Sri Lanka in Depth

This itinerary offers an exciting, varied and in depth tour of the best that the tropical paradise of Sri Lanka has to offer. Through the itinerary we have included safaris in two National Parks, a visit to the cultural centre of the ancient Buddhist heartland, the beautifully scenic highlands and the stunning southern beaches.

1. Days 1-2: Sri Lanka's West Coast

   Starting your journey in Sri Lanka, we have included one night to rest and recover from your international flight so that you can start your adventure with the best foot forward, having tackled any jetlag.

   Accommodation: The Wallawwa (1 night)

2. Days 2-4: Wilpattu National Park

   Next it is on to Wilpattu National Park which will take just over three and half hours drive with your private chauffeur. Wilpattu is often overlooked in favour of Yala, meaning that there are much fewer visitors and is ideal for those that want a much truer safari experience. During your two nights you’ll have at least four safaris led by your expert naturalists, in the early morning and early evening. In classic safari style, you’ll be treated to sundowners and candlelit dinners.

   Accommodation: Leopard Trails - Wilpattu National Park (2 nights)

3. Days 4-7: Sigiriya

   From here, you’ll then venture to the Cultural Triangle again expertly driven by your private chauffeur with a drive time of just under four hours. The Cultural Triangle holds the main focus of the island's Buddhist heritage, with the remains of various cities, temples and monuments dating back over 2,300 years and is a fascinating education into what has shaped this wonderful land. With your private guide, we have included visits to both Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya which demonstrate the sophistication of the past kingdoms and are both fascinating to explore.

   Accommodation: Vil Uyana (3 nights)

4. Days 7-9: Kandy

   After three nights, you’ll be on the move again this time to Kandy with a stop at the Dambulla Cave Temples on the way. These five caves feature over 150 Buddha statues and paintings and are some of Sri Lanka’s most treasured pieces of religious art. As the complex is located about 160m above the road below, from here you’ll also be treated to beautiful views over the surrounding countryside and Sigiriya Rock in the distance, which you will have just visited the previous day. Upon reaching Kandy, where you will be spending the next two nights, we have included a guided tour of both the fabulous Botanical Gardens, the moving Commonwealth War Memorial as well of course a visit to The Temple of Tooth, which Kandy is famous for.

   Accommodation: The Kandy House (2 nights)

5. Days 9-11: Koslanda and Haputale

   Next, on and up into the hills you’ll go so have two nights in the beautiful tea country. Many tea estates here offer beautiful accommodation, keeping with the heritage of the region, with a distinct colonial feel. This is a serene place to relax and walk and take in some of the most spectacular views Sri Lanka has to offer as well as being the region where Sri Lanka’s greatest export is grown. If you are interested you can take a tea experience here, where you learn all about the tea making process, from picking the tea right up to the packaging and exportation.

   Accommodation: Thotalagala (2 nights)

6. Days 11-13: Yala National Park

   Moving south, you then drive just over 4 hours to Yala National Park where you will be spending the following two nights. Yala offers a fantastic safari experience and is one of Sri Lanka’s exemplary wildlife parks, especially well known for the possibilities of spotting leopards here. You’ll have an evening and morning safari here to enjoy this beautiful park.

   Accommodation: Kulu Safaris (2 nights)

7. Days 13-15: Galle

   From Yala, you’ll transfer again by car, to Galle which is just two hours away. The historic city of Galle is full of lovely shops and fantastic restaurants and a fantastic way to explore is on foot. With an interesting history, there is something different around each corner from ancient churches and mosques to grand mansions and Dutch-colonial buildings. Of course there is also the Galle Fort and we have included a private tour of this with your guide during your stay.

   Accommodation: Galle Fort Hotel (2 nights)

8. Days 15-18: Bentota, Sri Lanka

   Finally, not forgetting the coast, you'll finish this adventure with a stay in Bentota. A popular water sports destination with a beautiful wide and sandy beach, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a couple of days to relax after your jam-packed schedule.

   Accommodation: Rock Villa (3 nights)

• Anuradhapura Ancient City

  Anuradhapura dates from the sixth century BC and is one of Buddhism's holiest sites, containing the 2,200 year old Sri Maha Bodhi tree, grown from a cutting of the Indian tree beneath which Buddha found Enlightenment.

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• Colombo - Mark Forbes Walk

  Enjoy a guided tour of Colombo's hidden corners. Mark Forbes or one of his team will take you on a tour of the city's historic buildings before visiting the Pettah Market. This tour lasts around two to three hours.

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• Colombo Night by Bike

  Cycle through the charming city of Colombo at dusk, as you visit some of its most iconic landmarks.

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• Colonial Colombo by Vintage Car

  Colonial Colombo by Vintage Car is a fabulous way to explore this evolving city as the sun sets. Cruise around in your chauffeur driven vintage car and retrace Colombo's colonial past.

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• Dambulla Buddhist Caves

  Dambulla is an ancient historical site set on a large granite outcrop. The caves at Dambulla are famous for their temples and have been repainted several times in the 11th, 12th and 18th centuries with secular and Buddhist scenes.

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• Explore the Kapu Ela River by boat & Cycle through Rural Galle

  Enjoy a scenic and immersive tour through the beautiful countryside surrounding Galle. Your journey will take you down the Kapu Ela River by boat and then by bike across the paddies, ending with a traditional Sri Lankan meal and a lesson in hopper making.

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• Galle 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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• Guided Tour of Kandy: Gods, Kings & Men

  Today head to the centre of Kandy, once known as the Kingdom of Kandy. Take some time to visit the famous UNESCO protected Temple of the Tooth. Next wander around the colourful market followed by some tea at the historic Queen's Hotel.

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• Minneriya National Park

  The amazing Minneriya National Park is renowned for its elephant populations and beautiful scenery. Enjoy a safari drive in search of the Asian elephant, a highlight for many during their tour through this fascinating teardrop isle.

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• Polonnaruwa Ancient City

  The ancient city of Polonnaruwa dates from the 10th century AD. Originally planned as an expression and statement of imperial power, the city was eventually abandoned in 1288. Many of the remains are still in excellent condition.

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• Safari in Wilpattu National Park

  Head into Wilpattu National Park for a morning or evening safari to marvel at the range of wildlife.

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• Shared Afternoon Safari - Yala National Park

  Enjoy a evening safari in Yala National Park. Yala is a must for anyone wanting to spot the elusive leopard, and with over 250sqkm / 96sqm of land to explore, you will likely have some luck in spotting not only leopard, but sloth bear and elephants.

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• Sigiriya Rock

  The Sigiriya rock rises majestically from the jungle floor. It is famous for its ‘mirror wall’, so called because of its highly polished surface. Half-way up there are galleries with frescoes in brilliant tempera. Sigirya dates from the 5th century AD.

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• Visit a Cinnamon Plantation

  Today head to Villa Mayurana, close to Koggala on Sri Lanka's South Coast. Learn about the process of growing cinnamon and the history that goes with it. Still a major export, cinnamon has medicinal values as well as being used in everyday cooking.

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• Visit to an Artist's Home in Kandy

  Meet with Ranju the artist during an intimate visit to his studio in Kandy. Gain an intimate insight into Sri Lanka's budding art scene and the artist behind some extraordinary pieces.

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• Whale and Dolphin Watching by Private Catamaran

  On this full day boat trip you will have the opportunity to spot vast amounts of marine life from blue whales, false ores, sperm whales and bottlenose dolphins.

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• Whale Watching by Private Speedboat

  Spend three relaxing hours on a private speedboat off the coast in search of the planets largest mammals.

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Colombo, Wilpattu National Park, Cultural Triangle, Kandy, Hill Country, Galle & Bentota