Sri Lanka: Cultural and Coastal Bliss
Enjoy the very best that Sri Lanka can offer on this carefully curated itinerary, taking in everything from the verdant Hill Country plantations, to the cobbled streets of Galle and the cultural sites of Kandy. With an interesting heritage, Sri Lanka offers beautiful boutique properties full of character and charm which you can enjoy throughout your trip. This itinerary is perfect for anyone visiting Sri Lanka for the first time and wants to explore this island in true epic style.
Journey highlights
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Sri Lanka is an endless treasure trove of offerings and this trip ensures you explore the very best in style
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The cuisine in Sri Lanka is exceptional and with each area you visit you can enjoy an array of amazing dishes to tantalise the taste buds
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Featuring the best of Sri Lanka's boutique hotels, you will enjoy stays at sister properties The Fort Bazaar and Kumu Beach
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Embark on jeep safaris to awe at the majestic elephants in Gal Oya National Park
- Epic itinerary:Our Epic Journeys offer unforgettable cutting-edge hotels, experiences and restaurants with a focus on design, fashion and innovation
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
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From May to August the Yala monsoon brings rain to the island’s southwestern half, while the dry season here lasts from December to March. There is also an inter-monsoonal period in October and November when rain can occur in many parts of the island. Colombo and the low-lying coastal regions have an average temperature of 27°C.
Itinerary
Fly to Colombo
Colombo: A Warm Welcome
Starting in Colombo for one night, you will arrive at the charming ISHQ to begin your itinerary through Sri Lanka. Settle in to this luxurious and intimate private villa and relax before diving into the bustling city. With your guide you will visit The Dutch Hospital, the building itself is believed to be the oldest in the Colombo Fort area and dates back to the Dutch colonial era. You will then be whisked to Colombo's popular shopping and restaurant area which is abuzz with activity.
Accommodation: ISHQ Colombo ( 1 night )
Kandy: Culture and Tradition
After one night in Colombo and some rest, you will travel by car to Kandy in the heart of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. Throughout the itinerary you will have a private guide and driver who will be driving you throughout your Sri Lanka itinerary while explaining the interesting history and culture as you go. A must for any visitor to Sri Lanka is the UNESCO Temple of the Tooth where thousands flock to every year. In the royal complex, which was home to the Sri Lankan kings, you will learn about the sacred tooth relic of Buddha which has a turbulent and long history.
You will also visit the colourful Kandy market where an exhaustive array of goods are available before finally ending the day with a brilliant tour around the Botanical Gardens with an expert on the flora and fauna of the region.
Gal Oya: Wilderness Unplugged
From Kandy your journey will take you east to Gal Oya Lodge where you can indulge in a plethora of wilderness experiences in Gal Oya National Park. Enjoy the paired back luxury and laid-back feel here; the friendly rangers will make you feel right at home. A highlight is embarking on a jeep safari through the park to see the majestic elephants in all their glory, more often than not you will be able to watch as they bathe and play in the cool waters. For those who enjoy exploring by foot then we would encourage a walk with the local Vedda tribesmen and partake in the lodge's animal monitoring program. After long days of exploring tuck into a delicious hopper and fish curry while you regale the days adventures.
Accommodation: Gal Oya Lodge ( 3 nights )
Ella: A Hill Country Retreat
After three nights of remote lodge living, your tour will then take you further inland and up to the cloud-laden hills of Ella, where you will be spending the next two nights. The drive to Hatton is just around three hours but it will be absolutely worth it. Nestled in the verdant tea plantations is Nine Skies, a stunning bungalow dating back to the colonial era. This boutique property is a perfect blend of old-world charm with modern additions making it the perfect place to base yourself before you set off each morning to explore this stunning area.
Hill Country experiences are all about enjoying the great outdoors, whether that’s wandering through the tea plantations watching the pickers expertly collecting the leaves with both efficiency and care or swimming in the local waterfalls. The scenery really is breath-taking making it a photographer’s paradise every step you take.
Galle: A Fort of Timeless Tales
Heading south to Galle, again by road, this is one of Sri Lanka's most iconic coastal towns. Galle Fort is one of the nation’s gems teeming with history and you'll be staying right at the heart of it. One of our favourite boutique hotels in Galle Fort is the ever-popular Fort Bazaar. With dappled courtyards, charming staff and beautifully decorated rooms you’ll struggle to leave. For your two nights here you can potter the cobbled streets, dine in one of the area's brilliant restaurants and we have included a private tour to learn about the history of this UNESCO protected town.
Accommodation: The Fort Bazaar ( 2 nights )
South Coast: Serenity by the Sea
Your last stop before heading home is to Kumu Beach where you can spend your days enjoying beach time relaxing and feasting on fresh seafood under the swaying palm trees. Kumu Beach hotel is your third Teardrop hotel in this epic itinerary and we love that all these hotels have a small room inventory so you will be looked after exceptionally well. Here you will be spoilt for choice as to whether you spend your days at the azure infinity pool or on the pristine beach and to top off a truly exceptional holiday let us book you in for an indulgent spa treatment before you are dragged back to reality.
Accommodation: Kumu Beach ( 3 nights )
Fly Home
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and includes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | £5,200 | £800 | plan your trip |
| June 2025 | £5,200 | £800 | plan your trip |
| July 2025 | £7,000 | £1,100 | plan your trip |
| August 2025 | £7,000 | £1,100 | plan your trip |
| September 2025 | £6,100 | £900 | plan your trip |
| October 2025 | £6,100 | £900 | plan your trip |
| November 2025 | £6,100 | £900 | plan your trip |
| December 2025 | £7,000 | £1,100 | plan your trip |
| January 2026 | £7,000 | £1,100 | plan your trip |
| February 2026 | £7,000 | £1,100 | plan your trip |
| March 2026 | £7,000 | £1,100 | plan your trip |
| April 2026 | £6,100 | £900 | plan your trip |
-
May 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£5,200
Deposit from*£800
-
June 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£5,200
Deposit from*£800
-
July 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£7,000
Deposit from*£1,100
-
August 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£7,000
Deposit from*£1,100
-
September 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£6,100
Deposit from*£900
-
October 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£6,100
Deposit from*£900
-
November 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£6,100
Deposit from*£900
-
December 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£7,000
Deposit from*£1,100
-
January 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£7,000
Deposit from*£1,100
-
February 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£7,000
Deposit from*£1,100
-
March 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£7,000
Deposit from*£1,100
-
April 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£6,100
Deposit from*£900
- plan your trip
More Experiences in This Area
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![Visit to the Market - Food for the Soul]()
View ExperienceGalle Cooking Experience - Food for the Soul
During your time in Sri Lanka you are sure to dine on some soul-stirring dishes, including the traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry. Food lovers will love this cooking experience, from the vibrant market of Galle to cooking in a local village.
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![Galle Fort Tour with a Local Host - Sri Lanka]()
View ExperienceGalle Fort Tour with a Local Host
Galle’s main attraction is the 17th century Dutch Fort. Much of the old Fort and the township still remain, within its well-preserved bastions including its public buildings, churches, the famous lighthouse and a maze of narrow cobbled streets.
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![Fruit Market]()
View ExperienceKandy Market
Visit the colourful market in Kandy for textiles, as well as a lively atmosphere.
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 020 8682 5060 to start planning your holiday.
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