Sri Lanka Tour Idea 1
11 Days from £3,340pp. excl.flights. Get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements.
Day 1
Ayubowan - May You Live Long!
As you land in the tropical isle, be welcomed by the airport officials, and be escorted to the silk route arrival lobby where you will be greeted by your travel host. Enjoy a quick welcome snack until your luggage is cleared for you by the airport officials. Afterward, be on your way towards your first hideaway in the cultural highlands.
Watch the scenery dramatically change in front of your eyes as you make your way away to the lush vegetation surroundings.
Check into your hideaway in Sigiriya. Rest and relax the rest of the day amidst the barbarian art and jungle hideaway and you begin your adventure in Sri Lanka.
- Hideaway: Water Garden, Sigiriya
- Chamber: Deluxe Villa
- Meal Type: Half Board
Day 2
Rock Fortress
Wake up a little early this morning to the sounds of the chirpy birds and the rustling winds as you make your way for breakfast.
After breakfast, you will visit Sigiriya for a guided tour of the rock fortress considered the 8th world wonder in Sri Lanka. Be guided through the gates of the lion’s paws as you are related to the grandiose tale which makes Sigiriya a UNESCO site as well as a bucket list site to see.
In the afternoon you will head out towards Minneriya to enjoy a safari at the Minneriya National Park. Enjoy the company of these gentle giants gracing the field in their natural habitat. The much-needed color is added by the exotic bird life and many other animals who call this land home.
After an exhilarating experience return to your hideaway to enjoy your final night in the cultural highlands.
- Hideaway: Water Garden, Sigiriya
- Chamber: Delux Villa
- Meal Type: Half Board
Day 3
Hill Country Explore
After an early breakfast, you will leave behind the cultural hub towards the last kingdom of Sri Lanka which is also known to be the little pride of our island. As you snake your way up towards the last stronghold of hold Ceylon, enjoy the change in atmosphere as you move from the rugged roads and village life to climb the cooling hills.
En route you will stop over to conquer the climb to Dambulla Cave Temple.
After the climb, descend to enjoy a tropical fruit to quench your thirst and be on your way towards the humble abode of a local to witness the truly authentic style of preparing a local lunch.
As you reach Kandy make one more stop at a handloom workshop that promotes fair trade and learn the art of making this colourful piece of clothing while the locals share the stories of their livelihood. After reaching Kandy, spend a relaxing evening at your hideaway.
- Hideaway: W15 Hanthana
- Chamber: Stable Suite
- Meal Type: All Inclusive
Day 4
Natural Hills
Wake up cozy to the mountain mist of Hantana while you are served your tea to perfection. After a well-deserved breakfast, enjoy a visit to a tea factory where you will meet the amazing tea-pluckers of Sri Lanka and then observe the withering, rolling, and fermenting process of tea. After learning the journey from tea bush to teacup, head to the Ceylon Tea Museum to learn about the famed art of tea production and take part in a typical Sri Lankan Tea Tasting session.
Thereafter experience an awe-inspiring hiking expedition. Your personal guide will offer you both challenging and easy trails for you. However, either way, you will be met with picturesque views. You will meander your way through carpets of manicured tea fields, pass by little rivulets of refreshingly cool water, climb grassy hills dipping into lush valleys, traverse upon paths and stones as old as time itself, all the while immersing yourself in the magnificence of Nature.
Afterwards, return to your hideaway to enjoy rest of the day at leisure.
- Hideaway: W15 Hanthana
- Chamber: Stable Suite
- Meal Type: All Inclusive
Day 5
Wilderness Explore
After enjoying the perfect Sri Lankan breakfast at your hideaway, you will drive towards your next haven, a gem hidden in the midst of the jungles.
Take the scenic route to connect you with the deeper secrets of our island life. Experience the change in atmosphere as you leave behind the cool breeze of the hills to connect with the rugged natural wonders.
Discover an ancient land untouched by time; a haven of serenity in which to reconnect with the rhythms of the earth. Immerse yourself in nature. Soak yourself in local culture. Explore the rich wildlife of Gal Oya, one of Sri Lanka’s most remote and least visited wilderness areas.
Check in to Gal Oya lodge and afterward enjoy your lunch next to the river, waterfall or overlooking one of the park’s many breathtaking views. We can even provide a delicious picnic lunch prepared by our safari chef. We recommend a 12:30 pm start for a late lunch and a swim in the river if you wish to continue on with a jeep and walking safari.
- Hideaway: Galoya Lodge
- Chamber: Bungalow Room
- Meal Type: Full Board
Day 6
Bush Walks
Wake up early morning to the sounds of nature as you discover the slowness of time. Be one with nature as you immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Ceylon.
For the adventurous early risers, a 1.5-hour uphill trek first thing in the morning is a must. Up top, dramatic 180-degree views over the large, forested valley await. An early start allows you to watch the sunrise over the hills in the distance, observing the never-ending jungle canopy below. After you’ve finished, return for a well-earned breakfast, and enjoy the rest of your day.
In the evening enjoy the only experience in Sri Lanka that allows you to spot wildlife from the water. It’s a unique way to immerse yourself in the animals’ habitats. With a little luck, you could spot elephants swimming between islands or bathing at the lake’s edge. A 2-3 hour safari by boat and a scenic 40-minute drive from the lodge to the lake is perfect to explore the national park and surrounding villages.
After a hearty exploration return to your lodge to spend your night under the starry skies of the night.
- Hideaway: Gal Oya Lodge
- Chamber: Bungalow Room
- Meal Type: Full Board
Day 7
Amidst Nature
After a hearty breakfast, leave behind the jungles of Gal Oya and drive towards the soul of Sri Lanka. A boutique hideaway, away from the crowds nestled within the soul of the island.
Located in Sri Lanka’s hill country, Koslanda is perfect for those who enjoy hiking and walking. Explore local tea estates and tea gardens, take a stroll through 80 acres of protected forest to our own private waterfall or join a local naturalist on a guided tour of the estate to discover the unique flora and fauna of the area. Wander through sleepy, unspoilt local villages where you might be invited to join them for a cup of tea or visit nearby ancient Buddhist sites.
Let time stand still as you pause a moment to enjoy each other's company amidst nature.
- Hideaway: Living Heritage Koslanda
- Chamber: Forest Pavilion
- Meal Type: Half Board
Day 8
Lost In The Hills
Today after breakfast you will make your way towards the exciting activities provided by the hideaway. Hiking, Nature Walk, Private Waterfall Visit, and Wellness Retreat.
- Hideaway: Living Heritage Koslanda
- Chamber: Forest Pavilion
- Meal Type: Half Board
Day 9
The Colonial Charm
Today you will leave behind nature's secrets and drive through to visit one of the fortified cities of Sri Lanka. A UNESCO world heritage site - Galle Fort. Stop over at any point you may be interested in to take in the beach vibes.
The perfect spot for lunch would be at one of the humble homes of one of our signature personalities. First, you will visit a local market in a vintage car driven by a local who has deep roots in the city of Galle to pick your own vegetables for your lunch. Then head to the household which is a 4th generation of gem merchants in Galle to prepare a Biriyani - a mouthwatering cuisine. Enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal before visiting the Dutch outpost located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. The minimalistic, stately and elegant little boutiques on the cobble-stoned streets as you explore the history of this great city with your travel host.
Afterward, you will check in at your hideaway in the Galle Fort which is a testament to the colonial architecture that reverberates throughout the old town. Experience the colonial charm and traditional hospitality whilst spending your last two nights in Sri Lanka.
- Hideaway: Fort Bazzar
- Chamber: Banyan Bedroom
- Meal Type: Bed & Breakfast
Day 10
Sunset Love
Wake up to the beautiful view of the beach while you enjoy the serenading sound of the lapping waves kissing the shore. Make your way down to the restaurant for breakfast and take in the beauty of nature. Spend the morning hours relaxing by the beach sipping a coconut cocktail to savor the island vibes.
Late afternoon drive to Mirissa to hop on board a private catamaran to set sail in to the middle of the ocean during sunset. Enjoy the perfect wine pairing as you groove to the soulful tunes whilst in the middle of the Indian ocean swaying towards the sunset.
Afterwards, return to your hideaway and relax.
- Hideaway: Fort Bazzar
- Chamber: Banyan Bedroom
- Meal Type: Bed & Breakfast
Day 11
It's Not Goodbye
After a cozy two weeks in Sri Lanka where you enjoyed the company of locals, wildlife, culinary and adventure you will drive towards Colombo to reach the airport in time for your onward journey.
Here's wishing you Ayubowan as you leave the island of Sri Lanka but hoping to see you soon back again to explore the unexplored destinations of Ceylon.