Example Itinerary

Classic Sri Lanka

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
Destinations
Sri Lanka

Experience the highlights of this emerald island nation on a luxury 10-day Classic Sri Lanka journey. Criss-cross the island from the historically-rich central province to the verdent mountains in the heart of the island and finally to the southernmost palm-fringed shores. Soak up the culture, history, and landscapes of Sri Lanka as you visit Colombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Bogawantalawa Valley, Tangalle, and Galle, all while staying at some of the most luxurious hotels the country has to offer.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • UNESCO Sites: Explore multiple famous UNESCO sites, such as the Dambulla cave, Polonnaruwa ancient kingdom, and Galle Fort.
  • Train to Tea Country: Considered one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world, this serene trip through Sri Lanka's lush green tea country is a must-do for anyone, especially for train enthusiasts.
  • Scenes from a Seaplane: Travel around the emerald teardrop-shaped island typically involves long car or train journeys. Save time while also seeing Sri Lanka in a new way by taking a seaplane. From the middle of the country amongst rolling mountains, touch down on the white sands of the southern coast in less than an hour.
  • Southern Coast Paradise: Along the island's southern coast is a plethora of tropical goodies including sandy beaches, warm waters, fresh fish markets, turtle sanctuaries, ancient forts and temples, yoga and surf retreats, whale and dolphin cruises, and more.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Colombo

Begin your Sri Lankan adventure in the nation's capital, Colombo. Upon touchdown, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel. Check in and freshen up. In the afternoon, step out to explore the lively city. Begin at Gangaramaya Temple, followed by Seema Malaka Temple - both of which are the most important temples in the city. Stop by a local market, a colorful and bustling scene awaits. Then, take a drive around the Fort Area downtown and see the Dutch and British architecture from colonial days as well as various ministry and governmental buildings. Alight at Galle Face Green for a stroll. This long stretch of green lawn next to the narrow beach and sea promenade in Colombo is a peaceful area where locals come in the early evening to leisure activities such as running, playing cricket or football, kite flying, and to enjoy the sunset.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The Tintagel is located in the middle of the city, surrounded by upmarket residences and shops. It’s approximately a 45-minute drive away from the airport and five minutes’ walk from Odel Shopping Mall, the most desirable shopping location in the area.

History: Colombo was one of the most popular East-West trade routes in centuries past. The Tintagel, a colonial mansion that takes one back in time, echoes such history.

Service: The Tintagel is widely-known for its unbeatable, bespoke service, and its friendly, warm staff.

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Tintagel Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

History: Since the late 19th century, this elegant townhouse has welcomed dignitaries, governors and nobility from all over the world.

Location: Set on leafy Park Street in central Colombo, Uga Residence is an urban oasis.

Service: With years of experience, the hotel’s team is on hand to advise on city excursions, onward travel and anything else that’s required.

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Uga Residence Preferred Hotel

Day 2

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Sigiriya

Leave the city behind for Sigiriya, a four-hour drive away. The scenic route is shaded with tall trees and forest foliage. Take in the fresh island air and enjoy scenes of local markets, fruit stalls, humble colorfully painted homes pass you by. Before arriving at your destination, stop for a visit at Dambulla Cave Temple. The largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in the country, Dambulla Cave Temple is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex dates from the third and second centuries and still operates as a monastery in present day. Afterwards, continue onward to your hotel where you can unwind for the rest of the day.

Hotel Options
About

Nestled amongst reed beds and paddy fields on top of a man-made lake lies Jetwing Vil Uyana, a premier luxury eco resort in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka. Hailed by Harper's Bazaar as the "best eco luxury hotel in Sri Lanka," this one-of-a-kind resort comprises 36 dwellings that merge sophisticated modern comforts with ecological rural simplicity.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Located just six kilometers away from the historic Sigiriya Rock, Water Garden Sigiriya resort provides visitors to Sri Lanka with world-class comfort and second to none service. With one and two bedroom options, the resort's 30 villas are chicly designed, spacious, and imbued with an air of mystique thanks to their secret gardens and private plunge pools.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Sigiriya
Sigiriya

Day 3

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Sigiriya

Take a half-day trip to Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO site around 80 minutes away from Dambulla, and a well-preserved ancient kingdom. Explore the time-honored ruins and learn about life in ancient times. Finish the day with a safari at the Minneriya National Park. The park is a wildlife refuge and if you’re lucky, you may even spot elephants feeding. Those especially keen to see elephants will want to visit during the dry months, from July to October, when hundreds of elephants make their way to the watering hole at Minneriya. This spectacular sight is called the annual elephant gathering.

Day 4

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Kandy

Wake early this morning to visit Sigiriya. This ancient fortress built in the 5th century, yet another UNESCO site, is perched at the very top of a remarkable monolithic rock pillar that juts dramatically over the forests. After scaling the rock pillar - and admiring the 21 colorful frescoes along the way - make your final ascent to the top through a gate carved into the rock to look like lion paws. In fact, the entire palace was carved in the shape of a lion, earning this site the colloquial name, 'Lion Rock.' Afterwards, journey onward to Kandy, two hours away. Enroute, stop for a curry lunch at a local restaurant and a tour through a spice and herb garden to learn about their culinary and indigenous medicinal uses, also known as ayurveda. After arriving in Kandy, visit the Temple of Tooth, said to be home to the relic of the tooth of Buddha. A puja ritual is performed three times a day, involving drummers and dancers.

Hotel Options
About

Tucked away in green in the heart of the city, Kings Pavilion offers an urban retreat in a prime Kandy location. Guest rooms are decorated in a cozy and modern style, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the space with natural light and balconies with mountain views.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Kandy
Kandy

Day 5

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Bogawantalawa Valley

Embark on one of, if not the most beautiful railway journeys in the world as you depart from Kandy for Sri Lanka's tea country. Sit back and enjoy stunning scenes of tea plantations, waterfalls, rolling mountains, clouds and mist roll by your window. Snack hawkers are commonly seen on the trains offering hot snacks such as samosas and chai tea, a perfect accompaniment to your journey. Alternatively, if you prefer, take a private car directly to your hotel. After two hours, disembark at Hatton and transfer to your the all-inclusive Ceylon Tea Trails hotel nestled in the tea hills. Settle into your luxury bungalow, a restored historic tea planter residence. Stretch your legs post-journey by taking the Ceylon Tea Trail working plantation hike. Watch the tea pickers at work and observe life on a working tea estate before returning to your bungalow for a fresh cup of tea with hot scones and clotted cream.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: This hotel enjoys a stunning and unique location, nestled high in the hills of Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Tea region, bordering the World Heritage Central Highlands.

Service: Each room and suite comes with a personal butler, who serves guests Bed Tea in the morning and draws them a bath.

History: The world’s first-ever tea bungalow resort, this hotel celebrates the historic tea plants of Ceylon, first discovered over a century ago.

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Ceylon Tea Trails Preferred Hotel

Day 6

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Bogawantalawa Valley

The day is yours to enjoy however you wish. The area is ideal for trekking and biking along the mountains, lakes, winding roads, and waterfalls. You can also unwind and enjoy a spa treatment, croquet on the lawn, or sunbathe alongside the pool. A butler and personal chef will ensure the utmost care and attention to your stay.

Bogawantalawa Valley
Bogawantalawa Valley

Day 7

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Tangalle

Today, leave the cool climes of lush green tea hills behind for the warm beaches of the southern coast. Take a quick and scenic seaplane south to Hambantota, then a short drive along the coast to your hotel in Tangalle. This palm-fringed fishing port is all about the slow-life. You are free to enjoy the sandy white beaches and fresh seafood on your own for the rest of the day.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: This Aman Resorts property is located right on a tranquil crescent beach in the middle of a coconut grove.

History: Designed by one of Sri Lanka’s most important architects, Geoffrey Bawa, this property combines modern comfort with traditional local materials.

Service: With only 30 suites, guests are treated to personalized round-the-clock service and top-notch Sri Lankan hospitality.

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Amanwella Preferred Hotel

Day 8

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Tangalle

This morning you will visit a turtle conservation. Five of seven types of sea turtle species can be found on Sri Lanka's shores and these local conservations play a role in protecting these animals and promoting education and preservation efforts. If you wish, take a cooking lesson and learn how these ingredients are used in Sri Lanka's flavorful cuisine. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the beach or pool as you wish.

Tangalle
Tangalle

Day 9

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Galle

A lovely two-hour drive along the coast takes you to UNESCO-protected Galle, your final stop. Go on a tour of the ancient fort and walk along the centuries-old Dutch ramparts with a local expert. Explore the narrow alleyways lined with chic boutiques, cafes, and hotels housed in restored whitewashed Dutch colonial buildings. Wrap up the day by paying the Yatagala and Rhumasala temples a visit. Your hotel tonight is Amangalla, a charming boutique sanctuary in the heart of the fort. This night, on your last evening, have dinner at one of the restaurants within the fort and enjoy your final taste of Sri Lanka.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Heritage: The hotel is housed in a well-preserved 150-year old landmark hotel.

Rooms: Generous rooms with antique furniture, teak timber flooring, original art work and pleasant views.

Society and Environment: Amangalla uses recycling methods and tries to sources as much as possible locally, including food, furnishings and staff.

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Amangalla Preferred Hotel

Day 10

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Departure

After breakfast, and perhaps one last walk along the ramparts, you will be privately transferred back to Colombo airport for your flight onward.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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