EXPERIENCE THE MAGICAL PEARL OF THE INDIAN OCEAN
Embark on a journey to Sri Lanka, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, where serenity meets vibrancy in an eclectic fusion of experiences. With its lush tea plantations, pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, and ancient ruins, Sri Lanka is a paradise that mesmerises and inspires.
In our Surreal Sri Lanka itinerary, begin marvelling at the ancient fortress of Sigiriya, a testament to the country’s rich past and architectural ingenuity, before a visit to Sri Lanka’s dry zone and the ancient Kingdom of Polonnaruwa to meet the local cheeky monkeys! Wander through the historic city of Kandy, home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth, a beacon of Buddhist spirituality, before continuing to Hatton for a stay at the iconic Ceylon Tea Trails, the jewel in the crown of your holiday. Sri Lanka’s heritage is inextricably tangled with the Ceylon tea industry and this magnificent Relais & Chateaux property takes all things ‘tea’ and turns it into a breathtakingly charming experience. Your adventure continues with two days on safari in Yala – keep your eyes peeled for the famous leopards! Next, Galle awaits with its majestic history and buzzing bazaars, before you end your trip on the beach at the beautiful Villa Bentota.
Read on to explore every inch of this itinerary in detail and contact our team on +44 1491 575 987 to let us know what you think! If this itinerary doesn’t suit your every need, want and desire, our team are ready and waiting to alter it to fit perfectly to your travel aspirations.
TOUR DETAILS
- 3 nights in Sigiriya
- 1 night in Kandy
- 3 nights in Hatton
- 2 nights in Yala
- 2 nights in Galle
- 3 nights in Bentota
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Hike to the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock
- Meet the monkeys in the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa
- Explore the historic city of Kandy
- Discover Sri Lanka's extensive tea heritage
- Spend two magical days on safari in Yala
- Explore Galle's magnificent history
- End with three days on the beach in Bentota
ITINERARY IN BRIEF
- Fly from London to Colombo and transfer 3 hours by road to Sigiriya
- Spend 3 nights in Sigiriya
- Transfer by road to Kandy
- Spend 1 night in Kandy
- Train to Hatton
- Spend 3 nights in Hatton
- 5 hour road transfer to Yala
- Spend 2 nights in Yala
- 3 hour road transfer to Galle
- Spend 2 nights in Galle
- 1.5 hour road transfer to Bentota
- Spend 3 nights in Bentota
- Fly home
day one
Welcome to Sri Lanka!
Upon arrival into Colombo, meet your driver for your three-hour road transfer to Sigiriya.
Sigiriya, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, is home to an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District of Sri Lanka. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its immense archaeological significance and awe-inspiring beauty. Rising majestically 200 meters above the surrounding jungles, Sigiriya showcases the remnants of a fifth-century city, complete with advanced urban planning, impressive fortifications, and astonishing frescoes. The rock’s summit features the ruins of an ancient palace, offering panoramic views of the verdant landscapes below. Sigiriya is a testament to the ingenious architectural and engineering skills of the ancient Sri Lankans and is a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Spend 3 x nights in Sigiriya.
Suggested hotel: Water Garden Sigiriya
The fabulously located Water Garden Sigiriya is home to just 30 exclusive, stand-alone villas and sublime infinity pools overlooking the gardens towards the famous rock. After your first leisurely night, awaken early for a sunrise hike to Sigiriya lion’s rock, a remarkable feat of engineering and a fascinating example of artistic craftsmanship. The rock is most famous for its frescoes; a series of “heavenly maidens” painted on the rock surface itself.
day TWO
Hike to the Sigiriya Lion Rock
After an early breakfast, proceed to climb Sigiriya lion’s rock. We recommend an early morning visit to the site before crowds and heat arrive. It is approximately a five minute drive from the hotel to Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
The Sigiriya rock fortress is a remarkable feat of engineering and a fascinating example of artistic craftsmanship. Hewn out of the living rock, the Sigiriya fortress was the stronghold of King Kashyapa; a formidable royal palace and city. Sigiriya, or the ‘Lion Rock” is most famous for its frescoes; a series of “heavenly maidens” painted on the rock surface itself. From halfway, up the rock, you can witness the elaborately landscaped water gardens containing the royal baths and fountains; some of which still work today during the rainy seasons. Sigiriya is a still standing monument to Kashyapa, and the vision of a truly egotistical monarch.
Return to the hotel.
day three
Meet the monkeys at the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa
Today, you will head to the heart of Sri Lanka’s dry zone and the ancient Kingdom of Polonnaruwa. Here, under the protection of a monkey research centre, the population of these primates has grown significantly.
There are three different monkey species that inhabit these ancient ruins, the purple-faced leaf monkey, the toque monkey and the grey langur. Your day will begin early, meeting your guide for the day at 6.30am, when you will enter the site. Spend 2-hours walking around the site, learning about its history but focusing on the different monkeys and their cheeky behaviour.
Please note, temperatures start to rise pretty quickly, so we recommend you enjoy this experience before the heat of the day.
day four
Welcome to Kandy!
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and meet your driver for your road transfer to Kandy.
On arrival in Kandy, take a tour to the Royal Botanic Gardens, with a notable Botanist and University Professor. The origins of the Botanic Gardens date as far back as 1371, when King Wickramabahu III ascended the throne and kept court at Peradeniya near the Mahaweli river. The Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya was formally established in 1843 with plants brought from Kew Garden, Slave Island, Colombo and the Kalutara Garden in Kalutara. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, was further expanded under superintendent George Gardner in 1844.
As well as a magnificent Avenue of Palms, one tree within the Gardens with a particularly significant history is the Cannonball Tree, planted by the British monarchs King George V and Queen Mary in 1901. This unusual tree is bent with its fruits, which look like cannonballs.
During the Second World War, the Botanical Garden was used by Lord Louis Mountbatten, the supreme commander of the allied forces in the South Asia, as the headquarters of the South East Asia Command.
After your interesting Garden tour, you will be transferred to your home for the night.
Suggested hotel: The Kandy House
Built in 1804, The Kandy House was once the ancestral retreat of Kandyan noblemen. Now it offers a stylish take on 21st century colonial-chic. Located a few miles from Kandy, the old capital of Sri Lanka, this boutique escape is more akin to staying in a beautifully restored manor house with friends. Über-stylish rooms take their names from the vivid island butterflies and have morphed into elegant spaces.
day five
Train to Hatton
You will be met by your driver today and taken to the train station from where you will board the iconic train to Hatton which departs in the morning or at noon (your preference).
Sit back and enjoy the view as you wind your way slowly up through Tea Estates as you gain altitude. Do note that delays can occur, but the views are superb. Look through your windows so you can maximise the views as you seat comfortably in the first or second class compartments.
Upon arrival into Hatton your driver will meet you and take you to the astonishing Ceylon Tea Trails, the jewel in the crown of the trip!
Sri Lanka’s heritage is inextricably tangled with the Ceylon tea industry and this magnificent Relais & Chateaux property takes all things ‘tea’ and turns it into a breathtakingly charming experience. Ceylon Tea Trails offers luxury accommodation close to a working tea factory at an altitude of 1,250 metres. Endless vistas of misty-clad tea plantations stretch into the distance against a backdrop of mountains and the Castlereagh Reservoir. Five individually styled bungalows feature five to six rooms each and all offer a real taste of old-world gracious living. Each morning starts with ‘bed tea’, served by your butler if you so desire! This is a side to Sri Lanka rarely seen, particularly in such style.
day SIX
Day at leisure at Tea Trails
You have the full day today to relax and explore the beauty of Tea Trails.
A stay at Tea Trails wouldn’t be complete without a guided tour in the surrounding tea plantations. Hosted by the Resident Tea Planter, witness the ancient tea-making process. Hike the trails of the Old Ceylon tea planters and join the tea-pluckers as they pick the right leaves and buds. Finally, end your experience with the finest sample – the best cup of tea you’ll ever drink!
day seven
Another day at leisure at Tea Trails
Today is another day to spend at leisure.
The valley area is ideal for leisurely walks and more adventurous hikes, guided or unguided. For the more adventurous, explore the area by mountain bikes, complimentary to Tea Trails guests.
Relax with a gin & tonic in hand, whilst playing a game of croquet on the lawn or head to Tientsin bungalow for a game of tennis on the clay court.
day eight
Welcome to Yala!
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and meet your driver for your five-hour scenic road transfer to Yala.
Arrive and check in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Spend 3 x nights in Yala.
Suggested hotel: Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Wild Coast Tented Lodge, located in the Yala National Park is where jungle meets beach on the south-east coast of Sri Lanka. This exquisite Relais & Chateau property gives you the chance to head to the quietest corners of Yala National Park to spot elephant, sloth bear and, with luck on your side, the elusive leopard. The contemporary design, with its unusual styled rooms, are set in clusters of four, surrounding watering holes, with the layout of the lodge in the shape of the leopard paw print, overlooking the deep blue Indian Ocean.
day nine
On safari!
You’ll spend the whole day today on safari!
The Yala National Park is situated in the southeastern corner of the island. It is mainly thorny shrub forest, reminiscent of the African bush, which provides the visitors the best bet for seeing leopards, with the highest concentration in the world. Other mammals such as elephants, deer species, wild buffalo, wild boar and monkeys can be found in the park. Other species such as crocodiles, peacocks and if you are lucky, sloth bears, can be found.
Morning and afternoon game drives can be interspersed with indulgent bush breakfasts and excursions to the nearby ancient Buddhist sites. Naturalist guides provide a knowledgeable and insightful backdrop to the local flora and fauna. And when it all gets too much, head to The Sanctuary Spa at Wild Coast Tented Lodge. The Yala National Park annual closure for rehabilitation of infrastructure is usually in the months of September and October. During this time, game drives will take place to adjacent parks.
day ten
On safari!
Spend another full day today on safari in the Yala National Park!
day eleven
Welcome to Galle!
After breakfast, check out from the hotel ready for your 2 hour 45 minute hour drive to Galle.
Galle is the south coast’s major city, whose oldest landmark is the massive 17th century Portuguese and Dutch Fort in which the central city is contained. The fort is perhaps the best example of colonial architecture in the country and as you walk through the streets you can see strong Dutch influences in the architecture, along with some old British residences and various mosques with Arabic touches. Most of these old buildings have been restored to their former glory with many being home to a vibrant culinary scene, with various hip restaurants and cafes. In addition, the city has a thriving art scene; you’ll find boutiques selling handicrafts, old posters, antiques and home decor among other things.
Arrive into Galle and check in to the hotel.
This afternoon, step outside the Bazaar and explore the history and delights that the Galle Fort has to offer. The iconic Cricket Test ground is just 200 metres away, take a guided bicycle tour through the Gall’s rural hinterland, head to one of the beaches for a surf or swim and wander the cobbled streets and their many boutiques.
Suggested hotel: Fort Bazaar
Located within the heart of the old historical Galle Fort, a 17th century UNESCO site on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Fort Bazaar offers a retreat away from the hustle and bustle of Galle Fort and a perfect location for those looking to soak up the atmospheric central whilst surrounded by touches of Middle Eastern influences and contemporary, chic designs.
day twelve
Explore Galle
Your guide will meet you today for a tour of Galle Fort, which is situated in the bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 423 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaelogical Department of Sri Lanka. The fort has a colourful history and today has a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population. The fort has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Arrive into Galle and check in to the hotel.
day thirteen
Welcome to Bentota!
Be collected from Galle, and enjoy the 90-minute drive up the southwest coast to the beautifulVilla Bentota
Step into the Villa Bentota, an easygoing stay designed by Sri Lankan renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, and you’ll be whisked into his world of tropical modernism: crisp simplicity, with gently swaying coconut palms and open verandas to idle on. An exquisite refresh by KK Collection – led by its eccentric British interior designer-cum-hotelier George Cooper – has made Villa Bentota an even more serene sanctum inside the racing heart of Sri Lanka’s southern surf coast. The walls are adorned with George’s favourite pieces from his local artist friends, the menu is built around a contemporary take on provincial classics, and there’s effortless access to the beautiful golden sands of Bentota’s Ventura Beach.
Spend 3 x nights at Villa Bentota
day fourteen
Relax at Villa Bentota
You have the next two full days to spend at leisure in Villa Bentota.
If you plan on spending your last few days at leisure, Villa Bentota has wonderful facilities to make use of to relax during your stay, including swimming pools, beautiful beach and wonderful spa facilities.
If you’ve not had quite enough adventure, there is plenty on offer in the local area, from a tour of the extensive Lunuganga Estate, celebrated architect and landscape designer Geoffrey Bawa’s former home, to a visit to the Madu Ganga wetlands, which lie to the south of Bentota at Balapitiya. This is a richly bio-diverse destination for wildlife, and can be enjoyed by boat.
If you’d like to tantalise your tastebuds, let the Villa Bentota chefs take you on a culinary journey of Sri Lanka and teach you the intricacies of local cuisine on a Sri Lankan cookery demonstration. Learn your favourite island dishes for recreating in your own kitchen back home.
day fifteen
Relax at Villa Bentota
Another day to spend at leisure in Villa Bentota.
day sixteen
Fly home
Your Sri Lankan holiday has reached its final day.
After breakfast, meet your driver for your 1.5 hour transfer to the airport.
We wish you a safe flight home… Ayubowan!