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This Sri Lanka luxury holiday odyssey is an experiential masterpiece, even if we do say so ourselves. To the uninitiated, the dizzying diversity of a tour of Sri Lanka can be overwhelming; this itinerary takes all the confusion away, while covering a lot of jaw-dropping ground by planes, trains and automobiles.
Explore the Tamil heartlands in the far north of Sri Lanka, marvel at the treasures of the Cultural Triangle, relax in Kandy and Tea Country before visiting two great safari parks. Then an exquisite beach beckons before, finally, you sample SL’s buzzing capital.
What's Included
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International flights
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Private chauffeur guide throughout
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First class train travel
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Luxury & characterful accommodation
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Dedicated Yonder 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.
Your included hotel
The Wallawwa
Your alternative hotel choices
Galle Face Hotel
Tintagel
DAYS 2-4 | Cultural Triangle
Highlights: Visit the ancient capital of Anuradhapura; Spectacular bird life
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.
Your included hotel
Ulagalla
Your alternative hotel choices
Vil Uyana
Cinnamon Lodge
The Mud House
DAYS 4-6 | Jaffna
Highlights: Stroll around time-warp Jaffna; Visit Nallur Hindu Temple; Jaffna Library
An early start to catch the express train to Jaffna in the far north. It’s a three-hour journey winding through villages and over the fertile plains of the north of Sri Lanka. Arriving around lunchtime, it’s short hop to the Jetwing Jaffna in the centre of town. You’ll venture out in the afternoon with your guide to discover the delights of Jaffna, from its extraordinary library to the vibrant Nallur Hindu temple. And there will be time to explore on your own in a fascinating time warp city where the pause button has only just been released.
Your included hotel
Jetwing Jaffna
DAYS 6-8 | Cultural Triangle
Highlights: Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Your faithful chauffeur-guide will be waiting on the doorstep to transport you back towards the Cultural Triangle. This time your destination will be the colossal rock fortress at Sigiriya, with its buxom maidens frescoed on the upper cave walls. As you sit back at sunset with G&T in hand at Vil Uyana, the natural monolith with its near vertical walls will form a remarkable backdrop. You’ll stage an assent in the morning, leaving the afternoon free to kick back around the pool.
Highlights
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
Vil Uyana
Your alternative hotel choices
Ulagalla
Cinnamon Lodge
DAYS 8-11 | Kandy
Highlights: Visit the Temple of the Tooth; Stroll around the Botanical Gardens; Walking tour of Kandy
En route to Kandy, you’ll swing past the five spectacular caves at Dambulla, replete with stunning art and countless Buddha statues, which have drawn pilgrims for over 2,000 years. Arriving at Kandy House, your home in Kandy, in the early afternoon leaves plenty of time to refuel on the delicious cuisine and have a lazy afternoon. There’s a lot going on in Kandy and you’ll want to tick off a few key sites, including the phenomenal botanical gardens and the sacred Temple of the Tooth. And if you have the energy, your guide will be on hand to escort you to some of the lesser known, fascinating sites, such as the spice market, costume museum and old British military cemetery.
Highlights
Temple of the Tooth tour
(Included half-day tour)
Experience the spiritual essence of Sri Lanka with a visit to Kandy’s sacred Temple of the Tooth. Housing Buddha’s tooth relic, this site is a pinnacle of Buddhist worship. Our guided tour envelops you in an atmosphere of reverence, surrounded by intricate carvings and gold-laden roofs. Witness daily rituals in this architectural marvel, and see the golden casket holding the revered relic.
Tour of Kandy and the Botanical Gardens
(Included half-day tour)
Embark on a cultural journey in Kandy, a city echoing a regal past. Our guided tour takes you through bustling streets and local markets, brimming with vibrant colours and exotic aromas. The highlight is the Royal Botanical Gardens, a 147-acre horticultural wonder. Here, amidst exotic plants and palm trees, history and nature intertwine. This stroll through ancient trees and pavilions is a tranquil immersion into a celebrated Kandy landmark.
Your included hotel
Kandy House
Your alternative hotel choices
Ellerton Bungalow
DAYS 11-14 | 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 14-15 | Udawalawe National Park
Highlights: Private Safari; Wild elephant reserve
Udawalawe is widely considered the best spot in Sri Lanka for seeing elephants. And you’ll be hanging out with the pachyderms amongst scenery that will take your breath away. At its heart, an endless lake shimmers in the sun, teeming with birdlife, with all kinds of creatures drinking at its banks. In the scrub, you’ll encounter Elephas Maximus, the Asian elephant, of which the Sri Lankan is the largest subspecies. Home for a night will be the Mahoora Safari camp on the edge of the park.
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
Mahoora Safari Camp
DAYS 15-17 | 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.
Your included hotel
Chena Huts
Your alternative hotel choices
Kulu Safari Camp
Jetwing Yala
Cinnamon Wild
DAYS 17-21 | Galle and the Southern Beaches
Highlights: Private walking tour of Galle Fort; Beautiful beaches
After a couple of weeks on the road, you’ll be longing for some sand between your toes and the sound of the crashing waves. But be assured, this is a long way from pina colada territory and burnt Brits. The Frangipani Tree, a short distance from the old fort of Galle, will envelope you in perfection for a few nights. Here, you can be a lazy lounger, swim, walk along the beach or go out on your own to discover the many exciting possibilities all within a short ride in a tuk-tuk.
Highlights
Galle Guided Walking Tour
(Included half-day tour)
Take a guided walking tour through historic Galle Fort with a local historian, delving into the city’s fascinating colonial legacy. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, a blend of European and South Asian architecture, tells stories of conquests and commerce. Wander through cobbled streets lined with Dutch-period buildings, quaint boutiques, and art galleries. Visit the iconic lighthouse and the fort’s churches, culminating in a magical sunset on the ramparts.
Your included hotel
Frangipani Tree
Your alternative hotel choices
Kahanda Kanda
Fort Bazaar
Amangalla
DAYS 22-23 | Colombo
Highlights; Historic mansion hotel; Historical tour of Colombo by tuk tuk
As your tailor-made tour of Sri Lanka approaches its end, you’ll spend your final night in Colombo. Your last stop will be Tintagel, a serious sexy converted old mansion, once the home of the world’s first female prime minister. Colombo is a buzzing cosmopolitan city, with an ever increasing appetite for great restaurants and tasteful shopping. If you want a final culture fix, there is plenty to see and do, from the national museum to Independence Square.
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
Tintagel
Your alternative hotel choices
Galle Face Hotel
The Wallawwa
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 £4,700pp 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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