Classic Sri Lanka Holiday Ideas
These give you a flavour of what’s in store for you in Sri Lanka. These thoughtfully designed holidays include undisputed highlights like Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth, and the misty tea hills around Ella. But they’re also shaped around the things that make travel truly memorable: an amazing local guide, a perfect curry, or a little detour you didn’t expect. And a special ‘secret’ just for you, depending on what makes your heart sing.
ETG Makes Holidays Effortless & Enriching
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Short on time? We’ve got you.
Let us take the pressure off. We’ll plan the logistics and flow, so you can soak up the experience, not sweat the details. -
Designed for real discovery.
You’ll see Sri Lanka’s highlights, but with ETG twists: insider foodie stops, secret viewpoints, and meaningful cultural encounters off the beaten path. -
Balance variety with comfort.
Think UNESCO sites, wildlife safaris, and tea country walks — all paced just right, with characterful hotels and time to breathe. -
Seamless, safe, and hassle-free.
With expert local guides, private drivers and our in-country support team, everything clicks into place. -
Moments that matter.
From your first King Coconut on arrival to a final sunset dipping below the palms — these are the moments that’ll linger long after you unpack.
Meet Our Experts
Holly is a true Sri Lanka enthusiast, with a talent for designing holidays that feel personal, well-paced and full of under-the-radar experiences.
“If you’re exploring Yala National Park, my top tip is to skip the busy Block 1 and head to the quieter Block 5 instead. It’s far less crowded, and it’ll feel much wilder.”
Holly Newing
Sri Lanka Specialist
The Finest Classic Hotels in Sri Lanka
From tea planter bungalows to coastal hideaways, our favourite hotels blend comfort with character. Each one is handpicked to reflect the real soul of Sri Lanka: where the welcome is warm, the food hits the spot, and the views stay with you long after you’ve left.
Sri Lanka Holidays
In Our Travellers’ Words
Sri Lanka is truly a gem of the Indian Ocean
Travelled with teenage kids to experience a taste of Sri Lanka
Very highly regarded in Sri Lanka
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:
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:
The Best Experiences in Sri Lanka
A classic ETG holiday in Sri Lanka connects you with the island’s rich culture, natural beauty, and everyday life. Skip the crowds at Sigiriya and take in the view from a peaceful lake, trundle through the Hill Country by train, then walk trails few others do. Or look for leopards in a quieter, wilder national park. We’ll get you into Sri Lanka’s fantastic foodie scene, from buzzing markets to home-made sambol, and sipping tea with someone who truly knows their craft.
These are all about meaningful experiences, not box-ticking.
Important FAQs about Holidays in Sri Lanka
An ETG classic isn’t just the ‘top ten sites of Sri Lanka’ with a hotel swap or two. It’s Sri Lanka done properly: a few of her celebrated sites but always from fresh perspectives, and plenty of her hidden treasures along the way.
Carefully paced, so it feels like a holiday, not a race. You’ll travel with your own chauffeur-guide, giving you the freedom to take a breather when it suits.
We weave in authentic experiences that actually are authentic: the chance to chat with Sri Lankans about their day-to-day lives, stays in hotels with real heart and character, and a few surprises you won’t find anywhere else.
It’s the kind of trip you’ll be replaying in your head for years to come.
No. All ETG holidays are bespoke and private. You’ll travel at your own pace, with your own expert chauffeur-guide throughout.
Absolutely. Every ETG trip is completely bespoke. These holiday ideas are just to give you a sense of what’s possible, and which routes work well. We will then curate the journey that you want to go on.
We recommend a minimum of 10–14 days to really soak up Sri Lanka without rushing. We can advise on routes to match your time frame.
It really is, especially if you want more than just a standard beach break. With ETG, you’ll experience Sri Lanka in all her glory: culture, wildlife, scenery, and slow moments – all planned around what matters most to you two.
You could be waking up in a boutique jungle lodge as elephants pass by, taking the scenic route through tea country, or simply switching off at a romantic coastal hideaway. And with your own chauffeur-guide throughout, it feels like a real treat.
And if you’re tempted by a desert-island escape, it’s a breeze to hop over to the Maldives next door.
We’ll curate your heart-racing honeymoon with Sri Lanka’s unique weather patterns in mind for some glorious sunshine.
The Curious Traveller’s Expert 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.
You’ll receive five emails from us as well as the guide you requested. They will be inspiring, helpful content about holidays in this country with ETG. You’ll then be added to our weekly newsletter list, but you can always unsubscribe using the link in any of our emails.
