Talk to the Expert
With a Kenyan father, Indian grandparents, and a Portuguese surname, travel is in my blood. I am enthralled by East Africa and would happily talk about Africa’s wildlife, cultures and experiences all day, every day.
Gemma
Africa Specialist
Overview
- from $2,559 PP
- Nov - Apr
- Easy
Highlights
This diverse holiday covers the highlights of Sri Lanka while bringing a wide variety of experiences. You’ll have your own private guide for insider tips that ensures an authentic, memorable trip, starting near Colombo where you can unwind after your long flight. You’ll visit Kandy, known for its ancient temples and botanical gardens, before travelling by train through tea country to spend two nights in beautiful Ella. Head to Yala National Park to watch for leopards and other exotic wildlife like elephants, and then continue to historic Galle. Your final two nights will be spent along the west coast, relaxing and playing at the beach.
Why Book with Us
Low Deposit To Book
Book your trip with us and pay a reduced deposit with the rest 90 days before your departure
24/7 Support
From the moment you book your trip, our team is on hand 24/7 to assist you throughout your journey.
ATOL & ABTOT Protected
Your trip with us is fully financially protected by our travel insurers. Peace of mind guaranteed.
Intuitive Travel App
One central place to access all of your travel documents and guides without the need for WiFi.
What's Included
- 11 nights 4 or 5 star hotel accommodation, staying on a bed and breakfast basis.
- Private airport arrival and departure transfers
- Private transfers throughout
- Meals as detailed on the itinerary
- Expert trip planning advice
- Flexible, customised itinerary
- 24/7 support from our dedicated staff
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 Kotugoda: Arrival into Bandaranaike International Airport
Your 11 magical nights in Sri Lanka begins with your arrival into Colombo’s international airport. You’ll be welcomed by your private driver and transferred to your hotel, an approximately 20-minute drive away, where you’ll enjoy time to relax and unwind in a peaceful spot after your long flight. Indulge in treatments like massages, wraps and scrubs, take a refreshing dip in the pool or stretch your legs with a stroll through the centuries-old gardens with all sorts of tropical plants. When hunger pangs hit try one of the delicious local classics. Fish ambul thiyal (sour fish curry), is a favourite.
Day 2 - Day 4 Gampola/Kandy: Buddhist Sites and Gardens
This morning private transfer will pick you up at your hotel for the drive to Gampola which sits at the edge of Kandy, the last capital of the ancient kings’ era of Sri Lanka. You’ll be surrounded by bio diverse rainforest and tea plantations, with many sacred Buddhist sites nearby like the Temple of the Tooth shrine and the 1st-century BC Dowa rock temple which contains a 38-foot Buddha image craved from granite rock. There are a number of beautiful murals that depict the life of Buddha painted on the cave walls too. The Royal Botanical Gardens can be found here too.
Day 4 - Day 6 Ella: Lush Mountains, Tea Fields and Rich Biodiversity
On your fourth morning your private driver will bring you on a journey south to Nuwara Eliya. From there you’ll hop on a train to tea country, with your overnight destination the small town of Ella which enjoys a picturesque mountain setting dotted with tea fields. This scenic venture travels through undulating hills and tiny villages home to tea pickers. The area is renowned for its rich biodiversity with many different varieties of flora and fauna, along with waterfalls, caves and rock cliffs. You’ll find lots to do, from visiting a tea factory to exploring on foot, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
Day 6 - Day 8 Yala National Park: Exotic Wildlife Spotting
Heading south from Ella, your private driver will bring you to your accommodation near Yala National Park. The diverse landscape here includes everything from forest, grasslands and lagoons that border the Indian Ocean, to an ancient Buddhist monastery further inland. This is an excellent destination for viewing Sri Lanka’s exotic wildlife, including impressive bird life, elephants, monkeys, sloth bears, crocodiles and leopards – in fact, the park is one of the best in the world for spotting the elusive cats. A nature lovers’ haven, you can opt for a Jeep safari tour to find them with an expert guide.
Day 8 - Day 10 Galle: History, Culinary Delights and More
Saying farewell to Yala, private transfer brings you through the scenic southern coast, passing stilt fishermen on the way to your accommodation in Galle, founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century. One of the highlights of Sri Lanka, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with centuries-old streets lined with restaurants, cafes, boutiques and museums, as the best example of a European-built fortified city in South East Asia. While you’re here, you can take a culinary tour to sample the delicious street food or join a cycling tour to pedal the Paddy Trail to see more of inland Sri Lanka.
Day 10 - Day 12 Bentota: Relax and Unwind
Your final two nights will be spent in the resort town of Bentota, the perfect place to relax and unwind before departing the country. Soak up the sun or swim in the waves off the pristine golden sand beaches, or if you want to try something more thrilling, banana boat rides, wake boarding, windsurfing, jet skiing and other water sports can be enjoyed here too. This is also a popular place for diving, with vibrant coral and large schools of fish found at Hundirangala, South Reef and Canoe Rock. At the Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Project you can see turtles in their natural habitat.
What's not Included
- As we have clients from all over the world. Our itineraries do not include flights. If you would like us to include flights in your trip, we are happy to do so. Please speak to your travel specialist at the planning stage to include them.
- Gratuities for local guides
- We strongly advise all guests purchase comprehensive travel insurance
- Visas if required
Let’s make this itinerary yours.
Speak to our experienced Destinations Experts about designing this itinerary around your budget and needs
Why book with Unforgettable Travel Co.
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100% Financial Protection
We are a licensed and fully bonded tour operator financially protected by both the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust (ABTOT). All clients that travel with us are fully financially protected.
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Destination Experts
Our travel experts live and breathe the destinations they specialise in. This shows in their passionate to create hand crafted trips for our clients. We don’t offer cookie cutter trips, just truly unforgettable journeys unlike any other.
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The Best Guides
What makes our trips extraordinary is the unique immersive experiences we include. We pride ourselves in our black book of sought after expert guides, game rangers and local contacts who believe in our philosophy, unforgettable.
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We Care
From the moment you book your trip, we are on hand 24/7 to assist you throughout your journey. With regional offices around the world, we have ground logistics teams on hand to help you every step of the way.
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