Experience Travel Group
1-888-577-8452 020 7924 7133
Call

Laid back Sri Lanka

An idea for your holiday

Download Guide Get in Touch
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Malaysia
      • Borneo
      • Indochina
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • About us
    • Our Story
    • Our Team
    • Our Reviews
    • Our Press
  • How it works
    • Financial protection
    • Why choose us
    • Trip planning process
    • Common questions
    • Future of Travel
    • How much does it cost
    • My Booking
    • Contact Us
  • Inspiration
    • Inspire me
    • Why Travel
    • Our brochure
    • Our Blog
    • Country guide downloads
    • Family Travel
  • Sustainability
    • Making Travel Count
    • Our Counter-Carbon Pledge
    • One bottle at a time
    • Building a Sustainable Future
  • ETG Revitalise
    • View the collection
    • Pick your theme
      • Active and Restorative
      • Into the Wild
      • Uncomplicated Adventures
      • Surrounded by Nature
      • Curious Journeys
      • Remote and Switched off
  • Search
Laid back Sri Lanka
ABTA
ATOL
  • Holidays in Sri Lanka
    • Classic Sri Lanka Holidays
    • Classic Family Holidays
    • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
    • Ultimate Holidays
    • Off Beat Family Holidays
    • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
    • Cultural, Historical & Immersive
    • Slow Holidays
  • Info on Sri Lanka
    • Hotels
      • Boutique & Character Hotels
      • Deluxe & Luxury Hotels
      • Eco & Unique
      • Best Beach Hotels & Resorts
      • Family Hotels
      • Villas & Hideaways
      • Best of the Rest
    • Experiences
      • Cultural Experiences
      • Outdoors & Adventure
      • Unique Experiences
      • Wildlife and Nature
      • Immersive Sightseeing Experiences
    • Nature and Wildlife
        Overview
      • Bundala National Park
      • Flood Plains National Park
      • Gal Oya National Park
      • Horton Plains National Park
      • Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
      • Kumana National Park (Yala East)
      • Lahugala National Park
      • Lunugamvehera National Park
      • Maduru Oya National Park
      • Minneriya National Park
      • Somawathiya National Park
      • The Knuckles Range
      • The Sinharaja Rainforest
      • Udawalawe National Park
      • Wasgamuwa National Park
      • Wilpattu National Park
      • Yala (Ruhunu) National Park
    • Getting Around in Sri Lanka
        Overview
      • Chauffeur Guides & Transportation
      • Vehicles in Sri Lanka
      • Internal Flights
      • Helicopter in Sri Lanka
    • Honeymoons in Sri Lanka
    • Sri Lanka Weddings
  • Guide to Regions
    • Overview
    • The Cultural Triangle
    • Colombo, Negombo & Around
    • Kandy and Around
    • The Hill Country
    • West Coast Beaches
    • Galle and Around
    • The Deep South
    • Puttalam & the North West
    • The East Coast
    • Jaffna & The North
  • Useful
    • Free Guide Download
    • Weather & When to go
Experience Travel Group

Laid back Sri Lanka

  • Info
  • ItineraryDays
  • Hotels
  • ExperiencesTo-Do
  • Price
  • Map

With careful planning, it's possible to see the beauty and diversity of Sri Lanka but with limited tiring journeys. 

This holiday itinerary will work as a starting point if you're the kind of traveller who wants to see as much as possible, but keep long, tiring car journeys to an absolute minimum. And you won’t feel like you’ve compromised the experience by not exploring the whole island.

We suggest focusing on the central and northern parts of Sri Lanka. This area has incredible variety, so you'll still get a feel for the scenery and culture: from the historical sites in the Cultural Triangle to spectacular mountain scenery and tea plantations, wildlife in Wilpattu National Park and Kalpitiya’s beaches.

Along the way, your accommodation will be comfortable and in lovely, peaceful settings.

Highlights Include:

  • The Knuckles mountain range which has some of the most spectacular scenery in Sri Lanka
  • Spotting leopards and elephants on safari in Wilpattu National Park; the protected area is wilder and a lot less crowded than other parks in Sri Lanka
  • Discover dolphins and sperm whales off the beach on the Kalpitiya Peninsula

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Find out about our exclusive ‘Journey Planner’ here.

DAY 1 DEPART UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Colombo.

DAYS 2 & 3 THE NOTARY’S HOUSE    FARM LIFE

Meet you chauffeur-guide on arrival at Colombo Airport. Transfer to your boutique hotel where you will be for a two-night stay. Your holiday begins with a full day of relaxation amidst the tropical gardens.

DAYS 4- 6  HILL COUNTRY   TEA & MOUNTAINS

With your chauffeur-guide, you’ll transfer to the beautiful hill country for three nights on the edge of the Knuckles Mountain range. Spend your time exploring the tea fields with your guide, learning how the leaves are grown, picked and processed. You’ll even have the opportunity to meet the pickers and perhaps try carrying one of the tea baskets.

On your second day, trek around the remote Knuckles mountain range to the top of Mount Hunnasgiriya with your local naturalist and guide. Along the way, you’ll have an expert’s insight into the wildlife and landscape, as well as the opportunity to enjoy incredible views over the tea estates and Victoria Reservoir.

DAYS 7 -  9  CULTURAL TRIANGLE   HISTORY AND LOCAL LIFE

Head east with your chauffeur-guide towards Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Visit the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa and the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress from unique vantage points and also learn firsthand about the history of the area and the life and work of villagers.

DAYS 10 & 11  WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK    WILDLIFE ADVENTURES

Your driver will transport you to Wilpattu National Park, one of the country's most important conservation areas. During your two-night stay, you’ll enjoy an authentic wilderness adventure, spotting 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 12 - 15  KALPITIYA   BEACH RELAXATION

Head to the west coast with your driver for several days of relaxation on the beaches of Kalpitiya - the perfect way to end your holiday. The area is known for its whale and dolphin watching opportunities, as well as watersports. Sit back and chill out at your lovely accommodation or on the quiet beaches.

DAY 16 FLY HOME 

Your driver will drop you at Colombo airport to depart on your flight back to the UK. 

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, two-week holidays range from roughly £3,000 to £8,000 per adult, with an average price of £3,500. We also offer substantial child and seasonal discounts.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your personalised quotation with Experience Travel Group will include.

  • International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
  • Accommodation as described
  • Privately guided tours and transfers 
  • Original Experience Travel Group "Signature" experiences 
  • Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding)
  • 24-hour in-country backup while away
  • Your dedicated travel expert in the UK 

For more on our pricing policy read here.  

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Aliya Resort & Spa

Aliya Resort & Spa, Sigiriya

A spacious and modern resort with views of Sigiriya Rock and a great swimming pool and spa.

Ashburnham Estate

Ashburnham Estate, Elkaduwa

Set in the midst of a working tea plantation on the edge of the Knuckles mountain range.

The Ibis

The Ibis, Wilpattu

A small property situated on the outskirts of Wilpattu National Park with lovely gardens and friendly staff.

The Notary's House

The Notary's House, Pannala

A charming six-bedroom hotel set amidst manicured gardens, offering a calm and serene space to relax into your Sri Lankan holiday.

Villa Sante

Villa Sante, Kalpitiya

A hideaway at the top of Kalpitiya Lagoon, great for relaxation or to enjoy kite surfing in season.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Pidurangula Rock

Pidurangula Rock, Sigiriya

Just beside Sigiriya Rock Fortress lies another granite rock jutting out of the surrounding lowland, Pidurangala Rock.

Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa, Polonnaruwa

Sri Lanka's third ancient captal, home to some of the finest stone carvings and monuments

Polonnaruwa Cycling Tour

Polonnaruwa Cycling Tour, Polonnaruwa

Cycle around the relatively compact and well preserved ruins of Sri Lanka's second great historical capital.

Sigiriya and Village Farm experience

Sigiriya and Village Farm experience, Sigiriya

Visit local farms and learn firsthand about the life and work of the villagers, enjoy a home-cooked lunch and visit the stunning Sigiriya rock fortress

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'Laid back Sri Lanka'

Ready to enquire about this holiday?

Each journey with ETG is different. Let us know your needs, hopes and fears, and our friendly travel team will help you discover your ideal holiday.

Get in Touch

Call us 020 7924 7133

More Holiday Suggestions

Relaxed Sri Lanka Holiday

Relaxed Sri Lanka Holiday

Escape the crowds, take in some of the best scenery in Sri Lanka at a slow & relaxing pace and stay in some unique hotels.

Slow Paced Luxury

Slow Paced Luxury

Some of the most beautiful luxury accommodation in the south of Sri Lanka and a deluxe wildlife safari away from the crowds.

South Coast Discovery

South Coast Discovery

Head to Sri Lanka's southern coastline. Explore the exotic landscape, discover historical Galle, and relax on the beach.

The ETG Newsletter

Your fantastic fortnightly round-up of everything new and newsworthy in travel. Expect the latest experiences, hotels and advice from our travel experts - not to mention exclusive special offers

Sign up Here

Sri Lanka Travel Blog

Get in Touch
How it works
  • Why Choose Us?
  • Trip Planning Process
  • Common Questions
  • How Much Does it Cost?
  • My Booking
About Us
  • Our Story
  • Our Team
  • Our Reviews
  • Our Promise
  • Our Press
  • Contact
  • Jobs
Useful
  • Your Protection
  • Travel Insurance
  • Our Rating System
  • Exclusive Signature Experiences
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Website T&C's of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Package Travel Regulations
  • Belgrade Office
  • Hotel Collection
  • Foreign and Commonwealth (FCO) Travel Advice
  • Site Search
  • Covid-19
Get Social

facebook.com/experiencetravel twitter.com/ExpTrav instagram.com/experiencetravelgroup

  • Visit us on Facebook
  • View @ExpTrav Twitter Feed
  • Visit our Travel Blog
  • Follow our Instagram page
  • Newsletter
  • Book Club

© Experience Travel
Registered in England, Company No. 5071391 | ABTA Member | 9324 ATOL Protected
Site by Livingstone Creative

Experience Travel Group

020 7924 7133 Get in touch

Call
  • Other Destinations
    • Sri Lanka
      • Classic Sri Lanka Holidays
      • Classic Family Holidays
      • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
      • Ultimate Holidays
      • Off Beat Family Holidays
      • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
      • Cultural, Historical & Immersive
      • Slow Holidays
    • The Maldives
      • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
      • Family Holidays
      • Honeymoons
      • Island Hopping Holidays
      • Insight & Culture Holidays
    • Vietnam
      • Classic Vietnam Holidays
      • Vietnam & Cambodia Holidays
      • Vietnam Family Holidays
      • Vietnam With A Difference
      • Ultimate Vietnam Holidays
      • Mekong River Journeys
    • Cambodia
      • Classic Cambodia Holidays
      • Cambodia & Vietnam Holidays
      • Ultimate Holidays
      • Family Holidays
    • Laos
      • Classic Holidays
      • Family Holidays
      • In Depth Holidays
      • Multi Country Holidays
      • Honeymoon & Luxury
    • India
      • Classic Holidays
      • Ultimate Holidays
      • Wildlife Holidays
      • Off The Beaten Track
      • Insight Holidays
      • Holidays with Beach
      • Family Holidays in India
      • Southern India Holidays
      • North & Central India
      • Himalaya's & the East
      • Rajasthan & the Golden Triangle
    • Bhutan
      • Classic Bhutan
      • Honeymoons in Bhutan
      • Family Bhutan Holidays
      • Multi-Country Bhutan
    • Oman
      • Classic Oman Holidays
      • Oman Family Holidays
      • Oman & India Holidays
      • Multi-Country Oman Holidays
    • Thailand
      • Hidden Thailand Holidays
      • Family Thailand Holidays
      • Ultimate Holidays
      • Multi-Country Holidays
    • Myanmar
      • Classic Holidays
      • Myanmar with a River Journey
      • Multi-Country Holidays
      • Family Holidays
    • Borneo
      • Classic Holidays
      • Family Holidays & Adventures
      • In Depth Holidays
      • Borneo & Mainland Malaysia
    • Malaysia
      • Classic Holidays
      • Malaysia & Borneo Holidays
      • Wildlife Holidays
      • Family Holidays
      • Ultimate Holidays
    • Indonesia
      • Classic Indonesia Holidays
      • Ultimate Indonesia Holidays
      • Wildlife Holidays
      • Family Holidays
      • Multi-Country Holidays
      • Bali & Lombok Holidays
      • Holidays in Java & Beyond
      • Flores & Komodo
      • Holidays In Sulawesi
      • Borneo & Beyond
    • Indochina
      • Classic Holidays
      • Ultimate Holidays
      • Family Holidays
      • Indochina with A Beach
      • Overland Journeys
      • Indochina & Beyond
  • Sri Lanka Holidays
    • Classic Sri Lanka Holidays
    • Classic Family Holidays
    • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
    • Ultimate Holidays
    • Off Beat Family Holidays
    • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
    • Cultural, Historical & Immersive
    • Slow Holidays
  • Country Info
    • Nature and Wildlife
      • Bundala National Park
      • Flood Plains National Park
      • Gal Oya National Park
      • Horton Plains National Park
      • Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
      • Kumana National Park (Yala East)
      • Lahugala National Park
      • Lunugamvehera National Park
      • Maduru Oya National Park
      • Minneriya National Park
      • Somawathiya National Park
      • The Knuckles Range
      • The Sinharaja Rainforest
      • Udawalawe National Park
      • Wasgamuwa National Park
      • Wilpattu National Park
      • Yala (Ruhunu) National Park
    • Sri Lanka By Region
      • The Cultural Triangle
      • Colombo, Negombo & Around
      • Kandy and Around
      • The Hill Country
      • West Coast Beaches
      • Galle and Around
      • The Deep South
      • Puttalam & the North West
      • The East Coast
      • Jaffna & The North
    • Getting Around in Sri Lanka
      • Chauffeur Guides & Transportation
      • Vehicles in Sri Lanka
      • Internal Flights
      • Helicopter in Sri Lanka
    • Honeymoons in Sri Lanka
    • Sri Lanka Weddings
  • Weather & When to go
    • Sri Lanka
    • The Maldives
    • Vietnam
    • Cambodia
    • Laos
    • India
    • Bhutan
    • Thailand
    • Myanmar
    • Borneo
    • Malaysia
    • Indonesia
    • Oman
  • ETG Revitalise
    • View the collection
    • Pick your theme
      • Active and Restorative
      • Into the Wild
      • Uncomplicated Adventures
      • Surrounded by Nature
      • Curious Journeys
      • Remote and Switched off
  • Search
    • Sri Lanka
    • The Maldives
    • Vietnam
    • Cambodia
    • Laos
    • India
    • Bhutan
    • Oman
    • Thailand
    • Myanmar
    • Borneo
    • Malaysia
    • Indonesia
    • Indochina
  • Contact Us
  • Future of Travel
  • How it works
    • Why Choose Us?
    • Journey Planner
    • Common Questions
    • How Much Does it Cost?
    • Financial Protection
  • My Booking
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Our Team
    • Our Reviews
    • Our Press
  • Brochure
  • Blog