Boutique Sri Lanka

Experience the diversity of Sri Lanka's natural beauty, history, culture and wildlife on this exclusive 12 day itinerary. Staying in boutique accommodation throughout, enjoy the best of both worlds with your own private vehicle and guide, but plenty of time at leisure to explore independently (or just relax and soak up the beautiful surroundings!).

Begin by exploring Sri Lanka's 'cultural triangle' of Dambulla, Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa where you wander amongst well-preserved 12th century ruins, climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and experience rural village life in the remote town of Hiruwadunna. You will also have the opportunity to see elephants in their natural environment on a safari in Minneriya National Park.

Next stop is Kandy, Sri Lanka's 'cultural capital'. Aside from visiting the most important sites such as Temple of the Tooth, you will also have time at leisure to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of your tea plantation estate accommodation, and learn more about the history and origins of your humble cup of tea!

From here we take a scenic rail journey to the town of Ella, and continue on to the stunning 98 Acres Resort & Spa. From here you may choose to hike to the top of Little Adam's Peak, take a pleasant walk to a waterfall, or relax and indulge in a spa treatment! There are also biking excursions available at an additional cost.

After being surrounded by seas of green for the last week, we then head to the coast where you can soak up the sea views, framed by palm trees, from your colonial villa accommodation.

Last stop on this journey is Galle, where we stay within the World Heritage listed Galle Fort.

Please note this is a suggested itinerary. As it is an independent itinerary, we can make modifications to suit your timeframe, interests, and budget. Please let us know if you would like us to create a tailor-made itinerary just for you!

The finer details

Accommodation

We have carefully selected boutique hotels which offer both comfort and character, as well as providing excellent value for money.

On arrival you will stay at The Wallawwa, a beautiful colonial manor house set amongst 3 acres of landscaped grounds. A dip in the pool or a treatment at the Z Spa will help revive you after your flight, while top quality food, a drink on the veranda and luxurious interiors will get your holiday off to a good start.

Lake Lodge Kandalama is a small boutique hotel located in the heart of the Cultural Triangle. The property is set amidst lush vegetation and offers views of the Kandalama Lake and Sigiriya Rock Fortress from the terrace adjoining the pool.

In Kandy you will stay at Kings Pavilion, a former holiday bungalow originally built for visiting international cricket teams. Enjoy the tranquility of the verdant hillside surroundings, a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Kandy town. After your day's touring you can relax and refresh with a dip in the inviting infinity pool, overlooking Hunnasgiriya mountain, or perhaps a cocktail on the terrace.

In the beautiful hill country of Ella, enjoy some time at leisure (or opportunity for adventure!) at the unique 98 Acres Resort & Spa. Surrounded by a stunning mountain landscape, within a 98 acre tea estate, this award winning resort consists of charming, rustic thatch-roofed bungalows nestled in the hillside. A great base for some short hikes, or simply a beautiful place to relax!

On the South coast of Sri Lanka we stay in Tangalle at the intimate Coco Tangalla. This luxury colonial beach villa overlooks the Indian Ocean and consists of just 6 rooms, offering personalised service. Enjoy beautiful fresh food (with plenitful freshly caught seafood!) and relax by the infinty pool. Please note swimming is not advised in the sea on the adjacent beach, however there is a swimming beach within walking distance.

Lastly, spend a night in Galle Fort, at the newest boutique hotel, Fort Bazaar. Set within a restored 17th century townhouse, the interior exudes understated luxury. The hotel's bar and restaurant, Church Street Social, offer top notch Sri Lankan and Asian fusion cuisine using locally sources ingredients (much of which they grow themselves). Their day spa tops off the package.

Please note we have carefully selected these 4 - 5 star boutique hotels for their comfort and charm as well as value for money. Should the selected hotels be unavailable for your chosen dates, we will suggest alternative options of a similar standard and price.

Alternatively, we are happy to create a tailored itinerary just for you in accordance with your timeframe, interests and budget.

Itinerary

Day 1: Columbo - Kotugoda

On arrival at Bandaranaike International airport, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel in Kotugoda (approx. 20 mins), where you can relax after your flight in the stunning garden surrounds of your hotel.

Overnight: The Wallawwa

Day 2: Kotugoda - Dambulla

After breakfast you will be transferred to your boutique accommodation in Dambulla, overlooking Lake Kandalama (approx. 4 hours). In the afternoon, visit Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the 1st century BC, it is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. There is the option to climb Pidurangala Rock - it's a 20-minute hike up to the top, past several small temples, a 12.5m reclining Buddha and a final tricky scramble over boulders.

Overnight: Lake Lodge

Day 3: Dambulla - Sigiriya - Dambulla

Today following breakfast you will be driven to Sigiriya (approx. 45 mins), where you will have the opportunity to climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Commmonly called the 'Fortress in the Sky'. this monolithic rocky outcrop is possibly Sri Lanka's most dramatic sight. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace on the summit of the 600-foot rock.

In the afternoon enjoy a rural village experience in Sigiriya – The walk begins along a bund of a Wewa or manmade reservoir. The reservoir itself, the surrounding scrub jungle, marshland and village are a hive of activity. The amazing birdlife, butterflies and possible sightings of crocodile only add to the charm of seeing the villagers as they go about their tasks of fishing or washing clothes at the periphery of the lake.

Overnight: Lake Lodge

Day 4: Dambulla - Polonnaruwa - Minneriya - Dambulla

This morning after a leisurely breakfast you will be driven to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa (approx. 2 hours), yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another important royal capital (Sri Lanka's 2nd capital, following Anuradhapura), with its well-preserved 12th century ruins & impressive stone culture recalls an inspired past.

Later in the afternoon take a safari at the Minneriya National Park, one of the best places in the country to see wild elephants in their natural habitat.

Overnight: Lake Lodge

Day 5: Dambulla - Kandy

Transfer this morning to the lakeside city of Kandy (approx. 2 hours). Kandy was the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom, which fell to the British in 1815. It is generally recognised as Sri Lanka's cultural capital and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, partly due to the Temple of the Tooth, which you will visit today. The Temple houses a tooth relic of the Lord Buddha and is considered one of Sri Lanka's holiest shrines.

Kandy is also surrounded by tea estates, which is where you will be based for the next two nights.

Overnight: Kings Pavillion

Day 6: Kandy

Today, explore Sri Lanka's rich history of Ceylon Tea with a visit to the Geragama Tea Factory and plantation, situated at 1,673 feet above sea level.

The remainder of your day is at leisure. There is the option of a cooking class at a riverside residence or a visit to the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden (supplements apply).

Overnight: Kings Pavilion

Day 7: Kandy - Ella

This morning you will be transferred to Peradeniya train station (approx. 1 hour) for the scenic rail journey to Ella (approx. 5 hours). On arrival you will be met and transferred to the resort.

Overnight: 98 Acres Resort & Spa

Day 8: Ella

Today is at your leisure. If you are feeling energetic, you might like to hike up to Little Adam's Peak, or climb Ella Rock. There are also a number of waterfalls which are a short walk from the resort. A number of other activities are available locally at an additional charge, such as cycling trips, archery and helicopter flights. Or of course, you can just relax by the pool and soak up the scenery, or perhaps treat yourself to a massage!

Overnight: 98 Acres Resort & Spa

Day 9: Ella - Tangalle

Today after a leisurely breakfast, transfer to Tangalle (approx. 3 hours) where your afternoon is at leisure.

Overnight: Coco Tangalla

Day 10: Tangalle

A full day at leisure to relax and soak up the gorgeous view, take a walk along the palm fringed beach or cool off in the infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean. There is also the option to visit the Rakawa Turtle Hatchery or Kudawella blow hole.

Overnight: Coco Tangalla

Day 11: Tangalla - Galle Fort

This morning transfer to Galle (approx. 2 hours). Visit Galle Fort with your private chauffeur guide who will share the knowledge of the history behind this famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Fort remains a hive of activity and is one of the few World Heritage listed sites in which a bustling population continues to thrive. The city has a colorful history, with a Dutch atmosphere which is very much alive and its most popular site is the magnificent Dutch fort.

Overnight: Fort Bazaar

Day 12: Galle Fort - Colombo

Today you will be transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight (approx. 2.5 hours).

When to Go

Sri Lanka's climate is affected by two monsoons. The 'yala' monsoon brings rain to the west and southwest coasts and hill country from April/May to September, whil the 'maha' monsoon hits the east coast from November to March. There is also an inter-monsoonal period of unsettled weather in October/November during which heavy rain and thunderstorms can occur anywhere across the island.

This means that the ideal time to visit the west and southwest coasts and hill country (as covered in this itinerary) is from December to March.

Enquire Now

Please use the form below to enquire about this product.
Please note this is not a booking confirmation, one of our staff will be in touch with further details.