CRICKET IN KANDY & COLOMBO

DAY 1: DEPART THE UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Colombo.

DAY 2: TRANSFER TO RURAL GAMPAHA

Upon arrival, your chauffeur-guide will transport you to rural Gampaha where you will be for a two-night stay. 

DAY 3: COCONUT PLANTATION AND VILLAGE TOUR

You can enjoy any number of complimentary activities during your stay at the Horathapola Coconut Estate. Take a tour of the estate, relax amongst its tranquil gardens, or explore the local villages with one of the staff on a leisurely bullock cart ride.

DAY 4: KANDY

Your chauffeur-guide will transfer you to Kandy where you will be staying for 6 nights. In the afternoon, you can explore the Sacred Temple of the Tooth, one of the world’s most important Buddhist shrines.

DAYS 5, 6 & 7: ENGLAND VS SRI LANKA - KANDY TEST MATCH

Over the next three days, you will watch the England vs Sri Lanka Test Match at Kandy Stadium. Your tickets to all matches are included, as well as lunch outside of the grounds each day.

DAY 8: CONTRASTS OF KANDY

An early start today will ensure you have a chance to explore the Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya before the sun gets too hot. Then take a short, scenic drive to Suriyakantha, a fascinating heritage home and cultural centre. After enjoying a guided walk through a 200-year-old house filled with paintings, art, photographs and treasures from the Sigiriya excavation site, you will sample a delicious Sri Lankan lunch. Return to Kandy in the afternoon where you can shop or visit St Paul’s Church if you wish.

DAY 9: ENGLAND VS SRI LANKA - KANDY TEST MATCH

You’ll be back at Kandy Stadium today for the last day of the test match. Lunch will be served outside of the grounds.

DAY 10: TRANSFER TO THE CULTURAL TRIANGLE

A three-hour drive will transport you to the ‘Cultural Triangle’ this morning. In the afternoon, you will venture to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a really special World Heritage site. The caves are home to no fewer than 157 various Buddha statues, religious murals and fantastic views across the surrounding landscapes.

DAY 11: CYCLING THROUGH POLONNARUWA

Your cycling tour begins this morning at the Giritale reservoir, where you will cycle 10km on back roads, past scenic farmlands and small villages. Rest and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before spending the afternoon exploring second oldest of Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms by bike, Polonnaruwa. It is home to a magnificent collection of monuments, including the stunning Gal Vihara rock sculptures.

DAY 12: SIGIRIYA & FARM VILLAGE EXPERIENCE

An early start this morning will ensure you avoid the crowds and heat at the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. It is a great testament to the extraordinary engineering prowess of Sri Lanka’s inhabitants around 1,500 years ago. While the climb may be at times steep, the incredible views at the top are well worth it.

You will later travel by tuk-tuk and tractor around several local farms in a timeless, peaceful setting away from the tourist hotspots. Learn first-hand about the life and work of the villagers and their crops before meeting the farmers and their families and enjoying a home-cooked lunch entirely from the land.

DAY 13: COLOMBO

Travel to Colombo this morning. In the afternoon, you can enjoy an informative walking tour around Colombo in the company of a passionate and engaging local guide who will open up the cultural heart of the city to you. This unique excursion provides a real insight into the influences, traditions and cultures that have shaped and formed the Sri Lankan capital over the intervening centuries.

DAY 14: ENGLAND VS SRI LANKA - COLOMBO TEST MATCH

Have your red, white and blue colours at the ready today, as this will be your last test match at Colombo stadium!

DAY 15: COLOMBO BY TUK TUK

Delve deeper into the life, history and heritage of Colombo today on a tuk-tuk tour as your driver manoeuvres through the back streets. You’ll explore the city’s biggest attractions, friendliest shops and best kept secrets.

DAY 16: FLY HOME

You will be picked up by your driver and taken to Colombo airport, which will take roughly one hour. Depart Sri Lanka on your flight back to the UK.