Sri Lanka In Style

Suggested Itinerary

Overview

With a heritage that can be traced back over three and a half millennia, Sri Lanka is a land filled with magic and mystery. Steeped in the myths and legends of the Ramayana, it has been home to the Sinhalese since the late 6th century BC. Colonised by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British, it was once described as the finest island in the world. This luxury adventure takes in many of its cultural and natural highlights including the old capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the spectacular ...

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.

EXPAND ALL ITINERARY DAYS
COLLAPSE ALL ITINERARY DAYS

DAY 1: ARRIVE COLOMBO

DAY 1: ARRIVE COLOMBO

Arriving in Colombo today, you will be met and driven to your luxury heritage hotel where you can settle in and unwind. We work closely with a number of excellent properties in the heart of Colombo should you prefer this, and can recommend some of the best experiences available.

Maniumpathy House

DAY 2: COLOMBO

DAY 2: COLOMBO

Today provides a chance to make the most of Maniumpathy stylish pavilions and manicured surroundings. Located in the heart of the city, providing the perfect setting to either relax by the pool in the beautiful gardens and unwind or explore Colombo's stylish designer boutiques and master chef restaurants before set out on your romantic Sri Lankan adventure.

Maniumpathy House
Breakfast

DAY 3: COLOMBO - ANURADHAPURA

DAY 3: COLOMBO - ANURADHAPURA

Following breakfast this morning you will head north, driving towards Anuradhapura, site of the country's first capital and one of the greatest monastic centres of the ancient world. Anuradhapura is the most celebrated of Sri Lanka's ancient ruined cities and dates back to the 5th Century BC. Here you can visit many interesting sites in the city, including the Isurumuniya - the first temple to be built on the island, and the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree which was supposedly planted from a sapling taken from the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.

Uga Ulagalla
Breakfast

DAY 4: WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK

DAY 4: WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK

This morning you will be taken on a safari through the rich landscapes of the Wilpattu National Park, located some 30 kilometres to the west of the city. It is the largest national park in Sri Lanka and is mostly dry, dense forest, meaning wildlife is more elusive but you will see less jeeps than you would see in Yala or Minneriya. You will drive through the forest on dirt tracks, stopping at watering holes and lakes. Hopefully you will see the splendid sight of an elephant having a cooling dip or a leopard having a drink. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna including sloth bear, mongoose, buffalo, crocodiles and a myriad of birdlife. Return to your hotel and relax for the afternoon.

Uga Ulagalla
Breakfast

DAY 5: ANURADHAPURA - POLONNARUWA - SIGIRIYA

DAY 5: ANURADHAPURA - POLONNARUWA - SIGIRIYA

This morning you'll visit the old medieval capital of Polonnaruwa, a city that reached the height of its glory during the 12th century. Another of Sri Lanka's wonderful World Heritage Sites, the city is filled with a rich collection of ancient buildings and monuments. You'll visit the magnificent ruins of its Royal Palace, with its Audience Hall, Bathing Pool and Quadrangle and take in the curious Circular Relic House and the colossal carved figures of the Galvihara, hewn out of solid granite. From here you then continue on to Sigiriya.

Water Garden Resort
Breakfast

DAY 6: SIGIRIYA & MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK

DAY 6: SIGIRIYA & MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK

Sigiriya's famous Sky Fortress sits on top of the imposing granite monolith of the Lion Rock, some 200 metres above the surrounding countryside. Built during the 5th century, it is one of Sri Lanka's major attractions and from its lofty heights the views are truly spectacular. The journey to the summit takes you past the vividly colourful frescoes of the Sigiriya Damsels and on to the ruins of the old palace of King Kassapa. Enjoy lunch at Geffrey Bawa’s iconic hotel – Heritance Kandalama. Later this afternoon, go on a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, renowned for its large herds of elephants.

Water Garden Resort
Breakfast

DAY 7: SIGIRIYA - DAMBULLA - KANDY

DAY 7: SIGIRIYA - DAMBULLA - KANDY

The journey to Kandy takes you by way of the UNESCO caves at Dambulla, where you'll find a remarkable collection of temples and statues that date back to the 1st century BC. Filled with images of the Buddha and sculptures of the Hindu gods, the caves have become an important pilgrimage site for countless thousands of worshippers, with the largest of the caves containing some 48 statues of the Buddha. Continuing on to Kandy, you'll spend the next two nights in this fascinating city.

Kandy House
Breakfast

DAY 8: KANDY

DAY 8: KANDY

The last capital of the ancient Sri Lankan kings, Kandy is one of the country's cultural and spiritual gems. Home to the revered Temple of the Tooth, the city still retains a sense of its old-world charm and you'll enjoy a guided tour of some of its highlights this morning, including the beautiful orchid collection at the Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya. Finish the day with a culinary walk, exploring local markets and visiting Hela Bojun Hala, a spacious open-air food court set up with the aim of not only providing delicious Sri Lankan food at subsidised prices, but also providing employment opportunities for local women.  

Kandy House
Breakfast

DAY 9: KANDY - NANU OYA - BOGAWANTALAWA

DAY 9: KANDY - NANU OYA - BOGAWANTALAWA

A beautifully scenic train journey today takes you from Kandy to Nanu Oya, where you will be collected and driven on to your captivating resort, situated high amongst the lush hills of Hatton. Lying in the heart of Sri Lanka's verdant tea country, you'll spend the next two nights enjoying the comforts of an engaging tea planter's bungalow and the gourmet delights of a range of delicious cuisine.

Ceylon Tea Trails
Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10: BOGAWANTALAWA

DAY 10: BOGAWANTALAWA

Today is free to enjoy at your leisure, with a choice of excursions available from the lodge. There are scenic walks and hikes on offer, mountain biking trails to explore and spa treatments to indulge in. Enjoy a special planters picnic, or visit the nearby Leopard Research Center Dunkeld. For those who are more active there is also the option of kayaking on Castlereagh Lake. You can also join the estate's resident tea expert on an engrossing 'Tea Experience', a fascinating insight into Sri Lanka's age-old tea making process.

Ceylon Tea Trails
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11: BOGAWANTALAWA - TANGALLE

DAY 11: BOGAWANTALAWA - TANGALLE

After breakfast this morning you'll leave the green hills behind and head for the beaches of Sri Lanka's southern coast. Drive to the unspoilt coastal town of Tangalle, where you can relax and enjoy the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

Breakfast

DAY 12: TANGALLE

DAY 12: TANGALLE

Enjoy a free day to soak up the sea breezes, white beaches and quiet of this stunning area.

Breakfast

DAY 13: TANGALLE - GALLE

DAY 13: TANGALLE - GALLE

A wonderful fusion of Dutch era architecture, aromatic spices and the glittering azure waters of the Indian Ocean, Galle provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing end to your Sri Lankan journey. Once you have checked in to your luxurious beachside hotel, the rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy as you wish.

Fort Bazaar
Breakfast

DAY 14: GALLE

DAY 14: GALLE

Today you will enjoy a half-day visit to Galle Fort, the largest European fortress left in Asia. Colonised by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it is still infused today with a graceful charm that perfectly encapsulates its European heritage and a wander through its meandering streets reveals a wealth of ageing colonial buildings. The rest of the day is then free to relax and enjoy the facilities back at the hotel. For those looking to explore further there are an abundance of experiences on offer, from visiting a nearby Cinnamon tea plantation to making masks in the nearby town of Ambalangoda.

Fort Bazaar
Breakfast

DAY 15: GALLE - DEPART COLOMBO

DAY 15: GALLE - DEPART COLOMBO

Drive back along the coast today towards Colombo. For those interested in Geoffrey Bawa you can stop along the way to explore his iconic country home and gardens - Lunuganga Estate. Continue on to Colombo airport in time to catch your onward flight.

Breakfast

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.

GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED

15 days from £5,490

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 10828 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Wild Miles Club

When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:

Blue More than 10,000 points 2.5% discount
Bronze More than 30,000 points 5% discount
Silver More than 45,000 points 7.5% discount
Gold More than 60,000 points 10% discount

This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.

Positive Impact of this Trip

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

WHY WILD FRONTIERS?

Meet the expert, Shalmali

Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.

Speak to Shalmali by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258

Early morning hike to Sigiriya rock, train journey from Kandy to Ella, walk with the Vedda in Gal Oya, visit a working tea factory, food walk in Colombo, leopard tracking in Wilpattu, visit Anuradhapura at night, best beach stay in Tangalla

OTHER ITINERARIES IN SRI LANKA