Ultimate Sri Lankan Escape

Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. Discover the enchanting island of Sri Lanka, renowned for its lush tropical landscapes, pristine hills, tranquil Buddhist sites, and stunning coastline.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Anuradhapura, offering a glimpse into the picturesque Sri Lankan countryside. Enjoy the view of verdant paddy fields and lush coconut and pineapple groves. Along the way, make a stop to sample freshly roasted cashew nuts and discover the diverse varieties of bananas unique to this island paradise. Arrive at your luxury hotel in time for a sumptuous lunch, followed by an afternoon of leisure to relax and unwind.

This morning, explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its historic significance. Founded around a sacred Bodhi tree cutting brought from India in the 3rd century, Anuradhapura served as a major religious and political center thousands of years ago. Discover the sprawling palaces, monuments, and monasteries, once enveloped by dense forest. Choose to explore this remarkable site by car or bike. After a leisurely afternoon, embark on a late afternoon journey to Minneriya National Park. This diverse ecosystem of evergreen forests and scrubland is part of an important elephant corridor and is home to a variety of wildlife. Explore the park in a jeep, stopping at the 3rd-century Minneriya Tank, a popular watering hole for elephants.

After breakfast, drive to Sigiriya, located in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, renowned for its ancient heritage and World Heritage sites. Begin your ascent of Sigiriya Rock, which rises 200 meters above the plains. Halfway up, the Lion Terrace offers scenic views, leading to the summit where you’ll find the ruins of the summer palace and a breathtaking panorama. Enjoy lunch at Vil Uyana, then proceed to Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Ceylon. After a visit to the Polonnaruwa Museum, explore the ancient city, known for its well-preserved ruins, including palaces, treasuries, and temples. Admire the Gal Vihara, with its impressive granite Buddha sculptures from the 12th century. Return to Vil Uyana for dinner, featuring both Sri Lankan and international cuisine, before heading back to your hotel for the evening.

Today, enjoy a private luxurious helicopter transfer to the breathtaking hill country. This region, renowned for its misty mountains, lush forests, and rolling tea plantations, offers an unparalleled natural beauty, complete with sparkling streams and waterfalls. Your accommodation will be a historic plantation bungalow, dating back to the 1850s and formerly the residence of British tea estate managers. These meticulously restored bungalows offer a unique opportunity to experience life on a working tea estate, combining historical charm with modern comfort. Each bungalow features stunning gardens, private pools, and expansive decks, all providing spectacular views of the hill country and tea plantations. To ensure a seamless and indulgent stay, your bungalow comes with its own dedicated manager, chef, and butler, catering to your every need.

Today, you will embark on an exclusive exploration of the tea estate with a guide, who will escort you through the intricate process of tea production. Your journey begins with a visit to the tea fields, where you’ll meet the skilled women plucking the leaves. From there, you’ll explore the steps of weighing, drying, fermenting, and packaging at the tea factory. This experience concludes with a refined tea tasting session, where you'll savor the estate’s finest blends. To further immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty, consider a hike through the lush tea plantations and scenic trails. For a delightful experience, you can walk to a neighboring tea bungalow for an additional cup of tea. Each bungalow is equipped with bikes, providing an excellent opportunity to explore the picturesque surroundings at your own pace.

Today, enjoy a private transfer by helicopter to Chena Huts, an exclusive retreat set off the beaten path. Nestled at the end of a specially-built road connecting to the Tissamaharama-Yala highway, just minutes from the Yala park entrance, this hotel offers a unique experience. These pavilions, more sophisticated than rustic huts, are situated overlooking a beach where elephants occasionally wander down from the adjacent jungle to frolic in the surf. Surrounded by tropical jungle on one side and a saline lake on the other, you can observe ibis, painted storks, and even flamingos wading in the shallows.

Today, enjoy a private transfer to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s second-largest and most popular wildlife sanctuary. A treasure trove of diverse ecosystems, Yala spans from lush monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands, and is renowned for its thriving leopard population. Beyond its rich biodiversity, Yala holds deep historical significance, having been home to ancient civilizations. Within its boundaries, you’ll discover important pilgrimage sites such as Sithulpahuwa and Magul Vihara, where cultural heritage merges seamlessly with the park’s breathtaking natural beauty. Following your day of exploration, enjoy a private transfer back to your hotel.

Today, enjoy a private scenic drive to Tangalle. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and unwind with some relaxing beach time, soaking in the pristine golden sands and the tranquil sound of the waves. Take a refreshing dip in the ocean or lounge by the pool, savoring the peaceful atmosphere.

Today is yours to spend at your own leisure. At your hotel, enjoy a soothing Ayurvedic spa treatment or take part in a Sri Lankan cooking class to learn traditional recipes. For nature lovers, embark on a guided wildlife safari at the nearby Yala National Park or a bird-watching experience through the hotel’s lush gardens. Whether relaxing or adventuring, your day will be filled with enriching experiences.

Today is another relaxing day to spend at your own leisure. Relax on the pristine sandy beaches, basking in the warm tropical sun, or take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters. For those seeking a bit more activity, consider exploring the local area or indulging in water sports like snorkeling or surfing. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore, or perhaps visit a nearby café for a taste of fresh, local seafood.

Today, depart from Amanwella for a scenic drive to Mirissa, renowned for its exceptional whale watching opportunities. Sri Lanka’s South and West coasts are prime spots for spotting magnificent blue and sperm whales as they migrate. A private yacht will be waiting for you in Mirissa, to enhance your whale watching experience. On your return journey, observe the unique stilt fishermen in action. An opportunity for interaction and participation with these traditional fishermen may also be available. Afterward, drive to Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases its rich colonial history under Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule. The fort, surrounded on three sides by the sea, offers stunning views from its ramparts, where you can enjoy a sunset stroll.

Today, embark on a hike through the Kanneliya Rainforest, one of Sri Lanka’s last untouched lowland rainforests and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Experience the lush beauty of this pristine environment, featuring cascading waterfalls and stunning landscapes. Enjoy a picnic lunch near a picturesque waterfall before returning to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Today, explore Galle Fort with a resident host, immersing yourself in its rich atmosphere and historic architecture. Wander through narrow streets where well-preserved Dutch Colonial buildings showcase classic architectural features. Visit the 18th-century Dutch Church, renowned for its elegant wooden memorial and charming organ loft. Discover the Arab Quarter with its unique Moorish ambiance. In the afternoon, consider biking through Galle to explore its quaint lanes, boutiques, art galleries, and shops housed in former Dutch residences. Enjoy a leisurely and enriching afternoon discovering the town’s treasures.

This morning, following breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a private transfer to the airport in time for your flight.