Wisdom – Wellbeing – Wilderness
Join Tim and Anna on a transformational journey to Sri Lanka where lush landscapes, timeless wisdom and heartfelt hospitality come together in the most captivating way.
Our journey begins beside the serene waters of a vast lagoon in the coastal town of Negombo, where sweeping views, and peaceful surroundings invite us to slow down and settle into the island’s warm embrace and set the tone for our journey.
We continue south to Ahangama and settle into our lush, eco-conscious retreat sanctuary dedicated to deep healing and quiet reflection. This peaceful haven will be our home for 6 nights, nestled along the shores of Koggala Lake, with a 5.5-day Yoga and Mindfulness Retreat Program, uniquely curated and facilitated by Tim & Anna.
Our adventure continues with a visit to the Udawallawe Elephant Transit Centre, at feeding time, where orphaned elephants are rehabilitated before being released back into the wild. After lunch, we experience an exhilarating jeep safari, witnessing elephants roaming free in the wilds of the National Park and return to Galle Fort.
On our final day, we explore the historic Galle Fort, where cobbled streets and colonial architecture tell stories of centuries past. Enjoy a guided heritage walk to absorb the island’s layered history, with time to meander through its winding lanes and charming local shops.
We then return back to Negombo and as the sun sets over the Lagoon, we come together for our farewell dinner, a moment to honour new friendships, the deepening of our yoga and mindfulness practice and the richness of our Sri Lankan journey together, before boarding our international flight home.
Negombo — Ahangama — Udawallawe — Galle Fort — Negombo
08 Nights / 09 Days
Essence of Lanka
Friday, 12th March – Saturday, 20th March 2027
YOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 08 Nights Premium or Boutique Accommodation or similar.
- 08 Daily Breakfasts.
- 02 Lunches.
- 08 Dinners including Welcome and Farewell Dinners.
- 08 Night Tour including a 5.5 Day Yoga and Mindfulness Retreat Program
- 01 Relaxation Massage Treatment.
- 01 Jeep Safari Udawallawe National Park.
- All sightseeing as per program with Private Driver & Air-Conditioned Coach.
- English Speaking Local Guide Udawallawe and Galle.
- Entrance fee to the monuments (one visit) as per the program & applicable taxes.
- Group Airport transfers within the included package dates.
From $ 5,595*
*AUD per person twin share
Single Room supplement available
Trip Highlights
- Accommodation at Premium and Boutique Properties.
- Ease into the rhythm of Sri Lanka with a peaceful Lagoon stay in Negombo.
- Rest and restore in a beautiful eco-luxury private estate nestled along the tranquil waters of Koggala Lake.
- Immerse yourself on an 8 Night Tour including a 5.5 Day Yoga and Mindfulness Retreat Program, personally facilitated by Tim & Anna.
- Learn the principles of Ayurvedic wellness with an information session hosted by local Ayurvedic doctors
- Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Koggala Lake, taking in the natural beauty of the lake and visiting the remote island Buddhist Temple, where we will receive a traditional blessing during a private Monk Chanting Ceremony.
- Witness feeding time with orphaned elephant calves who are being prepared to return to the wild at the Udawallawe Elephant Transit Home – a heartwarming and ethical sanctuary.
- Experience the thrill of an Udawallawe Elephant Safari, where majestic wild elephants roam freely against a backdrop of lush grasslands and scenic reservoirs.
- Step back in time on a guided heritage walk through Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich with colonial charm and layered history.
- Enjoy time to explore Galle’s winding laneways, artisan boutiques and seaside cafés.
- Conclude our soulful journey with a farewell dinner, Negombo.
Trip Notes
Tour Exclusions
Cancellation Conditions
From: $ 5,595*
*AUD per person twin share
Prices are subject to change and availability.
For Tour Enquiries:
Contact Tim Oddie – [email protected]
Payment and travel Bookings:
Contact Kecci at Essence of India Tours
[email protected]
COAST TO KINGDOMS EXTENSION TOUR
Post-Tour – After the Main Tour
Negombo – Anuradhapura – Sigiriya – Negombo
20th – 24th Mar 2027
4 Nights / 5 Days
A journey from coastal calm through ancient temples, sky-high citadels and elephant realms.
Continue your Sri Lankan adventure with a 4-night post-tour extension, exploring the island’s spiritual heart, ancient wonders and vibrant cultural traditions. Discover revered temples, sacred stupas and centuries-old Buddhist heritage, where you will receive a traditional blessing and experience a monk chanting ceremony. Ascend the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress at sunrise and wander through the golden cave temples of Dambulla
Experience authentic village hospitality with a memorable farm-to-table dining experience and venture into the wilderness of Minneriya National Park in search of wild elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat. Continue to Kandy to visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, before concluding your journey with a beachside farewell dinner.
Day 1:
Arrival from our Main Tour Retreat with included Farewell Dinner.
Overnight Negombo.
Day 2:
After breakfast, we journey north to explore the sacred city of Anuradhapura, with age old temples, stupas and centuries-old Bodhi trees; here we connect with the spirit of Buddhism receiving a traditional blessing during a Monk Chanting Ceremony.
Day 3:
Our morning begins early with a sunrise climb to the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress to explore ancient palace ruins with breathtaking views sweeping across the plains. We return to our hotel for breakfast and enjoy time to enjoy the hotel facilities.
This afternoon, we gather for a joyful farm-to-table culinary experience sharing a home-cooked Sri Lankan meal with local family and traditional folk music under the stars.
Day 4:
Today, we journey further into the Cultural Triangle to explore the mystical Dambulla Cave Temples where golden Buddhas and intricate Sinhalese frescoes reside within ancient rock chambers.
This Afternoon, our adventure continues into the wild with an elephant jeep safari through Minneriya National Park, witnessing herds roaming freely across the landscape.
Day 5:
After breakfast, we continue to Kandy to visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, before concluding your journey with a beachside farewell dinner.
Pricing available on request
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.
“It is necessary that we know with absolute certainty
that in essence we are spirit.”
~ Rabindranath Tagore
