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Holiday idea | Sri Lanka
Luxury Sri Lanka tour: temples, tea country, leopards and Galle
Fourteen days from the hills to the coast, with your own chauffeur guide.
A tailor-made Sri Lanka itinerary that takes you from the sacred city of Kandy, through misty tea country by train, to leopard country in Yala and the old Dutch fort town of Galle, finishing with two nights by the ocean in Colombo.
From £2,725 per person
Trip highlights
The best of Sri Lanka in one unhurried loop
- Kandy's Temple of the Tooth Relic during the morning ritual, plus the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens
- The scenic hill country train from Nanu Oya to Haputale, through the tea plantations
- Ella's Nine Arches Bridge by tuk tuk, a tea factory tour and tasting, and the hike up Little Adam's Peak
- Two game drives in Yala National Park, home to leopards, elephants and sloth bears
- A Sri Lankan cookery experience in a family home near Galle, from the local market to lunch
- Five nights in Galle to explore the UNESCO-listed fort at your own pace, then two nights at Shangri-La Colombo
Day by day
How the fortnight unfolds
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Days 1 and 2
Kandy
You're met at Colombo airport and driven up into the hills to Kandy, with early check-in so you can rest after the flight. Next morning, see the Temple of the Tooth Relic during the morning ritual, walk around Kandy Lake and explore the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens.
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Day 3
Tea country by train
Drive to Nanu Oya, stopping at the Ramboda Falls viewpoint, then take the scenic train through the tea plantations to Haputale, high in the hills.
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Day 4
Ella
Ride a tuk tuk to the Nine Arches Bridge, tour a working tea factory at Uva Halpewatte with a tasting, then hike up Little Adam's Peak for views across the highlands.
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Days 5 to 7
Yala
Head south past Ravana Falls to Cinnamon Wild Yala. Go on an afternoon game drive in Yala National Park and an early morning drive the next day, the best times to spot leopards, elephants and sloth bears.
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Days 7 to 11
Galle
Follow the coast west, stopping at Koggala to see the traditional stilt fishing. In Galle, join a cookery experience in a family home in Talpe, explore the fort and old town in the evening light, then enjoy three days at your own pace.
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Days 12 to 14
Colombo
A private transfer takes you to Colombo for two nights at Shangri-La Colombo, overlooking the Indian Ocean, before your transfer to the airport for the flight home.
Where you'll stay
Boutique hideaways and two five-star favourites
Kandy
Mountbatten Bungalow
2 nights in a Garden Chalet, bed and breakfast
Haputale
Dream Cliff Mountain Resort
2 nights in a King Beehive room with mountain view, half board
Yala
Cinnamon Wild Yala
2 nights in a Jungle Chalet, half board
Galle
The Sun House
5 nights in a Junior Suite, bed and breakfast
Colombo
Shangri-La Colombo
2 nights in a Deluxe Ocean View room, bed and breakfast
Prefer somewhere different? We can swap any hotel or room to suit you.
What's included
- 13 nights in the rooms listed, with breakfast daily and half board in Haputale and Yala
- A private air-conditioned car with an English-speaking chauffeur guide for the touring days, from Kandy to Galle
- Private transfers from the airport, from Galle to Colombo and back to the airport
- Entrance tickets and activities in the itinerary, including the train, both Yala game drives and the cookery experience
- Specialist local guides at Kandy's UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Early check-in on arrival in Kandy, drinking water each day and government taxes
Good to know
- International flights aren't included in the price. We're happy to add flights from London and quote the whole trip.
- Your last three days in Galle and your time in Colombo are free to enjoy as you like. Ask us about extra excursions.
- First-class seats on the hill country train are limited and released 30 days before travel, so they can't be guaranteed until then.
- The evening Kandyan dance show is an optional extra.
- Every part of this trip can be tailored, from the hotels to the number of nights.
Your questions answered
Sri Lanka holiday FAQs
When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka for this tour?
This route is at its best from December to March, when the south and west coasts and the hill country are usually at their driest. It works in other months too with a few tweaks, and the east coast comes into its own from around May to September. We'll help you choose the right dates.
Do British travellers need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Yes. British passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), applied for online before you travel. The UK government's travel advice currently says it's free and covers stays of up to 30 days, and your passport must be valid for at least six months from the day you arrive. Entry rules can change, so we'll check the latest advice with you before you go.
How long is the flight from the UK to Sri Lanka?
SriLankan Airlines flies direct from London Heathrow to Colombo in around ten and a half hours, and there are good one-stop options through the Gulf. We can add flights to your quote and arrange your welcome at the airport.
Will we see leopards in Yala National Park?
Yala has one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, and this trip includes an afternoon and an early morning game drive, when they're most active. Sightings can never be guaranteed, but your chances are good. Parts of the park close for a few weeks each year, usually from mid-September to mid-October, and we plan around this. Love a safari? See our favourite luxury safari stays.
Can we add a beach stay or the Maldives?
Yes. Many guests add a few nights on Sri Lanka's south coast, or fly on from Colombo to the Maldives, which is less than two hours away. Read about one of our favourite Maldives islands, Niva Kuramathi.
Can we change this itinerary?
Of course. This is a sample tailor-made itinerary, so we can change the hotels, add or remove nights, upgrade rooms or slow the pace. Call us on 020 3443 8969 or send us an enquiry and we'll shape it around you.
Where to next?
It starts with a chat. No forms or scripts, just a friendly conversation. Call, email or pop into the Lounge, and one of the team will take it from there.
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