10 days tailor made from £5,000 pp
From £5,000 pp
At a glance
?
Don't forget that all of our itineraries are totally customized and so this is just an idea of what we can build for you.
Sri Lanka carries three distinct landscapes within a few hours’ drive of each other, ancient rock fortresses, misted tea hills, and a wildlife-dense southern coast, which is what makes it one of the few destinations where a single trip can move through this much variety without feeling rushed. This 15-day itinerary was built by our travel specialists around that range, moving from the Cultural Triangle’s ancient sites through tea country to the coast.
The journey begins at Sigiriya Water Garden, set at the base of Sigiriya Rock, the fifth-century rock fortress that remains one of the island’s most striking sights. Guests climb it at first light, before the heat sets in and the site fills, reaching the summit for views across the surrounding jungle that most visitors only see in photographs.
From there, the tour moves to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose painted ceilings and Buddha statues span more than a thousand years. The route continues to Kandy, staying at Kandy House in the city widely considered Sri Lanka’s cultural centre. Here, guests visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and walk through the botanical gardens with a local botanist, whose knowledge of the property’s plant life goes well beyond what a guidebook offers.
The next leg runs by train into Ella, one of the more scenic rail journeys in Asia, climbing through tea plantations as the elevation rises. The stay at Nine Skies sits directly among the tea plantations, with the cooler hill-country climate offering a natural change of pace from the Cultural Triangle’s heat.
The trip closes on the southern coast, beginning with a safari through Yala National Park, one of the most reliable places in Asia to see leopards in the wild, before settling into Why House for the final days, with a day trip to the historic fort town of Galle.
In detail
?
Don't forget that most of our itineraries can be totally customized. Our expert team will be able to talk you through all the options.
Day 1-4: Sigiriya
Begin your Sri Lankan escape as you fly into Colombo, where you’ll be whisked away to the majestic Sigiriya Water Garden for a three-night stay. This serene resort is inspired by historic water gardens, and offers spacious and air-conditioned accommodations, some with private pools, alongside a tranquil spa and inviting dining options.
Wake up early for an exhilarating hike up Sigiriya Rock. Marvel at the breathtaking views from the summit – these are vistas you’ll remember forever. In the afternoon, embark on a cultural journey to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site that captivates with its ancient Buddhist art and history.
Day 4-7: Kandy
Drive down to Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, for a three-night stay at the Kandy House. This colonial villa exudes charm and elegance and offers a personalised experience to its lucky guests.
Explore the breathtaking Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a revered site for Buddhists. This sacred site houses the left canine tooth relic of Gautama Buddha.
Afterwards, wander through the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens with a local botanist, and learn all about the exotic flora. You can also spot trees here that have been planted on behalf of some of its famous past visitors, including Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana.
Day 7-10: Ella
Next, journey to Nuwara Eliya and catch the scenic train through Sri Lanka’s lush tea plantations to Ella. We highly recommend you opt for second-class seats for an authentic experience – these seats allow you to hang out of the windows and soak in the stunning views of the Sri Lankan tea country.
In Ella, stay at Nine Skies for three nights, situated in the heart of Tea Country. Nine Skies is a five-bedroom bungalow hotel on a Sri Lankan tea estate, that nourishes body and soul with its peaceful setting, stylish rooms, and delicious local cuisine.
Explore Ella’s lively evening scene, and immerse yourself in a tea plantation tour to witness the art of tea making, a signature experience in Sri Lanka.
Day 10-12: Yala National Park
Continue to Yala National Park for a two-night stay at Uga Chena Huts. These lavish treetop huts feature private pools and luxe interiors and are a wondrous place to stay for wildlife enthusiasts. Flamingos hang out at the lagoon, elephants playfully gather on the beach, and baby turtles emerge in the summer months to make their brave journey into the Indian Ocean.
You can embark on two free daily game drives at this resort, where you can spot Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife, including their famous wild elephants.
Day 12-15: Galle
Conclude your journey at Why House on the South Coast or Sri Lanka, a property renowned for its unique charm and warm hospitality. It’s run by the fabulous Hen – a true queen of hospitality, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu – along with her adorable sausage dog Violet Elizabeth. It truly feels like a stay at a quirky private house.
Enjoy a day trip exploring Galle, a colonial town with boutique shops and exquisite restaurants, making for a perfect day out.
Other Suggested Trips
?
Our itineraries are here to inspire you. Everything we do is tailor-made so our team of luxury travel experts will customize an itinerary for you.
Classic Sri Lanka
Tailor-made Holiday
Sri Lanka fuses ancient cities, tea-covered highlands, and a historic coastline within a single trip. This itinerary moves from the sacred sites of the Cultural Triangle through the misty hill country around Ella to the beaches and colonial streets of...
Sri Lanka Family Adventure
Tailor-made Holiday
A trip built around holding a family’s attention: wild elephants, warm water, and just enough temples to keep things interesting. This itinerary is built for families who want genuine exploration and genuine downtime in equal measure, moving from a coconut...
Sri Lanka Wildlife and Culture Tour
Tailor-made Holiday
Sri Lanka is a land where nature flourishes in its most untamed form; a place where elephants roam freely, leopards prowl through dense jungles, and exotic birds fill the skies. This luxury journey takes you from the colonial elegance of...
Why book with us?
Personal Service
We want to ensure you have the best experience with us so we’ll keep working on your itinerary until perfect. You will have your own personal dedicated member of our team who will help build a trip that is bespoke to you.
Call our travel experts on +44 (0)20 7157 1570
Our 5* Reviews
We pride ourselves in the number of clients that are referred to us by our existing customers. Our 5* Trustpilot rating is important to us, so we encourage you to browse our reviews. They speak for themselves and that's why you are in safe hands.