Designed to showcase some of Sri Lanka’s best heritage and luxury hotels, while allowing you the time and space to relax and enjoy a true holiday. Featuring longer stays and fewer stops, this leisurely paced private tour in Sri Lanka is built around incredible accommodation with optional select activities and sightseeing.
A relaxing, luxury holiday in Sri Lanka
Welcome to Colombo. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and the largest city in the country. As Sri Lanka develops and modernises, it is fast becoming a modern Asian city – and you’ll notice signs of the old Sri Lanka and the new Sri Lanka side-by-side in Colombo. Stay at Residence – a boutique, luxury hotel with just 11 suites in a central location of Colombo. Each suite features opulent furnishings, a living room, bedroom, bathroom and private courtyard. A fruit platter upon arrival and a bottle of wine are included in your stay.
Today is at leisure with a private vehicle and driver at your disposal. Discover Colombo with a city tour – visiting some of its famous sights such as Galle Face Green, Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square and Viharamahadevi Park. There’s also the newly refurbished Dutch Hospital Precinct to visit with its inviting boutiques and restaurants. Colombo also has a number of modern stores and cafes that you may wish to explore. Our tip: be sure to dine at Residence tonight with its impressive modern Sri Lankan cuisine not to be missed.
Depart for Thirappane after breakfast – a drive of about five hours – to reach your next luxury stay Ulagalla. This stunning eco resort is set on a 23-hectare estate, surrounded by rice paddies, lily ponds and reservoirs. Your eyes will be drawn to its large central pool upon arrival (said to be the largest in Sri Lanka) and the 150-year-old mansion at the centre of the property. Stay in freestanding chalets that feature private plunge pools, each nestled among the natural environment. From your windows you may see monkeys swinging from the trees and a range of beautiful bird life. Settle in upon arrival. With a four-night stay at this luxury resort, take some time to unpack and make yourself at home. The afternoon is at leisure. You may wish to take a swim in the main pool or your private pool, or spend some time enjoying a stroll around this lush property. Indulge with a drink before dinner with a cocktail included each day of your stay at Ulagalla. Tonight, savour a special 3-course dinner that’s also included, dining alfresco on the verandah of the main restaurant.
A full day at leisure to enjoy the property and its facilities. Start the day with a leisurely breakfast – we recommend the Sri Lankan breakfast of string hoppers, curry and coconut garnish. Ulagalla offers a number of activities on site – including archery, horse riding, nature walks and cycling – and also boasts a spa. (All direct payment) During your stay, you may experience archery, a village cycle ride or a jungle kayak – with one activity included as part of your stay. Your driver and vehicle are also available should you wish to venture out.
Today you can choose to visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura – about 30 minutes away. Anuradhapura, which once served as Sri Lanka’s capital, is today an active religious site that draws pilgrims from around the world who come to visit the sacred Bodhi tree and see the Buddhist stupas. There are a number of fascinating sites to visit in Anuradhapura – with the city still an active archaeological site also. (Entrance fees direct payment.) You can easily spend a few hours exploring Anuradhapura. Afterwards, return to your hotel and afternoon at leisure.
Today, there’s the option to visit Sigiriya – also known as Lion Rock – and one of Sri Lanka’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. (Entrance fees direct payment.) Located about an hour away, the hugely impressive Sigiriya rock was a retreat for Buddhist monks in ancient times. Today, one of its biggest drawcards is the ancient fresco painted in a small pocket of the rock on the side of Sigiriya. Depending on your fitness, the climb up and down Sigiriya may take several hours - there are about 1,200 steps to climb. We recommend starting early to visit Lion Rock to avoid the crowds and the heat of the day. Remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy your beautiful hotel.
After breakfast, depart for Kuchchaveli on the east coast, a drive of about 2.5 hours, with stops en route at Mihintale and Trincomalee. Mihintale is a mountain peak that’s considered to be a sacred Buddhist site. A grand stairway of nearly 2,000 steps made of granite slabs to the top offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The port city of Trincomalee is one of the world’s deepest harbours. Take a short city tour before heading to your home for the next four nights – the luxury beach resort Jungle Beach. The hotel’s individual villas have are nestled between the coastal jungle and private beach, surrounded by lush natural environment.
A full three-days to relax and enjoy your lush tropical surroundings. Jungle Beach as a long stretch of private beach with lifeguards, a beach restaurant and bar, a main swimming pool, restaurant and bar, as well as a gym and spa. The resort can also arrange a number of activities or day trips for you such as diving, snorkelling, fishing, whale-watching or nature walks. (All direct payment.) One complimentary lunch is included during your stay at the resort.
Sadly, your Sri Lankan Escape is drawing to a close. Transfer to Trincomalee and board a domestic flight to Colombo. Upon arrival in Colombo, you will be transferred by shuttle bus to the international airport for your departing flight.
We loved the generosity and friendliness of the Sri Lankan people. It is a beautiful country with so much diverse culture. History, monuments, religion, food and peoples. Thank you Sri Lanka Unbound for organising a memorable visit.
Prices are indicative only & subject to change.
Additional inclusions may vary from private tour to private tour. A full list of inclusions and exclusions will be provided with each individual enquiry/quote. For a detailed quote on specific travel dates with full inclusions/exclusions please enquire at mail@srillankaunbound.com.au