850 ReviewsIt’s the details that define a journey.
The intention behind each decision.
Begin with a conversation.
Depart on your flight to Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Most suited for
Couples
Ideal time to visit
November - April
Pair Sri Lanka’s standout wildlife and cultural highlights with a perfectly timed escape to the island’s sun-soaked east coast.
This itinerary explores some of the best wildlife and cultural sights of Sri Lanka and is structured carefully to incorporate a beach stay on the east (rather than the usual south coast). The weather on the east differs from the rest of the island and is the best place for sunshine in the summer months. The east also offers some of Sri Lanka’s calmest waters with excellent snorkelling and diving available offshore.
Sri Lanka & The East Coast
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
Skip
Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 3
The Notary's House
Meet your local chauffeur-guide on arrival at Colombo Airport before being transferred to your boutique hotel where you will be for a two-night stay. Spend your first full day relaxing here amidst the tropical gardens and a coconut grove.
Days 4 - 5
Willpatu National Park
Your driver will transport you west to Wilpattu National Park, one of the most important conservation areas in the country.
During your two-night stay, you’ll enjoy a full day in the park for an authentic wilderness adventure, keeping watch for leopards, elephants, sloth bears and an array of beautiful birdlife. Wilpattu is a lot less busy than other parks in the country, making for a much more peaceful location to venture out on safari without the tourist crowds.
Days 6 - 10
Ancient Capital & The East Coast
Depart your hotel on the outskirts of Wilpattu. En route to the east coast, you skirt across the northern tip of the Cultural Triangle. The journey takes you past Anuradhapura, where you can stop to explore the ancient capital. Anuradhapura is an important and interesting cultural site and a neat place to break up the journey.
After lunch, continue onwards to the east coast, arriving in the early afternoon. Here, you’ll have a five-night stay at a lovely beach resort and time to fully unwind in beautiful surroundings, spend your days on the beach, and take a boat ride to the nearby lagoon. Indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments surrounded by the sound of the jungle, or enjoy fresh, locally inspired cuisine at the resort’s beachfront restaurant.
Days 11 - 13
Cultural Triangle
Travel from Jungle Beach south back into the Cultural Triangle, heading towards your hotel near Sigiriya Rock. Spend time with your guide discovering the best sights in the area, such as the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa and the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
You will also have the opportunity to experience rural life in the area as you travel around the scenic countryside on local transport (tuk-tuk, bike, on foot, or even a tractor). With your guide, you’ll learn firsthand about the area’s history and the life and work of villagers.
Days 14 - 15
Kandy
Next, you’ll head south to Kandy. Here, you’ll go on a guided walk through the city, which is an opportunity to learn about its history, see the sights, and experience its food culture. From fresh fruits in the market to tempting roadside snacks and baked goods, there is a range of treats to tuck into.
Day 16
Fly home
You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to Colombo airport for your return flight.
Spectacular scenery and hidden gems of Sri Lanka
Based on our discussions and enhanced by extensive in depth knowledge of Sri Lanka, Holly put together an amazing itinerary... 9 location trip to Sri Lanka so much could have gone wrong but the holiday was brilliantly organised by ETG and our local driver/guide Indika lifted the experience to another level.
Jackie
18 February 2025Excellent
850 Reviews
Make
this yours.
Start Planning
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included is shaped around ease. We take care of the practical details that can distract from the experience itself, so you’re free to relax into the journey and enjoy it as it unfolds.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own)
Carefully selected guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transport
Gratuities
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
Each journey is shaped around you, so costs vary depending on season, flight choices, accommodation and how much is built in.
As a guide, most of our two-week trips fall between £5,000 and £10,000 per person.
Some fall below that, particularly for families or travel outside peak periods. Others go beyond it when the brief includes business-class flights, longer stays, or more ambitious hotel choices.
We discuss budget early, so everything is clear from the start.
Meet Our Sri Lanka Experts
Holly is a true Sri Lanka enthusiast, with a talent for designing holidays that blend the genuine 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 ETG travellers.
“The appeal of this journey comes from its contrast. One moment you’re immersed in Sri Lanka’s cultural depth, the next you’re unwinding on the east coast, where quieter beaches and calmer seas offer a more relaxed, less crowded finale.”
Holly
Sri Lanka Travel Specialist
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
We’ve handpicked boutique hotels and unique stays that balance comfort, character, and connection to place. Full details will follow separately.
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
Experiences in Sri Lanka
Immersive experiences sit at the heart of what we do. Each one is specially designed to confound preconceptions and create moments that are magical and memorable.
You May Also Like
More exceptional journeys in Sri Lanka to explore.
Important FAQs about Sri Lanka
At Experience Travel Group, we’ve been curating immersive Sri Lanka holidays since 2006 long before the island became a mainstream destination. Our deep-rooted local knowledge, trusted partnerships, and passion for meaningful travel make us the ideal choice for discovering Sri Lanka beyond the ordinary.
Over nearly two decades, we’ve developed unique experiences that blend cultural depth, comfort, and flexibility. Whether it’s staying in boutique hotels hidden in tea country, meeting local artisans, or exploring UNESCO heritage sites with expert guides, we design every journey to reveal the real heart of Sri Lanka, not just the tourist highlights.
With our thoughtful planning and in-country support, you’ll have peace of mind while enjoying a tailored adventure that suits your interests and travel style. We don’t do off-the-shelf holidays — we create personalised journeys that capture what’s truly special about Sri Lanka.
Let us show you the Sri Lanka we know and love.
Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, but the best time depends on where you’re going. One of the best times to visit is between December and March. The summer month and September is also a great all-round option, with good weather and fewer crowds.
Every ETG holiday to Sri Lanka is carefully designed to be seamless, immersive, and stress-free. Your journey typically includes international flights (if requested), chauffeur guide throughout and accommodation in hand-picked, characterful hotels.
You’ll enjoy incredible, immersive experiences unique to you, all planned by dedicated Sri Lanka specialists, with the added reassurance of 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
The Curious Traveller’s 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.
