We’ve re-imagined the classic circular route of Sri Lanka with this new itinerary, a private tour designed to capture wildlife, culture and quiet backroads ideal for post-Covid travel. Explore ancient Buddhist temples, medieval kingdoms and the impressive Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the cultural triangle, before moving on to a remote National Park where swimming elephants cap the experience. With a tea plantation stay, a beachside break and a visit to the historic walled city of Galle this journey combines many of the highlights Sri Lanka has become famous for with stays in languorous locations where space is plentiful and the accommodation on offer adds a delightful dimension to your overall experience of the teardrop isle in the post-Covid era.
For first time travellers looking to take in the highlights while staying away from crowds.
Welcome to Colombo. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your accommodation in Makandura, a journey of an hour. Your accommodation is a small boutique hotel with a mix of traditional and contemporary architectural designs set amidst a large garden and a coconut grove in rural Sri Lanka.
Discover rural Sri Lanka today. Before breakfast and the heat of the day, grab a bicycle and go one. Gentle ride. Relax during the day and go on a leisurely walk around the village in the late afternoon
Depart to your accommodation, in Sigiriya in the Cultural Triangle, a private hideaway set in a peaceful rural area surrounded by wilderness and paddy fields where wild elephants, elusive civet cats and peacocks roam free on a journey of around 3 hours. Remainder of your day at leisure
Rise early this morning to visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO Heritage site. This colossal Rock Fortress, also known as ‘Lion Rock’, is possibly Sri Lanka’s best-known attraction and one of its biggest draw cards. Remainder of your day is at leisure.
Today discover Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO heritage site. Its well-planned landscapes are studded with well-preserved sites of archaeological importance. This sites remarkable sculptures and temples with intricate carvings are still in good shape even after 800 years.
Depart to Gal Oya on a journey of around four hours. Gal Oya is the home to one of Sri Lanka’s most untouched and least visited National Parks. This park is home to 32 species of mammals and over 150 species of bird. Sightings of large herds of elephants are common including swimming elephants as the park is surrounded by a large reservoir. Your stay here is at the beautiful Gal Oya Lodge, spread across 8 acres of forest and grassland. Explore the surrounding area on a nature walk with the in-house naturalist later this afternoon.
Early this morning look for swimming elephants on a boat safari. After the safari relax at your lodge, take a dip in the pool or read a book before going on a jeep safari this afternoon.
Depart to tea country on a 3-hour journey. Check in to your accommodation on arrival and be at leisure. Remote but spectacularly located your accommodation lies on a hill in Bandarawela, boasting gorgeous views of the Sri Lankan hill country mountains and beyond. Both a farm and a homestay, the property is surrounded by tea estates and forests and has a lovely homely feeling.
Today discover the history of tea on a tour guided by an expert. Thereafter enjoy a private tea tasting. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Depart to Yala for amazing wildlife encounters on a journey of around two and a half hours. Your stay here is at an eco-friendly tented accommodation set in a quiet part of Yala bordering the sanctuary. Look forward to an exciting afternoon safari with the camp’s expert rangers
Today explore Yala National park on two half a day safari with the in-house rangers. Safaris take place early morning and late afternoon when the wildlife is most active as the temperatures remain most moderate.
Today depart to Talpe on the south coast for a relaxed beach stay. Your accommodation here is at Villa Sielen Diva situated on a beachfront with stunning views.
Today relax at your accommodation or explore Galle Fort with your driver-guide. This port city and a UNESCO heritage site with cobbled streets have seen hundreds of years of history from Arab merchants to adventurous Portuguese and Dutch. Galle Fort is just 20-minute drive from your Villa and a great place to spend the day exploring, shopping and relaxing at some of the quirky restaurants.
Today drive to Colombo’s International airport for your departure flight, a journey of around 2 hours.
Perhaps the best testimony is the fact that this is my third trip and hopefully not the last.
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.