This is our way of doing Sri Lanka in style. So we hand-pick the very best hotels. We also cut out the long drives by using private helicopters. On top of that, we include exceptional, unique experiences. Together, they showcase the island to the fullest. The route links the ancient cities, Kandy, the tea hills and the southern beaches. As ever, it is entirely private and tailored to you.
The Cultural Triangle
On arrival, a private helicopter whisks you up to the Cultural Triangle. There you settle into the superb Ulagalla. The next day, your expert guide leads you through Anuradhapura, the oldest of the ancient cities. Then see Mihintale, the birthplace of Buddhism here. Another day, visit Polonnaruwa, the caves at Dambulla and the Sigiriya rock.
Kandy in Style
Next, take a helicopter to Kandy. Here you stay at the superb Kandy House, in its finest suite. With your private guide, explore the Temple of the Tooth. Then venture out to the surrounding villages. So you see both the grandeur and the everyday life of the city.
The Tea Country
For the journey up to the hills, it is worth staying on the ground. So you take the scenic train towards Hatton, winding through the plantations. On arrival, transfer to the wonderful Ceylon Tea Trails, where you have a Master Suite. The next days are yours to explore. For example, walk bungalow to bungalow, or visit the tea factory. The adventurous, meanwhile, can cross Horton Plains or climb Adam’s Peak.
The Southern Beaches
Finally, fly by seaplane from Castlereagh Lake to Koggala. From there, you reach the beautiful Amanwella for four nights on the coast. So this is pure, well-earned rest. If you wish, we can also arrange an exclusive tour of Galle or a countryside cycle.
Travel by Helicopter
The defining touch here is the private helicopter. So you skip the longest drives entirely. As a result, you spend far more time at each destination. The one drive worth doing, though, is Kandy to the tea country. After all, you pass lush green tea fields the whole way. In short, the logistics are designed around your time.
The Finest Suites
Just as important are the rooms themselves. So we always book the best suites, not the entry-level rooms. At Kandy House, that means the top suite. At Ceylon Tea Trails, a Master Suite. Meanwhile, each hotel is among the island’s very finest. As a result, every night feels truly special.
Best Time to Travel
Generally, the drier months from December to March suit this southern route best. By contrast, the south-west sees the monsoon in summer. So we usually favour the winter window. Either way, we advise on the ideal timing for your dates.
Easy to Extend
Finally, the trip flexes around you. For example, extend to a top resort in the Maldives. Equally, add more time in the hills or on the coast. As ever, every detail is shaped to suit your plans. For more ideas, browse our wider itineraries.
Unique Experiences
Beyond the hotels, the experiences set this trip apart. So we hand-craft each one around you. For example, an exclusive tour of Galle after hours. Equally, a private cycle through the countryside. Elsewhere, a guided walk through the tea fields. As a result, you see the island in ways few others do.
A Different Pace
The beauty of flying is the time it gives back. So instead of long transfers, you have whole extra afternoons. Meanwhile, you arrive fresh rather than road-weary. As a result, you savour each place more fully. In short, luxury here is as much about time as it is about comfort.
Who It Suits
Above all, this suits travellers who want the very best. For example, it is ideal for a milestone trip. Equally, it rewards honeymooners and couples. As a result, it is our most indulgent way to see Sri Lanka.
A Beach to Match
The finale lives up to the rest. So you end at the serene Amanwella on the south coast. Here the days are wholly your own. Meanwhile, other boutique beach hotels can be arranged if you prefer. Either way, it is the perfect, restful close.
Where You Travel
The helicopters open up the whole island with ease. So you move from ancient cities to Kandy in minutes. Then the train carries you up into the tea hills. Finally, a seaplane delivers you to the coast. As a result, you cover huge variety without the long drives.
Designed Around You
As ever, this is only a starting point. So we shape every flight, suite and experience to suit. In the end, the trip is entirely your own.
The Finest Way to See It
Put simply, this is Sri Lanka at its most refined. So every detail is considered and seamless. In the end, the island is showcased in the very best light.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use helicopters?
Simply put, they cut out the long drives. So you spend more time enjoying each place. Meanwhile, the aerial views are spectacular in themselves.
Which hotels do you use?
Only the island’s finest, and always in their best suites. For example, Ulagalla, Kandy House and Ceylon Tea Trails. We match each to your taste.
Can it be extended?
Yes. The Maldives makes a natural beach extension. Equally, we can lengthen any stay. Simply share your dates and interests.
When is the best time to travel?
Generally, December to March is most comfortable. We will advise on timing for your dates.