Sustainable Sri Lanka: Tea Trails to Wild Shores

Day 1: Colombo

Your Sri Lankan adventure begins with a warm welcome from your Renew Ambassador, who will introduce you to the island’s gentle rhythm as you travel to The Notary’s House. Your first night is spent in this characterful estate, where towering trees frame a tranquil lake and distant white Buddhist stupas rise above the palms.

Settle into the unhurried pace of village life with a memorable rice and curry, prepared using seasonal ingredients from nearby farms and gardens. Later, take a gentle walk to the local temple and stop at a tiny village shop for sweet tea and jaggery – a traditional, unrefined cane sugar often enjoyed with tea. It’s a simple, authentic introduction to the warmth, flavours and traditions of Sri Lanka.

Days 2–4: Habarana

Travel towards Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms and settle into Kumbukgaha Villa for three nights. Tucked among tropical greenery, this peaceful retreat is designed to blend into its natural surroundings, while supporting nearby farmers and sourcing fresh produce locally.

Begin with an early-morning cycle through paddy fields, orchards and forest, followed by a traditional breakfast of hoppers, string hoppers, pol sambol and Ceylon tea. Later, explore Habarana’s countryside by bicycle, passing village homes, small shops and fields gathered around a tranquil village tank before enjoying lunch prepared by local women.

Over the following days, discover the customs and stories that shape this part of Sri Lanka. Help prepare food for an almsgiving ceremony, known as dana, then slow the pace with tank fishing and a cold beer beside the lake. Explore the ancient Polonnaruwa Citadel, where intricately carved temples and monumental stupas rise among the ruins.

Days 5–7: Kandy

Before leaving the Cultural Triangle, climb the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress, rising dramatically above the surrounding plains. Follow the ancient steps past vivid frescoes and the remnants of King Kashyapa’s citadel before reaching the summit, where sweeping views stretch across lush forests, paddy fields and distant villages.

Continue to Kandy, where you’ll spend three nights at Ellerton Bungalow: an elegant retreat set among the green foothills of Sri Lanka’s hill country. Its organic farm, reduced electricity use and locally sourced food reflect a thoughtful approach to hospitality.

Meet the people who keep Kandy’s traditions alive, beginning with a culinary experience and lunch shared with a local family. Visit a Kandyan batik artist, where vibrant colours and intricate patterns bring this centuries-old craft to life, before meeting a celebrated traditional dancing master and learning more about this important part of Sri Lanka’s cultural identity.

You’ll also follow the sisters of the Pekoe Trail through the Central Highlands, walking between tea plantations, forests and rural villages. Later, cycle to Ganegoda, passing paddy fields, vegetable plots and ancient shrines before stopping for tea and homemade cake beside the Mahaweli River.

Days 8–9: Rangala

Travel into the cool, green hills of Rangala and spend two nights at Ferndale Retreat, a luxury eco resort surrounded by forest, waterfalls and dramatic views towards the Knuckles Range.

The retreat sources or produces around 90% of its food locally, collects spring water for farming and creates employment opportunities for people from nearby villages. Its peaceful setting invites you to slow down and appreciate the beauty of this biodiverse region.

Choose how you spend your time, from walking to Hatale Waterfalls and exploring forest trails to discovering the retreat’s plantation, where cardamom, vegetables and herbs are grown without synthetic chemicals.

An organic culinary experience offers another way to connect with the landscape, as locally sourced ingredients are transformed into fresh and flavourful Sri Lankan dishes.

Days 10–11: East Coast

Travel to Gal Oya and spend two nights at Wild Glamping Gal Oya, where open plains, dry monsoon forests, grasslands and the shimmering Gal Oya Reservoir create a haven for wildlife. The low-impact retreat uses minimal electricity, sustains its own organic farm and works closely with neighbouring communities.

Join Chief Vedda for a forest walk and discover PeellaKandura, a hidden water stream reached through the wilderness. His deep knowledge of the landscape and ancestral connection to the forest bring a unique perspective to this remarkable experience.

The following day, explore Gal Oya by boat, watching for elephants swimming between the islands and colourful birds along the shoreline. Continue to Kiri Oruwana Lake for birdwatching before hiking Monkey Mountain, where wide views unfold across the forest, reservoir and surrounding plains.

Days 12–13: Tangalle

Travel south through traditional villages, bustling small towns and colourful roadside markets before reaching Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Spend your final two nights at Ceu Ceylon, a peaceful base beside the ocean and the perfect place to unwind after your journey.

Relax on the beach, feel the sea breeze and savour the flavours of the coast with an optional culinary experience featuring locally sourced river prawns. You may also visit Rekawa for a responsible turtle-watching experience, observing nesting turtles quietly and from a respectful distance, without bright lights, flash photography or physical contact.

As your journey draws to a close, take time to look back on the many sides of Sri Lanka you’ve encountered: ancient kingdoms and sacred traditions, village kitchens and tea-covered hills, wild forests and the communities who call them home. It’s a fitting final chapter to a journey designed to connect you more deeply with the island, support the people who call it home and tread lightly through its remarkable landscapes.