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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Download your Complimentary Guide to Travel in Sri Lanka
You’ll receive five emails from us as well as the guide you requested. They will be inspiring, helpful content about family holidays 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.
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