Sri Lanka and the Maldives
Negombo - Cultural Triangle - Hill Country - MaldivesSri Lanka and the Maldives is one of the best twin-centre holidays you can experience, a blend of culture, adventure and beach that makes for such a wonderful journey.
From the verdant tea fields of the central highlands, to its jungles teeming with wildlife and the palm-fringed beaches on the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is fantastically stunning and incredibly diverse and at Millis Potter, we love for our guests to see it differently.
From the central highlands’ verdant tea fields to its jungles teeming with wildlife and the palm-fringed beaches on the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is fantastically stunning and incredibly diverse. At Millis Potter, we love for our guests to see Sri Lanka differently. Our Sri Lanka holidays feature an array of boutique hotels throughout the island. Sri Lanka is such an ideal destination to embark on a relaxing private tour. Sri Lanka has a rich and colourful history has left behind some impressive sights. These include the rock fortress of Sigiriya, the Buddhist rock-cave of Dambulla, the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.
Over the past few years, Sri Lanka has developed impressively, allowing guests to get more off-the-beaten-track making for a more immersive experience. At Millis Potter, we use the very best driver/guides to ensure your experience of Sri Lanka is second to none. We creatively offer tailor-made itineraries using characterful boutique hotels to allow the destination to come to life, based totally around your interests.
You might like a quirky behind-the-scenes walking tour of Colombo, or cycling around the hidden corners of Kandy. Our way of seeing Sri Lanka is always about maximizing the experience. We can tailor a bespoke trip totally around you with the best Sri Lanka travel advice. Whether you want a romantic honeymoon, possibly combining Sri Lanka and the Maldives, a family holiday where the children can meet elephants for the first time, or a cultural tour immersing yourself in the charms of this fantastic island, we can tailor a special trip for you. Sri Lanka is also ideal if you have more specialist interests, such as exploring its magnificent wildlife where you will find it is one of the best destinations to spot leopard or elephant in the wild.
You could opt for a few days trekking in Sri Lanka’s mountains or learn to cook the best Sri Lankan curry. Just look through some of our suggested itineraries, experiences, and hotels and use these as a starting point for when you call us to create a truly bespoke itinerary based totally around you.
This is just a selection of suggested itineraries that are there to help you with your ideas and to start the conversation with us about planning your tailor-made holiday. All our holidays are private for you and your party, and can depart on any day you like. We can adapt and change any element of these journeys, or design an itinerary from scratch around your travelling plans.
Sri Lanka and the Maldives is one of the best twin-centre holidays you can experience, a blend of culture, adventure and beach that makes for such a wonderful journey.
This classic private tour of Sri Lanka takes in all the major highlights from the stunning cultural heritage of the north, the tea country, wildlife and laid-back beaches in the south.
For those wanting a quick introduction to Sri Lanka, then this suggested private tour might well be your answer. Explore the Ancient Cities, the Tea Country and end on the south coast beaches.
Delve into Sri Lanka’s colonial past, exploring the Portuguese, Dutch and British influences that have helped shape modern Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka has it all; amazing luxury boutique hotels, fantastic experiences, breath-taking scenery, sumptuous cuisine and you can even hop around in a private helicopter.
This journey to Sri Lanka combines the tea country with a stay on Sri Lanka’s south coast, more of a relaxing holiday than immersive tour, a way to sit-back and relax and simply enjoy the destination.
Take your time, and set off on a leisurely itinerary along Sri Lanka’s south coast, letting the shoulders drop as you meander slowly from Yala National Park to Galle and the palm-fringed beaches beyond.
Think Sri Lanka, and think of wild elephants, jungles, tea plantations, spices and palm-fringed beaches. All of which makes for a wonderful family adventure, designed to not involve too much driving which can always be a downside to travelling with children in Sri Lanka.
Most people think Sri Lanka is just a winter-sun destination, but much of the north and east of the county is perfect in the summer months.
The East Coast of Sri Lanka is slowly opening up to tourism. Combine a spot of wildlife in Gal Oya with a visit to Passekudah and ending in Trincomalee.
This is just an overview of the hotels and lodges we feature, from characterful boutique lodges to luxury hotels. We do have a range of other hotels that we use, so if you don't see from our portfolio what you are looking for, we almost certainly know about it and can help plan an itinerary using it.
Kahanda Kanda is a luxury boutique bolt-hole located in the hills above Galle in Sri Lanka.
KK Beach is a stylish, chic 10-bedroom boutique hotel overlooking the Indian Ocean in Habaraduwa, close to Galle in Sri Lanka.
Mandira Bungalows are a collection of three original planter’s bungalows set in the tea hills around Hatton in Sri Lanka.
Cinnamon Wild is a low key safari lodge with comfortable chalets on the edge of Yala National Park, a perfect base from which to explore the wildlife.
Gal Oya is a high-end yet environmentally responsible lodge located in a remote national park in the east of Sri Lanka.
Horathapola Estate is an original planter’s bungalow, an hour inland from Colombo and the airport making it a perfect first or last stop on a tour of Sri Lanka.
The stylish Fort Bazaar is located in the heart of Galle Fort offering a wonderful chic retreat and delicious dining.
Aditya is a contemporary style boutique hotel set on a quiet stretch of beach just up the coast from Galle on Sri Lanka’s south coast.
Ulagalla is the most unique and luxurious property in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, sitting mid-way between the main sites of Sigiriya, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.
Vil Uyana is a luxury eco resort set amongst paddy fields just a few miles from Sigiriya in the Cultural Triangle in Sri Lanka.
The Kandy House is a magnificent manor house located in the quiet outskirts of Kandy offering nine gorgeous rooms and a delightful pool.
Elephant Stables is a beautiful boutique villa in a peaceful location just 10 minutes from the centre of Kandy in Sri Lanka.
Chena Huts is a luxurious African safari style property close to Yala National Park in Sri Lanka, offering private pool villas next to a secluded beach.
Staying in one of the five Ceylon Tea Trails plantation houses is the most luxurious way to experience Sri Lanka’s hill country. In many ways, a stay at Tea Trails is the highlight of any tour of Sri Lanka. You can expect the most amazing service, cuisine and a chance to stretch your legs and …
Amangalla is the most exclusive and prestigious hotel in Galle offering excellent service and the highest level of accommodation.
Taru Villas – Rock Villa is pretty boutique hotel set in tropical gardens by the beautiful beaches of Bentota on the south coast of Sri Lanka.
Wildgrass is located in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle allowing you to both reconnect with nature at this eco resort and explore Sri Lanka’s ancient cities.
Rosyth Estate is a beautifully refurbished original planter’s bungalow set on a working tea and rubber estate in Sri Lanka’s scenic hill country.
Taylor’s Hill is a laid-back colonial country house in the tea hills of Sri Lanka and has a contemporary finish, perfect as a retreat from which to explore the hill country.
The Frangipani Tree is a Geoffrey Bawa inspired contemporary beachside hotel near UNESCO world heritage Galle Fort in Sri Lanka.
The Fortress is a well polished luxury resort ideal for families set on golden sands only 30 minutes from Galle Fort in Sri Lanka.
Warwick Gardens is a lovingly restored original planter’s house just outside Nuwara Eliya in the hill country, close to the tea plantations, in Sri Lanka.
Noel Rodrigo’s Leopard Safaris in Yala provide an African style safari camp amongst some of Sri Lanka’s finest wildlife experiences.
Casa Mirissa offers stylish boutique accommodation set right on the sands of Mirissa Beach on the south coast of Sri Lanka.
Bougainvillea Retreat has the feel of a private villa overlooking the mountains and golf courses surrounding Kandy.
Jungle Beach is a spectacular property set in natural surroundings on the unspoilt north east coast of Sri Lanka close to Trincomalee.
Tintagel is a heritage residence located in one of Colombo’s most desirable addresses in Sri Lanka, offering wonderful boutique accommodation in the capital.
Uga Bay is one of Sri Lanka’s finest hotels set on a pristine white sand beach on the east coast close to the town of Passekudah.
Amanwella is a luxury contemporary style beach hideaway in a hidden cove on Sri Lanka’s beautiful southern coast.
Cape Weligama is a luxury resort with stunning ocean views on the south coast of Sri Lanka, the sister property to Tea Trails.
The Wallawwa is a beautiful boutique property with wonderful service set in stunning gardens, ideal for the beginning or end of your trip.
This is a selection of experiences that allow you to see the destination in new and interesting ways. Almost all our experiences include a private guide, and can be then tailored to your particular interests. Indeed, many of the experiences we offer are created individually for our guests, so this list is by no means conclusive. In fact, we leave a couple of our best ideas up our sleeves for when you enquire with us.
Sri Lanka’s palm-fringed south coast is an ideal place to end a tour of Sri Lanka with a selection of superb beaches and sleepy fishing villages. Generally, the further down the road you get from Colombo, the less touristy the beaches become. Down the coast you find the small villages of Bentota, Wadduwa and Balapitya. …
The East Coast of Sri Lanka is far less developed than its southern counterpart, and only in recent years has there been new hotels to open up. It is also better to visit in the summer months, and as opposed to the winter on the south coast. the charming city of Trincomalee is the main …
There are 22 national parks in Sri Lanka with such a diverse range of flora and fauna. You can easily add in a stay in a national park on a tour of Sri Lanka, or we can tailor a specialist wildlife tour showcasing the diversity between the man parks on offer. The most famous (and …
In the heart of Sri Lanka you find the Hill Country, known for its rolling tea plantations and national parks. Anyone a tour of Sri Lanka will delight at driving through this amazing scenery, and you can even take a train from Kandy to make it all the more special. At the centre of the …
Kandy is beautifully set in within the foothills of the Hill Country, a perfect link on a tour of Sri Lanka between the Cultural Triangle to the north and the Hill Country to the south. It was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings who were defeated by the British in 1815, and is …
Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle is located in the north of Sri Lanka and is home to an abundance of ancient cities and sites that will make any casual visitor pretty awe-struck about the stories that make up the colourful history of Sri Lanka. The ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and the rock-fotress of Sigiriya are …
Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka, but unfortunately often left off many people’s tour of Sri Lanka. If you like bustling markets and colonial architecture then Colombo is well worth a visit. Historically, it was a melting pot of merchants from Europe, Arabia and the Orient, and with British and Dutch colonial influences, has …
Flights: Sri Lanka has superb flight links with the Middle East and most carriers then fly onto Europe and the USA. If you are travelling from Australia and New Zealand, the fastest links are through Malaysia or Singapore. You can enjoy direct flights from the UK to Colombo with Sri Lankan Airways. There are also excellent flight connections with Middle Eastern Carriers (Emirates, Qatar, Etihad, Oman Air, Turkish). There are also direct flights from Amsterdam and Paris with KLM.
Visas: You must have a visa, but these are easily applied for before you travel online available here.
Important Information
Getting Around
All transfers within Sri Lanka will be chauffeur driven. This will be in a modern air-conditioned SUV, or a larger vehicle if you travel as a family. You can expect free WiFi, cold towels and sanitisers. In Sri Lanka, your professional guide is also your chauffeur. We only offer the finest guides who work in Sri Lanka. This enhances the quality of your time in the country and helps you develop a deeper understanding of the destination, including its people, culture and customs. If you see something interesting en route, it is possible to stop and find out more.
Food & Drink
Arab traders, colonial rulers, and the Indian plantation workers have influenced the delectable Sri Lankan cuisine. It is somewhat similar yet distinct from Indian cuisine. Rice and curry, which is widely available in restaurants and cafes, is popular. Most of the curries make use of fresh coconut milk. Sri Lanka is an island, and as a result, expect to see superb fish curries on offer.
Above all, tea is synonymous with Sri Lanka. This hugely popular drink is served in many ways. Traditionally, it is served without milk. Do try the famous white tea. Imported spirits, wine and beer, are widely available.
January is one of the best months to visit for holidays to Sri Lanka. Above all, the central hills and south-west coast at their best. However, it can be a little wetter around the Cultural Triangle.
February is again one of the best months to travel to Sri Lanka. Most importantly, expect generally dry weather in the central hills, south coast and Cultural Triangle.
March is another fantastic month in Sri Lanka. Moreover, you find dry weather in most destinations.
April is possibly the hottest month of the year, and still great for a holiday in Sri Lanka. The monsoon is yet to arrive, making a visit to the south-west coast ideal to cool off after a tour of Sri Lanka.
In May, the south-west monsoon begins and lasts until the end of June. However, this doesn't affect the north (including the Cultural Triangle) and the east coasts. Furthermore, showers tend to be short and sharp. It's certainly possible to have a superb holiday in Sri Lanka in May.
June is again perfect to explore the north and east of Sri Lanka. The south-west coast is wet with the monsoon.
July is perfect for heading to the north of Sri Lanka. This might include trying the wildlife in Wilpattu, the cultural triangle, and beaches on the east coast. Known as the 'inter-monsoon' period, it's certainly possible to travel.
August is when the great Perahera Festival takes place in Kandy. Moreover, you can combine that with the east coast and Cultural Triangle. It is also the time of the great elephant gathering at Minneriya.
The north and east still at their best, and, in addition, the inter-monsoon period continues.
October is a difficult month to judge. Most importantly, the north-east monsoon arrives and is the stronger of the two, affects the whole country in some way. In short, expect a shower or two.
Like October, November is a tricky month to judge. The north-west monsoon has moved to affect the east coast and north of the island, with the south starting to get better. As a result, expect mixed weather!
December is generally popular due to the Christmas and New Year Sri Lanka holidays. The weather can still be somewhat unpredictable, especially on the south coast. Generally, a journey through the Cultural Triangle, Kandy and the Hill Country will be fine at this time of year.
Sri Lanka lies close to the equator, so temperatures are always generally enjoyable. We consider it an all-year destination, as certain areas are always at their best. Having said that, it is an island that gets a great many weather fronts moving across it so that you can expect a little rainfall at any time. However, these showers are usually short and sharp. The best time to visit the south-west coast and central hills are generally from mid to late December to April, with the south-west monsoon arriving in May. From then, the north (including the Cultural Triangle) and the east come to the fore and are at their best. October and November are difficult to predict as the north-west monsoon arrives.
We arrange totally bespoke trips and design an itinerary that is designed around you. You may have seen a suggested itinerary that we can base your plans around, or we can start with a blank sheet and paper and design something from scratch. You can leave a phone number and suggest a time to call you back, and we can also arrange to do this during the evenings or at weekends if you are busy during the daytime. We can also meet up with you in you fancy a coffee and are based in and around London.