When to go
January to April, September to December
Price
From £4,045 pp
Flight time
9hrs 55mins
Introduction
Sri Lanka, known as the “teardrop island,” is bordered by the beaches of the Indian Ocean and captivates with historic riches, verdant scenery, and cultural history.
You could enjoy an amazing holiday exploring tea farms, spending time visiting Buddhist temples, or travelling around old seaside towns.
Impressive diverse and culturally magical Sri Lanka dazzles as a destination for all types of visitors. You could go exploring of the renowned and World Heritage Site of Galle Dutch Fort region marvelling at its architecture, romanticism and beauty. Get your hiking boots ready as you ascend to the rock-top fortress of Sigiriya, one of the most famous mountains in Sri Lanka, or go to the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, home to the tooth of Buddha.
Delve further into Sri Lanka’s vast landscape by going on a safari adventure in Yala National Park famous for its leopards that dominate, the elephants that roam freely and the tame deer that appear quietly. Similarly, you can visit the UNESCO-listed Dambulla cave temple, home to Buddhist monks who practice their rituals and tradition.
Highlights
FISHING WITH STILTS IN SRI LANKA (3 hours - Weligama)
The fishermen on the southern coasts have been casting their lines from a height on stilts for many years. Observe this unique, traditional technique of fishing and maybe have a go at it.
BLUE WHALE PHOTOGRAPHY UNDERWATER (6 hours - Trinco)
One of Sri Lanka’s Big Five is the blue whale, which you can catch a photograph of by diving beneath the Indian Ocean. Learn from professionals how to get photos of the largest mammal in its natural habitat.
EXPERIENCE TASTING TEA IN PRIVATE (1 hour - Colombo)
While being shown how to brew, strain, and sample 12 different types of tea by a professional, you may learn about the long history of tea farming in Sri Lanka.
Recommended Hotels
Water Garden Sigiriya
Water Garden Sigiriya in the Cultural Triangle is about 20 minutes from Sigiriya Rock and offers stunning views of Sri Lanka’s most famous landmarks. The 30 villas at this charming resort, which are perfect for strolling, cycling, and birdwatching, are surrounded by lovely gardens and paddy fields.
thotalagala
This exquisitely renovated plantation bungalow in the middle of tea country still exudes the elegance of its original architecture. Stay in one of seven comfortable rooms that are designed after influential people from the area. There is a lot to do close by, and Kandy, the historic city, is located nearby.
the Cape Weligama
Cape Weligama, which overlooks the Indian Ocean, is located close to Galle, amidst five hectares of beautifully landscaped grounds. A stay here is tranquil and relaxing; unwind on your patio with a cup of Ceylon tea or dip into the infinity pool. The 39 individual rooms evoke the ambiance of a typical Sri Lankan village.
Sample Itinerary
day 1: Arrival In Colombo, Sri Lanka
Make the most of your time away by flying overnight to Colombo and heading to your hotel, before commencing the exploration of Sri Lanka’s wonders in the morning.
day 2: Sigiriya
Relax in the midst of emerald rice paddies at Water Garden Sigiriya, before tomorrow’s trip to Sigiriya.
day 3: Sigiriya & Dambulla
You reach the stone ruins of the fifth-century Sigiriya palace (built on the surface of a rock) after a thrilling stair climb. Nearby, in the Buddha-adorned Dambulla Rock Temples, are additional ancient wonders waiting to be explored, dating back to the first century BC.
day 4: Polonnaruwa & Minneriya
Discover the Polonnaruwa ruins’ tombs, stupas, and enormous reclining Buddha. The best way to discover this amazing place is by cycling through it. With ample historical sights and refreshments along the way, this exciting region is a great way to explore Sri Lanka’s amazing and intricate past. Then, take a 4×4 adventure safari through Minneriya’s jungles, which are home to over 300 elephants, monkeys, and sambar deer.
days 5 & 6: Kandy
Spend two days discovering Kandy, the cultural hub of Sri Lanka. Before going out into the countryside, take a stroll around the serene Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, which includes over 4000 plant species and is home to a huge Orchid collection. Visit the revered Temple of the Tooth (where Buddha’s tooth is located) to round up your journey.
days 7 & 8: Hatton
Arrive by train in the tea region, then explore at your leisure with a private guide. Hatton town offers impressive vistas, thanks to its vast landscape and lush greenery, which makes exploring it enjoyable and serene. You can play golf in the lovely city of Nuwara Eliya, otherwise referred to as ‘Little England’ thanks to its British country aesthetic feel, hills and greenery or do a trip up Sri Lanka’s iconic landmark Adam’s Peak. This sacred mountain steeped in history and legends, is still a Buddhist holy place and well worth the 5,500 steps it takes to climb it.
days 9 & 10: Galle
Travel by car to the coastal city of Galle, which was colonised by the Dutch. Take a stroll around the impressive fort, go cycling along the beautiful shore, and, depending on the time of year, go whale watching.
days 11-13: Experience Bentota
Drive to the Sri Lankan seaside paradise of Bentota for three nights. You can expect to enjoy tamarind martinis, spa services, delicious curries, and water sports. If you are looking for some tranquillity you are sure to find it at this chilled beach paradise, as well as activities to enable you to appreciate the beauty of your surroundings. Whilst at this region you could visit the Buddhist temple of Kande Viharaya, standing at 46m high, which will surely impress for its magnificence.
day 14: Depart Colombo For Return Flight
On this day your trip to Sri Lanka comes to a close as you head to Colombo Airport for your return flight home.
