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Paths of the Pearl Island

A Journey Through Culture, Nature and Spirit

Join Lisa Allwell on a transformative journey to the sacred landscapes of Sri Lanka — a land where ancient kingdoms, sweeping tea plantations, nature and timeless spiritual traditions unfold in harmony.

Your journey begins with a warm welcome to Sri Lanka’s shores, settling in for your first overnight stay at our beachside property, to unwind and ease into island time. We then travel inland to the cultural heart -Sigiriya and ascend the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, discover ancient frescoes, and witness panoramic views of the plains and jungles from the summit. Continue your exploration visiting the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa, and the ruins amongst serene Buddha statues.

We then venture into the wild on a safari through Minneriya National Park, where herds of majestic elephants roam freely across the plains. We explore the sacred Dambulla Cave Temple, where centuries-old murals and over 150 serene Buddha statues rest within ancient rock caves.

We continue into the hill capital of Kandy for an evening at the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic. Here, we witness the sacred ceremony.

We then ascend through mountain landscapes blanketed in tea plantations before visiting a Tea Factory, where you’ll try your hand at traditional tea plucking and discover the art of Ceylon tea from leaf to cup and stay at our Grand Heritage Hotel.

Experience a serene morning trek through the misty Horton Plains to a cascading waterfall and optional High Tea. Board one of the most scenic train rides in Sri Lanka, from Nanu Oya to Ella, winding through tea plantations, mountains, and picturesque villages. We then move to southern Sri Lanka and our coastal wellness abode.

Immerse yourself in local life with a bustling market visit in Tangalle where produce, fragrant spices, and the rhythm of daily trade offer an authentic glimpse into Sri Lankan culture. Return for a hands-on cooking experience, preparing traditional dishes.

We will visit the Local Temple, home to one of the island’s tallest Buddha statues, and receive a blessing from a resident monk and take a night walk to catch a glimpse of local turtles.

Your journey concludes in the coastal enclave of Galle Fort, where cobbled streets, colonial architecture, and local shopping weave together the paths of Pearl Island.

Woven throughout this journey are yoga and meditation personally facilitated by Lisa Allwell.

Negombo — Sigiriya — Kandy — Nuwara Eliya — Tangalle — Galle Fort — Negombo

11 Nights / 12 Days

Paths of Pearl Island

Saturday, 20th February – Tuesday, 03rd March 2027

YOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:
  • 11 Nights Premium, Deluxe Boutique Accommodation or similar.
  • 11 Daily Breakfasts.
  • 05 Lunches
  • 10 Dinners including Farewell Dinner.
  • 01 Shared Jeep Safari Minneriya National Wildlife Park
  • 01 Scenic Train journey Nuwara Eliya to Ella
  • 01 Ayurveda Abhyanga Massage Treatment
  • All sightseeing as per program with Private Driver & Air-Conditioned Coach or vehicles.
  • English Speaking Escort Guide.
  • Entrance fees to the monuments (one visit) as per the program & applicable taxes.
  • Group Airport transfers within the included package dates.

From $ 6,695*
*AUD per person twin share

Single Room supplement available

Trip Highlights
  • Ascend the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Discover ancient frescoes, and panoramic views of the plains and jungles from the summit.
  • Explore the sacred ruins of Polonnaruwa, home to the magnificent Gal Vihara Buddha statues and royal palaces.
  • Discover the spiritual beauty and serene cave shrines of Dambulla Cave Temple, adorned with centuries-old murals and over 150 Buddha statues.
  • Embark on an exhilarating jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, famed for its majestic gatherings of wild elephants.
  • Witness the sacred evening rituals at Kandy’s revered Temple of the Tooth Relic.
  • Wind through mountain landscapes blanketed in tea plantations before visiting the Ramboda Tea Factory, where you’ll try your hand at traditional tea plucking and discover the art of Ceylon tea from leaf to cup.
  • Take an early morning gentle guide nature walk through the misty highlands of Horton Plains National Park, culminating at the picturesque Waterfalls amid serene mountain scenery.
  • Experience the devotional evening Aarti ceremony at the Seeta Amman Temple, a sacred site linked to the Ramayana legend.
  • Board one of the world’s most scenic train rides from Nanu Oya to Ella, winding through tea plantations, misty mountains, and picturesque villages.
  • Discover the flavours of Sri Lanka with a local market visit in Tangalle followed by a hands-on cooking experience, preparing and savouring your own traditional lunch.
  • Visit Wewrukannala Temple, home to one of the island’s tallest Buddha statues and receive a blessing from a resident monk.
  • Rejuvenate with a traditional Ayurveda Abhyanga full-body oil massage.
  • Conclude with a heritage walking tour and shopping through the cobblestoned streets of Galle Fort.

Woven throughout this journey are yoga and meditation sessions personally facilitated by Lisa Allwell.

Trip Notes

Day 1

Arrival: Colombo International Airport.
Upon arrival and once you have cleared customs, you will be met in the arrivals hall and transferred from the airport to your beachside hotel in Negombo.

Day 2

Our journey begins as we travel inland to the Cultural centre of Sigiriya. Afternoon at Leisure and this evening we begin with an opening circle, Yoga & Meditation, followed by Welcome Dinner.

Day 3

Early Morning we ascend the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, discovering ancient frescoes and breathtaking views from the summit. Afternoon at Leisure. Evening Yoga & Meditation.

Day 4

Morning with Yoga & Mediation. We then set of to explore the ancient city ruins of Polonnaruwa, lunch and an exhilarating jeep safari through Minneriya National Park in search of wild elephants.

Day 5

Morning with Yoga & Mediation. This morning we visit the remarkable shrines of Dambulla Cave Temple before continuing to the hill capital of Kandy and the sacred evening ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth.

Day 6

We depart early ascending through lush tea plantations to visit the Ramboda Tea Factory, where you’ll learn about leaf to cup Ceylon tea and try traditional tea plucking. Lunch and arrival in our hill station Nuwara Eliya. Evening Yoga and Mediation.

Day 7

Enjoy a gentle morning trek through the misty landscapes of Horton Plains National Park. Afternoon at Leisure, optional High Tea. Yoga and Meditation, followed by the devotional evening Aarti at Seeta Amman Temple.

Day 8

This morning we board one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic train rides from Nanu Oya to Ella, passing tea plantations, misty mountains, and charming villages. After lunch we travel south through Sri Lanka’s scenic countryside to your tranquil coastal wellness retreat. Evening Yoga & Meditation.

Day 9

Morning with Yoga & Mediation. This morning, we visit a local market in Tangalle before enjoying a hands-on cooking experience preparing traditional Sri Lankan dishes followed by lunch. Afternoon at Leisure. One Ayurveda Abhyanga Massage is available today or tomorrow. This evening enjoy a peaceful beach walk for the chance to spot local sea turtles along the shoreline.

Day 10

Morning with Yoga & Mediation. This morning, we visit a local Temple which houses the largest Budha statue in the country, for a blessing from a resident monk. Afternoon at Leisure followed by Evening Yoga & Mediation.

Day 11

Morning with Yoga & Mediation. The final leg of our journey takes us to Galle Fort. Morning at Leisure and this afternoon we take a guided heritage walk through the cobbled streets, with time to meander through its winding lanes and charming local shops.

Day 12

Morning at Leisure. Enjoy cafes and local shops. After Lunch, we return to Negombo for a sunset farewell dinner before boarding our international flight home.

Tour Exclusions
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
  • International Airfares.
  • Applicable Visas.
  • Expenses of personal nature such as gratuities, drinks, telephone calls, camera fees, laundry, or any other items.
  • Comprehensive Travel Insurance which is mandatory for this tour.
Cancellation Conditions
CANCELLATION CONDITIONS:
  • A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.
  • Further payment and cancellation conditions apply, refer to booking conditions provided at time of booking.

From: $ 6,695*

*AUD per person twin share

Prices are subject to change and availability.

For Tour Enquiries:

Contact Lisa Alwell – [email protected]

Payment and travel Bookings:

Contact Kecci at Essence of India Tours
[email protected]

Payment plans are available for this package.
Prices are subject to availability and change without notice.
Booking terms and conditions apply
For international bookings made outside of Australia a US $15 bank service fee applies.

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“Do not look for a Sanctuary in anyone except yourself.”

~ Gautama Buddha

Essence of India Tours

For all enquiries:

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