Journey deep into the Sinharaja Rainforest and keep a lookout for the Sri Lankan White-Eye, Yellow-Eared Bulbul, Brown-Capped Babbler, and Spurfowl.
Stretching from the serene beaches east of Galle to the bustling port of Hambantota, Sri Lanka’s south coast is a quiet alternative to the more developed west.
As you travel further east beyond Matara, the coastline becomes increasingly remote and peaceful. This region is known for its pristine, palm-lined bays, and is deeply rooted in Sinhala culture and identity. It’s not uncommon to find yourself alone on vast, empty sands – particularly east of Matara – making this stretch ideal for travellers seeking space, beauty and authenticity.
Mirissa, with its postcard-perfect bay and low-key charm, is among the most attractive spots, closely followed by neighbouring Thalaramba, which offers peaceful beach stays within easy reach of Mirissa’s restaurants and bars. Beyond Matara’s Dutch fort and urban buzz, quieter beaches beckon. Tangalle is a highlight, home to several unspoilt beaches and ETG-exclusive experiences, including the remarkable Mulgirigala rock monastery. The area also serves as a gateway to wildlife adventures, with Yala, Udawalawe, Bundala and Kalametiya all within reach. Though more spread out than other regions, the rewards of slow exploration here are rich.
ETG Sample Itineraries in South Coast Sri Lanka
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Sri Lanka
Family Safari, Surf and Turf
This immersive and unusual itinerary is a brilliant option for adventurous families seeking something different in Sri Lanka. Avoiding the typical loop, it carves a path through verdant tea hills, remote beaches, and wildlife-rich landscapes, offering a vibrant mix of activity, culture, and relaxation.
Trek a scenic section of the Pekoe Trail, surf Sri Lanka’s east coast, and spot elephants in the wild before winding down in Galle’s historic fort. Each stay has been handpicked for comfort, charm, and a sense of place. This is a real adventure with no compromise on ease.
Highlights
The Pekoe Trail
Privately guided walk along a scenic stretch of the Pekoe Trail
Safari in Kumana National Park
Spot elephants, birds and sloth bears on safari in Kumana National Park
Surfing
Surf and unwind on the relaxed east coast at Arugam Bay
Guided walk
Explore Galle Fort with a local guide and enjoy tea in a historic Dutch home
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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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Sri Lanka
Relaxed Sri Lanka Holiday
This laid-back tour takes you to some of Sri Lanka’s most exceptional hotels without the need for rushing, while also allowing you to see a wealth of the country’s scenery and culture. Sri Lanka is so beautiful inland that it’s worth taking your time to explore and experience what makes it so unique. If you can spare extra time, we think this holiday could also combine well with The Maldives, do call us to discuss.
Highlights
Cultural Triangle
Explore the many beautiful ancient sites of the Cultural Triangle from the comfort of one of the best hotels in the region
Tea Plantations
Take in the tea-clad hills with time for gentle walks and local exploration
Private chauffeur-guide
All travel with your very own chauffeur-guide, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace
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Sri Lanka
Relaxed Sri Lanka Family Holiday
This itinerary has been crafted specifically for families (with older kids and teens), drawing on our own experiences of travelling with our kids in Sri Lanka. We’ve designed it to include some top spots, both on and off the beaten track, while carefully planning each route to eliminate travel fatigue. The trip begins and ends with a stay along the south coast.
Highlights
Yala National Park
Spot elusive leopards and sloth bears on a private safari in Yala’s quieter Block 5
The Pekoe Trail
Totally immersed in nature and culture on a scenic walk along the Pekoe Trail, meeting local tea pluckers
Udawalawe Elephant Sanctuary
Witness the magic of elephant feeding at Udawalawe’s conservation sanctuary
Mawella Bay
Relax on the tranquil shores of Mawella Bay, ideal for swimming and kayaking
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Sri Lanka
Slow Paced Luxury
Travel slowly through the south of Sri Lanka. This itinerary takes in some of the most beautiful locations in the country staying in the best hotels.
Highlights
Amanwella
A stay at Amanwella, one of Sri Lanka’s most refined beach retreats
Yala National Park
The chance to see elephants, leopards, and birdlife in Yala National Park on safari with your naturalist guide
Galle Fort
Explore the charming UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort
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Sri Lanka
Nature & Wildlife Explorer
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.
Highlights
Wildlife experiences
Enjoy some of the best wildlife experiences in the country. Joining expert guides to track elephants, leopards, and more
Knuckles Mountains
Spot rare birds while sipping local tea in the comfort of your villa near the Knuckles Mountains
The Mudhouse
Choose between early morning bird-watching walks, kayaking on the lake, learning to cook local food, or relaxing in a hammock at The Mudhouse.
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Sri Lanka
The Birdlife of Sri Lanka
Spend two weeks travelling through Sri Lanka’s rich and varied natural environments on a quest to encounter some of the 500 bird species that have been recorded here. Your expedition will take you into the lush forests of central Sri Lanka’s hill country and the dry national parks of the south via the lowland rainforest of Sinharaja.
An expert birding guide will be on hand to help you identify some of the rarer endemic and migratory species, and each hotel has been selected to optimise the experience. Though the trip is designed around the island’s birdlife, there is plenty of time to take in many of its other charms, such as its food, culture and warm welcome.
Highlights
Weerawila Bird Sanctuary
Discovering some of the 200 bird species in the Weerawila Bird Sanctuary, including the Majestic Junglefowl, Ceylon Woodshrikes, and Great Cormorants.
Knuckles Mountains
Being surrounded by the deep jungle of the Knuckles Mountain Range while relaxing on the terrace of your remote hillside lodge, looking for parakeets and barbets through the hotel’s telescope.
Sinharaja Rainforest
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Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka for Families & Friends
Sri Lanka is a fantastic destination for groups of friends and family, whether it’s two families travelling together, a multigenerational group, or long-lost relatives reuniting from the UK and the Antipodes! The destination offers something for all ages, complemented by unique accommodations perfect for these gatherings, from private villas to boutique hotels and tea bungalows, small enough to book exclusively.
Villas in Sri Lanka are typically exquisitely designed and offer ample space to unwind and connect. With separate bedrooms, spacious living areas, and outdoor spaces, usually with private pools and lush gardens, they provide privacy and exclusivity, perfect for bonding without interruptions. Most villas also have dedicated staff, including chefs and housekeepers, ensuring tailored dining experiences and excellent service.
Highlights
Scenic train journeys
Travel through Sri Lanka’s lush highlands on one of the world’s most scenic train journeys from Kandy to Haputale.
Yala National Park
Enjoy a private safari in Yala National Park’s quieter Block 5, home to leopards, sloth bears, and crocodiles.
Kalukanda House
Spend several days at Kalukanda House, a private, peaceful retreat within a stone’s throw of an excellent little surf beach, ideal for family relaxation and adventure.
Colombo
Explore the cultural heart of Colombo with a private tuk-tuk tour and walking experience through its historic neighbourhoods.
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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
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Sri Lanka
South Coast Discovery
This holiday minimises travel compared to typical Sri Lanka tours, blending wildlife and adventure between two coastal stays in distinct areas of the south coast—each showcasing a different side of the island’s charm.
You’ll explore with your private chauffeur- guide, balancing immersive cultural experiences with plenty of beach relaxation—an easygoing way to discover Sri Lanka’s diversity. Designed to feature both popular highlights and hidden gems, the itinerary is carefully structured to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey without travel fatigue. Your adventure begins and concludes along the stunning southern coastline.
Highlights
Yala National Park
Encounter elusive leopards and sloth bears on a private safari in Yala National Park.
Pekoe Trail
Immerse yourself in local culture on a scenic walk along the Pekoe Trail, meeting tea pluckers along the way.
Udawalawe Elephant Sanctuary
Witness the incredible elephant feeding program at Udawalawe’s conservation sanctuary.
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Sri Lanka
Luxury with a Touch of Adventure
Explore Sri Lanka with immersive local experiences, wilderness adventures, and luxury hotel stays.
This itinerary is all about balancing our cultural and outdoor adventures with exceptional hotels. It is ideal for people who love luxury accommodation but don’t like to end up in could-be-anywhere hotels where they feel cut off from their destination. There is plenty of time to enjoy a range of carefully crafted experiences without missing out on the relaxation and quality that each unique hotel offers.
Highlights
Seaplane journey
A scenic seaplane journey into the Cultural Triangle to cut driving times, giving you more time to spend enjoying the area and your hotel
Ahaspokuna
Stay in a luxury tented camp in a rarely visited part of the Sri Lankan wilderness.
South Coast
Spend time relaxing in a boutique hotel on the south coast, spending a day cruising down the Kapu Ela river and exploring this remote area by tuk-tuk.
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Sri Lanka
Luxury Family Adventure
This family adventure through Sri Lanka is designed to help you uncover the best of the island in style, with minimal travel hassle. From scenic landscapes to unique excursions, every moment is crafted to bring your family together in shared experiences. With chauffeur-guided journeys and a scenic seaplane flight, you’ll minimise travel time and enjoy spectacular aerial views of this beautiful island.
Highlights
Yala National Park
Discover wildlife on thrilling safaris in Yala National Park, from leopards to elephants.
South Coast
Unwind on the south coast at a luxurious beachside resort offering yoga, surfing, and ocean vistas.
Private seaplane transfers
Savour ultimate comfort with private seaplane transfers, luxury lodges, and dedicated service throughout.
Cultural Triangle
Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress at sunrise, soaking in the breathtaking views of the Cultural Triangle.
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Sri Lanka
Natural and 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
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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