Explore the plantation’s hiking trails on a bird watching excursion, interact with locals as they engage in the age-old art of tapping rubber and make your way to the Kafutara Temple and Richmond Castle, discovering paradise like never before.
The nearly 400 year old Galle fort is undoubtedly one of the island’s most enduring landmarks, brimming with history and culture, the fort is a microcosm, encompassing everything that’s glorious about Sri Lanka’s south.
Visit the island’s only tea plantation to produce over 25 different individual variations of tea. Sample their range, including exotic varieties like Virgin White Tea which is untouched by human hands and enjoy a delicious cup of Oofonq tea and chocolate cake, at the Planters bungalow. On your way to the tea plantation or on your way back, a walk through the streets of Galle Fort willmake it a complete trip to the south.
Bentota is a superb little southern enclave with plenty of attractions, foremost among them being the Bentota River and its tributaries, which snakes through lush tropical countryside and can ideally be experienced via a river safari. Enjoy a boat ride along the river and through the mangroves, while you relax and soak in the surroundings. To top things off you can finish off with jet skiing, a banana boat ride or a choice of other water sports.
The name Kandy conjures visions of splendor and magnificence, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. On your way to Kandy, you will visit the nursery and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants, visit the colorful Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya renowned for its collection of orchids and the golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth housing Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Buddha.
The island’s southern coast offers several prominent locales that are perfect for whale watching. The migration patterns of these magnificent creatures bring them close to the coastline of point Dondra, providing aficionados with the ideal opportunity to get up-close and personal with the impressive pods of whales passing through.
Geoffrey Bawa is counted among the great architects of the 20th century, his creations encompassing some of the island’s most celebrated landmarks and include houses, hotels, schools, clubs, offices and government buildings.
The Madhu River is a treasure trove of ancient delights and magnificent biodiversity. The river safari will take you through the mangrove forest and then to the Kothduwa Temple which is over 200 years old. From there you can travel to Cinnamon Island, a family run plantation, dedicated to a host of indigenous industries, which provide rich insight into southern culture and the island’s storied past.
