Depart your home country for your flight to Sri Lanka.
Most suited for
Couples
Ideal time to visit
December - September
This holiday involves less travel than typical Sri Lanka tours and combines wildlife and adventure with two coastal stays in distinct parts of the south, each showing you a different side of the island’s charm.
You’ll explore with your private chauffeur-guide, and balance immersive cultural experiences with ample beach time. It’s a laid-back, flexible way to get a real feel for Sri Lanka’s variety.
We’ve carefully designed this itinerary to blend popular highlights with off-the-beaten-path discoveries and timed it to be a smooth, fatigue-free journey. Your adventure begins and ends on the scenic southern coast, ideal for a calm start and a proper wind-down.
South Coast Discovery
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 - 5
Nr Ahangama
Upon arrival, head straight to Sri Lanka’s southern coast for a tranquil stay at Tekanda Lodge, a secluded inland retreat nestled among lush tea and cinnamon estates. Whether you prefer unwinding by the pool, practising yoga, or simply soaking up the peaceful surroundings, this is the perfect place to relax.
A short tuk-tuk ride takes you to the lively beachside hubs of Ahangama and Weligama, where boutique cafés and stylish shops add to the coastal charm. If visiting during the right season, you can even set off on a whale-watching excursion from Mirissa or Weligama, one of the world’s best places for spotting Blue Whales. There’s also time to explore the historic Dutch Galle Fort, too.
Days 6 - 7
AMBA Tea Estate and the Pekoe Trail
Once you’ve eased into ‘island time’, you’ll journey into Sri Lanka’s breathtaking hill country, stopping en route at Udawalawe Elephant Sanctuary to see the morning feeding of orphaned elephants, an initiative focused on conservation.
Continue to AMBA Tea Estate near Ella, a unique social enterprise property, which we’re big fans of. Take part in a hands-on tea-making workshop, discovering the process from cultivation to production. You can also join guided hikes to hidden waterfalls or participate in a traditional Sri Lankan cooking experience using fresh organic produce from the estate.
Nearby, the Pekoe Trail snakes through startlingly beautiful scenery and gives insight into Sri Lanka’s colonial history. Following historic tea plantation routes, you’ll walk a picturesque stretch with a specialist guide, admiring the famed 9-Arch Bridge and the endless rolling tea fields. Along the way, meet local tea pluckers and farmers who are happy to share their craft.
Days 8 - 9
Yala National Park - Block 5
Travel to Kataragama and settle into a peaceful retreat (with only 4 suites) near Yala National Park’s quieter Block 5: one of the park’s least-visited corners, and all the better for it.
Block 5 feels like a well-kept secret. It’s quieter, wilder, and brilliant for spotting leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles and a huge range of birdlife without the convoy of jeeps. You’ll head out on private game drives with expert guides who shape each trip around what you’re most keen to see (or how long you want to be out in the bush).
Staying at the Warden’s House near the park entrance allows for optimal wildlife viewing while offering downtime in serene surroundings. Nearby, the sacred Kataragama Temple is a cultural highlight, welcoming devotees from Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim faiths and offering a fascinating window into Sri Lanka’s spiritual heritage.
Days 10 - 13
Tangalle
Return to the coast for a leisurely stay in peaceful Rekawa, near Tangalle. Bask in the tranquility of the shoreline and revel in the laid-back atmosphere at Buckingham Place, an ideal setting to unwind after your adventure.
Day 14
Fly home
Bid farewell to Sri Lanka as you catch your flight, taking home memories of an unforgettable adventure.
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
Lynsey’s love for Sri Lanka began during her travels across the island, where she was captivated by its warm people, diverse landscapes, and mouthwatering food. Her expertise lies in creating itineraries that balance relaxation and adventure, with a special focus on ethical travel and supporting local communities.
“I love how this itinerary flows, it’s full of variety, but never feels rushed. You get wild landscapes, incredible wildlife, peaceful beach time, and a real sense of Sri Lanka’s culture, all without spending too much time in a car.”
Lynsey
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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Hill Country, Sri Lanka,
Amba Estate
Rustic charm nestled in Sri Lanka’s hill country. Enjoy an authentic stay in the highlands whilst supporting a wonderful initiative.
Highlights
Highlights
Best for
Solos
Couples
Friends
Good to know
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The Deep South, Sri Lanka
Buckingham Place
Stylish, fun, contemporary villas with a great atmosphere and a sublime location overlooking Rekawa’s lagoon and beaches
Highlights
Highlights
Best for
Couples
Friends
Gallery
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The South Coast, Sri Lanka
Tekanda Lodge
A hilltop retreat made from natural materials and surrounded by 10 acres of organic tea and coconut plantations.
Highlights
Highlights
Best for
Family
Couples
Gallery
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The Deep South, Sri Lanka
The Warden's House
The Warden’s House is a peaceful 4-suite villa with 7 acres of land, just 15 minutes from Yala National Park.
Highlights
Highlights
Incredible safari experience
Best for
Couples
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 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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Ella, Sri Lanka
The Pekoe Trail
The Pekoe Trail is a 300km network of walking routes designed to open up Sri Lanka’s hill country to responsible travellers. Spanning seven valleys and weaving through remote communities, the trail champions sustainable tourism, cultural preservation and local livelihoods.
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Galle, Sri Lanka
Lunuganga & Brief Garden
Set beside tranquil Dedduwa Lake in Bentota, Lunuganga was once a colonial-era plantation. Geoffrey Bawa transformed it into a 15-acre garden estate that fuses tropical beauty with subtle modernist design—reflecting his signature “tropical modernism” philosophy. Pathways wind through symmetrical lawns, dense foliage and carefully framed vistas. Sculptures and hidden pavilions surprise at every turn.
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Galle, Sri Lanka
Market, Cooking and Galle Fort
Begin your day at a lively local fish market, where the catch of the day arrives fresh and flapping. With the help of your host, you’ll choose fish, vegetables and spices before heading to a nearby home kitchen for a hands-on cooking class.
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Ella, Sri Lanka
Maligawila Standing Buddha
Tucked away in Uva Province’s Moneragala District, this 45-foot statue is the tallest free-standing Buddha in Sri Lanka. Carved from a single limestone boulder in the 6th or 7th century AD, it was commissioned by Prince Aggabodhi of the ancient Ruhunu Kingdom. Alongside it stands a 34-foot Bodhisattva figure, both part of a long-abandoned monastic site.
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Galle, Sri Lanka
Essence of Galle
Galle is the beating heart of Sri Lanka’s south coast, where seafood markets buzz at dawn and the centuries-old Fort hides layers of history and life. This experience offers a window into its soul.
For those keen to venture beyond the Fort, there’s the option of a gentle cycling tour through nearby villages. Ride past checkerboard paddy fields and gurgling streams, stopping to try your hand at making “hoppers” – a much-loved Sri Lankan tea-time snack.
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Galle, Sri Lanka
Galle Cycling, Boat Ride and Cooking Tour
Explore inland from Galle on this exciting morning tour by bike and boat finally culminating in a cooking lesson.
The boat ride is accompanied by a naturalist with a specialist knowledge of the plant, aquatic and birdlife around.
The cycle ride is very relaxed and you can go at your own pace, should you rather drive through the villages by tuk tuk this can also be arranged. It’s only a short journey to your cookery lesson which is led by a local villager. Try your hand at making hoppers and have them for your lunch – a delicious end to the first part of your day.
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.
