Galle Fort is a fascinating place to explore! With its mix of Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture, it's like stepping back in time while still enjoying modern cafés, art galleries, and boutique shops.

You can start your visit by walking along the fortress walls, taking in the panoramic ocean views. Then, dive into the narrow streets lined with charming colonial buildings, stopping at the Dutch Reformed Church or the Galle Fort Lighthouse for a picture-perfect moment.

Don’t miss the local boutiques selling unique handicrafts, jewellery, and textiles, or the cosy cafés offering aromatic Sri Lankan tea and fresh seafood. As the sun sets, the fort takes on a magical glow, making it the perfect time to relax at any of the many restaurants.

Visiting Herman Gunaratne’s tea plantation, Handunugoda Tea Estate , is a must for tea lovers! Located near Galle, this plantation is famous for its "Virgin White Tea," a rare and luxurious tea that is hand-plucked without ever being touched by human hands.

During your visit, you can take a guided tour through the lush tea fields, learn about the history of Ceylon tea, and watch the traditional tea-making process—from picking the leaves to drying and rolling them. The estate also produces a variety of teas, including black, green, and white teas, which you can sample at the on-site tea lounge.

One of the best parts? The estate isn’t just about tea! They also produce cinnamon, rubber, and coconut, making it a well-rounded cultural experience. Plus, you’ll get to meet Herman Gunaratne himself if he’s around—his stories about the plantation’s history are fascinating!

The beaches nearby offer the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure! Here’s what to expect at each one:

• Talpe Beach – A quieter, more upscale beach known for its stunning natural rock pools and luxury beachfront villas. Great for a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.
• Unawatuna Beach – One of the most famous beaches in Sri Lanka! It’s lively, with plenty of beach bars, restaurants, and water sports like snorkeling and diving. The nearby Japanese Peace Pagoda offers breathtaking panoramic views.
• Dalawella Beach – Known for its calm waters and picturesque scenery, this beach is perfect for swimming and snapping photos. It’s also home to the famous "Palm Tree Rope Swing" at Dream Cabana, a must-try for Instagram-worthy shots!

Whale watching in Mirissa is an unforgettable experience! From November to April, the waters off Sri Lanka’s southern coast become one of the best places in the world to see blue whales, along with sperm whales, Bryde’s whales, and playful pods of dolphins. The beach has a laid-back vibe, with palm tree swings and beachfront cafés perfect for sunset views.

What to Expect on a Whale Watching Tour:

• Early morning departures (around 6 AM) for the best chances of sightings.
• A 3-5 hour boat ride with experienced guides who can spot and identify different whale species.
• The possibility of seeing spinner dolphins racing alongside the boat!

A boat ride on Koggala Lake in the late afternoon is a peaceful and immersive way to experience Sri Lanka’s cinnamon heritage.

What to Expect on Your Visit to Cinnamon Island:

• A scenic boat ride through mangroves and small islands, with chances to spot exotic birds and monitor lizards.
• A guided tour of Cinnamon Island, where you’ll see traditional cinnamon peeling and oil extraction methods
• Learn about the history of the cinnamon trade and how Sri Lanka became one of the world’s top cinnamon producers.
• Enjoy a cup of fresh cinnamon tea while taking in the calm lake views.

Visiting a Sea Turtle Hatchery & Conservation Center is a heart-warming and educational experience!

You can:

• Learn about different sea turtle species found in Sri Lanka (like the Green, Hawksbill, and Olive Ridley turtles).
• See rescued turtles recovering from injuries, including those affected by fishing nets. Hold baby turtles and even participate in a hatchling release if you're lucky! Gain insights into turtle conservation efforts and how the centres protect nests from poachers.

This is a must for nature lovers! This UNESCO World Heritage Site is Sri Lanka’s last primary tropical rainforest, filled with rare flora and fauna.

What to Expect on a Sinharaja Rainforest Hike:

• Lush jungle trails with stunning biodiversity.
• Wildlife spotting – Look out for purple-faced langurs, giant squirrels, and vibrant bird species like the Sri Lankan blue magpie.
• Hidden waterfalls – Cool off in natural pools like Kekuna Ella or Doovili Ella Falls.
• Guided experience – A local guide is essential, as the dense forest can be tricky to navigate.
• Misty mountain views – The higher you hike, the more breath-taking the scenery!

Best Time to Visit:

• December to April & August to September offer the best weather.
• Avoid the monsoon months (May–July, October–November) when trails can be slippery.

Ayurveda in Sri Lanka is all about holistic healing, focusing on balancing your mind, body, and spirit using natural herbs and oils.

• We can offer treatments at the retreat or recommend Ayurveda spas offering a mix of detox, rejuvenation, and relaxation packages with herbal massages and treatments tailored to your dosha (body type).

Taking a Sri Lankan cooking class is a fantastic way to dive into the island’s rich culinary traditions!

What to Expect in a Cooking Class:

A visit to a local market to pick fresh ingredients like coconut, curry leaves, and exotic spices.

Hands-on experience making classic Sri Lankan dishes such as:

• Rice & Curry (with dhal, coconut sambal, and various curries)
• Hoppers (crispy bowl-shaped pancakes)
• Pol Roti (coconut flatbread)
• Kottu Roti (Sri Lanka’s famous street food)

Learning the art of balancing spices and making your own curry powders. Enjoying the meal you cooked, usually served on a banana leaf for an authentic touch!