ETG Takes You Beneath the Surface
- Bespoke travel with depth. Our trips are carefully shaped around your interests, never rushed, never generic. Designed for the naturally curious.
- Access that’s hard to come by. From sacred temples to quiet corners of rainforest, our long-standing local ties unlock places and people most travellers never encounter.
- Experiences with soul. Whether it’s learning to drum with a temple musician or sipping tea with a fourth-generation planter, you’ll feel the difference that connection makes.
- Effortless, immersive journeys. With brilliant guides, smooth transfers and thoughtful pacing, our logistics let you go deeper without going off the rails.
- Travel that stays with you. These are the moments that surprise, move, and transform. The kind of stories you’ll still be telling years from now.
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:
Off the Beaten Track Holiday Ideas
You might have to get a little ‘off the beaten track’ with us, but that’s where the magic happens. We’ve been exploring Sri Lanka for decades, and we still find new things every time we return. That’s why we love helping our travellers dig deeper, whether that means tracing family history, seeking out endemic birdlife, or learning an ancient craft from a local master.
Sri Lanka
The Architecture of Geoffrey Bawa & Beyond
Discover Sri Lanka through the lens of its most famous architect, Geoffrey Bawa, and the rich heritage that inspired him. Immerse yourself in Bawa’s work by staying in properties he designed, taking in both the traditional Sri Lankan and Dutch Colonial architecture that culminated in Bawa’s signature ‘tropical modernism’ style. You’ll also explore the immense Sri Lankan architectural heritage from the ancient to the Kandyan Kingdom.
You’ll also have plenty of time to explore Sri Lanka’s other cultural highlights, including the ancient Sigiriya rock fortress. Plus, since much of Bawa’s work adorns the southern coast, round off your experience with some rest on palm-fringed beaches – it’s a holiday, after all!
Highlights
Lunuganga
Stay at Lunuganga, Bawa’s home and lifelong project and the garden that inspired his career
The Last House
Stay at The Last House, Bawa’s gorgeous beachside villa, which was subsequently turned into a lovely boutique hotel on the beautiful south coast
Cultural Triangle
Explore The Cultural Triangle, where ancient sites like Sigiriya and Anuradhapura show the importance of Sri Lanka in the architecture field since as far back as 1000BC
Kandalama Hotel
Stay at the Kandalama Hotel, one of the best examples of Bawa’s skill in adapting the design to suit the environment. A one-off property in an enchanting location
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Sri Lanka
Digital Detox in Sri Lanka
This itinerary idea is perfect if you long to slow down, reconnect, and immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s beauty. You’ll also veer off the beaten track, staying in gorgeous eco-lodges and homely retreats. Leave life’s constant buzz behind and savour meaningful connections with your companions, locals, and the natural world.
Highlights
Gal Oya National Park
Boat safaris on Sri Lanka’s largest lake, spotting elephants and vibrant birdlife
Knuckles Mountains
Hike hidden trails and discovering a disappearing way of life
Historic Galle
Explore the charming fort and the vibrant local food scene here
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Map
India
Birds of South India
Discover lesser-visited but beautiful areas of Southern India during this two week holiday. There is a particular focus on the region’s abundant birdlife, exceptional for casual and serious aficionados. Visit several sanctuaries and travel through the lush western ghats, known as a treasure house of endemic species, as well as the strictly protected wildlife of Bandipur National Park.
Highlights
Rangananthittu Bird Sanctuary
End your journey with a visit to the Rangananthittu Bird Sanctuary, home to some 170 exquisite bird species
Valparai
Explore Valparai’s remote landscapes through forest treks in an area full of wildlife, including some of the most endangered varieties of hornbills
Bandipur National Park
Spot elusive big game on sunrise and sunset safaris in Bandipur National Park
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Sri Lanka
Slow Travel, Tea & Trains with Teardrop Hotels
Forget rushing around from one stop to another. This itinerary showcases the best of Sri Lanka – but slowly… travelling by rail and road.
We teamed up with Teardrop Hotels to create this exclusive trip – combining their glorious boutique properties (via the remarkable train journeys between them) and ETG’s classic experiences. It’s a winning recipe for an immersive and luxurious holiday.
Highlights
Scenic train journeys
The breathtaking views and sites on one of Asia’s most memorable train journeys
Heritage hotels
Exceptional heritage hotels that celebrate the island’s history, diversity and beauty
Immersive experiences
Curated and exclusive walks and experiences that bring out the magic of travel in Sri Lanka
Meet Our Experts
Holly is a true Sri Lanka enthusiast, with a talent for designing holidays that blend the undisputed 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 her clients.
“By veering an inch off the map, you get that real thrill of adventure! One of my favourite spots is Eagles Crest, hidden deep within the misty Knuckles Mountains. It really is like venturing into another world.”
Holly Newing
Sri Lanka Specialist
The Best Times to Go on a Holiday in Sri Lanka
Christmas & New Year is one of the best times to visit Sri Lanka’s south and west coasts, with dry skies and long sunny days that suit both beach time and wildlife spotting.
February Half-Term offers similar weather with fewer crowds, making it a great time to travel.
Easter Holidays usually deliver warm, settled conditions across most of the island, ideal for a mix of culture and relaxation.
The Summer Holidays (July and August) can bring tropical showers, but the east coast comes into its own, especially around Trincomalee and Passekudah.
October Half-Term is trickier, with widespread rainfall and high humidity, so it’s not the most reliable time for a family holiday.
The Finest Luxury Hotels in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a country that rewards curiosity. Beyond the classic highlights, you’ll find hidden coastlines, ancient forest temples, wildlife-rich wetlands, and craftspeople quietly continuing centuries-old traditions. These holidays are for travellers who want to explore with intention and enjoy the satisfaction of seeing a place from the inside.
Our example itineraries below offer a flavour of what’s possible. Whether you’re into architecture, birdlife, stories, or silence, we’ll help you find your Sri Lanka.
Hill Country, Sri Lanka,
Amba Estate
Rustic charm nestled in Sri Lanka’s hill country. Enjoy an authentic stay in the highlands whilst supporting a wonderful initiative.
Highlights
Highlights
Best for
Solos
Couples
Friends
Good to know
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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
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Hill Country, Sri Lanka
Ferncliff
A charming, rustic planter’s bungalow built in the mid-1800s, set on well-kept grounds, providing wonderful service and food.
Highlights
Highlights
Best for
Couples
Families
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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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Kandy and around, Sri Lanka
Rangala House
Three-bedroom hillside villa with stunning views on the outskirts of Kandy.
Highlights
Highlights
Best for
Couples
Families
Colombo, Negombo & Around, Sri Lanka
The Notary’s House
The Notary’s House is a charming six-bedroom boutique hotel set amidst beautifully manicured gardens and a coconut grove. Bordering a lake, it offers a calm and serene stay, complete with wonderful facilities and scenery. Located just a 45-minute drive away from Colombo’s international airport, it is an ideal place to ease into your Sri Lankan holiday.
Highlights
Highlights
Lakeside setting
Infinity pool
Relaxed atmosphere
Best for
Couples
Families
Honeymooners
Good to know
Ideal for first or last night stays
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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
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Sri Lanka Holidays
In Our Traveller’s Words
Sri Lanka is truly a gem of the Indian Ocean
Very highly regarded in Sri Lanka
We have just returned from a two-week trip to Sri Lanka
The Best Off the Beaten Track Experiences in Sri Lanka
We don’t do tours. We do experiences that connect.
Every experience is arranged through long-standing local relationships and guided by people who genuinely care about the place they’re showing you. These aren’t scripted encounters. They’re spontaneous, warm, and often a little bit surprising.
It’s not about ticking things off a list. It’s about walking away with stories you’ll still be telling years later.
Pokhara & Annapurna Region, Nepal
Day Treks in the Annapurna Range
Experiencing the Himalayas in Nepal doesn’t mean that you have to go on overnight treks. You can base yourself in or near Pokhara and we can arrange guided day hikes in the foothills to suit different fitness levels, always with fantastic views. Ideal if you have limited time, don’t fancy staying in mountain lodges or simply don’t want to spend every day walking! You can begin tour treks by taking a short road journey out of the town itself, alternatively if staying outside of town at properties like Tiger Mountain Lodge or Pavilions The Farm, you can begin tour trek directly from the hotel.
Tiger Mountain offers a variety of treks catering to different interests and fitness levels. For an introduction, short walks through local villages and forests provide glimpses into traditional agriculture and rich birdlife, with guides available for bird-watching tours. For more strenuous options, full-day treks like the Gurung Village Walk and Khahare/Naudanda Walk offer cultural insights and stunning views of the Himalayas. The Pokhara Valley Rim and Thulakot & Ramchekot treks explore historical sites and offer panoramic valley views. For gentler options, the Bijaypur River and Shanti Stupa walks provide scenic, relaxed routes.
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Hill Country, Sri Lanka
Horton Plains & World’s End
The Horton Plains is an eerie, elevated wilderness that feels worlds apart from the rest of the island. Set between 2,100 and 2,300 metres above sea level and protected as a national park since 1988, it’s a biodiverse plateau scattered with wild grasslands, cloud forest, craggy outcrops and the occasional sambar deer.
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.
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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.
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Important FAQs about Holidays in Sri Lanka
Not at all. You don’t need to be fit enough to scale mountains or happy with no hot water. You just need to be curious. Most of our travellers want comfort and character, but also a bit more meaning from their holiday. We’ll find that balance with you.
Yes, if you want to. Seeing the big-name places like Sigiriya or Galle can absolutely be part of your journey. But what makes these trips different is that we also include the quiet spots and encounters you wouldn’t easily find on your own.
Expect small hotels with personality. That might mean a boutique eco-lodge in the hills, a beachside villa with a gentle breeze, or a beautifully restored planter’s bungalow. We choose places that feel rooted in their setting and are genuinely welcoming.
Yes, absolutely. Some of our most rewarding off the beaten track trips have been for multi-generational families or travellers in their 60s and 70s. We listen carefully, plan thoughtfully, and never push anyone into anything uncomfortable.
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