Depart your home country for your flight to Sri Lanka.
Most suited for
Families, Couples
Ideal time to visit
December - September
Sri Lanka is extraordinary, with wildlife and nature all around. This holiday is ideal for casual nature and wildlife enthusiasts who want to see the island’s varied landscapes while getting a feel for day-to-day rural life and enjoying a relaxing time.
The hotels selected here are all small and intimate places where you might enjoy discussing wildlife with other guests, away from any of the principal tourist trails.
Nature & Wildlife Explorer
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
Skip
Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 4
The Mudhouse
Your private chauffeur-guide will welcome you to Sri Lanka and transfer you to The Mudhouse, an enchanting jungle lodge surrounded by lakes and forests at the foot of the mysterious Paramakanda Rock Temple. You can make the experience as adventurous or as relaxing as you please. Enjoy early morning birdwatching walks, kayaking in lakes, climbing the ancient rock, cycling on jungle trails, learning to cook Sri Lankan food, or relaxing in the comfort of a hammock.
Days 5 - 6
Wilpattu National Park
Head north to Wilpattu National Park. Immerse yourself in the wilderness, venturing on safaris to spot leopards, sloth bears, and a rich array of birdlife. Wilpattu’s peaceful trails and lack of crowds offer a serene and authentic wildlife experience.
Days 6 - 8
The Cultural Triangle
Head east with your chauffeur-guide towards Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Visit the ancient city of Anuradapura en route to your next hotel. During your stay, you will have the chance to explore the ruins of Polonnaruwa and climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and you will also learn firsthand about the history of the area and the life and work of villagers.
Days 9 - 10
The Knuckles Mountain Range
Your next stop is the Knuckles Mountain Range, where you’ll stay in a hillside villa surrounded by tea plantations. The Knuckles is an incredible spot for birdwatching, and there is a telescope on the balcony for detailed viewing. We recommend a trek deep into the hills around, too; your efforts will be rewarded, as the range contains almost 75% of Sri Lanka’s endemic bird species.
Days 11 - 13
Gal Oya Lodge
As you journey towards Gal Oya National Park, you’ll feel you’re getting away from the typical tourist trail. Here you’ll stay in a beautifully designed eco-lodge from which you’ll have the chance to enjoy both a cultural experience and a range of wildlife. The country’s largest lake is in the vicinity, so keep watch for crocs, and if you’re lucky, you might witness herds of elephants bathing.
Days 14 - 15
Tree Tops Jungle Lodge
You’ll travel south with your chauffeur-guide to Tree Tops Jungle Lodge. This is a different experience from Gal Oya; the accommodation is more comfortable camp-style than lodge-style, and the wildlife experience changes, too. Discover the jungle trails with an expert guide; you’ll keep watch for elephants and other wildlife as you explore.
A full-day four-wheel-drive safari to Yala National Park will be included during your stay. Yala is Sri Lanka’s most famous park because of the high density of leopards, but it gets hectic. Your trackers will aim to scope out clear leopard sightings throughout your day without the typical jeep-jams.
Days 16 - 18
The Galle Coast
Your final stop is on the coast, where you’ll stay in the hills, a short distance from the coast and the historic town of Galle. Days can be spent lazing by the beach or exploring the ramparts of the Dutch Fort with an expert historian. There is also the opportunity to explore inland, have a picnic lunch next to a waterfall, take a leisurely boat tour along the river, go on cycle tours, or experience local cookery.
Day 19
Fly home
Your driver will drop you off at Colombo airport to depart for your flight back home.
We have just returned from a two-week trip to Sri Lanka
Best family holiday ever. A mixture of beach, temples, wildlife, quiet and fun. [ETG] understands us and we won't be using anyone else for our holidays to Asia.
The Reynolds-Maclean Family
Excellent
850 Reviews
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our Sri Lanka Experts
Holly is a true Sri Lanka enthusiast, with a talent for designing holidays that blend the must-see highlights with the hidden corners of the country. Whether it’s a family-friendly wildlife encounter, a romantic retreat in the tea hills, or an off-the-beaten-track adventure, Holly loves curating trips that surprise and delight ETG travellers.
“This itinerary brings clients face-to-face with Sri Lanka’s breathtaking wildlife and landscapes. From tracking elephants and leopards in hidden corners of the island to sipping tea with birdsong in the Knuckles foothills. Carefully chosen, intimate lodges make evenings as memorable as safaris, and ETG’s private chauffeur-guide ensures each moment unfolds smoothly and meaningfully. “
Holly
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of Sri Lanka. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
See More
Sri Lanka, Puttalam & The North West
The Mudhouse
Tucked away in sixty acres of forest and surrounded by serene lakes, The Mudhouse sits at the foot of the enigmatic Paramakanda Rock Temple. It’s a unique jungle retreat where rustic charm meets immersive adventure.
This eco-lodge offers a one-of-a-kind experience, with beautifully crafted, thatched huts made entirely from natural materials. Thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly into the lush landscape, each private cluster of huts forms its own mini-village within the jungle, complete with spaces for sleeping, dining, and relaxing.
Highlights
Highlights
Fun local experiences,
Bike rides,
Birdwatching
Best for
Families
Nature nuts
Good to know
Gallery
See More
Sri Lanka
Gal Oya Lodge
Gal Oya Lodge is located in the heart of the Gal Oya National Park, not far from Sri Lanka’s most sizable inland body of water, Senanayake Samudraya. This wonderfully serene lake is surrounded by forests teeming with colourful wildlife.
All the teak and mara wooden furnishings have been locally and lovingly handmade and the building’s open-plan architecture maximises the panoramic mountain views.
Highlights
Highlights
Scenic spot,
Sublime swimming pool,
Amazing activities
Best for
Families,
Couples
Gallery
See More
The South Coast, Sri Lanka
Tekanda Lodge
A hilltop retreat made from natural materials and surrounded by 10 acres of organic tea and coconut plantations.
Highlights
Highlights
Best for
Family
Couples
Gallery
See More
Sri Lanka, The Deep South
Tree Tops Jungle Lodge
A wilderness luxury camping safari experience in one of the remotest corners of Sri Lanka.
Highlights
Highlights
Off-grid wilderness,
Jungle walks
Best for
Couples
Gallery
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you.. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences of Sri Lanka
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
View Experience Page
Cultural Triangle, Sigirya
Sigiriya and Village Farm Experience
Travel by tuk tuk and tractor as you explore a few local farms. Learn firsthand about the life and work of the villagers, who grow a variety of crops including sweet potato, manioc and finger millet. Meet the farmers and their families, and try your hand at some of the agricultural techniques they use each day.
Finally, sit down to a home-cooked lunch made entirely from ingredients grown on the land. As this experience sits well off the beaten tourist trail, you’ll likely attract as much curiosity from the locals as you feel yourself – expect a warm welcome and a truly authentic taste of rural life.
Gallery
View Experience Page
Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Pidurangala Rock
Located just north of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pidurangala Rock is a site of spiritual and historical significance in its own right. The small temple at the base is thought to date back to the 6th century AD, and legend suggests King Kassapa used this forested hillside as both a place of worship and a strategic retreat while under threat from his brothers.
Gallery
View Experience Page
Galle, Sri Lanka
Lunuganga & Brief Garden
Set beside tranquil Dedduwa Lake in Bentota, Lunuganga was once a colonial-era plantation. Geoffrey Bawa transformed it into a 15-acre garden estate that fuses tropical beauty with subtle modernist design—reflecting his signature “tropical modernism” philosophy. Pathways wind through symmetrical lawns, dense foliage and carefully framed vistas. Sculptures and hidden pavilions surprise at every turn.
Gallery
View Experience Page
Cultural Triangle, Sri Lanka
Polonnaruwa Cycling Tour
Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka, from the 11th – 13th Century. Unlike in the first capital, Anuradhapura which is mainly composed of Buddhist religious sites, here you’ll find the remains of multi-storey palaces, royal pavilions and bathing ponds complete with changing rooms – all standing testament to the luxurious lifestyle of the royalty – alongside Buddhist and Hindu temples with flawless craftsmanship and artistry.
Half a day cycling through Polonnaruwa will bring the splendours of the city closer to you, transporting you to another time.
View Experience Page
Galle, Sri Lanka
Market, Cooking and Galle Fort
Begin your day at a lively local fish market, where the catch of the day arrives fresh and flapping. With the help of your host, you’ll choose fish, vegetables and spices before heading to a nearby home kitchen for a hands-on cooking class.
View Experience Page
Galle, Sri Lanka
Essence of Galle
Galle is the beating heart of Sri Lanka’s south coast, where seafood markets buzz at dawn and the centuries-old Fort hides layers of history and life. This experience offers a window into its soul.
For those keen to venture beyond the Fort, there’s the option of a gentle cycling tour through nearby villages. Ride past checkerboard paddy fields and gurgling streams, stopping to try your hand at making “hoppers” – a much-loved Sri Lankan tea-time snack.
Gallery
View Experience Page
Galle, Sri Lanka
Galle Cycling, Boat Ride and Cooking Tour
Explore inland from Galle on this exciting morning tour by bike and boat finally culminating in a cooking lesson.
The boat ride is accompanied by a naturalist with a specialist knowledge of the plant, aquatic and birdlife around.
The cycle ride is very relaxed and you can go at your own pace, should you rather drive through the villages by tuk tuk this can also be arranged. It’s only a short journey to your cookery lesson which is led by a local villager. Try your hand at making hoppers and have them for your lunch – a delicious end to the first part of your day.
View Experience Page
Sri Lanka, Puttalam & The North West
Bike Riding at The Mudhouse
Given its size and rural location, cycling is a great way to explore both the Mudhouse grounds and the surrounding area. All guests are provided with good quality bikes during their stay, and they’re a fun and convenient way to get between the rooms and different areas of the property.
Gallery
View Experience Page
Gal Oya, Sri Lanka
Jeep Safari & Park Walk at Gal Oya Lodge
While staying at Gal Oya Lodge, explore the forgotten Nilagala section of the National Park in an open-top 4×4.
The half-day tour will take you into the park’s scenic areas on the lookout for the medicinal plants, endemic birdlife, and varied animal life which make up the abundant ecosystem. Your expert guide will provide information about the surrounding wildlife as you explore the hidden corners of the park, searching for elephants, deer, and rare birds.
After exploring the park by Jeep, more intrepid guests have the option of an easy-going trek through the jungle to the Makara River mouth for a different perspective and the chance to see wildlife on foot.
Gallery
Important FAQs about Sri Lanka
At Experience Travel Group, we’ve been curating immersive Sri Lanka holidays since 2006 long before the island became a mainstream destination. Our deep-rooted local knowledge, trusted partnerships, and passion for meaningful travel make us the ideal choice for discovering Sri Lanka beyond the ordinary.
Over nearly two decades, we’ve developed unique experiences that blend cultural depth, comfort, and flexibility. Whether it’s staying in boutique hotels hidden in tea country, meeting local artisans, or exploring UNESCO heritage sites with expert guides, we design every journey to reveal the real heart of Sri Lanka, not just the tourist highlights.
With our thoughtful planning and in-country support, you’ll have peace of mind while enjoying a tailored adventure that suits your interests and travel style. We don’t do off-the-shelf holidays — we create personalised journeys that capture what’s truly special about Sri Lanka.
Let us show you the Sri Lanka we know and love.
Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, but the best time depends on where you’re going. One of the best times to visit is between December and March. The summer month and September is also a great all-round option, with good weather and fewer crowds.
Every ETG holiday to Sri Lanka is carefully designed to be seamless, immersive, and stress-free. Your journey typically includes international flights (if requested), chauffeur guide throughout and accommodation in hand-picked, characterful hotels.
You’ll enjoy incredible, immersive experiences unique to you, all planned by dedicated Sri Lanka specialists, with the added reassurance of 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Sri Lanka
Wondering when to visit Sri Lanka? Our Curious Traveller’s Guide to Sri Lanka will give you a more detailed breakdown of the best time of year to book a holiday, as well as tips on the best beaches, unmissable sites, and much more.
