Sea, Temples & Tea

Introduction
Sri Lanka Sri Lanka
After exploring the Western coast of Sri Lanka, this tour brings you to the central part of the island, rich in archeological sites. You will visit the Ancient Kingdom of Anuradhapura as well as the famous Dambulla Cave Temples and unmissable Sigiriya Rock.

You will then move on further South to the green city of Kandy, followed by a beautiful ride through the tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
Accommodation will be in hotels. 

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Nights 1-3: Hotel in Kalpitiya
Night 4: Hotel in Dambulla
Night 5: Hotel in Kandalama
Night 6 & 7: Hotel in Kandy
Nights 8: Hotel in Nuwara Eliya
Night 9: Hotel in Negombo

Hotel in Kalpitiya
This 3-star hotel on the coast offers 6 comfortable rooms facing the lagoon. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a TV, free Wi-Fi and private facilities.
There is an outdoor pool where guests can cool off in the evening. Guests can also do kayaking on the lagoon free of charge.

Hotel in Dambulla - Option 1
Each of the 7 bedrooms at this lovely boutique hotel include individually controlled Air Conditioning, a safe, a TV, a tea/coffee maker, internet access and a private bathroom.
In the evening, guests can relax by the pool or on the patio.

Hotel in Dambulla - Option 2
This modern hotel offers comfortable rooms equipped with air conditioning, ensuite bathroom, satellite TV and a phone. There is an outdoor pool.

Hotel in Kandalama
Surrounded by nature, this beautiful eco-friendly hotel has modern bedrooms that include air conditioning, a TV, ensuite facilities and free Wi-Wi internet. The rooms face the Kandalama lake.
There is an outdoor pool and a garden.

Hotel in Kandy
Ideally located, this hotel offers a beautiful view over the lake. The modern rooms all feature air conditioning, a TV, a safe and their own bathroom with hair dryer. 
Free Wi-Fi access is available in all rooms and public areas.

Hotel in Nuwara Eliya
Thanks to its location in the hills, this property offers great views over the city. The rooms are spacious and come equipped with Wi-Fi internet, heaters, satellite TV, a safe box and private bathroom.

Hotel in Negombo
This seaside hotel has 131 rooms all featuring air conditioning, a balcony, a TV, a safe, ensuite bathroom with hair-dryer and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Guests are also welcome to use the outdoor swimming pool.


Meals
Most meals are included in your package. Lunches on day 4, 7 and 9 are not included. Cost of lunch is usually around 12 USD per person.

Meals are generally eaten at the accommodations or stables and mostly feature fish or chicken curries with rice.

Water is provided but all other drinks must be paid extra locally.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Horses
We use Marawari and mix bred horses with smooth strides and a lot of endurance. Most of our horses are forward going and used to be ridden in English style.

Itinerary


Sample itinerary - subject to changes

Note: This program is somewhat flexible. If you would like to make some changes please inquire.

Proper attire should be worn when visiting religious places (shorts, tight pants and bare shoulders are not permitted).

Day 1: Arrival 
After pick up at the airport, you are transferred to your hotel in Kalpitiya (90-minute drive) so you can rest and relax before your tour.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight stay in Kalpitiya 
 
Day 2: Sunset Dunes Ride
This morning, you can relax at the hotel. There is an outdoor pool and you can also go kayaking in the lagoon (no extra cost).
In the afternoon, your ride will begin near the lagoon, passing through local villages and coconut plantations. You will be able to witness the life of the fishing folk as you ride along their villages and sloping sand dunes.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in Kalpitiya
 
Day 3: Dutch Bay Ride
You will be rising quite early in the morning and meeting the horses at the beach. With the Indian Ocean to your right, you can gallop on this stretch of land to arrive at the tip of Kalpitiya. This ride will take riders off the beaten track and you will get a chance to explore the coconut plantations and the mangroves. We will end the ride with a refreshing swim with the horses in the Indian ocean.
This afternoon, you will visit the Dutch Church and Fort.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in Kalpitiya

Day 4: Dambulla (no riding)
In the morning, you will travel to Dambulla. On the way to this historic city, you can visit the Ancient Kingdom of Anuradhapura which is considered the first capital of Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura is world renowned for being home to several well-preserved sites. You will be able to choose to visit some of the most important sites of ancient Sri Lankan civilization such as the Abhayagiri Stupa and the Samadhi Buddha Statue.
This afternoon, you could take some time to explore the Dambulla Cave Temples.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight stay in Dambulla

Day 5: Kandalama Lake Ride & Minneriya National Park Safari
Today's ride starts at Kimbissa near the Sigiriya Rock and will proceed through ancient reservoirs, paddy fields and villages giving the rider an opportunity to visit a Buddhist cave temple in the jungle and gallop along the Kandalama Lake.
You can choose to enjoy a Sri Lankan lunch at Alkin resort after which you will go on a Jeep Safari in the Minneriya National Park. The Minneriya National Park is popular for viewing the Asian Elephant in its natural habitat. During the dry season, hundreds of elephants congregate in the park, attracted by its source of water: the Minneriya reservoir.
After enjoying the wildlife in the Minneriya National park, you will return to your hotel (located close to the Alkin resort) for refreshments. Then, you are invited to join a barbeque dinner! You can enjoy the warmth of the fire under the clear skies and should you wish to sleep under the stars, we would be happy to arrange that for you.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in Kandalama

Day 6: Sigiriya Ride & Transfer to Kandy
Your ride will begin in Kandalama and will proceed through villages and paddy fields. Riders will be able to visit two archeological gems during this ride: Kaludiya Pokuna, an ancient Buddhist monastery complex and the moats surrounding the Sigiriya Fortress. Based on your preference, the ride could end in the Sigiriya Rock Fortress complex or at the Dambulla Cave Temples.
In the afternoon, you will travel to Kandy located within the misty mountains of the Central province. On the way, you will be visiting a spice garden in Matale where you can acquaint yourself with the wide variety of traditional Sri Lankan spices.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in Kandy

Day 7: Kandy Visit (no riding)
You will be visiting the Royal Botanical Gardens located in Peradeniya. These historic gardens house a wide variety of orchids as well as the historic Cannonball Tree.
You will also be able to visit key sites in the ancient capital of Sri Lanka such as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight stay in Kandy

Day 8: Hill Country Ride in Nuwara Eliya
This morning, you will travel from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, commonly referred to as Little England. On your way to this scenic town in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka you will be able to visit a tea factory where you can appreciate the process that is behind the production of high quality tea.
Your afternoon ride will begin at the Nuwara Eliya Racecourse and will take you over the misty hills of Nuwara Eliya. Riding towards Mahagastota and Pattipola, you cross tea plantations and forests. The ride will end at the Kande Ela reservoir. You will then be taken on a tour of the key points in the city of Nuwara Eliya before dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

Day 9: Negambo (no riding)
Transfer to Negambo after breakfast. On the way, you can choose to go White water rafting in Kitulgala (optional - extra cost).
This afternoon, you can use your free time to enjoy the sun-filled skies from the beach of the Negambo district.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight stay in Negambo 

Day 10: Departure
You will be dropped off at the airport (Negombo or Colombo) in time for your flight.
Meals included: Breakfast


Non Riders
Non-riding companions are welcome to join this tour. Please inquire for rates.
Non-riding activities (riders can also sign up for these for a surcharge) include dolphin watching in Kalpitiya, Kite surfing in Kalpitiya, diving in Kalpitiya, village tour in Dambulla, elephant ride in Dambulla, Ayurvedic massage in Dambulla and cultural show in Kandy.

Rates and Dates for Sea, Temples & Tea

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Kalpitiya
Airport: Colombo - Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Transfer: Colombo - Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

Climate:
                                                Kalpitiya area