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Call usSri Lanka Scenic Highlights
Journey Through Culture, Mountains & Coast
19 Night / 20 Day Itinerary
Sri Lanka is an island of astonishing contrasts. Within a single journey you can wander through ancient cities, hike in cool mountain landscapes, encounter incredible wildlife, and relax on palm-fringed beaches. This itinerary takes you across the island’s most captivating highlights, from the bustling capital of Colombo and the colonial streets of Galle to the tea plantations of the highlands, the sacred city of Kandy, and the golden beaches of Pasikuda.
With a private driver throughout, carefully chosen hotels, and a balance of culture, adventure, and leisure, this 20-day journey has been designed to show you the very best of Sri Lanka at a relaxed pace, while staying in characterful boutique properties and family-friendly resorts.
This 19 Night / 20 Day itinerary includes:
- 2 nights at Colombo Court Hotel & Spa, Colombo -Deluxe – Bed and breakfast
- 2 nights at Yara Galle Fort, Galle – Duplex Room – Bed and breakfast
- 2 nights at Tamarind Tree Yala, Yala – Deluxe Room – Bed and breakfast
- 2 nights at Morning Dew Boutique, Ella – Deluxe – Bed and breakfast
- 2 nights at Seasons Villa, Nuwara Eliya – Quadruple Room – Bed and breakfast
- 2 nights at Topaz, Kandy – Deluxe Quadruple – Bed and breakfast
- 2 nights at Athena Lake, Dambulla – Deluxe – Bed and breakfast
- 4 nights at Amaya Beach, Pasikuda – Family Suite – Bed and breakfast
- 2 nights at Arie Lagoon, Negombo – Quadruple Room – Bed and breakfast
- International flights & transfers
- Transportation in a private air-conditioned car with an English-speaking chauffer/driver guide.
- Entrance fees and visits at all the sites as per the itinerary andprevailing government taxes.
Prices From £5,495/Person
Day 1-2
Colombo
Arrive at Colombo Airport where you’ll be greeted by your chauffeur guide and transferred to Colombo Court Hotel & Spa (check-in from 14:00). This eco-friendly boutique hotel combines stylish design with warm hospitality, offering a rooftop pool and tranquil courtyards. Spend your first afternoon settling in and adjusting to the rhythm of Sri Lanka.
The following day, explore Colombo on a private tour. From the colonial clock tower and the Dutch-influenced Pettah bazaar to Independence Square, Galle Face Green, and the ornate Hindu and Buddhist temples, the city offers a fascinating mix of old and new. Return to your hotel in the evening to relax.
Day 3-4
Galle
After breakfast, travel south along the coast to Yara Galle Fort (check-in from 14:00). En route, stop at the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, where conservation efforts protect endangered turtles, and enjoy a boat safari through the mangroves of the Madu River. Yara Galle Fort, a boutique property set within the historic fort walls, combines contemporary comfort with heritage charm.
The next day, take a guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed fort. Wander cobbled streets lined with Dutch-colonial architecture, art galleries, boutique shops, and cafés. Later, enjoy a Sri Lankan cooking lesson and lunch with a local chef, sourcing ingredients from the market before preparing traditional dishes. Return to your hotel to unwind.
Day 5-6
Yala
Continue east to Yala, pausing in Weligama to watch the famous stilt fishermen at work. On arrival, check into Tamarind Tree Yala (check-in from 14:00), a comfortable lodge-style property close to the park entrance. In the afternoon, head out on your first jeep safari in Yala National Park, home to leopards, elephants, and a rich variety of birdlife.
The following morning, rise early for another safari to catch the park at its most active. Return to the hotel for breakfast, then enjoy the day at leisure. Relax by the pool or take time to reflect on your wildlife encounters.
Day 7-8
Ella
After breakfast, travel towards the hill country, stopping at Buduruwagala Rock Temple, a 9th-century Buddhist site surrounded by forest and birdlife. Continue to Ella and check into Morning Dew Boutique Hotel (check-in from 14:00), a family-run property with panoramic views of the misty mountains. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
The next day, thrill-seekers can experience the Flying Ravana zipline, soaring across the valley at high speed with breathtaking views. Later, hike to Mini Adam’s Peak for a gentle but rewarding climb through tea plantations, followed by a visit to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a marvel of British colonial engineering still in use today.
Day 9-10
Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, drive to Nuwara Eliya, stopping at a tea plantation and factory to learn about the process behind the island’s famous Ceylon tea. Arrive at Seasons Villa Nuwara Eliya (check-in from 14:00), set amidst cool highland landscapes with colonial charm.
The next morning, set off early with a picnic breakfast for Horton Plains National Park. Trek to World’s End, where the plateau suddenly drops over 800 metres, offering dramatic views, before visiting Baker’s Falls. Return to your hotel to relax in the afternoon or explore the town, often called “Little England” for its colonial architecture and gardens.
Day 11-12
Kandy
Board the scenic train from Nanu Oya to Kandy, one of the most picturesque journeys in Asia. On arrival, check into Hotel Topaz (check-in from 14:00), perched on a hill overlooking the city. In the afternoon, tour Kandy, including the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic and a traditional cultural performance.
The following day, explore the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, famed for its orchid collection and giant fig tree, before visiting the historic temples of Gadaladeniya, Lankatilaka, and Embekke. Return to your hotel to enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 13-14
Dambulla
Drive north, stopping at a spice garden in Matale for a guided tour and cooking demonstration. Continue to Dambulla and check into Athena Lake (check-in from 14:00), a lakeside retreat surrounded by nature.
Visit the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temples, with their stunning frescoes and carved Buddhas. The following day, climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sri Lanka’s most iconic site, before heading on safari in Minneriya National Park, famous for its elephant gatherings.
Day 15-18
Pasikudah
Continue east to Pasikuda, stopping at the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, once a royal capital filled with ruins and temples. Arrive at Amaya Beach Resort (check-in from 14:00), a beachfront property with spacious family suites and a relaxed coastal vibe.
Spend four days here at leisure, enjoying the calm, shallow waters that make Pasikudah one of Sri Lanka’s best beaches. Relax by the pool, try water sports, or take optional excursions to explore nearby villages.
Day 19-20
Negombo & Departure
On your final leg, travel west to Negombo and check into Arie Lagoon (check-in from 14:00), a contemporary resort overlooking the lagoon. Explore the city’s fishing heritage, colonial churches, and Dutch canals, or simply relax by the water on your last full day.
On Day 20, transfer to Colombo Airport for your flight home.
Additional Inspiration
Browse some more of our suggested itineraries below, but there is little we cannot do, so to start planning your bespoke trip get in touch.
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