite traditional snacks and you'll also get to see how coconut oil is produced. And it wouldn't be a proper Sri Lankan countryside experience without some tea picking. To round it all off, feast on a traditional curry and rice lunch, made extra special because many of the ingredients are grown on the farm itself. This tour is a wonderful opportunity to experience local traditions and immerse yourself in the rural culture of Sri Lanka – a great day out.

Sri Lanka rainforest two-day tour in Sinharaja Eco Lodge

Misty mountains and green valleys surround this retreat in southern Sri Lanka. The setting of these eco lodges is pretty hard to beat when you want to get away from it all and reconnect with nature. They're surrounded by six waterfalls and acres of the Sinharaja Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Day one begins with a tour of Galle city, a coastal city with a bucketload of history and culture. There's a 16th-century colonial-style fort, a lighthouse and a mish-mash of spiritual sites including a Dutch church, an Islamic mosque and a Buddhist temple. By mid-morning you'll leave the city behind and be on your way north, through rolling valleys and into the heart of the rainforest.Check into your chalet and spend the afternoon exploring the sights and sounds of the rainforest. Sip a warm cup of Ceylon tea on your private deck and soak it all in before dinner is served in the restaurant. Wake up to the sound of birdsong and head out on an early morning hike to spot your brightly feathered new neighbours. A local naturalist will be your guide through the forest to help you spot Sri Lanka blue magpies and the red-faced malkoha. After breakfast back at the lodge, you'll have free time to make the most out of the viewpoints and waterfalls before checking out and heading back towards the beach and your hotel.

Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka's Highlands with lunch

Take on the Sri Lankan highlands on this full-day guided hiking tour that follows stage 15 of the Pekoe Trail. You'll kick off your 13-kilometre hike, starting your journey in a pine forest. Your path takes you through plenty of photo-worthy landscapes, and you'll get a peek into Sri Lanka's history as your guide tells you about the ancient dwellings found here. Artifacts dating back over 25,000 years have been found here, many of which showed exactly how people during those times lived in the area.As you climb towards Ella Rock viewpoint, one of the region's iconic sites, you'll be treated to panoramic views – on a clear day, you can soak up the vistas of the surrounding valleys, tea plantations and distant mountains. Then, you'll take a different route down, passing through traditional Sri Lankan villages, as you follow the scenic railway track back to Ella. Here, you'll stop to recharge with a well-deserved lunch, before your returning to your hotel.

Kandy and Nuwara Eliya two-day tour with train ride

Double up on Sri Lankan jewels on this two-day adventure. You'll spend a jam-packed day sightseeing around Kandy, visit a tea and spice plantation, enjoy a scenic train ride through the Central Highlands and end with a look around the town of Nuwara Eliya. What's more, transport and all meals are included, as well as overnight accommodation in either single or shared rooms.Day one is dedicated to what's best known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy. After visits to a spice garden, tea factory and the Royal Botanical Gardens, you'll venture into the city for a guided tour and some time for shopping. Among the sights you'll see is the Tooth Relic temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home to a relic of Buddha's tooth. You'll end the day with a show and the evening at your disposal.Day two begins with a train ride to Nanuoya, through rolling hill and country scenery. Continue to the photogenic town of Nuwara Eliya, known as ‘Little England.' Here, you'll find cooler weather and British colonial architecture, and you can spend time admiring long views over waterfalls and distant valleys.

Udawalawe Park safari, Ella, Kandy, Sigiriya and Dambulla three-day tour

Immerse yourself on a three-day journey exploring some of the very best Sri Lankan cities and attractions. You'll set off on a wildlife safari at Udawalawe National Park, hike to Ella's Rock, tour the cultural hub of Kandy and climb the steps of Sigiriya's Lion Rock. All of that, combined with a few more surprises, and you've got yourself a trip you're likely to never forget.It all starts at Udawalawe National Park. With your cameras at the ready, you'll get going on a wildlife safari – the park is home to herds of elephants, leopards and much more. You'll stop by the Elephant Transit Home to watch the baby elephants being fed, too. Day one's afternoon is spent in the little town of Ella, where you can hike to see Little Adam's Peak and Ella's Rock.Day two starts early with a train ride into Nuwara Eliya and after a city tour, Kandy. Here, you'll enjoy a guided walk, stopping by the famed Tooth Relic temple, and end the day with a cultural show. Your final day concludes with a visit to a spice garden and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Sigiriya's Lion Rock fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple. All meals are covered, as well as accommodation in either single or shared rooms.

Adam's Peak two-day tour with sunrise hike

The summit of Sri Pada – or Adam's Peak – is the best seat in Sri Lanka to watch the sunrise. Climb the slopes of this important religious pilgrimage with an experienced guide on this overnight tour from the coastal regions of Sri Lanka, including Bentota, Negombo, or Galle, as you make your way into Sri Lanka's highlands. Jaw-dropping views greet you at the top, from where you'll watch daybreak with a 360-degree view. You'll travel to Nallathanniya late afternoon and check in at your hotel to grab some sleep before you start your hike. It's an early start, but some things are worth getting out of bed for. As a string of lights lead the way, your guide will give valuable insights into what is known as the 'Sacred Footprint'. Once you've made it, you'll be rewarded with sensational views and a chance to rest while you wait for nature's show to begin.With grandstand views of the surrounding highlands and valleys, sit back as the sun rises with the sky painted a hue of warm tones. And – if the weather conditions allow – experience the peculiar phenomenon known as 'shadow of the peak' – where a triangular shadow of the mountain is cast onto the clouds below. Once the sun is up, you'll descend the mountain to rest those tired legs and tuck into a well-deserved breakfast at the hotel, before heading back.

Yala National Park safari, Ella and Nuwara Eliya two-day tour

A thrilling wildlife safari at Yala National Park kicks off your two-day tour of Sri Lanka's highlights. Yala is a sanctuary bursting with wildlife and known for its high density of leopards. Looking for these majestic creatures in their natural habitat as you navigate through dense jungles, grasslands, lagoons, and coastal areas is a once in a lifetime experience.Next, you'll head for the idyllic hill town of Ella, surrounded by an emerald landscape of tea plantations amid rolling hills, and mesmerizing waterfalls. Hike to Ella Rock for panoramic views of the tea estates, then explore attractions like Ravana Falls and the Nine Arch Bridge.Day two begins with a glorious train ride from Ella to Nanuoya, through hill country scenery. Continue to the photogenic town of Nuwara Eliya, known as ‘Little England.' Here, you'll find cooler weather and British colonial architecture, and you can spend time admiring long views over waterfalls and distant valleys.

Udawalawe National Park safari, Ella and Nuwara Eliya two-day tour

This adventure-filled two-day tour starts with an unforgettable wildlife safari in Udawalawe National Park. You'll discover a huge variety of bird species as well as elephants, water buffaloes, and potentially leopards in this natural sanctuary. After the safari, watch baby elephants bathing and feeding at the Elephant Transit Home.Next, you'll head for the hill town of Ella, surrounded by an emerald landscape of tea plantations amid rolling hills, and mesmerizing waterfalls. Hike to Ella Rock for panoramic views of the tea estates, then explore attractions like Ravana Falls and the Nine Arch Bridge.Day two begins with a glorious train ride from Ella to Nanuoya, through hill country scenery. Continue to the photogenic town of Nuwara Eliya, known as ‘Little England.' Here, you'll find cooler weather and British colonial architecture, and you can spend time admiring long views over waterfalls and distant valleys.

Madampe Ganga boat safari and Galle city tour with lunch

Galle, the jewel of Sri Lanka, is an intoxicating blend of cultures and architectural styles. As our guide Dinesh puts it, ‘In common with its eclectic building styles, Galle Fort is home to many nationalities and faiths. Still today, there's a melting pot of cultures within the ramparts, reflecting its historic role as a place of trade and transit.' As well as exploring old Galle, you will spot wildlife on a River Madampe boat ride and visit a moonstone mine.Our journey begins at Balapitiya with a boat ride on the River Madampe to see the biodiversity of the surrounding wetlands, which are home to almost 20 species of birds and a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians, too. With luck, you should be able to spot a range of species during a river safari that'll also take you through mangrove forests. The Madampe is dotted with 64 islets, and island hopping is part of the tour. Next up, it's the Ambalangoda moonstone mine, where you'll learn first-hand the process of mining from the locals.After the museum visit, we'll head to historic Galle. It will enchant you with its layered heritage, quaint streets and hives of artistic activity. Check out the old Dutch church and the beautiful white mosque at the ramparts by the sea. Oh, and the beaches aren't bad, either. Lunch will be in Galle, before a final stop at a turtle hatchery. These turtle hatcheries are crucial for the conservation of these endangered creatures, providing a safe haven for eggs to hatch and young turtles to grow strong.

Madampe Ganga boat safari

In a country as bursting with wildlife as Sri Lanka, it would take something special to stand out from the crowd – but the River Madampe estuary does just that. Take an afternoon glide through the mangrove caves and across the sparkling river as the sun starts to set. This protected area is recognized by the Ramsar Convention of Wetlands and is home to over 17 species of birds and a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians.As you drift through mangrove tunnels and under rickety, wooden bridges, keep an eye out for wildlife – it's prime nature-spotting territory. Monkeys tuck into fruit while perched on overhanging branches, and lizards skim through the water. Enjoy a cup of Ceylon tea on one of the islands – you'll visit ones exclusive to Musement – and mingle with locals.Finally, you'll head to a turtle hatchery where you'll get to meet some rescued hatchlings, saved from the sea. These turtle hatcheries are crucial for the conservation of these endangered creatures, providing a safe haven for eggs to hatch and young turtles to grow strong before being released back into the ocean.