Enjoy the luxurious life in a picture-postcard Maldives resort
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.
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.
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Sri Lanka
A Foodie Journey Through Sri Lanka
When it comes to ‘foodie destinations’, Sri Lanka flies relatively under the radar – yet it has a fantastic culinary scene. We’ve designed this trip to sample its spices and rich flavours – most of which you’d never taste at home – and trace the island’s multicultural history through its delicious dishes… You’ll also have the chance to learn from great chefs, see the country’s ancient sites and stay in high-end hotels along the way.
Highlights
Tea Experience
Private cooking demo in the Hill Country, including a “teaology” experience
Ulagalla
A traditional Kamatha farmhouse dinner – up to 15 courses!
Smoke & Bitters
Sipping spice-infused cocktails at a buzzy beach-side restaurant within a coconut grove (recently celebrated as one of the best bars in Asia)
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Sri Lanka
Natural & Wild Sri Lanka
This holiday is a take on our flagship Sri Lanka highlights itinerary, carefully tweaked to better suit those more interested in wildlife.
Packed with our best local experiences and our favourite tried and tested boutique hotels, we will ensure you’ll discover both the wildlife, culture, and diversity of this amazing island country.
Highlights
The Mudhouse
Experience rural life, relax in a hammock or explore the jungle trails while staying in unique accommodation at The Mudhouse.
Tree Tops Jungle Lodge
Enjoy an incredible, immersive wildlife experience at Treetops Jungle Lodge: where wild elephants co-exist with people
Beautiful Beaches
Relax on the wild, palm-fringed beaches of The Deep South
Cultural Triangle
Enjoy our unique insider tours of The Cultural Triangle, Kandy and Colombo. Typically we offer a distinct vantage point compared to DIY or more ‘package’ type holidays
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Sri Lanka
Family Adventure in Sri Lanka
This is an action-packed holiday, perfect for families with a sense of adventure, with an exciting mix of off-the-beaten-path places and touches of luxury. Made for travellers who enjoy pushing the boundaries a little and want to experience the ‘real’ Sri Lanka (while staying in some lovely hotels along the away).
Highlights
Wilpattu National Park
Spot leopards, elephants and sloth bears on peaceful safaris in the serene and lesser-visited Wilpattu National Park
Knuckles Mountains
Set off on a thrilling hike through the lush forests and waterfalls in the Knuckles Mountains
Surfing
Catch a wave in Sri Lanka’s Ahangama and Weligama surf hotspots, perfect for all skill levels
Farm visit
Experience rural Sri Lanka with a guided farm tour and meet local families in the heart of Sri Lanka
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Sri Lanka
Classic Sri Lanka & Undiscovered Maldives
This holiday is Sri Lanka and The Maldives with a twist, delighting travellers who want to experience the Indian Ocean nations authentically yet in comfortable surroundings.
After a carefully crafted eight-day itinerary in Sri Lanka, rather than being whisked away to your resort on landing in The Maldives, you’ll see the real culture and people of this island nation with a guesthouse stay on a local island.
Of course, you’ll also get the classic Maldivian resort experience to ensure you have a chance to unwind in luxurious surroundings before you fly home.
Highlights
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Explore UNESCO heritage Sigiriya Rock Fortress at sunset with stunning views over the tropical forests of the cultural triangle
Male
Discover the city of Male that climbs out of the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean
Dreamy resort
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 converted tea bungalows to breezy beach villas, our favourite hotels combine comfort with character. We handpick places that reflect the soul of Sri Lanka, where service is warm, the food is tasty, and the setting unforgettable.
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Hill Country, Sri Lanka
Camellia Hills
This tea planter’s bungalow is nestled amongst the mountainside and offers stunning views of the Castlereagh Reservoir.
Highlights
Highlights
Best for
Couples
Friends
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The Deep South, Sri Lanka
Buckingham Place
Stylish, fun, contemporary villas with a great atmosphere and a sublime location overlooking Rekawa’s lagoon and beaches
Highlights
Highlights
Best for
Couples
Friends
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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
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Colombo, Negombo & around, Sri Lanka
Maniumpathy
Old world charm and modern comforts in a restored heritage home in Colombo, boasting a relaxing swimming pool.
Highlights
Highlights
Best for
Couples
Solos
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The Deep South, Sri Lanka
The Last House
An intimate beach hotel with attentive staff and panoramic views over the Indian Ocean.
Highlights
Highlights
Bawa-designed,
Lagoon views,
Secluded beach
Best for
Couples
Families
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Galle, Sri Lanka
Why House
A beautiful boutique hotel. Attentive, friendly, relaxed comfort that feels more home away from home, than high life.
Highlights
Highlights
Best for
Couples
Friends
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Sri Lanka Holidays
In Our Travellers’ Words
Sri Lanka is truly a gem of the Indian Ocean
Our well-thought-out trip fulfilled our expectations and more. Our granddaughter was interested in the wildlife, culture, and the many exotic fruits and vegetables of Sri Lanka—as were we. Working with [ETG], we developed an itinerary that, at journey's end, gave us a sense that we had chosen a company that responded to our needs.
Travelled with teenage kids to experience a taste of Sri Lanka
Stayed in beautiful boutique hotels and enjoyed everything from snorkelling among the coral reefs of Trincomalee to riding in tuk tuks through Colombo.
Very highly regarded in Sri Lanka
Two-week tour through relatively undiscovered Sri Lanka staying in six bespoke locations from eco lodges to homestays. ETG were attentive to our needs, imaginative and they have a wonderful ethos/brand that we could see whilst we were travelling.
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 booked your own)
- Private chauffeur-guide and expert guides
- 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 £4,000 - £7,500pp
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.
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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.
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Ella, Sri Lanka
The Pekoe Trail
The Pekoe Trail is a 300km network of walking routes designed to open up Sri Lanka’s hill country to responsible travellers. Spanning seven valleys and weaving through remote communities, the trail champions sustainable tourism, cultural preservation and local livelihoods.
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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.
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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.
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Colombo, Sri Lanka
Colombo Food Coma
Sri Lanka is known for its rich and varied culinary delicacies, and as the foodie heart of the country, Colombo is a great place to try as many of these dishes as you can manage.
Your local guide for the day is an expert in the Colombo food scene and will take you to a handpicked selection of restaurants or street food stalls (depending on the time of day) to sample foods like Tamil Ululdu and Vadai, delicious pastries, award-winning Lamprais, and some ice cream from one of the city’s oldest and most popular dessert spots.
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Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)
In the south of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country, Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) rises dramatically above the surrounding landscape. At over 2,000 metres, this mountain is not just a natural marvel but a deeply spiritual site that has drawn pilgrims for over a millennium. What makes it truly compelling is the “Sri Pada” footprint near the summit – a 1.8-metre rock formation attributed to different deities across Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian traditions.
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Sri Lanka, Cultural Triangle
Climbing Sigiriya and Cycling Tour
Visitors to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle visit or climb Sigiriya Rock. This trip will give you an alternative perspective on the region as you explore the rock itself followed by a cycle ride around the surrounding countryside that lies in its shadow.
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From Our Travelogue
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.
