Depart your home country for your flight to Sri Lanka.
Most suited for
Couples
Ideal time to visit
December - September
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.
Relaxed Sri Lanka Holiday
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
Arrive at Colombo airport where you’ll be met by your private chauffeur who will transfer you to your hotel for the next two nights, Casa Heliconia; a beautiful two-bedroom house set in the rural countryside. It’s a perfect place to rest after your long flight and relax into the Sri Lankan pace.
Days 4 - 6
Cultural Triangle
In the morning you will be picked up by your chauffeur-guide and modern, air-conditioned car, who will transfer you to your hotel in the Cultural Triangle, on the way you will stop at a rarely visited rock fortress called Damdadeniya, a hidden gem and move off the tourist trail.
Over the next two days, you will explore the main sights on ETG’s signature tours. You’ll cycle around Giritale Tank (reservoir) to see the countryside, have a local traditional lunch and explore the famous ruins of Polonnaruwa. You’ll take our unique farming tour by tuk-tuk and tractor exploring local farms and learn first-hand about the life and work of villagers. You’ll experience the spectacular Sigiriya rock fortress, and try and avoid the crowds by going early in the morning.
Days 7 - 9
Hills around Kandy
Heading into Sri Lanka’s rolling hills, spend the next three nights in one of Sri Lanka’s best-kept secrets, a luxurious converted estate house. Located ideally for enjoying both tea plantations, rural life and the town of Kandy. There is lots of time for relaxation, a tea factory visit and an excellent cooking class.
Days 10 - 15
The Galle Coast
Finally, drop down out of the hills to Sri Lanka’s beautiful south coast and your last hotel small luxurious hotel right on the beach in an ideal location on the south coast. Close enough to explore Galle and get to local restaurants by taxi or Tuk-Tuk, but far enough away from the action to have long lazy walks along the beach.
During your time on the beach, you will visit the local fish market and have a guided walk around Galle Fort. You’ll also take a cruise down the Kapu Ela river to see local birdlife with your naturalist.
Day 16
Fly home
Bid farewell to Sri Lanka as you catch your flight, taking home memories of an unforgettable family 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.
“The slow pace of this journey allows for unexpected encounters: a rare bird in the trees, a fisherman casting his net at dawn, or a quiet moment with a cup of Ceylon tea and no agenda. This itinerary is designed to help you switch off and truly be in Sri Lanka.”
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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East Coast, Sri Lanka,
KK Beach
Deluxe safari-style tents on a beautiful stretch of beach with quiet surroundings, great for pure relaxation.
Highlights
Highlights
Best for
Family
Couples
Friends
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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
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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Galle, Sri Lanka
Lunuganga and Brief Gardens
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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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.
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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.
