Depart your home country for your flight to Sri Lanka.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
December - September
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.
Classic Sri Lanka & Undiscovered Maldives
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.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 3
Rural Gampaha
Upon arrival at Colombo airport, be greeted by your private chauffeur guide and get in your air-conditioned vehicle to your first hotel. Situated North-East of Colombo, the rural region of is beautiful and is home to many coconut farms and pineapple plantations.
After settling in, enjoy several activities including a tour of a coconut estate, exploring nearby local villages or take a ride on the leisurely bullock cart. You may instead relax by the idyllic pool with a G&T; the choice is yours.
Days 4 - 6
The Cultural Triangle
Explore the Cultural Triangle, roughly the area between Kandy, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa. With the world-famous rock fortress of Sigiriya and the cave temples of Dambulla in the centre, we’ve specially designed our experiences in this region to get you away from the crowds where possible. This region is also famous for its abundance of artificial lakes built by civilisations over 1000 years ago. How’s that for ingenuity?
While in the area, visit local farms and learn about village life. You can even try their traditional techniques. Ride a tuk-tuk to reach these areas and explore the rural streets with your guide on foot.
Day 7
Rosyth Estate
Today, your chauffeur-guide will transfer you from the Cultural Triangle to Kegalle, a town close to Kandy and the lush tea country region. You’ll check in to Rosyth Estate and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Rosyth is a lovingly restored planter’s bungalow that retains its private house feel. Explore the estate, chill by the pool or take in the hill country views.
Day 8
Kandy
This morning, you drive to Kandy, home to one of the most revered monuments in the Buddhist world, the famed Temple of the Tooth. You’ll also have the chance to visit Kandy’s beautiful botanical gardens and the Kandy Garrison Cemetery before taking a scenic train ride to Polgahawela to enjoy the captivating landscapes of the hill country.
Days 9 - 10
Male and Guraidhoo Island
Transfer back to Colombo, where you’ll hop on a one-hour flight to the extraordinary city of Male, the capital of the Maldives. Enjoy a quick tour of this high-rise city erupting out of the ocean. Gain better insight into the unique heritage of Maldivians and see the Moroccan-designed Mosques that date back to King Charles I.
Hop on a speedboat to Guraidhoo island, where you’ll experience Maldivian everyday life on this local island. Have time to settle in, have a swim in the idyllic waters, and enjoy dinner with a local family.
After breakfast with the locals, enjoy a coral reef trip and a spot of snorkelling. With local Maldivians joining you, they’ll be able to let you know about the various fish that call the coral their home, and you’ll have a good chance of spotting turtles.
After lunch, take a short tour of the local island, including the Mosque and a boatyard where the iconic curved-fronted Dhoni boats are made. Stop by a local cafe to sample traditional ‘hedikaa’ served with black tea or non-alcoholic beer. In the evening, enjoy a performance of Boduberu drumming and join in if you’re feeling brave.
Days 11 - 13
Maldives luxury resort
Transfer back to Male and onward to your resort for 3 days of luxury and relaxation.
Day 14
Return home
Return home from Male.
We have just returned from a two-week trip to Sri Lanka
Best family holiday ever. A mixture of beach, temples, wildlife, quiet and fun. [ETG] understands us and we won't be using anyone else for our holidays to Asia.
The Reynolds-Maclean Family
Excellent
850 Reviews
850 Reviews
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’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
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 from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our Sri Lanka Experts
Holly is a true Sri Lanka enthusiast, with a talent for designing holidays that blend the must-see 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.
“This trip is perfect for travellers who want more than just beautiful beaches. You’ll uncover Sri Lanka’s cultural heart, meet Maldivian islanders, and still enjoy the luxurious resort experience that makes the Maldives so special.“
Holly
Sri Lanka Specialist
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of Sri Lanka. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
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Kandy and around, Sri Lanka
Rosyth Estate House
A beautifully converted planter’s bungalow within easy reach of Kandy.
Highlights
Highlights
Best for
Couples
Families
Friends
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Colombo, Negombo & around, Sri Lanka
Horathapola Coconut Estate
Beautiful tropical mansion offering unpretentious luxury on a working Coconut Estate.
Highlights
Highlights
Best for
Couples
Families
Friends
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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.
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 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.
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.
Experiences of Sri Lanka
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
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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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Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Pidurangala Rock
Located just north of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pidurangala Rock is a site of spiritual and historical significance in its own right. The small temple at the base is thought to date back to the 6th century AD, and legend suggests King Kassapa used this forested hillside as both a place of worship and a strategic retreat while under threat from his brothers.
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Cultural Triangle, Sri Lanka
Polonnaruwa Cycling Tour
Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka, from the 11th – 13th Century. Unlike in the first capital, Anuradhapura which is mainly composed of Buddhist religious sites, here you’ll find the remains of multi-storey palaces, royal pavilions and bathing ponds complete with changing rooms – all standing testament to the luxurious lifestyle of the royalty – alongside Buddhist and Hindu temples with flawless craftsmanship and artistry.
Half a day cycling through Polonnaruwa will bring the splendours of the city closer to you, transporting you to another time.
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Ella, Sri Lanka
Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
Located just outside Kandy, the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens were once the private grounds of Sri Lankan royalty before becoming one of the most celebrated gardens in the British Empire. Today, they remain the largest botanical gardens in Sri Lanka, covering 60 hectares and bordered by the Mahaweli River on three sides.
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Cultural Triangle, Sri Lanka
Kayaking & Elephant Watching in Kalawewa National Park
Set within Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, Kalawewa National Park is centred around a manmade reservoir built in the 5th century by King Dathusena. Now a protected area, this peaceful park remains one of the country’s lesser-known gems, perfect for eco-tourists seeking space and silence.
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Kandy, Sri Lanka
Contrasts of Kandy
Experience the historic city of Kandy with your very own expert guide.
The city is a real cultural gem to explore, it served as the Sinhalese Capital – defying Portuguese and Dutch rule for three centuries before being taken by the British in 1818. Kandy has a very unique character, maintaining its sense of tradition whilst incorporating a distinct colonial footprint.
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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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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.
