Highlights of Sri Lanka

Arrive in Colombo and meet your private chauffeur guide after clearing immigration. Travel one hour north to the quiet village of Makandura and check in to Notary’s House, a restored country estate set beside a lake and surrounded by lush gardens.

In the afternoon, join the house butler, Saman, for a guided walk through the village. Visit a local temple and stop at a traditional kade, where you’ll be welcomed with a cup of tea and jaggery by a village elder. Choose a leisurely loop or ask for a longer route, Saman will tailor the walk to your pace.

Back at the house, sit down to one of Sri Lanka’s most memorable rice and curry meals. Savor dishes like tempered banana blossoms, passion fruit leaf mallum, and spiced aubergine, all made with fresh, seasonal ingredients grown nearby.
 

After breakfast, depart Makandura and travel approximately three hours to Habarana, located in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Check into your hotel and take time to settle in.

In the afternoon, head to a quiet spot near Sigiriya for a picnic-style Sri Lankan high tea. Enjoy pol roti, a flatbread made with grated coconut and flour, served with seeni sambol, a sweet and spicy onion relish. Sample kokis, a crispy, deep-fried snack made from rice flour and coconut milk, and pani pol pancakes filled with treacle and shredded coconut. Sip some ginger black tea while seated outdoors, surrounded by open landscapes and a cool breeze.

Wake early this morning to climb the magnificent rock fortress of Sigiriya. Also known as Lion Rock, Sigiriya is a rare jewel among the many treasures in Sri Lanka. Ascend 1,200 stone steps to reach the summit and take in sweeping views of the surrounding plains. Along the way, Sigiriya frescoes, pass the polished Mirror Wall, and explore the ruins of a 5th-century royal citadel at the top. The Sigiriya experience takes approximately 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your pace. After this morning's excursion, transfer to the hotel for breakfast.

In the afternoon, drive approximately 1 hour to Ritigala Archaeological Monastery, a hidden gem far from Sri Lanka’s popular sights. Spend 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the site in-depth, walk the meditation pathways through dense jungle, reach the higher terraces, and discover large stone-lined reservoirs. Take time to pause and connect with nature on these ancient sacred grounds. After the visit, return to your hotel to relax or explore at your leisure.

After breakfast, begin a 3-hour drive to Kandy, the final kingdom of the Sinhalese kings. Known for resisting colonial rule, Kandy remained independent until it was taken by the British in the 19th century. Arrive in Kandy and take a guided walk through the city center. Pass colonial-era buildings like the Queen’s Hotel and explore the local market, bypassing tourist-focused spice gardens. With your guide, browse authentic spice stalls and shop for cinnamon, turmeric, and other regional staples where locals do.

Stop at Midlands Cafe inside the market for a traditional lunch of fresh bread with curry and a strong cup of Ceylon tea. Before leaving, browse seasonal fruits like jackfruit, rambutan, mangosteen, and the distinctly pungent wood apple.

Visit the Temple of the Tooth, Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist site. Join worshippers as they move through incense-filled halls to view the sacred relic, housed in a series of ornate golden caskets.

After breakfast, board the train in Kandy and travel through Sri Lanka’s central highlands on a scenic rail journey to Ella. Pass misty peaks, dense tea plantations, and rural villages as the train winds through one of the world’s most iconic rail routes. Watch daily life unfold from your window while your chauffeur transfers your luggage separately for a hassle-free ride.

Arrive in Ella, a hill town known for its cool climate, lush vegetation, and laid-back charm. Hike through emerald hills or relax with fresh fruit and Ceylon tea in this popular highland escape.

Visit the historic Nine Arch Bridge, a 1920s engineering marvel built entirely of brick, stone, and cement—no steel involved. Walk along the tracks and admire the graceful arches set against the surrounding jungle, a testament to British-era ingenuity and local legend.

Wake early this morning for the hike to Ella Rock. Set out at dawn for a challenging 3- to 4-hour guided trek. Follow the railway tracks, cross a hanging metal bridge, and climb through eucalyptus forest as the trail steepens. Reach the summit for sweeping views across the lush highlands, especially striking on a clear morning. A local farmer will accompany you, offering guidance and benefiting directly from your visit.

Return for breakfast, then enjoy a relaxed afternoon at your own pace, taking in the peaceful mountain scenery of Ella.

After a relaxed breakfast, travel approximately 2.5 hours to Yala National Park for a distinctive wildlife experience. Check in at Kulu Safari Camping or Makini Bush Camp, both offering authentic, crowd-free accommodations.

By entering Yala through the Kataragama gate, you bypass the main tourist influx and access quieter areas of the park. A two-night stay opens opportunities to explore remote blocks 3 and 5, where wildlife encounters are more intimate and less crowded.

Enjoy a half-day shared safari game drive after settling in, maximizing chances to observe Yala’s diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.

Start early with a half-day shared safari ride in Yala National Park. Track diverse wildlife including majestic elephants, vibrant peacocks, elusive leopards, and great sloth bears in their natural environment. While leopard sightings are a highlight, Yala offers abundant encounters with buffalo herds, wild boar, pythons, jackals, and a rich variety of birdlife. Patience rewards every safari enthusiast.

Return to camp and spend the afternoon at your leisure, soaking in the natural beauty and tranquility of the surroundings.

After a relaxed breakfast, travel approximately four hours to Galle, the vibrant heart of Sri Lanka’s southern coast.

In the afternoon, join a guided walk through Galle Fort. Wander cobbled streets steeped in over 400 years of history—from Arab traders to Portuguese and Dutch colonial influences. Explore colonial homes with red-tiled roofs and take in views from the imposing ramparts overlooking the Indian Ocean. Experience a living monument where generations of families continue to reside, offering a rare glimpse into authentic local life before tourism transforms the area.

In the evening, savor a Southern Blend dining experience at a local family home. Enjoy traditional dishes prepared with care, featuring fresh fish, coconut-based specialties like coconut roti and sambol, and a unique dessert of crepes stuffed with pani pol. Share in genuine hospitality with your hosts, creating a memorable meal that outshines any restaurant in the fort.

After an early breakfast, drive to Kanneliya Rainforest for a day of exploration and adventure. Hike shaded forest trails with a local guide who will point out endemic birds, reptiles, and native plant species. Visit a small bat-inhabited cave and continue to a waterfall clearing where you can rest, dip your feet, and watch for butterflies, dragonflies, and freshwater crabs.

Exit the forest and head to the Nannikitha River. Enjoy a refreshing rum cocktail by the water and take a swim if you wish. Wrap up the experience with a traditional rice and curry lunch prepared by a local cook, highlighting the region’s bold spices and homestyle flavors.

Return to Galle and enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure.

Enjoy your final morning to relax or explore at your own pace. Later, transfer approximately 2.5 hours to the airport to catch your flight home.

Note: Check-out time varies by hotel. Please confirm the details with your Trip Planner.