This Luxury Sri Lanka tour is designed for travellers who want to experience the island’s most important cultural, historical and wildlife attractions at a relaxed pace, while staying in some of Sri Lanka’s finest boutique and luxury hotels.
From the wilderness of Wilpattu and Minneriya National Parks to the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Sigiriya, the cultural treasures of Kandy, the tea-covered mountains of the Hill Country and the beautiful South West Coast, this journey offers a wonderful introduction to Sri Lanka.
There is plenty of free time throughout the itinerary, allowing you to enjoy your hotels and experience Sri Lanka at your own pace.
Arrive in Sri Lanka and transfer from the airport to Horathapola Estate.
Enjoy your first evening relaxing at this beautiful estate surrounded by tropical countryside.
Drive to Wilpattu National Park and enjoy a game drive through one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful and less crowded national parks.
Wilpattu is characterised by dense jungle and numerous natural lakes known as villus. The park is particularly famous for its leopards and sloth bears, although you may also encounter crocodiles, water buffalo and a wide variety of birdlife.
Visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Sri Lanka’s first great capital, dating back to the 3rd century BC.
Explore its remarkable ancient monuments, temples and stupas. Some of the structures built during Anuradhapura’s golden age were enormous, with one of its ancient stupas once ranking among the largest structures in the world.
Enjoy a free afternoon to relax at your hotel or explore at your own pace.
Visit the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating from the 5th century AD.
Explore the impressive water gardens, ancient frescoes and famous Lion’s Paws before climbing towards the summit, where the remains of the ancient palace are surrounded by spectacular views across the countryside.
Enjoy a free afternoon afterwards.
Enjoy a free morning before heading out on a game drive into Minneriya National Park.
The park is famous for the large gatherings of wild elephants around the Minneriya reservoir, particularly between June and September when elephants gather around the remaining water sources.
During the peak of the gathering, hundreds of elephants may be seen together.
You may also encounter water buffalo, spotted deer and numerous species of birds.
Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist sites.
The complex consists of five caves containing impressive paintings and numerous Buddha statues, with origins dating back to the 1st century BC.
Visit a spice garden to discover how Sri Lankan herbs and spices are traditionally used, including their role in Ayurvedic medicine.
Continue to Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka, beautifully situated among the surrounding hills and centred around its scenic lake.
Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya and discover its extensive collection of tropical and indigenous plants and trees.
Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Kandy or relax at your hotel.
Later in the afternoon, experience a traditional Kandyan cultural show featuring dance, music and colourful costumes.
Visit the Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. The temple is traditionally believed to house a sacred relic of the Buddha.
Visit a traditional tea factory and learn how Sri Lanka’s famous Ceylon Tea is produced, from the freshly picked leaves through to the finished product.
Continue into the beautiful Hill Country and stay in a historic colonial-style tea planter’s bungalow.
Travel through spectacular mountain scenery and vast tea plantations towards Nuwara Eliya, often known as “Little England”.
The cool climate and colonial architecture reflect the town’s history as a retreat for British colonials during the colonial period.
Take some time to explore Nuwara Eliya, or perhaps enjoy traditional afternoon tea at The Grand Hotel.
Return to Pussellawa.
Drive towards Sri Lanka’s beautiful South West Coast.
Continue to the coast and settle into your luxury beach accommodation.
Enjoy a free day at the hotel.
Relax by the pool, unwind at the beach or simply enjoy the facilities and peaceful surroundings of your luxury accommodation.
Take a boat trip along Koggala Lake, travelling through mangrove-lined waterways and observing local fishermen and wildlife.
Continue to Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most atmospheric historic landmarks.
Walk along the ramparts and discover landmarks including the Dutch Reformed Church and lighthouse.
Return to the South West Coast.
Enjoy another free day on the South West Coast.
This is an opportunity to relax at the hotel, enjoy the beach or simply take in the tropical surroundings.
Drive to Colombo and enjoy a city tour taking in some of the capital’s main highlights.
Discover the contrast between Colombo’s colonial heritage, modern developments, busy markets and vibrant urban atmosphere.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
The journey to the airport takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic and your departure location.
End of your Luxury Sri Lanka journey.
You will stay in an exclusive collection of Sri Lanka's finest luxury properties, heritage tea planters' bungalows, and high-end eco-resorts—such as Horathapola Estate, Uga Ulagalla, Vil Uyana, The Kandy House, The Lavender House, and Residence by Uga Escapes.
Yes, you will travel in a private, premium air-conditioned luxury vehicle with a dedicated, highly experienced English-speaking chauffeur guide, offering complete comfort, privacy, and flexible pacing.
This tour is designed with a relaxed pace, featuring multiple two- and three-night stays, free afternoons to enjoy hotel pools and spas, and several dedicated relaxation days along the South West Coast.
Wild elephant herds freely migrate between Minneriya, Kaudulla, and Hurulu Eco Park depending on seasonal water levels. To guarantee the finest wildlife sightings, your guide will select the park with the largest elephant gatherings on the day (£35 supplement may apply for alternate parks).
