Suriyakantha Heritage Home

Visit the fascinating Suriyakantha Heritage Home, filled with Sri Lankan history, culture and art.

SLDT/1702/Ex04

Why you need to book this tour

• The Centre for Art and Culture SURIYAKANTHA is an unforgettable landmark at the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, Kandy.
• The house of a Village Chief has been transformed into a functional art centre with all the facilities neededwhile keeping intact its Dutch-style architecture dating back to the 18th century.
• Its collection reflects the interests of its founders Rohan de Silva and Jacques Soulier – traditional furniture, art items, antique books, photographs, and postcards covering two cultures – Sri Lankan and French.
• Professor Jacques Soulier speaks English and French and will take you through the arts and culture gallery with in-depth explanations over lunch.
• Suriyakantha is located 10km from Kandy city centre, on the road leading to religious and historical sites of the Gampola Period (14th Century AD). We will take you to these spectacular locations as well.
• The center has Pali, Sinhala, English and French documentation and resources for research work on Sri Lankan history, specifically the Kandyan period (18th Century).
• Suriyakantha contributes to the recognition of Sri Lankan contemporary art, particularly photography. The centre plans to display its collection of historical printings while celebrating new talents with dedicated  temporary exhibitions and publishing. 

Etili Village Excursion

Go to the countryside and experience the rural Sri Lankan way of life. 

SLDT/1709/Ex08

Why should you book this trip?

• Experience the traditional village agriculture in Sri Lanka

• Go on a “land master” ride around the village

• Engage with traditional chena cultivation activities which are unique to Sri Lanka

• Opportunity to go on a boat ride in the lake where you will be able to witness beautiful scenery

• Enjoy a traditional local lunch and a dessert in a chena hut

• Learn about various Sri Lankan cuisines

• Go on a short hike to a viewpoint where you can see a beautiful panoramic view of the area

• Witness an amazing sunset over the lake in the evening

• Good photo opportunities

• Opportunity to interact with the Sri Lankan village community

• This is an excellent community-based tour led by an experienced guide. So in turn, you contribute to the wellbeing of the local community

Monkey Kingdom Expedition

Meet the kings, queens and troops of Polonnaruwa - the home of the famous Disney Nature Monkey Kingdom 

SLDT/1707/CT06

Why should you book this trip?

• Observe a variety of social behaviors, including: maternal care, play, food competition, grooming, a rich repertoire of facial gestures, body postures and vocal signals of these very interesting primates
• It’s a very different, unique activity to be done in the historical cultural triangle; going beyond historical monuments. [ easy access from Habarana / Sigiriya / Kandalama / Pollonnaruwe ]  
• It is a fascinating activity for those who love observing animal species in their beautiful natural environment
• Understand monkeys’ different social organizations and ecological strategies
• Opportunity to take easy, up-close photographs of monkeys
• Guidance by an experienced guide/naturalist makes the tour more interesting
• See how monkeys are different as individuals, and observe the similarities they share with humans
• Learn about their family relationships and friendships as well as their often dramatic social histories
• Opportunity to follow monkeys on foot in the forest
• Opportunity to contribute to primate conservation