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Staying in carefully curated boutique hotels, immerse yourself in the heart of Sri Lanka, exploring mist-cloaked mountains, hill country tea plantations and forest-clad valleys before tracking leopards around the remote savannah, strolling through ancient cities and relaxing on palm-fringed beaches.
This sample itinerary in Sri Lanka shows how you can combine the best of Sri Lanka’s iconic sites with immersive cultural experiences whilst staying in beautiful cherry-picked boutique hotels.
Inspired? Tell us what you most want to see or do, and we’ll design a bespoke itinerary built around your own highlights.
This morning, you’ll be met on arrival at Colombo Airport by your private driver and will head off for Sigiriya, winding through rolling countryside dotted with rice paddies and villages. Your serene hotel sits among lakes and streams, overlooking the ancient rock fortress.
Stay at
Water Garden
Your day starts with a climb to the tip of Pidurangala Rock for a sunrise picnic breakfast overlooking the adjacent Sigiriya Rock Fortress. You’re heading there next, to explore the elaborate pools and terraces before a guided visit to the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa.
Stay at
Water Garden
See
- Sunrise at Pidurangala Rock, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Polonnaruwa
Today you’re exploring the ancient heart of Sinhalese civilisation with a visit to the first capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura. Your Buddhist guide will lead you along serene paths, between the temples, monasteries, bathing ponds and palaces while explaining the significance of pilgrimages here.
Stay at
Water Garden
See
- Guided cycling tour of Anuradhapura
You’re heading to Kandy past paddy fields, thick tropical forest and banana plantations catching glimpses of monkeys, peacocks and the occasional elephant. You’ll stop mid-way to wander the intricate Buddhist murals and statues at the Dambulla Cave Temple before exploring Kandy by tuk-tuk.
See
- Dambula Cave Temples, tuk-tuk tour of Kandy
Today, you’re taking one of the most beautiful and serene train rides in the world. Leaving Kandy, snaking through Sri Lanka’s central highlands and circling the Demodara Loop, you’ll pass tea pickers in vibrant saris, towering mountain peaks, forested valleys and distant waterfalls.
See
- Train ride to Ella
The long-distance Pekoe Trail beckons today, seeing you trekking a part of it through lush forests, passing remote villages and tea-country outposts. You’ll stop to survey the sweeping views from Lipton’s Seat before indulging in a plantation tour and tea tasting.
See
- Pekoe Trail, Lipton’s Seat, tea plantation tour and tasting
Leaving the misty hills behind you, you’re winding down into the valley and out to the warm, dry lowland plains. As you approach Yala National Park look out for boar, deer or elephants along the road, before your first safari drive this evening.
See
- 4WD safari drive
A day topped and tailed with safari drives exploring the park’s diverse ecosystems. Keep an eye out for leopards, crocodiles, elephants and sloth bears together with the over 200 species of bird as you drive through the forests, among grass meadows and wetlands.
See
- 4WD safari drive x 2
You’re heading to the south coast today to the secluded Kaburugamuwa Beach where the privacy and serenity of your hotel offers a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere. Keep an eye out for the turtles hatching on the beach as you wander the pristine sands.
Stay at
Lantern Boutique Hotel
A day to soak up the peace of this calm haven. You might want to enjoy a swim in the freshwater pool under the shade of the palm trees, watch the food preparation in the organic ‘Urban Kitchen’ or indulge a spa treatment.
Stay at
Lantern Boutique Hotel
Perhaps hop in a tuk-tuk to neighbouring Mirissa today, where you can snorkel in the crystalline waters, spot blue whales, dolphins and turtles or walk out to the palm covered headland of Coconut Tree Hill. Evening visits promise spectacular sunsets accompanied by beachfront cocktails.
Stay at
Lantern Boutique Hotel
Today you’ll have a privately guided trip to Galle Fort, a wonderful city to wander on foot where local handiworks overspill from boutique shopfronts, cafes nestle in quiet courtyards and the beautifully restored colonial buildings jostle for space alongside ivy-covered alleyways.
Stay at
Lantern Boutique Hotel
See
- Guided tour of Galle Dutch Fort, Meeran Jumma Mosque visit, Galle Services Club
This morning you’ll be driven to the airport at Colombo to board your flight home. Time to revel in the memories and plan your next trip.
Does this sound like the ideal adventure for you?
Tailor-made holidays designed for adventure, relaxation, and memories that last
How it works
Booking with us is simple
Contact Us
Drop us a line through our website or give us a call - just let us know how you'd prefer to connect. Video call over coffee? A telephone conversation? Or maybe just a quick WhatsApp? Whatever works best for you.
Our Conversation
We'll ideally have a detailed chat to get to know how you love to travel. What gets you excited? Where have you already explored? We'll share some ideas and start crafting something that's perfectly you.
Itinerary Planning
This is where the magic happens - we'll put together your bespoke itinerary and send it over to you by email. Every detail tailored to make your heart sing.
Place a Deposit
Love what you see? Brilliant! Just a small deposit and we'll get everything confirmed for you.
Final Documents and Tips
As your adventure gets closer, we'll send you everything you need - through our handy app or by email, whatever you prefer. You'll be all set.
Return
Come home feeling absolutely inspired and wonderfully restored. And when you're ready for your next adventure? We'll be here, probably already bursting with ideas for you.
Cherylle, Travel Consultant
Meet our experts
Speak to our Sri Lanka experts to help you plan your trip
Want to see Sri Lanka through local eyes? Our specialists have spent years building relationships across the island and discovering places most visitors never find. They'll get to know exactly what you're looking for and design something that's completely yours. Ready to start planning? Get in touch and let's create your perfect Sri Lankan adventure.
Choose your adventure
Speak to one of our team to get started. After all, your travel journal won’t write itself.
