Private Sri Lanka Tour

The relaxed pace of this tour allows you to enjoy the wonderful sights and sounds of beautiful Sri Lanka, whilst staying in the some of the very best hotels the country has to offer. The tour has been deliberately designed to limit the driving time, whilst still experiencing the breadth of landscape that Sri Lanka has to offer.

Highlights include:

  • A leopard safari and overnight camping experience in Wilpattu National Park.
  • A stay at ‘Tea Trails’ – acknowledged as Sri Lanka’s best hotel.
  • Relaxing on the beach at ‘The Reef’ hotel – a gorgeous boutique villa style hotel south of Colombo.

Day 1: Depart the UK
Depart London Heathrow for Colombo airport – a direct flight with Sri Lankan Airlines. Please ask about flight availability from other UK airports.

Day 2: Gampana
You will be met at the airport by your qualified chauffeur-guide and modern, air-conditioned car. Your chauffeur-guide will stay with you until dropping you at the beach towards the end of the trip. Your first stop is the Wallawwa –  an airport hotel with a difference. A converted ancestral manor house this is a seriously beautiful place to arrive at. The food is fantastic too. A great place to unwind after the flight and ease your way into Sri Lanka.

Day 3 & 4: Wilpattu National Park
From The Wallawwa you are driven up north to Wilpattu National Park home to some of Sri Lanka’s best wildlife where you might be lucky enough to see a rare sloth bear. The wildlife is more elusive in Wilpattu as it’s much less frequented than many of Sri Lanka’s more popular national parks. You’ll be camping in high quality south African canvas tents in the buffer zone of the park. During your time, you will have at least 4 game drives.

Day 5 & 6: Cultural Triangle 
After an early morning game drive and farewell breakfast, you will head to Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, home to ancient cities and historical sites. On a full day exploration, you will experience the wonders of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and Dambulla cave temple. The next morning will be spent exploring the UNESCO world heritage site of Sigiriya rock fortress going early to beat the crowds.

Day 7 & 8: Kandy
Departing when you feel ready you will journey to Sri Lanka’s second biggest city; Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Arrive and check into The Kandy House, a superb boutique hotel about 40 minutes outside the city. With stunning architecture, stylish rooms and delightful gardens, The Kandy House has a real ‘wow’ factor. In the evening you visit the city to enjoy a traditional Kandyan dance performance. Your second day is on our contrasts of Kandy tour which takes in highlights such as the royal botanical gardens, garrison cemetery and St. Pauls church, you’ll finish with sunset drinks and short eats; a scrumptious Sri Lanka snack.

Day 9 & 10: Tea Country 
Leaving Kandy you take the scenic train to Hatton, said to be one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. Your driver will be waiting for you at Hatton station to drop you at Tea Trails, a hotel that has been wowing guests for a number of years now and is generally considered to be the finest in Sri Lanka. Aside from relaxing into the life of the colonial planter (minus the hard work!), there are activities available from the excellent tea tour to water-sports on the lake, hiking, climbing Adam’s Peak (December to April) and white water rafting on the nearby Kelani River. These can be arranged by the excellent hotel staff.

Day 11 & 14: Galle Coast
After breakfast, you head south-west for the beach part of the tour, where your chauffeur-guide will drop you. Stay at Reef Wadduwa, a beautiful beach hotel. The hotel is all about peace and relaxation for its guests and the lovely stretch of beach outside is complemented by a fantastic pool . Enjoy your last few days on the Wadduwa beach enjoying the Sri Lankan sun, or be pampered at the excellent spa at the hotel.

Day 15: Fly to the UK
You will be picked up by a private vehicle and driver for you journey back up to Colombo airport taking around 2.5 hours. Depart Sri Lanka for your flight back to the UK.