Home / 2026 “Discover Sri Lanka” LUXE Cuisine, Culture & Wild Safari Experience

2026 “Discover Sri Lanka” LUXE Cuisine, Culture & Wild Safari Experience

Another UNIQUE “Small-Group” Cuisine & Culture Experience

“The island of Ceylon is a small universe; it contains as many variations of culture, scenery and climate
as some countries a dozen times is size”
– Arthur C Clarke

Ayubowan!
Join Nico & Belinda as we escort a Small Group of only 10 travellers on our luxuriously bespoke “Discover Sri Lanka – LUXE Cuisine & Culture Experience” for an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime escape to the “Pearl of the Orient”!
Having captivated visitors for centuries, including Marco Polo who famously declared it the “finest island in the world”, this island nation has been known by many names such as “Serendib”, “Ceylon”, and “The Resplendent Isle”, but it has always been a place where history, nature and culture come alive!
Framed by the inviting waters of the Indian Ocean, this beautiful “teardrop-shaped” island paradise offers the perfect mix of tradition and beauty! About the size of Tasmania and the population of Australia, for its size, Sri Lanka punches above its weight as one of the world’s great travel destinations!
Belinda & I revisited in September 2024, after its rough ride over the past few years since our last visit there in 2019, to scope out new properties & experiences for our return visit with our clients. We were super excited to find some amazing new luxury properties and incredible experiences to share and to see that tourism-wise the island has gone from strength to strength and is now riding high as a sublime travel destination again!
We will experience all of this while staying in some of the country’s finest & exclusive luxury properties that push the boundaries of Sri Lankan hospitality, allowing us to discover and explore this amazing country in style!

2026 “Discover Sri Lanka – LUXE Cuisine, Culture & Wild Safari Experience”

DATES

13 Days / 12 Nights
Monday 02 February 2026 to Saturday 14 February 2026

PRICING**

**EARLY BOOKING OFFER

Secure your places before Thursday 15 May 2025 and take advantage of our “Early Booking Offer” and save $AUD300.00 per person on your booking.

– 3 Final Places Remaining –

*ALL INCLUSIVE LAND CONTENT including 11 nights Luxury Accommodations; Arrival & Departure Airport Transfers; Sri Lankan Cuisine & Culture Private Guided Tours as per itinerary; A/C Coach Transfers with private driver; private National Tourist Guide approved English-speaking lecturer specialising in History & Archaeology; included meals as per itinerary; Private Group Escorts.

**To view the USD/AUD Foreign Cash Currency Exchange to be used at the time of payment, please visit the Wise International Currency Exchange rates website at https://wise.com/au/currency-converter/usd-to-aud-rate

Booking Deadline : Monday 01 June 2025

 

2026 “Discover Sri Lanka – LUXE Cuisine, Culture & Wild Safari Experience”

EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

SRI LANKA’S HIGHLIGHTS

Crumbling temples, lost cities and sacred Buddhist sites are the reason to head up country to the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. It was here on the central plains that ancient Sinhalese dynasties set up their first capitals and supported massive artistic and architectural endeavours. Eventually these kingdoms fell, slowly to be reclaimed by the forest and jungles. Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle has enthralled millions of travellers. It covers the north central towns of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Dambulla where extensive archeological ruins, protected as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, provide a glimpse into the island’s history. It is here that Sri Lanka’s kings developed remarkably advanced civilisations.

Sri Lanka’s Hill Country is home to some of the island’s most scenic & colourful scenery, one of the most stunning train rides in the world, hiking opportunities galore and unique tea plantation experiences and accommodations. Our base while exploring the mist-wrapped emerald peaks and stupendous views of tea plantation carpeted hillsides is the laid back hill-country village of Ella. Ella is the perfect place to either slow down with a few leisurely days resting in one of Sri Lanka’s finest hotels, or take in some of the walks through tea plantations to temples, waterfalls and viewpoints. Home to the world’s best tea and still the largest producer of leaf tea in the world, we will learn about Sri Lanka’s tea heritage through visits to tea plantations and production facilities that trace the history its unique place in tea history.


Sri Lanka is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries. With a history of conservation that dates back to its ancient Buddhist traditions, which teach compassion for all living creatures, the country’s history for conservation has been long established with its vast number of National Parks protecting species around the country . Sri Lanka’s wildlife is varied, including 86 mammal species, 16 of which are endemic to the island. Sri Lanka is home to several wild elephant herds, leopards, sloth bears, mouse deer and many monkey species.

Kandy, Sri Lanka’s last capital of its ancient kings’ era, is situated on the edge of a man-made lake, surrounded by green hills and looped by Sri Lanka’s largest river – the Mahaweli. As Sri Lanka’s main religion, its Buddhist influence is seen throughout the country including its many temples and sacred Banyan trees, reclining stone Buddhas and its depicted stories of the Ramayana. The big attraction is the Dalada Maligawa, or the Temple of the Tooth, where Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth relic (left canine tooth) has been enshrined since 4th Century A.D. Twice daily, crowds of worshippers queue up to see the monks opening the sacred sanctum. It’s a tremendous sight, with incense, drumming and exotic costumes adding to the sense of ceremony.

With a history of over 500 years of colonisation by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British, visiting some of the stunningly preserved colonial architecture such as the Dutch Fort town of Galle and Colombo’s Dutch Hospital precinct, provides us with an insight into the development of Ceylon as a country that had developed as one of the world’s major ports of call in the spice trade and its colonial heritage. Galle is thriving. The fortified old town is enjoying an artistic renaissance and the beautiful beaches around it are dotted with luxurious villas and classy boutique hotels. The revival of Galle has also influenced its coastline and it is this area – predominantly south of the town – where Galle’s pull is at its strongest that is termed the Galle Coast. Galle’s main attraction is the 17th Century Dutch Fort, a UNESCO protected World Heritage site. But it is also the gateway to the upmarket beach settlements and the sandy beaches of Unawatuna, Koggala and Habaraduwa.

Colombo is in an exciting phase in its history. There is a sense of renewed ambition now that peace has been restored to Sri Lanka, but it remains a compact, manageable coastal city offering excellent value and an atmosphere all of its own. Ancestral mansions stand side-by-side with modern hotels springing up into the skyline. Street bazaars buzz right next to a few modest shopping malls. While some roads are clogged with vehicles, there remain many sleepy tree-lined boulevards. Colombo might be mildly chaotic at times but it has at its heart a relaxed and genial air.
Sri Lankan food reflects its history and culture as well as its natural resources. In Sri Lanka it’s the cuisine of Southern India and the influence of Dutch colonialists and foreign traders that made the cuisine what it is today. Locally grown rice, coconut and spices form the base of the cuisine, with fish caught off the coast, yellow king coconuts sold by the roadside, and the island’s bounty of tropical fruit and fresh vegetables. A meal in Sri Lanka is called “Rice and Curry”—a veritable feast of a protein based curry plus an assortment of anywhere from four to ten different side dishes. Delicious!
Cooking Passions “Small Group” Cuisine & Culture Journeys
For over 20 years, Cooking Passions Cuisine & Culture Journeys have been designed so that you can make the most of your precious time, as Nico & Belinda have personally done all of the “behind the scenes” research to scope out the finest hotels, local guides & transfers, sights, restaurants, spas & excursions, so you don’t have too.
Each of our tours are designed so you can do as much or as little as you like, while allowing you plenty of free time to explore and immerse yourselves in the sights, shopping, relaxation and eating that YOU want to experience (we’ll be happy to provide suggestions and tips on some of our favourites from our many previous trips). So all you have to do is book your preferred flight, pack a bag & a sense of adventure, and join us for an unforgettable and unique South Asia experience!!

2026 “Discover Sri Lanka – LUXE Cuisine, Culture & Wild Safari Experience”

ITINERARY

PRE-ARRIVAL – Sunday 01 February 2026

Belinda & Nico will be arriving into Sri Lanka on Saturday January 31st, and we would recommend you arrive at least one or two days prior to the official start date of the tour on Monday February 2nd 2026.
Most international flights arrive into Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport in the evening, so arriving a day or so earlier will allow you an opportunity to refresh & relax at our first hotel – the 5-star  Sentido Heritance Negombo Hotel – situated on Negombo’s beachfront and only a short 30 minute drive from the airport.
We have arranged for your Private Airport/HotelTransfer upon your arrival into Sri Lanka with your preferred airline, and will also assist with arranging for any requested additional nights accommodation before we start our exploration of Sri Lanka on Monday.
LUXE Accommodation – Sentido Heritance Negombo Beach Hotel

Heritance Negombo Beach Hotel is an oasis of comfort located by the azure of the Indian Ocean. Situated along the unspoiled coastline of Negombo, Heritance Negombo Beach Hotel stands as one of the best resorts in Sri Lanka, providing a lavish escape accompanied by awe-inspiring vistas of the Indian Ocean.
Indulge in world-class food, rejuvenate at the spa, or simply unwind by the poolside. This idyllic sandy beachfront paradise offers the perfect escape.

DAY 1 – Monday 02 February 2026 – NEGOMBO

 

Arrival Day – As everyone will be arriving into Sri Lanka at different times, we have arranged for your Airport/HotelTransfer upon your arrival with your preferred airline.
Our first night is in the seaside resort town of Negombo, which is conveniently located a short 30 minutes from Bandaranaike International Airport, Sri Lanka’s main airport. Negombo has been an important trading port for both the Dutch and the Portuguese in the years past and is the official airport gateway to the country.
Check-in to your Seaview balcony room after your transfer to the hotel. If you’ve arrived the night before, spend the day with a little exploration of Negombo’s main town and it’s Portuguese influenced architecture and then relax either poolside or spa side later in the day.

Accommodation – Sentido Heritance Negombo

DAY 2 – Tuesday 03 February 2026 – SIGIRIYA | DAMBULLA | MINNERIYA

am – Breakfast at your leisure prior to checking out of the hotel.
08:00am – Group Transfer from Sentido Heritance Negombo for Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.
10:00am – Refreshment break enroute to Dambulla Cave Temple
11:30am – Arrival at Dambulla Cave Temple
Dambulla Cave Temple
The Dambulla cave temple is part of the Golden Triangle of Sri Lanka and is encrusted into a magnificently large rock. It sits more than 160m above the surrounding land and spans for more than 1.5 km around the base. Also known as the “Golden Temple” it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991. This ancient complex was initially established in 3rd Century BC and is truly a wonder as it is the largest and best-preserved cave temples in Sri Lanka. The cave temples are home to numerous religious and cultural paintings and sculptures, including a 14-metre figure of the reclining Buddha carved out of the rock.

13:00pm – Arrival and check in at our hotel – Aliya Resort & Spa – in Sigiriya, with its poolside views across to Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
LUXE Accommodation – Aliya Resort & Spa

Aliya Resort & Spa is a tranquil space where you can relax in contemporary accommodation inspired by Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. With unique experiences, delicious food, and an infinity pool with unobstructed views of Sigiriya, Aliya provides a slice of Sri Lanka’s simple village life infused with modern comforts to provide an experience that’s quintessentially Sri Lankan.

15:00pm – Group departure for our first Sri Lankan Jeep safari to explore the nearby Minneriya National Park and its population of wild Sri Lanka elephants.
Minneriya National Park
Located in the heart of the Cultural Triangle, Minneriya, Eco, and Kaudulla National Parks are among the best parks to see Elephants on the island, with large herds of elephants migrating between each park during different seasons. The parks mostly consist of a mixed forest of evergreen shrubs, a favorite habitat for animals, which include deer and wild elephants.
Which park you visit will depend on the time of year and the recent sightings in the parks. Since the parks are relatively close to each other, the decision of which park to visit will be often made on the day itself, based on up-to-date information about the location of the elephants at that given time, ensuring you the best sightings.
We will explore the park in special viewing jeeps to journey deep into the middle of the park, which is also home to other unique Sri Lankan endemic birds and wildlife. It’s a little bumpy ride but a great adventure as nothing beats the feeling of seeing wild elephants only mere metres away from your jeep.

18:00pm – Return to the hotel and relax. Book yourself in for a spa treatment or, for those that are interested, visit the traditional village kitchen on the grounds of our hotel where the chef’s are preparing our dinner for tonight’s meal at Nagula.

20:00pm – Dinner at Aliya Resort’s wonderful traditional Sri Lankan restaurant, Nagula, overlooking the resort’s own paddy fields and fruit trees, where meals are prepared in a traditional village kitchen – in clay pots and on traditional clay stoves, and served in a traditional manner. For the true flavour of Sri Lanka, we will enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan “Rice and Curry”, a miniature banquet of contrasting ingredients and flavours.

Accommodation: Aliya Resort & Spa
Included Meals : (B, D)

Day 3 – Wednesday 04 February 2026 – SIGIRYA |  POLONNARUWA

am – An early morning breakfast before we head out to Sigiriya Rock Fortress before the heat of the day sets in.
Try some of Sri Lanka’s famous breakfast fare – Egg Hoppers – for breakfast. Hoppers are considered a staple of Sri Lankan cuisine and can come in many forms. Egg hopper are much like a crispy savory crepe made from a rice & coconut milk batter with a soft boiled egg in the middle. It’s served with caramelised onion jam (Seeni Sambal), toasted coconut and Sri Lankan spices, and diners are encouraged to eat it like a taco.

08:00am – Transfer to UNESCO Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The magnificent  Sigiriya Rock, or “Lion Rock”, is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular and dramatic natural sights . The unforgettable rock-fortress of Sigiriya, towers high over the surrounding plains and is a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site (the first in Sri Lanka) which is rich in history. We have arranged for a Guided Walk* of this fascinating site to learn the historical and archaeological significance of the 5th century citadel.
*For those that are interested in climbing to the top, the 1,200 steps (200m) climb is not especially difficult, and will take about 60-90 minutes return, depending how quickly or slowly one takes it. There are places to stop along the way for any breaks. If you didn’t want to climb to the top, or are not so good with heights, the base of the rock has the remains of the Royal Palace’s landscaped waterways and lakes that you are able to visit, as well as an excellent museum which explains the historical elements of Sigirya.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress / Lion Rock

From lavish lower gardens to fresco-ed walls and countless steps, Sri Lanka’s celebrated pillar of rock rises above the soul-soothing surrounding scenery.
Sigirya Rock Fortress, or “castle in the sky”, was a royal citadel for 20 years in the 5th Century and built for the murderous, maverick Sinhalese king, Kassapa. Many scholars believe that Kassapa sought to rule as a God-king. Sigirya is a massive monolith of red stone that rises 600 ft above ground and the climb along 1200 steps either hewn out of the rock or on circular iron staircases eventually lead to the summit which is accessed between the paws of a giant lion. On the way up there are well preserved frescoes depicting topless women, and the view from the top is stunning.
Formerly King Kasyapa’s capital and palace, Sigiriya is a fine example of ancient urban planning. Hear mysteries of the fortress and its impressive construction. Stroll in some of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world and past unique features like the mirror wall. So highly polished was this, the king could see himself as he walked by. Over the centuries graffiti became commonplace some, quite entertaining. Find small examples of colorful frescoes which once covered the western side of Sigiriya, or “Lion Rock” derived from a plateau where once a huge stone lion sat, guarding the gateway to the top.

11:00am – Group Departure to one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals – Polonnaruwa.
12noon – Before our exploration of Polonnaruwa, we will enjoy a lunch at an enchanting traditional restaurant famous for serving huge varieties of local curries.

13:00pm: Guided exploration of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa by Tuk Tuk.

After our lunch, there’s nothing better than sitting back in a guided “chauffeured” tuk tuk for an unforgettable experience that will take us back in time to the golden era of Sri Lanka’s history. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to some of the most impressive ruins and monuments from the period of the Sinhalese kingdom.
As we set off on our tuk tuk adventure, you will be greeted with stunning views of the lush greenery that surrounds the city. The gentle breeze and warm sun create a perfect atmosphere for an afternoon of sightseeing.
Polonarruwa
Polonnaruwa became Sri Lanka’s royal medieval capital from 1073 and remained Sri Lanka’s capital until the late 13th century, before being abandoned to invaders from South India. Spread over a large area of fortified walls and clusters of temples and shrines, the ancient city’s ruins remain in remarkably good condition, and are a fascinating site to visit. The most impressive are the ancient sculptures of Lord Buddha at the Gal Vihara, four colossal Buddhas carved into granite stone which date back to the middle of the 12th century.

15:00pm – Return to the hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. Book in for a spa treatment or enjoy some relaxing time poolside.
pm – Evening and Dinner at your leisure.
Accommodation: Aliya Resort & Spa
(Included Meals: B, L)

Day 4 – Thursday 05 February 2026  – SIGIRIYA | MATALE | KANDY

am – Breakfast at your leisure before checking out from the hotel.
09:00am – Group transfer to Kandy, approximately 3 hours away.
11:00am – Sri Lankan Spice Garden & Farm Experience – In the village of Matale, we will visit a picturesque hilltop 16 acre farm where we will be met by your host with farm sourced fresh juice and taken on a guided walk where you can learn about the garden’s collection of Sri Lankan produce, from nutmeg & mace, pepper to papaya, cocoa to coconut and mango to mahogany. After observing these crops growing, we will enjoy the fruits of the planters’ labour with a traditionally prepared rice and curry lunch.

13:00pm – Group departure for Sri Lanka’s Hill Capital – another former kingdom of Sri Lanka

14:00pm – Check in to our hotel – Grand Serendib Hotel Kandy.
15:00pm – Guided Walk around the charming UNESCO lake city of Kandy.
Our guided walk will begin alongside Kandy Lake, at the centre of the city, and bounded by its famous ornamental “cloud wall“. During our walk we will learn the stories of Sri Lanka’s last kingdom and follow the footsteps of countless Buddhists through the ornate grounds of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which is peppered with monuments to significant times in the island’s history.

Kandy’s Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) is a world-renowned place of worship, where the left canine tooth of Gautama Buddha is enshrined. The temple, which is venerated by thousands of local & foreign devotees and tourists daily, was named as a world heritage by UNESCO in 1988.

The temple, which carries extreme value to Buddhists all over the world, also has immense cultural value. The architecture is of unique Kandyan architectural style with a combination of the unique style used to build “Dalada Mandira” the shrines which housed the Sacred Tooth Relic previously in other kingdoms.
After visiting Kandy’s famous temple, we will explore the busy shops of Ali Mudukkuwa and the city’s impressive clock tower. Drop in for a pot of hot Ceylon tea in Senani restaurant and end our walk at Kandy Market surrounded by local life and an exciting array of exotic fruits and vegetables.
pm – The remainder of the evening and dinner at your leisure.
Accommodation: Grand Serendib Hotel Kandy
(Included Meals: B, L)

SRI LANKA’S HILL COUNTRY & TEA TRAIL TRAIN RIDE

 

Sri Lanka’s railway system, once known as the Ceylon Government Railway and a product of British colonial rule, was initially built in 1864 as a means of transporting tea and coffee between the High Country and Colombo for shipping internationally. The antiquated rail system continues to service Sri Lanka’s population, and a journey on one of the most charmingly neglected railway systems in the world reinforces the maxim that all great train journeys may involve a level of discomfort. The rolling stock may date to the 1930s or 1940s, and some of the seats can become a little uncomfortable, but seats are highly sought after and quite frequently sell out* due to the new found popularity in international travellers wanting to experience this world famous train journey.

* Due to the increased popularity for travellers wishing places on this famous train journey, tickets are strictly subject to availability. Tickets are only issued for sale 10 days prior to the date of travel, and our local tour operators will try to secure the best availability of seats, as is possible.

DAY 5 – Friday 06 February 2026 – Tea Plantation Experience and Tea Trail Train Ride*

07:00am – Early check out from hotel and transfer to Sri Lanka’s highlands and the centre of the country’s tea industry stopping at the village of Nuwara Eliya.
10:00am – Tea Plantation & Factory Experience – We will experience the process of Sri Lanka’s tea manufacturing and gain an understanding of the steps involved in making quality Pure Ceylon Tea, from start to finish. including harvesting, drying, grading and, finally, tasting!

13:00pm – Lunch in Nuwara Eliya (own expense)
Sri Lanka’s Tea Trail Rail
Recognised as one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys, one fabulous way of exploring Sri Lanka’s stunning beautiful tea country is to jump aboard the train. As well as experiencing the country-side up close & personal on this slow moving (sometimes only 40km/h) rail adventure, you also have the opportunity to meet locals from all walks of life making for a very enjoyable experience.
The dramatic landscape of the highlands stirs the senses as you wind past lush tea plantations, majestic peaks and rushing waterfalls. The Sri Lanka Railway – the government railway network – was first started in 1864 during the colonial period.

14:30pm – Tea Trail Rail Experience – (Seats are strictly subject to availability and will be confirmed closer to the travel date)
Whether it’s Second Class or even Third Class seats (which is what we were allocated on our previous group experience to Sri Lanka) this famous train ride is priceless. From mixing it up with locals; eating some of the best samosas from food vendors hopping on at various stops along the way; to simply gazing out the window, this is definitely one of the highlights of any experience in Sri Lanka.

17:15pm – Arrival into the village of Ella and transfer to our accommodation – 98 Acres Resort, one of Sri Lanka’s most exclusive High Country accommodation, set on its own tea plantation.
LUXE Accommodation – 98 Acres Resort Ella

18:00pm – Check in to your Premium Deluxe Signature Room**, set amidst the properties lush tea plantation and with views towards Ella’s famous “Little Adam’s Peak”!

Deluxe Premium Signature Room**

Deluxe Premium Signature Room**

Deluxe Premium Signature Room**

Executive Pool Suite**

Executive Pool Suite**

**You are able to upgrade to one of two Executive Pool Suites (at an additional cost of $USD300 per room per night) from your Deluxe Premium Signature Room, on a first-in basis.

Remainder of the afternoon & evening at your leisure.
Accommodation: 98 Acres Resort
(Included Meals: B)

Day 6 – Saturday 07 February 2026 – Ella 

am – Breakfast at your leisure.
Today is an opportunity for you to spend the day at your leisure. Relax around the resort, enjoy a treatment at the hotel’s spa, or take in some of the nearby attractions of Ella including:

Also known as Punchi Sri Pada in Sinhala, Little Adam’s Peak is situated in Ella and on the doorstep of our 98 Acres Resort. It is an ideal alternative for those who prefer not to climb Adam’s Peak. The walk to Little Adam’s peak is relatively easy and only slightly uphill towards the end as you reach the summit. Along the walk you will be surrounded by lush green landscapes and hillsides including tea plantations. At the end of the walk as you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Ella Rock, Ella Gap and Ruwana Falls.
Locally known as ‘the bridge in the sky’, Nine Arch Bridge is a dramatic viaduct which was constructed as part of the railway line built by the British in the 19th and 20th centuries. This railway was created to quicken the transportation of tea from the island’s central hills down to the port in Colombo and is largely functional rather than beautiful, but this particular viaduct is considered to be some of the most spectacular British colonial architecture in Sri Lanka. As the name suggests, the bridge has nine enormous and exquisite arches which appear to plunge endlessly into the valley below, unusually built using brick and stone rather than steel as this precious resource was needed for the British WW1 effort. The bridge is a great location for the most iconic shots of Sri Lankan train high country train travel and is a short walk from our hotel.
19:00pm – Dinner of traditional Sri Lankan Roti at one of our favourite Roti restaurants in Ella.

Accommodation: 98 Acres Resort
(Included Meals: B, D)

Day 7 – Sunday 08 February 2026 – ELLA – YALA NATIONAL PARK

am – Breakfast at your leisure. Check out from our hotel and group transfer to Yala National Park, one of the most wildlife-rich areas in the whole of Sri Lanka.
12:30pm – Arrival and Check In to the ultra-luxurious 5-star Relais & Châteaux Wild Coast Tented Lodge and your all-inclusive private Cocoon Pool Suite.
LUXE Accommodation – Relais & Châteaux – Wild Coast Tented Lodge

Wild Coast Tented Lodge beckons you deep into Sri Lanka’s jungle. Here, nestled within intimate Cocoons, you’ll discover a profound connection to nature. Surrounded by the untamed wilderness of Yala National Park, exhilarating game drives and walking safaris reveal leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and plentiful birds.
The lodge’s luxury Cocoon Suites are perched at the edge of the Yala National Park, where the Indian Ocean kisses the shore, and which is also a free movement zone for animals, with Yala’s most famous predator, the leopard, coming in the area for an occasional stroll. The only sound that disturbs your sleep is a really loud frog, or waves crashing on the sand.
With its proximity to the national park, it’s not uncommon to spot grey langurs, land monitors, and all manner of colourful birdlife directly from suites. On occasion, elephants have even walked right into the bar, such is the hotel’s remote and wild location. Opening out onto a rugged Indian Ocean beach, and backed by Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife park, Wild Coast’s guests are offered daily game drives into the grassland and lagoons of Yala, all included in the price of the stay.
The hotel’s expert drivers and rangers almost guarantee a leopard sighting since Wild Coast’s Jeeps get priority access to the park and know exactly where to find the large languid cats. After a day roaming the bush, beachside sunset cocktails and inventive cuisine await, served in the expansive poolside restaurant. There’s also a jungle-covered spa for when all the excitement gets too much.

Your Luxury Cocoon Pool Suite

Wild Coast Tented Lodge’s luxurious Cocoon Suites are pure indulgence, and a stay here will make for a truly once-in-a-lifetime safari experience. 
Inspired by the egg-shaped boulders strewn across the beach, the tents have a unique, dome-like shape that’s crafted from thick French canvas. On the inside, they recall a time of great expeditions, featuring teak floors, leather chairs and freestanding copper bath tubs – but there’s also you all-inclusive minibar, WiFi,  a sound system and air-conditioning, keeping you cool and connected.



14:45pm – Wild Coast Tented Lodge Afternoon Safari – Group departure with our Private Ranger for our first safari in Yala and an opportunity to see Sri Lanka’s famous leopards in their natural environment!
16:00pm – Sundowners on the Beach – Each evening, the lodge sets up a happy hour on the beach with cocktails, snacks, and candlelit seating for a beautiful spot to watch the sunset with a drink in hand. 

19:30pm – Group Dinner at Wild Coast Tented Lodge – Dining at Wild Coast Tented Lodge is all-inclusive, so you can eat and drink as much as you’d like. The menus have a mix of Western and Sri Lankan dishes, and a lot of the ingredients are locally sourced.
Accommodation: Relais & Châteaux – Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Meals: (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Monday 09 February 2026 – ELLA – YALA NATIONAL PARK

am – Choose whether you would like to take today’s Game Drive either in the morning or, as yesterday, in the late afternoon. The beauty of the jungle is that no two game drives are ever the same – so many wildlife lovers like to go on as many as they can!
Here are some suggestions for another day at Wild Coast Tented Lodge :
If you choose to participate in an Early morning Game Drive:
05:15am – The birds outside your Cocoon will wake you up with their dawn chorus
05:30am – Head to the restaurant for pre-game drive tea or coffee and meet your ranger
05:45am – Head into Yala with your Private Ranger for your next safari experience.


If you choose to participate in an Afternoon Game Drive:
am – Wake up with the birds and partake in an interesting morning wilderness experience such as a guided nature walk.

Breakfast – On returning from the drive or walk, enjoy a leisurely & extensive breakfast.
Day at your leisure – Retreat to the cool air-conditioned library for a read of some of the Lodge’s classic books, or take a spa treatment. A refreshing swim in your Private Pool or in the Lodge’s ocean-facing pool awaits along with the bar next to it! Alternatively, have a nap and recharge for the afternoon.
From 12:30pm : Lunch at your leisure
14:30pm  – Afternoon Game drive or if you have participated on the morning Game Drive enjoy Afternoon Tea oceanside.

16:00pm – Complimentary Sundowners on the Beach
19:30pm – Wild Coast Tented Lodge Dinner is served.

Accommodation: Relais & Châteaux – Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Meals: (B,L,D)

Day 9 – Tuesday 10 February 2026

am – Breakfast at your leisure.
09:00am – Group transfer to the beautifully preserved 500 year old UNESCO World Heritage precinct of Galle Fort in Galle, once the largest living sea port in Asia –
Galle Fort

Galle Fort is a perfectly preserved colonial time capsule, where its quiet streets ooze old-world atmosphere, with characterful Dutch-era mansions encircled by a venerable chain of ramparts and bastions, and the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean breaking just beyond.  Built by the Dutch, beginning in 1663, Galle’s core is the Fort, a walled enclave surrounded on three sides by the ocean. Most travellers are utterly seduced by Galle’s charm & ambience, making it southern Sri Lanka’s one unmissable sight.
13:00pm – Arrival into UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort and check-in to our hotel – the 5-Star Galle Fort Hotel. Settle in to your luxury suite room and have a little relax either poolside (one of the few properties within the Galle Fort to have its own pool) or step outside the hotel for a little wander around the charming streets and laneways of Galle Fort.
LUXE Accommodation: Galle Fort Hotel

The 5-star Galle Fort Hotel is a unique boutique hotel situated in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Galle Fort area. The building itself is over 300 years old and was once a Dutch merchants house. Now it has 11 suites that have been restored in a luxurious, colonial style, the sensitivity of which has been recognised by UNESCO with its awarding of the 2007 UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award of Distinction, for heritage conservation. It was the 2010 winner of ‘Sri Lanka’s Leading Boutique Hotel’ at the World Travel Awards. The hotel was again nominating in the 2015 World Travel Awards as Sri Lanka’s leading boutique hotel.
Located inside the UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort, the historic all-suites Galle Fort Hotel is housed in a Dutch mansion that dates back 300 years. Through heritage restoration, the building’s Dutch walls and facade were conserved as authentically as possible, with varying themed suites and decor, all surrounding a stunning frangipani-lined courtyard.  Expert restorers were brought in to work with the antiques, which are seen across the hotel and suites.



16:00pm – Galle Fort with a Local Guided Walking Tour – This afternoon we will meet our specialist Galle host for a walking tour of the UNESCO Galle Fort.
Our guided journey will lead around the well-preserved fort’s fortifications and its views of the Indian Ocean beyond and iconic Cricket ground as our local guide shares historic tales of its creation and threats. Meander your way past some of the fort’s best known landmarks but look out also for some lesser known gems. With 150 acres to explore, this tour follows a route that whets the appetite, with a comprehensive and captivating selection of facts and stories drawing from religion, history, architecture, daily life and the devastation of the 2004 Tsunami.

pm – Remainder of the evening and dinner at your leisure. With Galle Fort’s high street just on our doorstep, there are plenty of food & drink and shopping options a short distance from our hotel.

Accommodation: Galle Fort Hotel
(Meals: B)

Day 10 – Wednesday 11 February 2026 – GALLE & SRI LANKAN COOKING EXPERIENCE

am – Breakfast at the hotel at your leisure.
10:00am – Sri Lankan “Cooking a Meal with a Local Family” Experience – This morning we will have an opportunity to be welcomed into a Sri Lankan family’s home to cook together.  For those that would prefer to simply relax around the hotel and Galle Fort instead, you are certainly welcome to have this morning as a Free Morning to enjoy your time in Galle and any of its surrounding beaches at your leisure.

– Transfer to our host family nestled in a little village in Galle where we will be met by our host, her husband and two children. We will have an opportunity to get to know each other, share stories of both our cultures and visit their garden. We will then hop on a tuk-tuk with the family and head for the nearest town to pick up vegetables from a local store. Arriving back to the house, everything will be set up in the garden to start the hands-on cooking class where we will learn various traditional cooking techniques involved in making various typical home-style Sri Lankan recipes. We will then enjoy the fruits of our labour with a sit down meal with the family to enjoy the dishes we have prepared together.

13:30pm – Return to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Enjoy some relaxing time poolside by the hotel’s frangipani-filled courtyard pool.

Accommodation: Galle Fort Hotel
(Meals: B, L)

Day 11 – Thursday 12 February 2026 – BENTOTA | LUNUGANGA ESTATE | COLOMBO

am – Breakfast at your leisure.
10:00am – Check out from our Galle hotel. Group Transfer to Colombo via Sri Lanka’s most influential architects, Geoffrey Bawa, and a visit to his country estate.

11:30am –  Lunuganga Estate was the country home of the renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Started in 1947, the garden led Bawa, a lawyer called to the Bar at the Inner Temple in 1940, to decide to become an architect. As he went on to become Sri Lanka’s and one of Asia’s most prolific and influential architects, the garden at the Lunuganga estate remained his first muse and experimental laboratory for new ideas. He continued to change and experiment with its spaces and structures throughout his life until his final illness in 1998. Left to the Lunuganga Trust on his demise in 2003, the gardens are now open to the public and the buildings on the estate are run as a country house hotel.


With 25 acres of lakeside grounds packed with lush, tropical planting, including fragrant frangipane, the Lunuganga Estate was the lifelong project of architect Geoffrey Bawa. Once a disused rubber plantation, then the late architect’s home, the Sri Lankan coastal stay has now been transformed into botanically infused luxury hotel.
13:00pm – Lunuganga Terrace Lunch – Simplicity continues on the Sri Lankan menu at the terrace restaurant where we will enjoy a lunch overlooking Lunuganga’s famed gardens.


14:00pm – Group departure for our final Sri Lanka encounter, the cosmopolitan capital of Colombo.
Colombo

Colombo is a city hat has many influences still visible today. The Portuguese visited, as did the Dutch and the British. Leaving an architectural legacy that mixes with the local cultures and religions.The former trading post on the Spice Route has embraced merchants and mariners from all over the world since antiquity. The presence of Portuguese, Dutch, British and Indian people has helped shape the cosmopolitan character of the city. Churches, colonial mansions, Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas, Muslim mosques and skyscrapers exist side-by-side in joyful chaos. To really get into the spirit, take a ride on a tuk-tuk. Wind through the chaotic streets of the bazaar. Roam the historic Fort district, or the glamorous avenues of Cinnamon Gardens before returning to the ocean to watch the sunset.
15:00pm – Check in to our Colombo hotel, the 5-star Shangri-La Colombo, where we have arranged Horizon Club Rooms with Executive Lounge Privileges and sea views over Colombo’s famous Galle Face Green.
LUXE Accommodation: Shangri-la Hotel, Colombo

Elevated luxury in the heart of Sri Lanka’s capital, the Shangri-la Hotel in Colombo, one of Colombo’s newest 5-star properties, is a true icon of refined elegance.
From its spacious rooms to the world-class dining options. Unwind at the spa, indulge in a rooftop cocktail, or take a dip in the shimmering pool overlooking the Indian Ocean. With its prime location in the heart of Colombo, this exquisite hotel invites you to experience opulence in Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital.



After checking in, relax in your room or around Shangri-La’s pool or go for a walk along the Galle Face Green oceanside promenade and park in the heart of Colombo and directly opposite our hotel.
18:00pm – Complimentary evening drinks & snacks in Shangri-La’s Executive Lounge.

Evening at your leisure – Enjoy an evening walk along Colombo’s Galle Face Green, Galle Face was designed in 1859 by Governor Sir Henry George Ward and was initially used for horse racing and as a golf course, but also used for cricket, polo, football, tennis and rugby.
For those that would like to go out for dinner, we can decide who would like to go and provide some suggestions from some of Colombo’s many restaurants.

Accommodation: Shangri-La Colombo
(Included Meals: B, L)

Day 12 – Friday 13 February 2026 – Colombo

am – Breakfast at your leisure.
Walking tour of Colombo to explore its historic Fort and Pettah areas with its old Dutch Hospital precinct and street markets!


Remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. Do some last minute shopping at some of Colombo’s famous shops including Barefoot, ODEL and Paradise Road; or simply relax around the hotel pool or enjoy a spa treatment.
18:00pm – Complimentary evening drinks & snacks in Shangri-La’s Executive Lounge.
20:00pm – Final Group Dinner at one of Colombo’s most famous dining institutions – “Ministry of Crab”. Sri Lanka’s famous crabs are the stars at this downtown Colombo restaurant. Located in the Old Dutch Hospital, it’s owned by former cricketers Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, and chef and television personality Dharshan Munidasa. Watch your crab being cooked in an open kitchen at the top of a big, bustling room where guests don bibs and chow down on a varied menu of Sri Lankan and Western  classics.


Accommodation: Shangri-La Colombo
(Included Meals: B, L)

Day 13 – Saturday 14 February 2026 – Farewell & Departure

am – Breakfast at your leisure
12noon – Check out from the hotel. We will say goodbye to all in the group and wish safe onward travels to your next destination.
Airport Transfer – We have arranged for your transfer from the hotel to the Bandaranaike International Airport which is about one hour’s drive away. Please ensure that you don’t book any early morning flights for your departure, as you will need to depart the hotel at least 3 hours prior to your flight departure time.

2026 “Discover Sri Lanka – LUXE Cuisine, Culture & Wild Safari Experience”

TOUR INCLUSIONS

NOT INCLUDED

 

HOW TO BOOK

If you are able to join us on our special 2026 “Discover Sri Lanka – LUXE Cuisine, Culture & Wild Safari Experience”, please contact Nico via +61 402 154 358 or email urbanprovider@icloud.com to secure your places and request a Booking Form.
Booking Deposit: A $AUD2,500 per person non-refundable* Booking Deposit is required to hold a booking for the tour, at the time of your reservation. Booking Deposits are used to pay necessary accommodation deposits with our Sri Lankan accommodation providers at the time of booking. (*We are able to refund any Booking Deposits if we can fill your cancelled places with another traveller)
Booking Deadline: Friday 01 June 2025
Final Payment: Payment in full is required at least 90 days prior to departure. (Final Payment Due: 01 November 2025)
Final Payment will be converted from $USD to $AUD based on the prevailing Foreign Cash Currency Exchange rate at the time of payment.
To view the Foreign Cash Currency Exchange to be used at the time of payment, please visit the Wise International Currency Exchange rates website at https://wise.com/au/currency-converter/usd-to-aud-rate
We look forward to hosting you on tour. Please don’t hesitate in contacting us should you have any questions about any aspects of our 2026 “Discover Sri Lanka – LUXE Cuisine, Culture & Wild Safari Experience”
Ayubowan,
Nico & Belinda Moretti
Urban Provider / Cooking Passions Cooking School
267 Vincent Street, LEEDERVILLE WA 6007
AUSTRALIA
www.urbanprovider.com.au