Tour packages

12 Days

11 Nights

Highlights

  • Heritance Kandalama Stay: Geoffrey Bawa’s masterwork of tropical modernism – a hotel that integrates into its jungle reservoir landscape rather than imposing on it.
  • The Kandy House: A classic colonial manor in the hills above Kandy – one of the most atmospheric properties on the island.
  • Scenic Train to Ella: Reserved seats on the highland railway through tea country, stone viaducts, and the most cinematic section of the Sri Lankan rail network.
  • 98 Acres Resort Stay: One of the finest highland properties in Ella, positioned for the valley panorama and the Nine Arches Bridge view.
  • Galle Fort Walking Tour: 350 years of layered colonial history read through every cobbled street and building facade of the island’s finest heritage city.

A Journey of Colonial Ceylon and Culture

A 12-day journey designed specifically for UK travellers who want to experience Sri Lanka through its colonial and cultural heritage – the layered history of Colombo, the cave temples and rock fortresses of the Cultural Triangle, the east coast at Trincomalee, the sacred city of Kandy, Ceylon’s tea country, the world-famous scenic train to Ella, and the UNESCO fort at Galle. Accommodation includes landmark colonial properties at Heritance Kandalama, The Kandy House, 98 Acres Resort, and Cape Weligama.

Inclusions

  • Private vehicle and driver throughout
  • Scenic train journey (reserved seats)
  • 11 nights accommodation with daily breakfast including named properties
  • All entrance fees
  • Specialist guides throughout

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not specified
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities

Itinerary

Arrival, Colombo

Arrival and private transfer to Colombo. Settle in before an evening guided walk through the Fort district, uncovering colonial architecture and historic streets shaped by trade. Sunset at Galle Face Green followed by a welcome dinner. Overnight in Colombo.

Colombo to Cultural Triangle

Drive inland to the Cultural Triangle with a guided visit to Dambulla Cave Temple, exploring its ancient murals and statues. Check in and unwind with views over the surrounding jungle and reservoir. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Kandalama.

Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the morning, discovering its royal history, frescoes, and summit views. In the afternoon, explore Polonnaruwa by bicycle, riding through ancient ruins and sacred monuments. Return for a relaxed evening. Overnight in Kandalama.

Cultural Triangle to Trincomalee

Journey east to Trincomalee as landscapes shift from dry plains to coastal scenery. Spend the afternoon unwinding by the beach or enjoying the calm eastern waters. Sunset by the ocean. Overnight in Trincomalee.

Trincomalee

Visit Koneswaram Temple set high above the ocean, then explore Fort Frederick’s layered colonial past. Optional snorkelling at Pigeon Island with vibrant marine life, followed by beach time. Evening private dining by the shore. Overnight in Trincomalee.

Trincomalee to Kandy

Travel to Kandy through changing landscapes as the air cools and the hills rise. In the evening, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and witness its cultural and spiritual significance. Overnight in Kandy.

Kandy

Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens in the morning, known for its vast tropical collection. Visit local artisan workshops and markets in the afternoon, with an optional cultural performance in the evening. Overnight in Kandy.

Kandy to Tea Country

Drive into the tea highlands, passing rolling green estates. Experience a guided tea plantation and factory tour, followed by a tasting session. Relax into the cool climate with a quiet evening. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Scenic Train to Ella

Board the scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella, passing tea estates, valleys, and mountain views. On arrival, visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge set within the jungle. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Ella.

Ella to South Coast

Early morning safari in Udawalawe National Park to spot elephants in their natural habitat. Continue to the south coast where the landscape softens into tropical coastline. Relax by the ocean in the evening. Overnight in Weligama.

South Coast and Galle

Morning at leisure by the coast to enjoy the ocean setting. In the afternoon, explore Galle Fort with a guided walk through its colonial streets and coastal ramparts. Sunset drinks followed by a farewell dinner. Overnight in Weligama.

Departure

Drive to Colombo along the southern coastline. Optional stop for shopping or a final café visit before your airport transfer. Departure.

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Journey