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Sri Lanka

Culture, nature and wildlife trips

Create your own ideal holiday

Despite its compact size, Sri Lanka is packed with captivating cultural and historical treasures, stunning natural beauty and an incredible diversity of wildlife. You can trek through tea plantations, visit ancient temples, or spot elephants and leopards on a safari.

Whether you’re hiking in the cool hills, exploring cultural cities, eating a traditional meal in a local home, or watching wildlife in the national parks, there’s always something to discover. We have created a handful of bite-sized trips to help you immerse in Sri Lanka’s incomparable culture, nature, and wildlife.

If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at our full itineraries. Or simply get in touch and our travel specialists will talk you through the options.

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Speak to our Sri Lanka specialist, David

“There’s nowhere like Sri Lanka. Having travelled all over the country, it wasn’t long before I fell completely in love with its beaches, tea hills, wild rainforest and national parks. Oh, and did I mention the spicy curries? They knocked my socks off!”

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Bite-sized trips
Culture, nature & wildlife

The Wild Heart of Yala National Park

Itinerary:
Yala National Park
Duration:
2 days / 1 night (flexible)
Price:
From £ 284.- per person (excluding flights)

It’s time for a real wildlife adventure as you journey deep into one of Sri Lanka’s most famous national parks; Yala. You’ll travel by jeep safari across the parks wild terrain, spotting monkeys swinging through the trees, crocodiles lurking along the river banks and elephants stroll close to your jeep as you pass by.

It’s time for a real wildlife adventure as you journey deep into one of Sri Lanka’s most famous national parks; Yala. You’ll travel by jeep safari across the parks wild terrain, spotting monkeys swinging through the trees, crocodiles lurking along the river banks and elephants stroll close to your jeep as you pass by.

Travel specialist Steve on train Sri Lanka

Explore the Emerald Valleys of Ella

Itinerary:
Nuwara Eliya - Ella
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 369.- per person (excluding flights)

You’ll begin this trip with a train ride through the Sri Lankan countryside. Sharing a carriage with the locals only adds to the experience and soon you’ll see the rolling landscape of valleys and tea hills pass by your window. Your hotel in Ella is nestled right in the hillside with breathtaking views of the Ella Gap mountains. Go on a nature hike to local waterfalls and the hills of Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock. It’s time to pack some lunch in your backpack and set off on your own adventure!

You’ll begin this trip with a train ride through the Sri Lankan countryside. Sharing a carriage with the locals only adds to the experience and soon you’ll see the rolling landscape of valleys and tea hills pass by your window. Your hotel in Ella is nestled right in the hillside with breathtaking views of the Ella Gap mountains. Go on a nature hike to local waterfalls and the hills of Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock. It’s time to pack some lunch in your backpack and set off on your own adventure!

Travel specialist Steve on train Sri Lanka

Polonnaruwa Sri lanka

Elephants & temples in Buddha’s Garden

Itinerary:
Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Minneriya
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 244.- per person (excluding flights)

This trip will take you on a discovery of Sri Lanka’s fascinating Cultural Triangle. Your journey will begin by climbing Sigiriya’s mighty rock fortress, before you arrive at Sri Lanka’s ancient capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Polonnaruwa, where you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back in time as you explore the ancient stone city. To avoid you becoming ‘templed out’, we’ve also included a jeep safari in nearby Minneriya National Park which is home to large herds of elephants.

This trip will take you on a discovery of Sri Lanka’s fascinating Cultural Triangle. Your journey will begin by climbing Sigiriya’s mighty rock fortress, before you arrive at Sri Lanka’s ancient capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Polonnaruwa, where you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back in time as you explore the ancient stone city. To avoid you becoming ‘templed out’, we’ve also included a jeep safari in nearby Minneriya National Park which is home to large herds of elephants.

Polonnaruwa Sri lanka

Leopards, Lakes and Royal Palaces

Itinerary:
Wilpattu National Park - Anuradhapura
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 379.- per person (excluding flights)

This bite-sized trip will take you to Wilpattu, the largest National Park in Sri Lanka. This park was closed for a long time during the civil war, but reopened to tourists in 2010. It’s the perfect place to head out on an adventurous jeep safari in search for leopards and sloth bears.

This bite-sized trip will take you to Wilpattu, the largest National Park in Sri Lanka. This park was closed for a long time during the civil war, but reopened to tourists in 2010. It’s the perfect place to head out on an adventurous jeep safari in search for leopards and sloth bears.

Tea picker in Ella

Tea Hills and Winding Trails

Itinerary:
Nuwara Eliya
Duration:
2 days / 1 night (flexible)
Price:
From £ 99.- per person (excluding flights)

With the unmistakable air of a quintessential English village, Nuwara Eliya is affectionately known as ‘Little England’ and it won’t take you long to see why. Colonial style buildings, rose scented flower gardens and even red telephone boxes, all surrounded by a blanket of vibrant tea plantations; this is a totally different side of Sri Lanka.

With the unmistakable air of a quintessential English village, Nuwara Eliya is affectionately known as ‘Little England’ and it won’t take you long to see why. Colonial style buildings, rose scented flower gardens and even red telephone boxes, all surrounded by a blanket of vibrant tea plantations; this is a totally different side of Sri Lanka.

Tea picker in Ella

Dinner with a Sri Lanka family

Come dine with me in Sri Lanka

Location:
Colombo, Dambulla, Ella, Galle, Jaffna, Kandy, Trincomalee
Duration:
Approximately 3 hours
Includes:
Lunch or dinner with local family
Price:
From £21 per person

Enjoy a homecooked lunch or dinner as the guest of a local family, in their home. This memorable experience offers an insight into local family life in Sri Lanka and also directly financially benefits the local community. You’ll enjoy a delicious meal and make a new friend or two!

Enjoy a homecooked lunch or dinner as the guest of a local family, in their home. This memorable experience offers an insight into local family life in Sri Lanka and also directly financially benefits the local community. You’ll enjoy a delicious meal and make a new friend or two!

Dinner with a Sri Lanka family

Elephants in Yala National Park

On safari in Udawalawe National Park

Itinerary:
Udawalawe National Park
Duration:
2 days / 1 night (flexible)
Price:
From £ 179.- per person (excluding flights)

If you love elephants then you need to include a visit to Udawalawe National Park in your Sri Lanka itinerary. This vast reserve is home to hundreds of Asian elephants, so you’re (almost) guaranteed a sighting on your jeep safari.

If you love elephants then you need to include a visit to Udawalawe National Park in your Sri Lanka itinerary. This vast reserve is home to hundreds of Asian elephants, so you’re (almost) guaranteed a sighting on your jeep safari.

Elephants in Yala National Park

Thatched bungalows in jungle setting in Sri Lanka

Back to nature at The Mudhouse

Itinerary:
Anamaduwa
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 519.- per person (excluding flights)

Immerse yourself in rural Sri Lanka and live amongst nature at The Mudhouse. It’s a unique property in an off-the-beaten track setting, with a dedicated sustainability ethos. It’s one for the more adventurous traveller, but a stay here is magical and memorable.

Immerse yourself in rural Sri Lanka and live amongst nature at The Mudhouse. It’s a unique property in an off-the-beaten track setting, with a dedicated sustainability ethos. It’s one for the more adventurous traveller, but a stay here is magical and memorable.

Thatched bungalows in jungle setting in Sri Lanka

Haputale person arms out over green landscape

In the hills of Haputale

Itinerary:
Haputale
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 339.- per person (excluding flights)

Perched in the mountains of Sri Lanka’s ‘hill country’ region, Haputale is surrounded by forest covered hills and lush green tea plantations. It’s a peaceful, picturesque spot that’s surprisingly off the main tourist radar.

Perched in the mountains of Sri Lanka’s ‘hill country’ region, Haputale is surrounded by forest covered hills and lush green tea plantations. It’s a peaceful, picturesque spot that’s surprisingly off the main tourist radar.

Haputale person arms out over green landscape

Unwind in Misty Mountains

Itinerary:
Knuckles Range
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 499.- per person (excluding flights)

It’s time to discover the soul of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country – the gorgeous Knuckles Range. Your home for the next few days is a beautiful lodge perched on the edge of the hill, with emerald green tea plantations stretching as far as you can see. During your stay here, you will visit the local community and enjoy a warm traditional welcome from the host family who will invite you into their home and tell you about their life over a cup of freshly brewed tea.

It’s time to discover the soul of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country – the gorgeous Knuckles Range. Your home for the next few days is a beautiful lodge perched on the edge of the hill, with emerald green tea plantations stretching as far as you can see. During your stay here, you will visit the local community and enjoy a warm traditional welcome from the host family who will invite you into their home and tell you about their life over a cup of freshly brewed tea.

Kandy’s Cultural Treasures

Itinerary:
Kandy
Duration:
2 days / 1 night (flexible)
Price:
From £ 119.- per person (excluding flights)

Positioned right in the heart of central Sri Lanka and nestled in the lush green ‘hill-country’, you’ll find the historical city of Kandy. There is so much to discover here, from the Temple of the Tooth to traditional dance shows, colourful markets and the vast Botanical Gardens.

Positioned right in the heart of central Sri Lanka and nestled in the lush green ‘hill-country’, you’ll find the historical city of Kandy. There is so much to discover here, from the Temple of the Tooth to traditional dance shows, colourful markets and the vast Botanical Gardens.

Sri Lanka holiday food workshop

At Home in the Curry Kitchen

Itinerary:
Outskirts of Kandy
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 329.- per person (excluding flights)

Get a real taste of Sri Lanka during this homestay experience, where you’ll learn to cook up a storm. It’s a really authentic way of learning the secrets of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and getting a glimpse of daily life with a local family just outside Kandy.

Get a real taste of Sri Lanka during this homestay experience, where you’ll learn to cook up a storm. It’s a really authentic way of learning the secrets of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and getting a glimpse of daily life with a local family just outside Kandy.

Sri Lanka holiday food workshop

Wild Elephants & Emerald Lakes

Itinerary:
Gal Oya National Park
Duration:
3 days/2 nights
Price:
From £ 665.- per person (excluding flights)

Gal Oya is a real treat for the wildlife lovers who want to venture off the beaten path. Set on the shores of the largest lake in Sri Lanka, this undiscovered paradise teeming with wildlife will give you a proper feel of the untouched jungle. Enjoy a nature spotting boat trip around the lake. To learn more about wildlife in the area, why not chat to one of the local naturalists or join them on a short cycling tour if you are feeling adventurous?

Gal Oya is a real treat for the wildlife lovers who want to venture off the beaten path. Set on the shores of the largest lake in Sri Lanka, this undiscovered paradise teeming with wildlife will give you a proper feel of the untouched jungle. Enjoy a nature spotting boat trip around the lake. To learn more about wildlife in the area, why not chat to one of the local naturalists or join them on a short cycling tour if you are feeling adventurous?

Uncover Galle’s Colonial Past

Itinerary:
Galle
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 224.- per person (excluding flights)

A beautifully preserved port town sitting on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, Galle is well known for its multi-cultural heritage. Embraced by the Indian Ocean from the three sides, its iconic Dutch fort is not only a famous landmark but a living community worth plunging into! Try your hand at creating traditional dishes with the help of a local chef and explore Galle’s entangled streets that take you on an adventure through the centuries.

A beautifully preserved port town sitting on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, Galle is well known for its multi-cultural heritage. Embraced by the Indian Ocean from the three sides, its iconic Dutch fort is not only a famous landmark but a living community worth plunging into! Try your hand at creating traditional dishes with the help of a local chef and explore Galle’s entangled streets that take you on an adventure through the centuries.

Colourful tuk tuk in Colombo

Just One More Thing…in Colombo!

Itinerary:
Colombo
Duration:
2 days / 1 night (flexible)
Price:
From £ 139.- per person (excluding flights)

With its strategic location on the east-west trade route, Colombo has grown into a vibrant capital city with a mix of modern life and colonial buildings from the English, Portuguese and Dutch periods. During this trip, you’ll enjoy a city tour, Sri Lanka style, in one of the colourful tuk-tuks and spend the night in a stylish hotel in Colombo. The city itself probably won’t be the highlight of your holiday, but it’s an interesting and convenient way to begin or end your Sri Lankan adventure.

With its strategic location on the east-west trade route, Colombo has grown into a vibrant capital city with a mix of modern life and colonial buildings from the English, Portuguese and Dutch periods. During this trip, you’ll enjoy a city tour, Sri Lanka style, in one of the colourful tuk-tuks and spend the night in a stylish hotel in Colombo. The city itself probably won’t be the highlight of your holiday, but it’s an interesting and convenient way to begin or end your Sri Lankan adventure.

Colourful tuk tuk in Colombo

monkey in sri lanka

Strolling Through the Rainforest

Itinerary:
Sinharaja National Park
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 199.- per person (excluding flights)

From exotic insects and lizards to colourful birdlife and green canopies, explore the sights and sounds of one of Sri Lanka’s last remaining rainforests on this adventure into the wild. Joined by a guide, you’ll follow hidden trails as you journey deep into the jungle.

From exotic insects and lizards to colourful birdlife and green canopies, explore the sights and sounds of one of Sri Lanka’s last remaining rainforests on this adventure into the wild. Joined by a guide, you’ll follow hidden trails as you journey deep into the jungle.

monkey in sri lanka

Digana local buffalo with man

Life amongst the Rice Paddies

Itinerary:
Digana near Kandy
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 244.- per person (excluding flights)

Although only around an hour from the hustle and bustle of busy Kandy, Digana and its surrounding villages feel like a million miles away. From lush jungle to tumbling rice paddies, the only sounds you’ll hear are those of the wildlife, the gurgling of the nearby river, and perhaps the occasional swish of a scythe.

Although only around an hour from the hustle and bustle of busy Kandy, Digana and its surrounding villages feel like a million miles away. From lush jungle to tumbling rice paddies, the only sounds you’ll hear are those of the wildlife, the gurgling of the nearby river, and perhaps the occasional swish of a scythe.

Digana local buffalo with man

Sri Lanka Adams Peak mountains tuk tuk

Adam’s Peak

Itinerary:
Sri Pada (Adam's Peak)
Duration:
2 days / 1 night (flexible)
Price:
From £ 99.- per person (excluding flights)

Located in the picturesque southern hill country, this lofty mountain has captured the imagination of travellers for hundreds of years. From all over the world, pilgrims have journeyed to visit the Sacred Footprint of Buddha which is believed to lie at the top. Now it’s time for you to experience the adventure yourself, so lace up your boots and get ready to conquer mighty Adam’s Peak!

Located in the picturesque southern hill country, this lofty mountain has captured the imagination of travellers for hundreds of years. From all over the world, pilgrims have journeyed to visit the Sacred Footprint of Buddha which is believed to lie at the top. Now it’s time for you to experience the adventure yourself, so lace up your boots and get ready to conquer mighty Adam’s Peak!

Sri Lanka Adams Peak mountains tuk tuk

Colours of Jaffna

Itinerary:
Jaffna
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 329.- per person (excluding flights)

Only opened up to tourists in recent years, the northern city of Jaffna is a melting pot of cultures, religions and cuisines. Cycle around the battered ramparts of Jaffna Fort, learn about the traditional way of farming and be welcomed into a local home for lunch.

Only opened up to tourists in recent years, the northern city of Jaffna is a melting pot of cultures, religions and cuisines. Cycle around the battered ramparts of Jaffna Fort, learn about the traditional way of farming and be welcomed into a local home for lunch.