It was the cradle of the ancient irrigation civilisation of Sri Lanka that flourished 2,500 years ago. It is a wonderful region to visit; an abundance of spectacular monuments span a period of 1,700 years, and they are all close to one another.
Anuradhapura is the jewel in the crown and was one of the worlds’ great cities in its heyday around 2,200 years ago. Sigiriya, a pleasure palace built upon a huge rock, is a mind-boggling remnant of ancient engineering prowess and has a magnificent view to boot. Polonnaruwa is perhaps the most accessible of the ruins as many are still intact, and the artistry and skill apparent at sites, such as the Gal Vihara Buddhas, is startling.
The area remains thinly populated, and large areas are given over to national parks. It is a beautiful region in any case, and if you are lucky, you may spot elephants out in the wild. You will certainly see monkeys and birds of all descriptions; snakes, lizards and various other fauna. For a safari trip, you can go leopard spotting in Wilpattu or enjoy the richly varied landscapes at Wasgomuwa. For observing elephants in their natural habitat, there is a great short safari to be enjoyed in Mineriya National Park.
Please do speak to one of our travel consultants for advice on places to stay and planning a holiday. The options are many and varied, and the location is key: it all depends on what you want to get out of your stay in this region.
Sri Lanka
This is an action-packed holiday, perfect for families with a sense of adventure, with an exciting mix of off-the-beaten-path places and touches of luxury. Made for travellers who enjoy pushing the boundaries a little and want to experience the ‘real’ Sri Lanka (while staying in some lovely hotels along the away).
Wilpattu National Park
Spot leopards, elephants and sloth bears on peaceful safaris in the serene and lesser-visited Wilpattu National Park
Knuckles Mountains
Set off on a thrilling hike through the lush forests and waterfalls in the Knuckles Mountains
Surfing
Catch a wave in Sri Lanka’s Ahangama and Weligama surf hotspots, perfect for all skill levels
Farm visit
Experience rural Sri Lanka with a guided farm tour and meet local families in the heart of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
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.
Cultural Triangle
Explore the many beautiful ancient sites of the Cultural Triangle from the comfort of one of the best hotels in the region
Tea Plantations
Take in the tea-clad hills with time for gentle walks and local exploration
Private chauffeur-guide
All travel with your very own chauffeur-guide, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace
Sri Lanka
This two-week itinerary has been thoughtfully designed to include memorable family experiences in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Along the way, you’ll stay in unique, boutique, family-friendly accommodation where you’re ensured not only comfort and a great location but also an adventure.
You’ll travel in Sri Lanka with your own private chauffeur-guide. The route has been planned to minimise travel but ensure you can take in national parks, ancient cities, villages and hill country. The Sri Lanka tour can be as adventurous or relaxed as you wish. For the last part of the holiday, kick back in a villa on a beautiful, white sandy island in The Maldives.
Safari experience
Head out on safari with your naturalist guide in Wilpattu, Sri Lanka’s largest national park
Adventures in The Cultural Triangle
Cycle the backroads to Polonnaruwa, climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress and discover local life in the countryside
The Maldive s
Swim and snorkel in The Maldives’ turquoise waters. The best possible way to relax at the end of your holiday
Sri Lanka
Holidays in Sri Lanka from May to September are one of the travel industry’s best-kept secrets, but it can be tricky to know where to go. In the north, central, and east of the island, the weather can be superb and a well-crafted itinerary will mean you’ll have plenty of sunshine. The timing makes it ideal for a family summer holiday, and the quieter season means it’s perfect for a honeymoon.
This itinerary will show you the main highlights of Sri Lanka as well as something a little different with our unique cultural experiences. You’ll also have the chance to explore the beautiful and mostly undiscovered eastern coast of the country before flying off to the Maldives to relax in style for four nights. For more ideas, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Climb Sigiriya Rock and explore the surrounding countryside
Kalkudah Bay
Relax at a luxury beach resort in Kalkudah Bay on the east coast; enjoy tranquil beaches and calm summer seas.
Dreamy resort
Stay on a paradise island in the Maldives
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is extraordinary, with wildlife and nature all around. This holiday is ideal for casual nature and wildlife enthusiasts who want to see the island’s varied landscapes while getting a feel for day-to-day rural life and enjoying a relaxing time.
The hotels selected here are all small and intimate places where you might enjoy discussing wildlife with other guests, away from any of the principal tourist trails.
Wildlife experiences
Enjoy some of the best wildlife experiences in the country. Joining expert guides to track elephants, leopards, and more
Knuckles Mountains
Spot rare birds while sipping local tea in the comfort of your villa near the Knuckles Mountains
The Mudhouse
Choose between early morning bird-watching walks, kayaking on the lake, learning to cook local food, or relaxing in a hammock at The Mudhouse.
Sri Lanka
This holiday is Sri Lanka and The Maldives with a twist, delighting travellers who want to experience the Indian Ocean nations authentically yet in comfortable surroundings.
After a carefully crafted eight-day itinerary in Sri Lanka, rather than being whisked away to your resort on landing in The Maldives, you’ll see the real culture and people of this island nation with a guesthouse stay on a local island.
Of course, you’ll also get the classic Maldivian resort experience to ensure you have a chance to unwind in luxurious surroundings before you fly home.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Explore UNESCO heritage Sigiriya Rock Fortress at sunset with stunning views over the tropical forests of the cultural triangle
Male
Discover the city of Male that climbs out of the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean
Dreamy resort
Enjoy the luxurious life in a picture-postcard Maldives resort
Sri Lanka
Explore the incredibly diverse island of Sri Lanka, taking an in-depth look at its history and culture. We chose boutique hotels which make the most of each place you visit.
Venture north to the tip of the country to Jaffna, an area often overlooked by tourists and home to a compelling history and culture. With a longer-than-usual stay in the Cultural Triangle in two different areas, you’ll get to experience even more fascinating ancient sites, temples and rural life. You’ll get under the surface of Sri Lanka taking in its scenic landscapes as you traverse from north to south enjoying some of our best signature experiences.
Jaffna
Discovering the distinct culture and food scene in the north around the lesser-visited area of Jaffna
Cultural Triangle
Spend five days exploring the fascinating ancient cities, temples and rural life around the Cultural Triangle, getting to understand the history of Sri Lanka
Galle Fort
Exploring Galle Fort with a local historian
Sri Lanka
Explore Sri Lanka with immersive local experiences, wilderness adventures, and luxury hotel stays.
This itinerary is all about balancing our cultural and outdoor adventures with exceptional hotels. It is ideal for people who love luxury accommodation but don’t like to end up in could-be-anywhere hotels where they feel cut off from their destination. There is plenty of time to enjoy a range of carefully crafted experiences without missing out on the relaxation and quality that each unique hotel offers.
Seaplane journey
A scenic seaplane journey into the Cultural Triangle to cut driving times, giving you more time to spend enjoying the area and your hotel
Ahaspokuna
Stay in a luxury tented camp in a rarely visited part of the Sri Lankan wilderness.
South Coast
Spend time relaxing in a boutique hotel on the south coast, spending a day cruising down the Kapu Ela river and exploring this remote area by tuk-tuk.
Sri Lanka
This family adventure through Sri Lanka is designed to help you uncover the best of the island in style, with minimal travel hassle. From scenic landscapes to unique excursions, every moment is crafted to bring your family together in shared experiences. With chauffeur-guided journeys and a scenic seaplane flight, you’ll minimise travel time and enjoy spectacular aerial views of this beautiful island.
Yala National Park
Discover wildlife on thrilling safaris in Yala National Park, from leopards to elephants
South Coast
Unwind on the south coast at a luxurious beachside resort offering yoga, surfing, and ocean vistas
Private seaplane transfers
Savour ultimate comfort with private seaplane transfers, luxury lodges, and dedicated service throughout
Cultural Triangle
Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress at sunrise, soaking in the breathtaking views of the Cultural Triangle
Sri Lanka
This tour covers the well-known highlights of Sri Lanka with a few little twists. It’s an ideal itinerary for first-time visitors who want to feel immersed in the destination and have fun along the way.
Both the route and accommodation have been planned to suit families. Each hotel has something unique to make the trip extra special, whether it’s the view, the location, great family rooms or simply the warmest welcome in town.
Transport is with your own chauffeur guide who will remain with you for most of the tour. You can use the vehicle to go on as many day trips and excursions as you wish.
Yala National Park
Binoculars at the ready to search for leopards and elephants in the wilds of Yala National Park
Tea Plantations
Cool off and enjoy the clear mountain air in the tea plantations
South Coast
Relax and revel in the lovely setting at a family-friendly boutique hotel on the south coast
Sri Lanka
This suggested itinerary balances exploration, downtime, and fun. It is perfect for families seeking a unique adventure from Easter through the summer holidays that will keep older kids and teens entertained and inspired.
The trip takes you across the island to Sri Lanka’s east coast, which has a different climate from the rest of the country. It is at its best at this time of year.
From wildlife safaris to cycling through ancient ruins, we’ve designed this trip at a pace that works for a family holiday, blending adventure with moments of relaxation. Carefully selected accommodation, with family-friendly rooms and facilities, ensures everyone feels at home while immersing in Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes and rich culture.
Wilpattu National Park
Safari in Wilpattu National Park, searching for leopards, sloth bears, and exotic birds in peaceful surroundings
Cultural Triangle
Cycle through the Cultural Triangle and climb Pidurangala Rock for breathtaking sunset views of the famous Sigiriya Rock
Cultural Triangle
Explore The Cultural Triangle, where ancient sites like Sigiriya and Anuradhapura show the importance of Sri Lanka in the architecture field since as far back as 1000BC
Gal Oya National Park
Spot elephants and wildlife during a boat safari in Gal Oya National Park
Sri Lanka
This holiday is a take on our flagship Sri Lanka highlights itinerary, carefully tweaked to better suit those more interested in wildlife.
Packed with our best local experiences and our favourite tried and tested boutique hotels, we will ensure you’ll discover both the wildlife, culture, and diversity of this amazing island country.
The Mudhouse
Experience rural life, relax in a hammock or explore the jungle trails while staying in unique accommodation at The Mudhouse.
Tree Tops Jungle Lodge
Enjoy an incredible, immersive wildlife experience at Treetops Jungle Lodge: where wild elephants co-exist with people
Beautiful Beaches
Relax on the wild, palm-fringed beaches of The Deep South
Cultural Triangle
Enjoy our unique insider tours of The Cultural Triangle, Kandy and Colombo. Typically we offer a distinct vantage point compared to DIY or more ‘package’ type holidays
Sri Lanka
Discover Sri Lanka through the lens of its most famous architect, Geoffrey Bawa, and the rich heritage that inspired him. Immerse yourself in Bawa’s work by staying in properties he designed, taking in both the traditional Sri Lankan and Dutch Colonial architecture that culminated in Bawa’s signature ‘tropical modernism’ style. You’ll also explore the immense Sri Lankan architectural heritage from the ancient to the Kandyan Kingdom.
You’ll also have plenty of time to explore Sri Lanka’s other cultural highlights, including the ancient Sigiriya rock fortress. Plus, since much of Bawa’s work adorns the southern coast, round off your experience with some rest on palm-fringed beaches – it’s a holiday, after all!
Lunuganga
Stay at Lunuganga, Bawa’s home and lifelong project and the garden that inspired his career
The Last House
Stay at The Last House, Bawa’s gorgeous beachside villa, which was subsequently turned into a lovely boutique hotel on the beautiful south coast
Cultural Triangle
Explore The Cultural Triangle, where ancient sites like Sigiriya and Anuradhapura show the importance of Sri Lanka in the architecture field since as far back as 1000BC
Kandalama Hotel
Stay at the Kandalama Hotel, one of the best examples of Bawa’s skill in adapting the design to suit the environment. A one-off property in an enchanting location
