Depart your home country on your flight to Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
December - March
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.
Return home refreshed, inspired, and with stories to tell.
Digital Detox in Sri Lanka
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package to create something completely unique for you.
Skip
Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 3
Anamaduwa
On arrival, you’ll be welcomed to Sri Lanka by your private chauffeur-guide and whisked to The Mudhouse for a two-night stay. This eco-retreat has a unique blend of rustic charm and subtle luxury. Despite being off-grid, there are some great activities to keep everyone entertained, from cycling and kayaking to cooking classes and guided birdwatching walks. It’s THE spot to leave behind the hustle of modern life and reconnect with nature.
Days 4 - 5
Kandy
Today, your chauffeur-guide will drive you into the hills to your next lovely hotel. Spend time exploring the beautiful countryside by bike, walking trails, or splashing around in the pool. You’re near Kandy, Sri Lanka’s second largest city, where you can take a tuk-tuk tour with your guide.
Days 6 - 7
The Knuckles Mountains
Head north to Eagles Crest Lodge in the breathtaking Knuckles Mountain Range, a remote haven untouched by modern life. Immerse yourself in this wilderness during your two-day stay at this cosy homestay run by the warm and welcoming Kusume and Sira.
Begin with a scenic trek to Kandegama village, where you’ll gain insight into traditional farming practices and local culture. On day two, tackle the 14 km ‘Gerandi Ella’ loop, a spectacular trail through verdant forests, serene mountain paths, and cascading waterfalls.
As well as rustic charm and breathtaking views, Eagles Crest supports the local community and fosters sustainable tourism in this unspoiled region.
Days 8 - 9
Gal Oya National Park
Continue on to Gal Oya National Park for a two-night stay in a beautifully designed eco-lodge.
This special park is home to Sri Lanka’s largest lake, where you can take unique boat safaris to spot Asian elephants swimming and vibrant birdlife in their natural habitats.
Days 10 - 13
Arugam Bay
Today, set off for the east coast and stay by Arugam Bay. This area is popular with surfers, so why not have a go? You can also head to the nearby Okanda temples or Kudumbigala monastery for some cultural discovery.
On your final day here, swap your surfboard for a safari in Kumana National Park, looking for various bird species, monkeys, reptiles and elephants.
Days 14 - 15
Uda Walawe
Your driver will whizz you to Uda Walawe National Park. Your hotel here is an excellent base for exploring the park, which has the most consistent elephant sightings in the country. It is also well known for its raptor species and various other wildlife.
Days 16 - 17
Galle
For your final stop, you’ll travel back along the south coast to Galle and ease back into modern life, ironically in a 16th-century fort. You’ll have time to explore the historic region with an expert or to go on a bike ride, go boating, or take part in a fun cooking experience nearby.
Day 18
Fly home
Today, it’s sadly time to wave goodbye to the island. Your chauffeur-guide will drop you off at Colombo airport for your flight back home.
Very highly regarded in Sri Lanka
Two-week tour through relatively undiscovered Sri Lanka staying in six bespoke locations from eco lodges to homestays. ETG were attentive to our needs, imaginative and they have a wonderful ethos/brand that we could see whilst we were travelling.
Nigel
13 March 2025Excellent
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, 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 her clients.
“Eagles Crest is one of those rare places that feels like a secret. The views are incredible, yes – but it’s the warmth of the hosts, the peaceful setting, and the chance to properly connect with rural life that makes it 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.
See More
Galle, Sri Lanka
The Fort Printers
A lovely villa hotel in the centre of the glorious old Dutch Fort in Galle: hired by the room or as a private residence
Highlights
Highlights
Best for
Couples
Families
Friends
Gallery
See More
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
Gallery
See More
Kandy and around, Sri Lanka,
Ellerton
Lovely property perched atop a hill on the outskirts of Kandy in the lower central hills.
Highlights
Highlights
Best for
Couples
Families
Gallery
See More
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
Gallery
See More
East Coast, Sri Lanka
Jetwing Kottukal Beach House
A lovely boutique hotel on a quiet stretch of beach with a relaxed, homely feel.
Highlights
Highlights
Best for
Families,
Couples,
Friends
Gallery
See More
Sri Lanka
Eagles Crest
Tucked away deep in the Knuckles mountain range of central Sri Lanka, Eagles Crest is a unique, homely mountain lodge. It’s a very special spot with plenty of natural beauty surrounding it.
Highlights
Highlights
Scenic spot,
Special atmosphere,
Unusual experiences
Best for
Couples,
Solo Travellers
Gallery
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 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.
View Experience Page
Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
Learn to Surf
Set on Sri Lanka’s sunny east coast, Arugam Bay has earned a global reputation among surfers for its smooth breaks and beautiful setting. It’s ideal for beginners thanks to consistent waves, warm waters, and fewer crowds than more famous surf destinations.
Gallery
View Experience Page
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.
View Experience Page
Hill Country, Sri Lanka
Hill Country Adventures
From white-water rafting to jungle biking, Kitulgala offers adrenaline and beauty in equal measure—Sri Lanka’s adventure capital in the hills.
View Experience Page
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.
View Experience Page
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.
Gallery
View Experience Page
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.
Gallery
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.
