Sri Lanka in Style
15 Nights 16 Days | Private Guided Tour
A tour for true wildlife enthusiasts. The opportunity to experience the big 5 mammals of Sri Lanka. A seasonal yet an intimate collection of experiences coupled with the amazing flora and fauna of Sri Lanka.
What to Expect
The teardrop off India, Sri Lanka brims with lush landscapes, ancient treasures and colonial history – all ringed by the palm-fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean. On a Sri Lanka luxury holiday, a large dose of tropical warmth awaits, in both the weather and the welcome. Once lured by jewels and spices, travellers now embark on Sri Lanka escorted tours for sand and sunshine. But it’s much more than a beach destination. Journey through the verdant interior, and you can stay on a tea plantation, immerse yourself in Buddhism at temples scattered throughout the country or visit historic coastal towns such as Galle.
This tour of 15 days is the ultimate Sri Lanka explorer. Your overall experience into Sri Lanka’s culture, its heritage, the marvelous landscapes, magical mountains and the elusive wildlife. All packed together with some amazing hotels around the Island. A good combination of Luxury lifestyle hotels and a glamping experience.
Visit Sri Lanka’s most spectacular sights with this phenomenal suggested itinerary. Discover the ancient city of Anuradhapura, tour the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya with a botanist and witness the Pooja ceremony at Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth Relic. Trace Sri Lanka’s history from the first-century Dambulla Cave Temple to colonial-era constructions. Learn how settlers left their mark on cities like Galle. Stay in the historic home of Sir Thomas Lipton as you explore the tea-growing regions. You can also see the wild side of the country. Take safari excursions through Yala National Park in search of elusive leopard and iconic Sri Lankan elephant.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 01 - Airport - Kotugoda
Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, relax in the private lounge (part of the Fast Track arrival service). Here you will meet your guide who will escort you throughout your stay. Your baggage will be picked up by our airport staff while you enjoy refreshments. You’ll be whisked your overnight resort only 20 minutes away. Check in and take the rest of the day at leisure.
Hotel: The Wallawwa • Meals: Dinner
Day 02 - Kotugoda - Dambulla - Anuradhapura
This morning visit Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This vast cave complex dates back to the first-century BC and is still regarded as an important Buddhist monastery. A huge collection of paintings covers the rock ceiling, while you’re surrounded by the highest number of Buddha statues ever found in one place. Continue to Thirappane to check into your luxury eco-resort.
Hotel: Ulagalla Walawwa • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 03 - Anuradhapura
Take the short ride to Anuradhapura, another of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO sites. According to Mahavamsa, the ancient Sinhalese Chronicle, the kingdom was founded in the fifth century BC. Upon arrival you’re greeted by the brilliant Ruwanweliseya and Jetavana monuments – Jetavana is even equal in size to the pyramids of Giza. Admire the Samadhi Statue of Buddha, a true masterpiece of sculpture. You can also receive a blessing at the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi (the oldest tree recorded in the world).
Hotel: Ulagalla Walawwa • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 04 - Anuradhapura
Take a full day to enjoy the fantastic amenities offered by your hotel. Set out on a nature walk with the resident naturalist, go cycling, horse riding or jungle Kayaking. As well as archery facilities and an incredible spa, you can also search out exotic Sri Lankan birdlife or take an organic garden tour and cookery experience. Your chauffeur guide is also on hand for the full day should you with to travel further afield.
Hotel: Ulagalla Walawwa • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 05 - Anuradhapura - Sigiriya - Kandy
After an early breakfast, leave for Sigiriya rock fortress, also recognised as a UNESCO site. Incredibly, this spectacular construction was undertaken by King Kassapa I in the fifth century. As well as an incredible insight into ancient lifestyles, you’re also likely to see monkeys and other wildlife in this enchanting jungle setting. Continue to Kandy, check into the hotel and spend the evening relaxing.
Hotel: Kings Pavilion • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 06 - Kandy
This morning visit Peradeniya Botanical Gardens with a specialised botanist. Bandara Palipana will lead you through these gardens which house over 4,000 species of plants and trees. Next, tour the centre of Kandy to discover its ancient legacy before an evening visit to the Sacred Temple of the Tooth for an unforgettable Pooja session. This is when incense is burned, drums are sounded, and offerings are made to the relic.
Hotel: Kings Pavilion • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 07 - Kandy - Haputale
Transfer to Haputale and enjoy lunch at your next hotel, the former home of Sir Thomas Lipton in one of Sri Lanka’s tea-producing regions. Enjoy the all-inclusive facilities here, which cover everything from gourmet-dining experiences to supplying a fine range of international wines and spirits. Explore the extensive grounds or learn more about the colonial history of Sri Lanka.
Hotel: Thotalagala • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 08 - Haputale
Today your chauffeur guide will escort you on a morning Tea Experience, where you can visit the nearby tea plantations and factories. Return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Hotel: Thotalagala • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 09 - Haputale - Yala
After breakfast, transfer to Yala National Park. Lunch is served at your accommodation, Uga Chena Huts, before you’re joined by a specialized ranger to join you on a game drive through the park.
Hotel: Chena Huts • Meals: All Inclusive
Day 10 - Yala
With a full day in the heart of the jungle, you can choose a range of safari options. Early morning, day and night-time game drives allow you to increase the likelihood of certain sightings. Here you’ll find huge diversity in reptile and birdlife, as well as healthy populations of sloth bear and Sri Lankan elephant. You also have access to a great range of amenities, from a pool and poolside bar to an onsite doctor and a relaxing spa.
Hotel: Chena Huts • Meals: All Inclusive
Day 11 - Yala - Weligama
Proceed on an early morning game ride for optimal viewing opportunities, particularly for the mostly nocturnal leopard. In fact, Yala is home to one of the highest densities of leopard in the world, meaning you could tick off three of Sri Lanka’s Big Five endangered animals on a single safari trip. Afterwards, transfer to Weligama and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Hotel: Cape Weligama • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 12 - 13 - Weligama
Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax on the beach or experience the amenities and activities offered by your hotel. You can take surfing lessons, go scuba diving or lake kayaking, go on a game driver or cycle through the scenic rice paddies of this region. Your hotel is set on a coastal clifftop and specializes in great cuisine served in a scenic setting.
Hotel: Cape Weligama • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 14 - Weligama - Galle
Take breakfast at your hotel and spend the morning at leisure, before a late-morning transfer to the historic city of Galle. Check into your hotel, and spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring your new surroundings.
Hotel: Amangalla • Meals: Breakfast
Day 15 - Galle
After a relaxed morning, proceed on a tour of Galle with your chauffeur guide. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Galle mixes the exotic with the colonial. Here you can see the architectural legacies of Portuguese and Dutch settlers alongside more traditional Sri Lankan styles. Visit Galle Fort, the Maritime Museum, the Old Dutch Reformed Church, the Sun and the Moon bastions and many other fascinating sights.
Hotel: Amangalla • Meals: Breakfast
Day 16 - Galle - Colombo - Airport
Today’s activities will depend on your departure flight time. We recommend choosing an evening flight out of Colombo so you can experience a bit of Colombo today. If time permits, do a bit of shopping or try out a few restaurants which we could happily recommend.
Meals: Breakfast
Best time to Travel
The best months to enjoy this trip perfectly are between September and March.
Book This Tour
Book this tour as it is or tweak it so it fits your requirement. Our experts are ready to help.