Yonder
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yala National Park
Everything about this Yala accommodation choice is superb. Each of the 14 ‘huts’ is a luxurious, private pavilion with deck and plunge pool surrounded by nature. Excellent food and the…
Colombo
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.…
Cultural Triangle
In the heart of Cultural Triangle and up close with nature: ecologically constructed villas spread across 58 acres where you can encounter monkeys, peacocks and lumbering elephants. Think sustainable luxury…
Tea Country
Vast estate in God’s Forest, with awesome views, waterfall and Instagram swimming pool. Villa with private courtyards, plunge pools and outdoor showers. Ultimate back-to-nature experience with refined comfort and superb…
Duration: 14 Days | Price: From £4,950
Contact us now to customise this itinerary.
This itinerary would typically cost from £4,950 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.
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.
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.
Everything about this Yala accommodation choice is superb. Each of the 14 ‘huts’ is a luxurious, private pavilion with deck and plunge pool surrounded by nature. Excellent food and the sunken bar a delight with crashing waves providing a soundtrack.
Tea Country perfection and SL’s first Relais & Chateaux property. Timelessly elegant individual bungalows, each with their own butler, unified by exceptional service, exquisite food and views to die for. Bygone era luxury, relaxed and intimate, and dining a delight.
Enchanting island retreat at Soneva Fushi, nestled in the pristine embrace of the Maldives. This haven redefines luxury with its eco-chic ethos, blending seamlessly into the untouched beauty of its surroundings.
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 on the island.
In the heart of Cultural Triangle and up close with nature: ecologically constructed villas spread across 58 acres where you can encounter monkeys, peacocks and lumbering elephants. Think sustainable luxury in paradise, with space, privacy and huge glass walls.
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 experiences.
Vast estate in God’s Forest, with awesome views, waterfall and Instagram swimming pool. Villa with private courtyards, plunge pools and outdoor showers. Ultimate back-to-nature experience with refined comfort and superb food.
Kulu offer the untamed SL jungle in the safest, most comfortable, and environmentally responsible way. Each tent has ensuite bathroom with shower, toilet and sink. All look over a watering hole rich with wildlife. Divine torchlight dining and excellent safaris.
In the shadow of Sigiriya Rock, and described by Harper’s Bazaar as Sri Lanka’s best eco luxury hotel. Water, marsh, garden, paddy and forest room locations, some with private plunge pools. Thatched roofs, bamboo and teak effortlessly combine with modern comforts.
Former residence of the world's first female prime minister oozing elegance and style and now Colombo’s leading boutique hotel. The ten suites have four-posters and sumptuous bathrooms. Discrete service make these digs some of the sexiest in the Indian subcontinent
A sumptuous combination of superb rooms, perfect service and views to die for in a coastal wilderness retreat. 80 spacious rooms with hardwood floors and glorious rain showers Sublime food and torchlit dinner among the dunes can be arranged.
Meticulously restored plantation manager’s bungalow on Up Country tea estate near Ella, with views over the Demodara valley. All five bedrooms have high ceilings, tasteful furnishings and elegant bathrooms. Lovely gardens and heavenly pool.
Discover a hidden gem in the heart of the Maldives at Baros. This intimate island resort, a pioneer in Maldivian luxury, weaves a story of elegance and enchantment. Its design, inspired by the timeless beauty of the Maldives, features villas crafted with natural materials, perched over the crystal-clear waters or nestled among lush tropical greenery.
Escape to the idyllic Taj Exotica Resort & Spa in the Maldives, where luxury and paradise intertwine. Nestled on an exclusive island, this resort is a sanctuary of tranquility, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and lush tropical flora.
Spread across 37 acres, home to 138 species of birds, two species of primates and 2,000 trees, this hotel is modelled on an ancient royal palace. Liberal use of ebony wood in large bungalow style rooms looking onto verdant gardens.
