A journey of 8 nights
Tea, Lake and Surf
From a ridge of tea bushes down to the water, then east to a horseshoe bay.
- Nights
- 8
- Stays
- 3
- Arranged
- 4
- For
- Tea country, Active and sport
- Day 1
Arrive
Two hours from the airport to a ridge above Koggala Lake, and a villa of your own among the tea.
- Day 2
The estate
Kahanda Kanda is a working estate of tea and spices. Walk it in the morning, then give the afternoon to the spa pavilion.
- Day 3
White tea
A tasting at Handunugoda, where virgin white tea is cut with golden scissors. Yatagala rock temple on the way back.
- Day 4
Down to the lake
A short drive to Kurulu Bay and a suite above the water. Yoga in the shala as the light goes.
- Day 5
On the water
Koggala Lake by boat in the morning. Nothing at all in the afternoon.
- Day 6
East
Along the coast road to Hiriketiya, a horseshoe bay with surf for every level.
- Day 7
Elephants
A day inland to Udawalawe by private jeep, among wild herds on open grassland.
- Day 8
The bay
Surf, swim, and the rooftop terrace at dusk.
- Day 9
Home
Two and a half hours back to the airport.
Where you stay
Koggala, boutique hotel
Kahanda Kanda
Twelve villas on a working tea estate.
Set along a ridge above Koggala Lake, among jungle and tea. No two villas are alike, each furnished with art and antiques, most standing alone in their own gardens and many with a private pool.
- Villas and suites12
- From the airport2 hrs
- Galle Fort30 min
Ahangama, boutique hotel
Kurulu Bay
Bird island, above Koggala Lake.
Fourteen suites and cottages spread across a green hillside over the lake. Tree houses float above the view, cottages follow the local vernacular, and everything leans toward wellbeing.
- Suites and cottages14
- Pools2
- Galle Fort30 min
Hiriketiya, private villa
Ginger Palm Villa
Paces from Horseshoe Bay.
A boutique villa on the tree-clad edge of Dikwella, steps from the surf at Hiriketiya. An oversized pool for after the beach, and a rooftop terrace for jungle breezes and stars.
- Rooms4
- BeachA few paces
- From the airport2.5 hrs
Arranged along the way
- Handunugoda white tea. A tasting on the estate that makes virgin white tea, cut with golden scissors and untouched by hand.
- Yatagala temple. An ancient rock temple a few minutes inland from Unawatuna, quiet enough to hear the monks.
- Koggala Lake by boat. Still water, mangroves and small islands where cinnamon is still peeled by hand. Birdlife at every turn.
- Udawalawe elephants. Open grassland and wild elephant herds, by private jeep.
- A car and driver throughout. From the arrivals hall to the last morning.