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In Depth Sri Lanka

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      • Somawathiya National Park
      • The Knuckles Range
      • The Sinharaja Rainforest
      • Udawalawe National Park
      • Wasgamuwa National Park
      • Wilpattu National Park
      • Yala National Park
Experience Travel Group

In Depth Sri Lanka

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Take in the full variety of this diverse island, staying in our favourite hidden gems: elegant boutique hotels, eco properties and cosy cottages in the mountains. This itinerary would work well 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 tuskers and leopards in Yala National Park
  • Explore 3000-year-old Anuradhapura with your 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 empty beaches of the deep south

As with all our holidays on this website, 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 holiday, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.


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. Gampaha 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 surrounding area

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 ideally 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 while 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 train journey through rural Sri Lanka. By train and road, you'll travel through the tea-covered hills for some of the most beautiful views in the country. Walk in the mountains, visit tea factories and explore picturesque towns such as Badulla and Haputale. Alternatively, stroll in the grounds of the accommodation 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 hectic in Block One (the part of the park by the main entrance). This safari will take you far away from the main entrance, and your trackers will aim to scope out clear leopard sightings throughout your day without the jeep-jams typical of Yala Block One.

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 sone refined 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, our holidays typically cost between £4,000 and £6,000 per adult depending on trip length and time of year as well as the hotels and flights involved. We offer child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

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 bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

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

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...

Buckingham Place

Buckingham Place, Rekawa

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

Dutch House

Dutch House, Bandarawela

Charming 3 bedroom villa with swimming pool and stunning gardens in the hills around Bandarwela

Kumbukgaha Villa

Kumbukgaha Villa, Sigiriya

A collection of comfortable villas surrounded by wilderness and a veranda to relax on at the end of a long day.

Maniumpathy

Maniumpathy, Colombo

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

Mudhouse

Mudhouse, Anamaduwa

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

The Notary's House

The Notary's House, Pannala

A charming, calming six-bedroom lake-side hotel. Manicured gardens, coconut groves, headspace. The perfect place to ease into Sri Lanka

Treetops Jungle Lodge

Treetops Jungle Lodge, Buttala

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

Villa Rosa

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 Ancient City, Anuradhapura

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

Aukana Standing Buddha

Aukana Standing Buddha, Habarana

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

Galle Fort

Galle Fort, Galle Fort

Explore Galle's beautifully preserved fortified city

Lipton's Seat

Lipton's Seat, Haputale

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

Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Kandy

Beautiful, historic gardens

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

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

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

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

Train through the hill country, Kandy

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

Yala National Park

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.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'In Depth Sri Lanka'

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Your next adventure
starts with a conversation
~

Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.

Not sure what you’re looking for? Let us inspire you...

Get in Touch

Call us 020 7924 7133

ETG - immersive holidays that give back, since 2004.
Don’t just see Asia - feel Asia.

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Experience Travel Group

020 7924 7133 Get in touch

Call
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Borneo
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Sri Lanka
    • Classic Sri Lanka Holidays
    • Family Holidays
    • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
    • Ultimate Holidays
    • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
    • Off the Beaten Track
    • Slow Holidays
  • Guide to Sri Lanka
    • Sri Lanka Guide
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Sri Lanka Travel Blog
  • Places in Sri Lanka
    • Regions of Sri Lanka
      • Overview
      • The Cultural Triangle
      • Colombo, Negombo & Around
      • Kandy and Around
      • The Hill Country
      • West Coast Beaches
      • Galle and Around
      • The South Coast
      • Puttalam & the North West
      • The East Coast
      • Jaffna & The North
    • National Parks & Sancturaries
      • 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 National Park
  • About us
    • Why choose ETG?
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    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Financial protection
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