ColomboThe Cultural TriangleKandy Tea CountryKandy Yala National ParkGalleMirissa
This itinerary ideally combines Sri Lanka’s cultural sites with some of the country’s top wildlife experiences to create a perfectly balanced trip. Start by exploring the capital of Colombo before heading to the cultural triangle, where you will visit many of the World Heritage sites and take a safari through Minneriya National Park. Explore Trincomalee and its east coast beaches. Head south to Kandy, then travel through Sri Lanka’s spectacular tea country before exploring the native wildlife in Yala National Park. Complete your tour of Sri Lanka by visiting the historical city of Galle and spending a few days relaxing by one of the south coasts’ beautiful beaches.
Itinerary Highlights
Explore the Cultural Triangle
Localised Food Tours
Safaris in National Parks
Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
Sample some of the world’s best teas
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
26
Nights
Price Guide
$6500 – $15,000+ pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to Sri Lanka
Day 2
Negombo
Today, choose to explore this laidback beach town on your own, or this morning, take a boat cruise in the cool of the morning when the birds are most active and fishing boats are returning from the sea. The lagoon’s shores are buzzing with activity as hundreds of fishing families deliver their catch to the fish markets and wash their nets along the beach.
Day 3
Dambulla Rock Caves
Your private English-speaking chauffeur guide will meet you this morning for your transfer to Kandalama in the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. En route, you will pay a visit to Dambulla Rock Temple, one of Sri Lanka’s most Impressive cave temples and a World Heritage site.
Day 4-6
The Cultural Triangle
Over the next few days, you can choose to visit several historical and cultural sites within the Cultural Triangle region. Enjoy a city tour of Anuradhapura, home to two World Heritage Sites. There is plenty to explore, including Maha Bodhi – the sacred Bodhi tree over 2200 years old, The Brazen Palace and Ruwanweliseya, the most famous of all the dagobas. Continue to the temple complex at Mihintale, where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka.
Visit Sigiriya Rock; we highly recommend climbing to the top, as the views are truly spectacular. The climb is quite strenuous, but there are plenty of rest stops along the way.
Head to Sri Lanka’s medieval capital – Polonnaruwa, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will have plenty of time to explore the ruins of the Royal Palace and other highlights, including the Shiva Temple and the remains of the former Temple of The Tooth.
Day 7-8
Trincomalee
Here, you can spend a few days relaxing on the beach in a region still off the tourist radar or take in the city’s sights on a tour and marvel at the Koneswaram temple.
Day 9-10
Kandy
Kandy in central Sri Lanka. En route, visit a non-touristy spice garden in Matale, where you will be introduced to the different spices grown in the area and shown how they are processed. Enjoy a wonderful home-cooked lunch, and then head on to Kandy. On arrival, you could enjoy an orientation tour, which will take in the bazaar, arts and crafts centre and gem museum. In the early evening, visit the legendary Temple of the Tooth relic or enjoy a cultural show before returning to your hotel.
Day 11
Scenic Train Journey to the Tea Country
You will be transferred to Kandy train station this morning for the exceptionally scenic rail journey to Nanu Oya in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country. This afternoon, you can visit a local tea plantation and factory to see firsthand how some of the world’s best tea is produced.
Day 12-13
Tea Country
Spend a few days in the Tea Country, visit some of the world’s most-known tea companies, or explore more boutique specialty tea plantations. Visit some of the region’s magical locations, such as the Nine Arch Bridge, sometimes called the “Bridge in the Sky,” one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic travel destinations. Or choose to explore Ravana Falls, named after the demon King Ravana, who, according to traditional folklore, is believed to have ruled Sri Lanka. It is a popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka and currently ranks as one of the widest waterfalls in the country.
Day 14-16
Yala National Park
Leaving tea country behind, today’s journey will take you to Yala National Park, one of the best places in the world to spot a leopard in the wild. The park is also home to sloth bears, elephants and crocodiles. Embark on morning and afternoon jeep excursions in Yala National Park, searching for leopards and other wildlife. You will have plenty of time between safaris to relax at your boutique accommodation and enjoy the resort facilities.
Day 17-18
Uda Walawe National Park
You will depart from Yala this morning and head for Uda Walawe National Park. This afternoon, you can choose to enjoy your first game drive through the park, known for being home to a high population of elephants, wild buffalo, monkeys and numerous species of deer. The next morning take another wonderful safari or relax at your resort’s pool.
Day 19-20
Mirissa
Sri Lanka’s South West beaches are renowned for offering a wide range of watersports for thrill seekers and those who want to stay active, sit by the pool or go for a sunset walk along the beach.
Day 21-22
Galle
This morning, head to the historic city of Galle, where you can enjoy a guided city tour around the fort. Explore the history of this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site as a merchant trading spot right up to the present day, as a hip city full of boutique shops and trendy cafes.
Day 23
Bentota
Pay homage to Geoffrey Bawa, the father of modern Asian architecture, with a tour of his personal estate. Stroll around the terraced gardens that feature sculptures and Oriental urns, admiring views of the countryside and lake. The Lunuganga Estate is where Geoffrey Bawa poured forty years of his life into creating an idyllic garden paradise. Inspired by Italian Renaissance and English landscaped gardens, the estate features unfolding courtyards, lily ponds, romantic pavilions and rows of frangipani. It was where the architect dreamed of retiring and where his most beloved ideas bloomed.
Day 24-26
Colombo
This morning, enjoy a personalised walk through the city of Colombo with your private guide. Experience first-hand the historical influences of the Portuguese and the amazing architecture the Dutch/English left behind – all while learning and experiencing what being “Sri Lankan” is all about.
Day 27
Fly home
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $6500 – $15,000+ per person
When to travel
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Travel to Sri Lanka is possible at any time of year as the rains affect different areas at different times, however some months offer more predictable good weather throughout the country than others. There are generally two annual monsoons, the North-East monsoon which brings rains to that part of the country from October to January and the South-West monsoon rains from May to July. There is also a period from October through to the first half of November, when rain and thunderstorms can occur across the island. Temperatures are constant and average around 30 degrees centigrade on a year round basis throughout the country except for the cooler Hill Country, making it perfect to visit all year round. The driest seasons in Sri Lanka are from December to March for the west coast, the south coast and the Hill Country, and from April to September for the ancient cities region and the east coast.
Weather: January is part of the northeast monsoon season (Maha). The northern and eastern regions may experience more rainfall, while the rest of the country sees relatively dry and sunny weather. The southwestern parts of Sri Lanka, including Colombo and Galle, have pleasant temperatures during this time. Average Temperature: 26°C to 30°C
The northeast monsoon continues in February, with some areas experiencing occasional rainfall. However, the overall weather remains warm and enjoyable. The southwestern beaches and coastal areas are popular during this time for their favourable conditions. Average Temperature: 26°C to 31°C
March marks the transition to the inter-monsoon period, which means more unpredictable weather. While it can still be warm, the humidity starts to rise, and short spells of rain become more frequent across the island. Average Temperature: 27°C to 32°C
The inter-monsoon season continues in April. The weather is hot and humid, and there may be sporadic showers and thunderstorms in various regions. Coastal areas, especially in the south and west, are still popular for beachgoers. Average Temperature: 27°C to 32°C
May is the beginning of the southwest monsoon (Yala) season. The southwestern regions, including Colombo and Galle, experience increased rainfall. The east and north, such as Trincomalee and Jaffna, remain relatively dry and are good options for travelers seeking better weather. Average Temperature: 27°C to 32°C
The southwest monsoon is fully established in June, bringing heavy rainfall to the southwest coast and central highlands. The east and north, however, enjoy better weather and are suitable for travelers seeking drier conditions. Average Temperature: 26°C to 31°C
July sees continued rainfall in the southwest and central regions. It's the wettest month of the year, and outdoor activities might be limited in some areas due to heavy rains. The north and east remain relatively dry and are popular tourist destinations during this time. Average Temperature: 26°C to 31°C
The southwest monsoon continues, and August is another wet month for the western and central parts of Sri Lanka. However, the rain begins to subside toward the latter half of the month. The north and east remain dry and suitable for travel. Average Temperature: 26°C to 31°C
September marks the end of the southwest monsoon season, but some regions may still experience occasional showers. The weather becomes more stable toward the latter part of the month, making it a good time to explore various parts of the country. Average Temperature: 26°C to 31°C
October is part of the inter-monsoon period when the weather is variable. Rainfall becomes less frequent, and the country generally experiences warm and humid conditions. Average Temperature: 26°C to 31°C
November brings the onset of the northeast monsoon (Maha) season. The northern and eastern regions experience increased rainfall, while the rest of the country sees pleasant and dry weather. Average Temperature: 26°C to 30°C
December is still part of the northeast monsoon season. The weather is generally cooler, with occasional showers in the north and east. The western and southern regions enjoy good weather, making it a popular time for beach vacations. Average Temperature: 26°C to 30°C
Add on’s
To make this Grand Tour even grander, add a few days in the Northern province city of Jaffna.
The main flight hubs of Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok also easily access Sri Lanka, making city stopover extensions on Asia’s fabulous sandy shores easy to arrange.
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