Sri Lanka is a year-round destination: while the west and south succumb to monsoon rains, the period from May to September is the right time to travel to the rest of the country. This tour includes tea plantation tours, sacred Buddhist sights, wildlife tracking excursions, ancient architectural riches and beach relaxation.
14 Days & 12 Nights
Day 1: Fly to Colombo
Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Colombo with Sri Lankan Airlines. (N)
Day 2: Colombo
Arrive in Colombo and transfer to the Jetwing Colombo Seven (or similar) for a 2-night stay. Afternoon at leisure. (N)
Day 3: Colombo
Travel to a rural village amid the paddy fields for a tuk-tuk ride and a visit to a traditional village home. Watch the traditional production of cinnamon and oil and the ancient art of rubber tapping. Enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan lunch followed by a panoramic city tour of Colombo, absorbing the city’s unique mix of Portuguese, Dutch, English and Indian influences. (B, L)
Day 4: Kandy
Drive to Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings. Drive around Kandy lake, which was built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, in 1798. Visit the Kandy town bazaar, the arts and crafts centre and lapidary. Later, watch an evening Puja ceremony at the sacred Temple of the Tooth followed by a cultural show. Stay at the Amaya Hills (or similar) for 3 nights. (B)
Day 5: Kandy
Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, which contains an amazing variety of flowers, tree and plants. Peradeniya was first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and was later expanded by the British. Remainder of the day at leisure. (B)
Day 6: Nuwara Eliya
Take the scenic train journey from Peradeniya to Nanu Oya station, the heart of tea country (subject to availability). Drive to Nuwara Eliya Golf Club for lunch. Founded in 1889, it is one of the oldest golf clubs in Asia. On your way back to Kandy, visit a tea plantation and factory to see the manufacturing and grading process of tea, before tasting a cup of pure Ceylon tea. (B, L)
Day 7: Sigiriya
Transfer from Kandy to Sigiriya. En route visit the Dambulla cave temples containing the largest area of paintings found in the world and over 150 images of the Buddha. The largest is a colossal figure that spans 14 metres. Spend 3 nights at the Jetwing Lake (or similar). (B)
Day 8: Polonnaruwa
Visit the Primate Centre at Polonnaruwa including a guided jungle tour of the three primate species (toque macaques, hanuman langurs and purple- faced langurs), a documentary film, lecture and refreshments. Continue to Polonnaruwa, once an important medieval capital and the crown jewel of King Parakramabahu I. (B)
Day 9: Sigiriya • Minneriya
Drive to Sigiriya to climb the fifth-century rock citadel. Ascend the steep stairs – 1,200 in total – to reach the summit of the fortress, admiring the colourful frescoes that adorn the side of the rocks along the way. Enjoy a typical farm lunch at Priyamali Gedara. Continue to Minneriya for an afternoon safari. Spreading over 8,800 hectares, this is a sanctuary for elephants, herds of deer and a variety of birdlife. Evening cookery demonstration at the hotel. Learn how to make a typical Sri Lankan chicken curry and two vegetable dishes. (B, L)
Day 10: Passikudah
Travel to Passikudah for 3 nights’ relaxation at Anantaya Resort & Spa (Superior room); located on a secluded beach on the lesser-visited east coast of Sri Lanka, this luxurious resort is surrounded by unspoilt natural beauty, clear waters and exotic coral reefs. (B)
Days 11-12: Passikudah
At leisure. (B)
Day 13: Colombo
Travel back to Colombo by road for an overnight stay at the Jetwing Colombo Seven (or similar) or opt for a domestic flight with Cinnamon Air from Batticaloa, from $225. (B)
Day 14: Fly to London
Take the direct flight back to London with Sri Lankan Airlines. (B)
July 26, 2025