#1highlights of sri lanka

What's Included?

•  Accommodation
• Flights
• Private Transfers
• Selected experiences
• In-villa cook service

Day 1: Fly overnight to Colombo.

Day 2: On arrival in Colombo, your private transfer will take you to one of our recommended hotels such as Galle Face Hotel or Colombo 7 where you’ll be based for the night. After settling in, enjoy a historic walking tour of Colombo and witness how Sri Lanka’s colonial past can be observed in conjunction with modern day life in the vibrant capital.

Day 3: After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, travel to the acclaimed region of the Cultural triangle for 2 nights, staying at one of our recommended hotels, such as Ullagalla, Jetwing Lake or similar. The region embodies Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and spiritual legacy and many of the country’s fascinating heritage-listed sites can be found in this area, an area which is also known for its verdant landscapes and its abundance of wildlife. Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa offer a wealth of historical and religious sites, whilst the cave temples of Dambulla make up the third point of the triangle. Within the triangle you’ll also find the iconic Sigiriya Rock and the parks of Kaudulla and Minneriya, ideal spots for elephant safaris in open-topped 4x4 vehicles.

Day 4: This morning visit one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sites, the Unesco listed Sigirya Rock fortress which rises dramatically from the central plains. Sigiriya (The Lion Rock), also called the ‘Fortress in the sky’, was built by patricide King Kassapa (477 – 495 AD). The complex is considered to be one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning with a web of gardens, tanks and structures. Following your climb, drive the short distance to Polonnaruwa to see the sacred Maha Bodhi fig tree in the Mahamewna Gardens, Anuradhapura. It is said to be the southern branch from the historical Sri Maha Bodhi at Buddha Gaya in India under which Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment. 

Statue at seema melaka temple, Colombo

Day 5: This morning travel to Kandy via the Dambulla Caves, a vast complex of colourful Buddhist murals and statues, spread amongst five main caves. On arrival in Kandy stay the night in one of our recommended hotels, such as Kandy House or Stone House. Kandy is a beautiful hill station best known perhaps for one of Sri Lanka’s holiest sites, the Temple of the Tooth, which is said to be home of the tooth relic of Buddha. Near to the temple, this evening enjoy a colourful and traditional dance Kandyan dance performance

Day 6: This morning take a scenic private transfer to Sri Lanka’s hill country to spend 2 nights in Nuwara Eliya staying in one of our recommended hotels such as Goatfell or Jetwing St Andrews. The region is known for its spectacular views of tea plantations which are shadowed by the surrounding misty mountains and this evening we recommend taking a gentle walk on trails around your hotel.

Day 7: Today take a hike towards Sri Lanka’s highest plateau in Horton Plains National Park.The park encompasses approximately 10,000 hectares of lush grasslands and forested areas inhabited by Elk, Deer, Giant Squirrel, Wild Boar, Wild Hare, Porcupine, and a variety of migratory birds unique to this region and its climate. The hike can be strenuous in places but vastly rewarding and can be tailored to ability.

Day 8: Today you will be travelling by private transfer to Yala National Park via the beautiful Ella Gap, a break in the hills allowing for spectacular views of the southern plains of Sri Lanka along with cloud forests and a multitude of tea plantations. On arrival in Yala, check-into one of our recommended hotels such as Chena Huts, Jetwing Yala or similar where you will be spending the next 2 nights.

Scenic Ella Gap

Day 9: Sri Lanka is home to an extraordinary array of diverse natural life and there is no better area in the country to discover this than Yala National Park. Covering a vast area of over 12500 sq km, Yala is home to elephants, the elusive leopard and a huge variety of endemic bird species, all set amid an idyllic jungle backdrop. Today take morning and afternoon safari drives to see the plethora of species and flora and fauna that the park has to offer.

Days 10- 15: Choose one of our spectacular Beach villas such as Cinnamon House or Elephant House for a relaxing end to your SL tour. Visit historic Galle Fort from your beach villa and add on one of our excursions such as whale watching or cooking classes. See all excursions available from your villa.

Day 16: Back to the airport for your return flight.

This is just one example of the type of tailor-made Sri Lanka holiday that our Villa Specialists can create for you. If you're feeling inspired and would like to speak with one of our Specialists you can make an enquiry or browse our Sri Lanka villa collection.