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All locations, activities and hotels can be tailored to your preferences.
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Discover the soul of Sri Lanka in an immersive journey through its Cultural Triangle, where history whispers from ancient ruins and vibrant traditions pulse in every corner. Begin in the time-honoured regions of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, each a testament to Sri Lanka's rich heritage. The experience deepens in the lush Tea Country, where emerald plantations paint the hills and the art of tea-making comes to life. The adventure peaks at Yala National Park, a wild tapestry of dense jungles and open plains, home to leopards, elephants, and an array of exotic wildlife.
After your cultural odyssey, transition to five days of unparalleled relaxation in the Maldives. Here, time slows down amidst the lapping waves and sandy shores. Dive into the crystal-clear waters, explore vibrant coral reefs, or simply indulge in the luxury of doing nothing, letting the ocean’s rhythm soothe your soul. This journey isn’t just a trip; it’s a profound exploration of culture, nature, and inner peace.
What's Included
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International flights from the UK
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Stunning & unique hotels
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Private, expert-guided tours
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First-class train tickets
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All transfers & collections by private chauffeur
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Dedicated support 24/7
Sample itinerary in full
Remember: Every Yonder itinerary is uniquely created to suit our individual clients. Destinations, hotels, lengths of stay and even modes of transport are all decided by you, with the help of our local knowledge and expert guidance.
DAYS 1-2 | Colombo
Highlights: Rest and relaxation after long haul flight
As you swoop down towards Colombo, you’ll experience just a little taster of what awaits with palm trees and a cobalt blue lagoon stretching as far as the eye can see. Your Yonder chauffeur-guide will be waiting to whisk you off on a short journey to The Wallawwa, a beautiful old manor house, where you will recuperate after your flight.
Highlights
Afternoon tour of Colombo
(Included half-day tour)
Experience the vibrant energy of Colombo on our comprehensive guided city tour. Explore the city’s melting pot of cultures, visiting landmarks like the Gangaramaya Temple and Independence Square. Wander through bustling markets, taking in the scents of spices and lively atmosphere. Drive along the Galle Face Green and explore Colombo’s colonial past and modern architecture. This tour captures the essence of Sri Lanka’s capital, offering an engaging overview of its rich history, culture, and urban dynamism.
Your included hotel
The Wallawwa
Your alternative hotel choices
Galle Face Hotel
Tintagel
DAYS 2-4 | The Cultural Triangle
Highlights: Visit the ancient capital of Anuradhapura; Spectacular bird life; Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress
You’ll be driven north towards the ancient capital of Anuradhapura, which sprang up around Buddha’s ‘tree of enlightenment’ for your first big cultural fix. Arriving in the afternoon, you’ll check into Ulagalla, a firm Yonder favourite with its individual pavilion rooms blending into the paddyfields. You’ll have a full day to explore the evocative sites that surround the sacred city which served as Sri Lanka’s capital for 1,300 years.
Highlights
Guided tour of Anuradhapura
(Included full-day tour)
Embark on a guided tour of historical Anuradhapura, an ancient city that holds tales of a bygone era. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals, is a sprawling complex of architectural and archaeological splendour. Your guide will tell you stories of a sophisticated civilization marked by towering dagobas, intricate stone carvings, and ancient temples. Visit the sacred Bodhi Tree, believed to be the world’s oldest historically authenticated tree.
Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock
(Included half-day tour)
Join us for a guided ascent of Sigiriya, the awe-inspiring Lion Rock, soaring 200 metres above Sri Lanka’s jungle. This UNESCO World Heritage Site reveals King Kashyapa’s fortress, a marvel of ancient resilience and architecture. Our journey to the summit unveils 1,202 steps, each a historic stride. En route, admire the famed frescoes depicting celestial nymphs, a testament to ancient artistry. Atop, the panoramic views are spectacular, encompassing lush forests, serene water gardens, and the remnants of a majestic past. This climb isn’t just a physical feat; it’s a voyage through history, culminating in a rewarding and unforgettable experience.
Your included hotel
Ulagalla
Your alternative hotel choices
Vil Uyana
Cinnamon Lodge
The Mud House
DAYS 4-7 | Tea Country
Highlights: Tea factory experience; Tea tasting with experts; Walk on the plantation trails
The rolling green hills, swirling mists in the valleys and sheer silence… Tea country will steal your heart. And getting here, on the rumbling train from Kandy, is a journey that will linger in the memory. You’ll disembark in Nuwara Eliya, known as Little England, before continuing by car to Living Heritage Koslanda, your boutique bolthole perched high in the hills with a view that is an Instagram magnet. And you’ll learn a good deal about those aromatic leaves that make up the UK’s favourite beverage.
Highlights
Guided tea plantation hike
(Included half-day tour)
Experience the tranquillity of Sri Lanka’s tea country on a guided walk along authentic pluckers trails. This serene journey takes you through lush tea plantations, where the landscape is a verdant tapestry of neatly trimmed tea bushes. As you walk, gain unique insights into the life of tea plantations, observing workers skillfully harvesting tea leaves. The changing scenery, from manicured gardens to natural forested areas, offers a peaceful backdrop for contemplation.
Tea Factory tour
(Included half-day tour)
Join us on a guided tour to a traditional working tea factory, where you’ll delve into the journey of tea from leaf to cup. Witness the intricate processes of withering, rolling, fermenting, drying, and grading, each contributing to the unique flavour and aroma of world-renowned Ceylon Tea. The factory is alive with the scent of fresh tea leaves and the rhythmic sound of machinery and you’ll get to know some of the skilled workers whose expertise is integral to the tea-making process.
Your included hotel
Living Heritage Koslanda
Your alternative hotel choices
Nine Skies
Ceylon Tea Trails
Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge
Jetwing St Andews
DAYS 7-9 | Yala National Park
Highlights: Private safari; Wildlife galore; Expert naturalists
From elephants to leopards and from sloth bears to jackals , Yala has it all. Flanked by the ocean to the east, Yala is spectacularly beautiful, with dense scrub, arid savannah-like plains and a maze of watercourses. Leopard fever sets in as you enter the park. With the world’s greatest concentration, Yala is a mecca for those who seek a first-hand encounter with this awesome predator. But it isn’t all about the big cat. There are all creatures great and small here and the smaller creatures are no less spectacular. What’s more, the birdlife is an ornithologist’s dream come true and the reptiles will leave you awestruck. And you’ll be no less impressed when you check into Chena Huts, one of Yonder’s favourites.
Highlights
Yala National Park Game Drives
(Included full-day tour)
Embark on a thrilling wildlife safari in Yala National Park, renowned for its diverse array of animals, including one of the world’s highest densities of leopards. Our private guided safari takes you across varied landscapes – dense jungle, open grasslands, wetlands, and beaches. Keep an eye out for majestic elephants, elusive leopards, sloth bears, and a plethora of bird species. Each turn in the park promises a new and exciting encounter, making this game drive an essential experience for nature enthusiasts.
Your included hotel
Chena Huts
Your alternative hotel choices
Kulu Safari Camp
Jetwing Yala
Cinnamon Wild
DAYS 10-14 | To the Maldives
As your Sri Lankan adventure reaches its crescendo, fret not, for your journey is far from its finale. You’ll smoothly transition from the dynamic pulse of Sri Lanka to the tranquil embrace of the Maldives. Leave behind the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan life and sail into the serene realm of these island paradises. Believe us when we say, there is no finer salve for the soul after twelve exhilarating days of deep cultural immersion than basking for at least five nights beside the sapphire embrace of your chosen Maldivian atoll. Spend your days exploring the underwater wonders, snorkelling or diving among vibrant marine life, and surrendering to the bliss of utter tranquillity.
Your included hotel
Soneva
Your alternative hotel choices
Baros Maldives
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
Tailor-Made Itineraries
THE YONDER DIFFERENCE
Off-the-shelf is off the menu at Yonder: from the moment you first get in touch you'll be in the hands of a senior executive who has spent years getting to know your destination first-hand. Other travel companies might talk a big game about expertise and customisation but, to blow our own trumpet for a minute, we're in a league of our own.
Hotels featured in this itinerary
The Wallawwa
Perfect place to recuperate after a long flight. A restored manor in an idyllic rural setting. Interiors are a triumph of creativity. Rooms have four-posters and oversized bathrooms. Excellent food. Z Spa is amongst the best o... View this hotel
Galle Face Hotel
Grand dame of Colombo hotels and one of the most iconic colonial hotels in Asia. Legendary history of grace, elegance and courtesy, enjoyed by Noel Coward and Mark Twain. Sumptuous rooms, marble lined lobbies and superb dining ... View this hotel
How to go Yonder
What you get for your money
This itinerary would typically cost from £4,950 pp Including flights inclusive of international flights staying in the specified hotels and having the services of a private chauffeur and guide.
The costs vary based on season, flights, room type and board basis. All our holidays are tailor-made and can be created around your budget.
Every Yonder itinerary is uniquely created to suit our individual clients. Destinations, hotels, lengths of stay and even modes of transport are all decided by you, with the help of our local knowledge and expert guidance.
All Yonder holidays include flights, carefully curated hotels. private drivers, expert guides and local concierges alongside 24/7 support from Yonder should it ever be needed so you know you are in safe hands.We are immensely proud of our unique and in-depth expertise of the destinations we offer. Unlike some travel companies, each hotel we feature is handpicked and personally experienced by us so we can give you the inside story. We also carefully choose our guides based on their their exhaustive knowledge and professionalism to ensure you have a perfect holiday.
What’s the process?
We love to chat. Tell us about your Yonderlust, your travel tastes, your wishes and desires. The more we know the better and we will make a few suggestions based on extensive our first-hand experience.
Once we‘ve glimpsed your travel soul we will start crafting your unique itinerary. And then we will refine it until you’re as excited as we are.
When you are ready to go Yonder you can make your reservation. We usually take a 30% deposit (but this can vary depending on your holiday). The balance payable 90 days prior to departure. Best of all, booking with Yonder really is headache free. You have complete financial protection for all holidays which include flights through our ATOL licence (11237).
And once you’ve booked, you can be absolutely sure that you’ll have someone to turn to whenever you need to. We will be there for you 24/7.
Every great journey starts with one small step
Please get in touch by phone, by email or by filling in our simple enquiry form so that our travel experts can get in touch to discuss your perfect tailor-made holiday.
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As Featured By
Registered office: Yonder, 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ Tel: 0203 880 8585 Email:
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