You may have been to Sri Lanka before, and fallen for it. If so, this itinerary is the perfect return. It is a hugely relaxing journey along the south coast. Crucially, you spend longer in each place. So you have time to enjoy the gorgeous hotels and settle in properly. The south coast is one of those rare spots that simply makes you unwind. Indeed, it is a winter-sun bolthole with a wonderful climate, culture and cuisine. As ever, the whole trip is private and tailored to you.
The whole point here is flexibility. So you do as much or as little as you like. Some days, you might not leave the pool at all. Other days, you head out to explore. Because you stay three nights or more in each place, there is no rush. As a result, the trip restores you rather than tiring you. Sometimes, after all, a holiday should simply be a holiday.
From a gentle first night near Colombo, fly south to Yala National Park. It is home to leopard, wild elephant and a wealth of other wildlife. So on arrival, head out on an afternoon safari. With three nights here, there is plenty of time for game drives. Equally, you can simply relax by the pool. You stay at the superb Chena Huts, right by the park.
Next, drive along the coast to Galle. Here you spend three nights at the stylish Kahanda Kanda. You might simply relax at the hotel. Alternatively, head into town for a walking tour of the fort. Better still, set off cycling through the countryside. Along the way, you pass rural villages, paddy fields and plantations.
Finally, continue up the coast to Bentota. Here you spend your last five nights at Rock Villa, right on the beach. After such a gentle journey, this is the ideal full stop. So swim, read and let the sea air work its magic.
Even on a slow trip, there is plenty to dip into. For example, you might learn a little Sri Lankan cookery. Equally, head out whale-watching off the south coast. Elsewhere, a guided cycle reveals rural life at its own pace. So the choice is always yours. Above all, nothing is ever rushed.
Naturally, the hotels are the heart of this journey. First, the Wallawwa eases you in near Colombo. Then Chena Huts puts you beside Yala. Later, Kahanda Kanda brings stylish calm above Galle. Finally, Rock Villa delivers the beach. Of course, each is a relaxing base in its own right.
Throughout, you travel privately with your own driver-guide. So the pace bends entirely to you. Meanwhile, a short internal flight saves the longest haul south. The coastal drives, in turn, are easy and scenic. As a result, the trip feels effortless from the start.
Generally, the drier months from December to March suit the south coast best. By contrast, the south-west sees the monsoon in summer. So we usually favour the winter window for this route. Either way, we advise on the ideal timing for your dates.
Above all, this suits anyone craving a proper rest. For example, it is ideal for a returning visitor. Equally, it rewards honeymooners and couples. Families, too, enjoy the gentle pace. As a result, it is one of our most restful Sri Lankan journeys.
Yala is the wild heart of this trip. So the game drives are a real highlight. The park has one of the world’s highest leopard densities. Meanwhile, elephants, crocodiles and peacocks abound. So an early start often brings the best sightings. Even so, much of the joy is simply being out in the bush.
The south coast, meanwhile, is all about slowing down. For example, you might spend a whole morning by the pool. Equally, you could wander Galle’s ramparts at dusk. Later, watch the sun sink over the Indian Ocean. So the pace drops away completely. In short, it is the perfect antidote to a busy life.
Finally, this route pairs well with the rest of the island. For example, add the ancient cities of the Cultural Triangle. Equally, finish in the tea hills. As ever, we shape the whole journey around you.
As ever, this route is only a starting point. So we shape the pace and the hotels to suit. In the end, it is entirely your own.
It can be, though it suits returning visitors especially well. First-timers often prefer to see more of the island. We will shape the balance around you.
Yala is one of the best parks for leopard, with elephant and much more. Sightings are never guaranteed in the wild, of course. Even so, the game drives are a real highlight.
Generally, December to March is most comfortable for the south. We will advise on timing for your dates.
Entirely. The pace, hotels and stops are all shaped around you. Simply share your dates and interests, and we will craft the rest.
| £3995P.P |
|---|
| Days | Location | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Negombo | The Wallawwa |
| Day 2-4 | Yala National Park | Chena Huts |
| Day 5-7 | Galle | Kahanda Kanda |
| Day 8-13 | Bentota | Rock Villa |
Arrive in Colombo and stay nearby for the first night. So you avoid a long drive after the flight. Instead, simply settle in and unwind.
Fly to Mattala and transfer to Yala National Park, home to leopard, wild elephant and much more. On arrival, head out on an afternoon safari. With three nights here, there is plenty of time for game drives. Equally, you can simply relax by the pool.
Drive along the coast to Galle, staying three nights at Kahanda Kanda. You might simply relax at the hotel. Alternatively, head into town for a walking tour. Better still, set off cycling through the countryside, past villages, paddy fields and plantations.
Finally, continue up the coast to Bentota. Here you spend your last five nights relaxing on the beach.
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.
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.