In Depth Sri Lanka Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

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Take in the full variety of this diverse island, staying in our favourite hidden gems: fine boutique hotels, eco properties and cosy cottages in the mountains. This holiday is perfect for nature lovers who also enjoy a bit of comfort. The first part of the holiday explores the island and then the holiday finishes with luxury and relaxation at the beach.

Highlights Include:

Stay at The Mudhouse where you will feel transported to another world
Encounter wildlife in Yala National Park
Explore 3000-year-old Anuradhapura with your own expert guide
Climb Sigiriya, explore the quirky history of Colombo, cycle through rural Galle and generally discover the hidden nooks and crannies of Sri Lanka
Relax on one of the wide and empty beaches of the deep south

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We can tailor it completely to suit your budget, pace and style. To find out more about how this suggested itinerary could inspire your own holiday, fill in the form below.

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

Depart The UK for Colombo, Sri Lanka.

DAYS 2 & 3 Gampaha relax in the countryside

On arrival in Sri Lanka, you will be met by your chauffeur-guide for the one-hour transfer to your rural retreat. This is the perfect place to ease your way into Sri Lankan life in a unique setting. Beyond relaxation, you may choose to explore paddy fields, local temples, and spot rare birds.

DAYS 4 & 5 THE MUDHOUSE a unique rural experience

Your guide will drive you onwards to The Mudhouse for a two-night stay on a full board basis. Locally guided excursions are included such as cycling, visits to local temples, swimming trips, lake kayaking, and picnics. This little-visited but beautiful area of Sri Lanka is deeply rural and life moves at a tranquil pace.

Dining under the stars at this stunning eco-retreat you will be immersed in Sri Lanka's natural beauty.

DAYS 6 - 8 CULTURAL TRIANGLE the famous sites and more

Transfer by road to the Cultural Triangle where there is time to explore the magnificent ruins of Anuradhapura and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Our excursions offer you the chance to explore by bicycle if you prefer.

There will also be a day to explore Sigiriya Rock Fortress incorporating a unique off-the-beaten-track farm village experience.

DAYS 9 & 10 KANDY explore the city and surrounds

From the Cultural Triangle, you will head to the cooler yet equally cultured climes of Kandy. Staying two nights at the wonderfully positioned Villa Rosa, you will be perfectly based to visit Peradeniya Botanical Gardens as well as the sacred Temple of the Tooth. The location just on the outskirts of Kandy means that you get stunning views, peace, and tranquillity whilst still being close enough to visit the sights of the city.

DAYS 11 & 12 TEA COUNTRY scenic train and amazing views

The journey into the tea country incorporates a fantastic scenic train journey through rural Sri Lanka. By train and road, you'll travel through the tea-covered hills to the wonderfully scenic town of Haputale, staying in Kelburne Cottages which afford one of the finest views in the country. Walk in the mountains, visit tea factories and explore other picturesque towns such as Bandarawela, Badulla and Haputale. Alternatively, stroll in the grounds of the bungalow or relax on the lawn and enjoy the fresh, mountain air.

DAY 13 & 14 YALA NATIONAL PARK wildlife in abundance

You'll be driven onwards to Tree Tops. Here, discover the jungle trails on foot with an expert guide and keep watch for elephants and other wildlife as you explore.

During your stay, there will be a full-day 4-wheel drive safari to Yala National Park included. Yala is Sri Lanka’s most famous park on account of the high density of leopards, but it gets very busy. Your trackers will aim to scope out clear leopard sightings throughout your day without the typical jeep-jams.

DAYS 15 - 18 TANGALLE relax in style

Head along the coast to sleepy Rekawa, located on the outskirts of Tangalle. Enjoy fine accommodation, sensational food and a relaxing atmosphere at Buckingham Place, one of the south coast's finest properties.

DAY 19 & 20 COLOMBO the heritage of the city

Your holidays end with a two-night stay in Colombo. Here you will have time to enjoy Experience Travel Group's unique Heritage of Colombo tour. Explore markets, colonial heritage, taste tea and gain an insider perspective on the influences, traditions and cultures that have shaped this city.

DAY 21 DEPART SRI LANKA

Transfer to the airport for your return 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 £2,500 to £8,000 per adult, with an average price of £3,300. We also offer substantial child and seasonal discounts.

Fill in our Quote Request form to get your quick, no-obligations proposal.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 or use the quote request form below for your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your personalised quotation with Experience Travel Group will include:

International Flights (which can be omitted from your quotation 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)
Meals as described
24 hour in-country backup whilst away
Your own 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...

Arika Boutique Villa , Dambulla

Strategically close to the Cultural Triangle, Arika is a peaceful forest villa with good facilities.

Buckingham Place, Rekawa

Stylish, fun, contemporary villas with a great atmosphere and a sublime location overlooking Rekawa's lagoon and beaches

Casa Heliconia, Gampaha

Theatrical indulgence close to Colombo Airport

Ceylon Tea Bungalows, Bandarawela

Cosy colonial-style bungalows set in the middle of a peaceful, verdant tea estate with lovely mountain views.

Maniumpathy, Colombo

Old world charm and modern comforts in a restored heritage home in Colombo, boasting a relaxing swimming pool.

Mudhouse, Anamaduwa

Stunning jungle lodge and hideaway with unique accommodation, superb service and off-the-beaten track excursions

Treetops Jungle Lodge, Buttala

A wilderness luxury camping safari experience in one of the remotest corners of Sri Lanka.

Villa Rosa, Kandy

A villa style, boutique hotel; offering personal comforts, great food and the finest views of any hotel in Kandy

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...

Anuradhapura Ancient City, Anuradhapura

The ancient city of Anuradhapura points to a civilisation of great sophistication over 2000 years old.

Aukana Standing Buddha, Habarana

Visit the 12 m high standing Buddha as the sun rises to see it glow.

Galle Fort, Galle Fort

Explore Galle's beautifully preserved fortified city

Lipton's Seat, Haputale

Take a walk up to the legendary Sir Thomas Lipton's favourite spot for a spectacular view.

Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Kandy

Beautiful, historic gardens

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sigiriya

One of the unofficial wonders of the world - a spectacular, must-visit ancient site full of mystery and intrigue

Tea Factory Visit, Nuwara Eliya

See the inner-workings of a tea factory and follow the process from plucking the bud to brewing a cup

Temple of the Sacred Tooth, Kandy

Former royal palace turned temple - home to Sri Lanka's most sacred religious relic

Train through the hill country, Kandy

One of Asia's great train journeys, with spectacular views from start to finish.

Yala National Park, Yala

Sri Lanka's Yala National Park has the world's highest density of leopards - so this is your best chance to see them.

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The air holiday packages shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 9324. Please see our booking conditions for more information.