Vegan Holiday in Sri Lanka

Experience the Best of Sri Lanka: Beaches, Wildlife and Culture Come join us on an adventure in Sri Lanka. Explore the serene white sandy beaches, snorkel in the warm turquoise waters, and discover the vibrant sea creatures that call it home. At night, indulge in local cuisine with a home-cooked, traditional dinner. Then, journey through the enchanting tea plantation and mountainous hill country, where you'll learn about the plight of wild elephants and witness the mesmerizing beauty of ancient Hindu and Buddhist ruins.

Day 01 - Colombo

Welcome to the Island of Serendipity – A Place of Vibrant Customs, Cultures & Cuisines! Join us in the old capital of Colombo, Sri Lanka for an unforgettable experience. For over 2,000 years, Colombo has been a hub for traders from all over the world, including Greece, Rome, Persia, and China. Our home base is the historical Mount Lavinia Hotel, situated on the beach with a stunning pool overlooking the Lakshadweep Sea. Originally built as the Governor of British Ceylon’s residence over 210 years ago, it's now one of the most iconic and oldest hotels in the country.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural diversity of Colombo on our Heritage Walk. From colorful cafes to bustling bazaars, unique architecture to places of worship, and, of course, the friendly locals, you'll witness the beauty and charm of this amazing city. Don't miss out on the chance to indulge in the delicious Dutch Burgher feast of Lamprais, which is 100% vegan.

Breafkast,Lunch and Dinner are included.

Overnight stay in Colombo.

Day 02 - Colombo

Exploring the Sensational Flavors of Colombo - from Bustling Bazaars to Vegan Feasts! Join us on an exciting journey through the vibrant veggie and spice markets of Colombo, the former trading capital of Sri Lanka. As a country nestled at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka boasts an incredibly diverse and delicious cuisine, influenced by centuries of trading with various cultures, including the Portuguese, Dutch, British, Indian, Arab, and Chinese.

Today, we'll delve into the fusion of local ingredients and cooking traditions with those of the spice-seeking merchants and immigrants, resulting in some of the most famous dishes and snacks of Sri Lanka. Our adventure begins with a visit to the local veggie, herb, and spice market, followed by a cooking class featuring the island's classics.

Finally, we will indulge in a vegan feast, where you can enjoy the mouth-watering flavors of Colombo's finest cuisine.

Get ready to eat well and appreciate the remarkable tastes, sounds, scents, and sights of Colombo.

Breafkast,Lunch and Dinner are included.

Overnight stay in Colombo

Day 03 - Anuradhapura

Discovering the Wonders of Ancient Anuradhapura – the First Capital of Sri Lanka Did you know that this small island nation is the oldest continuously Buddhist majority country in the world? With a majority Buddhist population, Buddhism is practiced by approximately 70% of the people, and is the primary religion of the Sinhalese ethnicity, which comprises roughly 75% of the population. The Theravada school of thought – the oldest school of Buddhist thought in the world – is believed to have arrived in Sri Lanka between the third century BC, shortly after its conception. Emperor Asoka, one of the greatest influencers of Buddhism spreading to other parts of Asia, is said to have sent his son, Venerable Mahinda to Sri Lanka to help spread Buddha’s teachings. His sister followed, bringing with her a sapling from the Bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The sapling was planted in Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka's earliest and greatest ancient capitals, and the first Buddhist monastery on the island was established there.

Anuradhapura became one of the greatest political and religious capitals of the island kingdoms and lasted for nearly 13 centuries. It is often regarded as Sri Lanka’s first capital and grew to become the “capital” of Theravada Buddhism in the world, as well as one of the leading centers of Buddhist studies, teaching, philosophy, art, and culture in ancient times.

Join us this afternoon as guests of a local Buddhist monastery to learn more about Theravada Buddhism. We’ll also be introduced to the “basics” of Vipassana Meditation, which was first taught by Lord Buddha over two and a half millennia ago. Prepare for a day filled with remarkable relics and ruins, mesmerizing meditation, Theravada Buddhism, and early Sinhalese history – all in the ancient city of Anuradhapura.

Breafkast,Lunch and Dinner are included.

Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.

Day 04 - Mannar & Jaffna

Embark on a Journey to the Cultural and Culinary Capital of Sri Lankan Tamils – Jaffna Vanakkam and welcome to Jaffna, a historically and spiritually significant district located less than 50 kilometers from India. For over a millennium, Jaffna has served as the cultural and religious center for Sri Lankan Tamils, boasting a unique identity that adds to the diversity of the island.

Explore the city’s kaleidoscope of colorful Hindu temples, meander through its cow and palm-fringed lanes, and take in the bustling yet calm markets offering everything from lungis and saris to traditional Tamil cuisine. The rhythmic sounds of kottu roti minced to perfection, piping hot thosais, and freshly fried vadais fill the air, making your culinary experience a memorable one.

Breafkast,Lunch and Dinner are included.

Overnight stay in Jaffna.

Day 05 - Jaffna

Experience Jaffna's Vibrant Culture: Folk Music, Dance, Street Theater, and Delicious Cuisine!

Begin your day with a delicious Jaffna-style breakfast of thosais, piping hot rasam, coconut chutneys & curries, and more. Next, join a grassroots organization that promotes healing and community building through music, dance, and drama. As guests of the center's students and teachers, we'll learn about the unique arts of music and dance that are an integral part of Sri Lankan Tamil culture.

One such art is "Koothu," an ancient Tamil folk art of storytelling through music, songs, and dance. This amazing art form was once performed by theatrical groups who would travel from village to village, bringing important social messages and education through entertainment.

In the evening, we'll join a troupe to see and participate in the work they do in spreading important social messages throughout rural villages in Northern Sri Lanka through the art of Koothu. Street theater was once the primary form of entertainment for those living in rural areas, and it still plays a vital role in bringing awareness to social issues, preventative health lessons, and other pertinent teachings.

As the day comes to a close, we'll enjoy a vegan dinner of home-cooked dishes under the stars with our local host family. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in Jaffna's vibrant culture!

Breafkast,Lunch and Dinner are included.

Overnight stay in Jaffna.

Day 06 - Jaffna

Discovering the Local Way of Life in Jaffna: A Journey Through Sights, Sounds and Flavors Experience the true essence of Jaffna – a town steeped in rich history and culture. Begin your day with a scrumptious vegan breakfast, including string hoppers, warm coconut paal sothi, pickles, katharikai poriyal, and fresh tropical fruits.

After breakfast, we'll explore the town's iconic landmarks, including the formidable fort, local bazaars, temples, and library, and learn about the town's unique way of life and history. Accompanied by a seasoned local resident, we'll stroll through the quiet lanes, colorful markets, and lovely lagoons of Ol' Jaffna and its surrounding countryside. After a morning of exploration, we'll take a break and enjoy a delicious lunch of fresh delicacies with a local family.

Following lunch, you'll have the rest of the afternoon and evening to relax, cycle around, and explore the town at your own pace.

Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the heart of Jaffna and experience its sights, sounds, and flavors.

Breafkast,Lunch and Dinner are included.

Overnight stay in Jaffna.

Day 07 - Polonnaruwa

Join the Elephant Conservation Program and Discover the Plight of Sri Lanka's Elephants Our journey takes us south to the stunning plains of Polonnaruwa, where we'll learn from Sri Lanka's top conservationist about the struggles faced by the country's elephant population. The region is home to over 160 species of birds, 34 reptile and amphibian species, and 24+ mammalian species, including the protected Sri Lanka Elephant – a sub-species of the endangered Asian Elephant.

After arriving at our hotel just outside the UNESCO World Heritage site, you can relax and soak in the natural surroundings. Over the next day and a half, we'll join an expert to learn about the Sri Lanka Elephant, their fight for survival, and the essential role of education in promoting coexistence between wild elephants and humans.

Breafkast,Lunch and Dinner are included.

Overnight stay in Polonnaruwa.

Day 08 - Polonnaruwa

Elephant Conservation and Kaudulla National Park: Learning about the Plight of Sri Lanka's Elephants and How to Help Join us for a delicious breakfast of vegan Kurakkan Roti, vegan Lunu Miris, and a variety of chutneys, accompanied by hot cups of black coffee and the famous Sri Lankan tea.

After breakfast, we'll head out to Kaudulla National Park to learn about the Asian elephant and the challenges they face in their struggle for survival. Habitat loss, fragmentation, human encroachment, poaching, and captivity are just a few of the obstacles that threaten these magnificent creatures, and all of them are caused by humans. We'll hear from leading elephant experts, rangers, and local communities about their efforts to protect and preserve the elephants in Sri Lanka.

Creating a peaceful coexistence between people and wild elephants is crucial to the survival of over 4,000 wild elephants in a country with 22 million people on an island smaller than the state of Texas.

After our day of learning, we'll return to the hotel to freshen up before reconvening for dinner under the stars.

Breafkast,Lunch and Dinner are included.

Overnight stay in Polonnaruwa.

Day 09 - Thennadi Bay

Experience Sri Lanka's Culinary Delights and Southern Coastline Start your day off with an authentic Sri Lankan favourite – buffalo curd, a delicious and sweet snack that's served in bright terracotta pots and drizzled with golden treacle. This delicacy is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth! Afterward, head to the stunning beach village of Mirissa and indulge in a delicious lunch of biryani and watalappam (a delectable coconut custard pudding).

Spend the rest of the day exploring the golden sands of Sri Lanka's southern coastline. The beach is a long curve of sand with clear waters, perfect for swimming and enjoying the incredible sunsets. Take a bicycle ride or tuk-tuk to watch colourful fishing boats bringing back their fresh catch to sell along the shore, or board a boat to spot whales and dolphins.

If you prefer to relax, grab a beer and sit back to watch surfers take on the waves. This is a paradise that you won't want to leave!

Dinner and overnight in Thennadi Bay.

Day 10 - Thennadi Bay

A Day of Adventure at Thennadi Bay Begin the day with seaside yoga to soak in the tranquil surroundings. A customized vegan breakfast will be served for us to relish. Thennadi Bay is a spectacular location with wonderful coral reefs and abundant marine life, including parrotfish, butterfly fish, sea turtles, and even sharks. We will board boats to explore this marvelous aquatic world. After our underwater excursion, we'll return to our beachside bungalows for a scrumptious lunch. Spend some time relaxing on the sandy shores or enjoy a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean. Later, we'll participate in a community beach conservation project with the locals.

As the day draws to a close, we'll savor sundowners and a delicious vegan dinner consisting of local coastal favorites while gazing at the moonlit bay.

Dinner and overnight in Thennadi Bay.

Day 11 - Kandy

Discover Kandy - A City Steeped in History with a Fusion Feast and Traditional Dance Steps Join us for a unique journey back in time to explore the vibrant history of Kandy. We'll start by leaving the balmy ocean breezes behind and heading inland to Sri Lanka's lush green hill country. Our destination is the last capital of Sri Lanka's independent kings - Kandy.

Here, we'll find thick forest-clad mountains, dense jungles, and tea plantations, all nestled in a plateau valley around a central lake.

Kandy has a rich history that spans more than 600 years. It was the last kingdom to fall to colonial powers and became a bastion of art, culture, and Buddhist studies. The city's music, arts, dance, temples, and architecture reflect this heritage, and we'll have plenty of opportunities to explore them all.

Our home for the next three days is one of the most legendary and iconic buildings in the country. With its hardwood floors, high ceilings, grand arches, and vintage interior, this over 160-year-old building will transport you back to a bygone era. Located right in the heart of old town Kandy, it's the perfect place to experience the history, heritage, cultural diversity, and placid pace of the city. You'll be able to visit the country's sacred Temple of the Tooth, explore colorful markets, shop houses, and enjoy a plethora of cafes and pubs.

After a delicious vegan fusion lunch, we'll join one of the foremost experts and teachers of Kandyan dance. They will introduce us to the mesmerizing and magical forms of Kandyan dance, a traditional art form of the city. With hypnotic dance steps and fusion feast, this is an experience you won't forget!

Dinner and overnight Kandy.

Day 12 - Kandy

Sri Lanka's Tea Industry: A Legacy of People, Commerce, and History Sri Lanka is renowned worldwide for its tea, having established itself as the fourth largest producer of tea globally. But tea is much more than just a fragrant and refreshing beverage. It has a rich history and legacy, not just in terms of trade, health, and commerce, but also of the people who are involved in its production.

Today, we will delve into the story of the tea industry from the perspective of the individuals who work within it. With over 1 million employees, the tea industry is a significant contributor to the country's foreign exchange earnings. In 1824, the British smuggled a tea plant from China to Sri Lanka, but it wasn't until 1867 that James Taylor established tea as an industry on the island with his 19-acre tea plantation in Kandy.

Today, tea is grown on 464,990 acres of land, accounting for approximately 4% of the country's total land. Later in the evening, we will visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which was built over three centuries ago to house a sacred tooth relic of Buddha. The temple was constructed by the Kandyan Kings between 1687 and 1707. After exploring the temple, you will have the opportunity to explore the vibrant and colorful streets of old Kandy at your leisure.

You can shop for souvenirs, indulge in a traditional massage, or simply stroll around the city's historical charm and pace.

Grab a drink at a local café or pub and unwind in Kandy!

Dinner and overnight Kandy

Day 13 - Kandy

A Vegan Sri Lankan Breakfast and a Day of Exploration in Kandy Start your day with a delightful taste of Kandy – a fusion of Sri Lankan traditional breakfast dishes, all created to be 100% vegan by the local chef. After the satisfying meal, take your time to enjoy the morning and afternoon exploring the area on your own.

Take a dip in the pool, catch up on writing in your journal or browsing social media. The town's colorful streets and lanes offer a wide variety of shops where you can find souvenirs for everyone on your list. You can also get a traditional Sri Lankan massage, relax with a hot cup of tea or coffee while taking in the stunning views of the lake, or simply unwind and appreciate the rich history and culture of the central highlands of the Island of Serendib.

As the sun sets, join us poolside at our over century and a half old residence for a farewell dinner party. Enjoy the evening with refreshing island drinks and a delicious traditional vegan Sri Lankan feast.

Don't forget to bring your appetite, thirst – and of course, your party shirt!

Dinner and overnight Kandy

Day 14 - Kandy l Colombo

Experience an Unforgettable Culinary Journey with Our Taste of Kandy Buffet Breakfast Indulge in a sumptuous spread of the local chef's favorite 100% vegan dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. After a hearty breakfast, we'll make our way from the lush tea plantations and thick jungles of the hill country, descending from over 1,500 feet to sea level, to reach the coastal capital of Colombo.

The journey offers breathtaking views that are sure to leave you awestruck.

Once we arrive in Colombo, we'll enjoy a delectable lunch before bidding farewell to Sri Lanka, concluding our adventure.

Inclusions :

• Accommodation in standard rooms as per the itinerary

• Transport is based on 01 Air-conditioned Luxury private vehicle

• Service of an English-speaking Chauffeur Guide during sightseeing tour

• Entrance and service fees mentioned on the itinerary

• 4 star hotel accomodation and can be upgraded if required at an extra cost

• All current taxes as on date

• Parking and highway tickets

Exclusions :

• Sri Lanka Visa

• Cost of Lunch & Dinner during the tour (if not mentioned in the itinerary)

• Any International Airfare / Airport taxes

• Any change in tax structure resulting from the hike in published tariff.

• Items of personal nature like tips, laundry, phone calls etc.

• Any video / still camera fee to the monuments and places of visit

• Any other item not explicitly mentioned under price includes.

• Bar, telephone and laundry bills

• Tips to guides, restaurants, and hotel lobby. Tipping is expected.

• Any others expenses

Other Conditions :

Optional excursions and additional services could be provided for which we will charge additionally. Visits to wildlife parks will be at client's own risk.

Safari vehicles (none air-conditioned) available are very basic with basic insurance cover (not comprehensive as in the case of vehicles used for tours).