Nature walk and an authentic home-cooked lunch – Galagedara
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Enjoy a guided walk through a tropical estate followed by a typical Planter’s lunch at the ancestral home of your charming host, originally constructed by his grandfather in the mid-19th Century. Located off-the-beaten track in Sri Lanka’s mid-country, this secluded hilltop abode is 20 kilometers from Kandy, and offers beautiful views of the Kandyan foothills as well as the lowlands of the North Western Province. Note that it takes between 1 hour and 1.5 hours to get there from Kandy – but worth the ride!
Experience Overview
At the estate you will be greeted by your host and start the experience with a walk around the extensive plantation, with your host as your guide. The walk is an easy one, and could be anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on how much you’d like to walk. The walk takes you through some of the 45 acre property’s most interesting spots, as your host narrates an interesting story of the property’s past and it’s present. See cinnamon plots and newly established vanilla and pepper vines, rubber tapping, and the many fruit and spice trees. The lush vegetation and mild climate provide ideal conditions for many forest animals including wild boar, macaque monkeys, barking deer, porcupines and giant squirrels – some of which you may see along the walk. The walk ends back at the plantation home, where guests will have refreshments before sitting down to a typical planter’s lunch with your host and his partner in their cozy dining room. The spread is Sri Lankan cuisine of exceptional quality, prepared on an open (wood-fired) hearth. Finish up with a gin and tonic and proceed onwards to Kandy!
Includes:
We provide a guide, refreshments, a walk, lunch and vehicle.
Duration:
2.5 hours (not including travel time to get there)
Difficulty:
Easy
Suitable for children:
There is ample space for small children to run around and they will like interacting with nature, although they may not be able to follow the explanations and the walk may be a bit too much. Children over 5 or 6 will enjoy the walk and probably come up with interesting questions themselves.
Times:
It is important to arrive early to avoid the mid-day heat whilst on the walk. 9am is ideal. Alternatively you could visit in the late afternoon at around 4.30pm and enjoy dinner post-walk.
What to wear or bring along:
Light, cool clothing, a hat and wearing a pair of trainers and using insect repellent while on the walk are recommended. Bring a camera along too!
Important to know:
It’s recommended to arrive at Emil’s by 10am to make the most of the walk. Lunch includes a choice of either beer or a gin and tonic. Guests have the option of having a bath in a soaking pool at the property, ask Emil about this.
Private or not?
This experience is always private.
About the Host
Your host is a respected award-winning columnist who has recently returned to his ancestral home after 30 years in Canada. He is renowned for his knowledge of Sri Lanka, past and present, and his skills as a raconteur. His partner has retired to the bucolic surroundings of HPH after spending her working life in urban Sri Lanka. Her warmth and exceptional management of the household and its culinary delights ensures the ultimate Sri Lankan experience for their guests.
Managing Expectations
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