The Story

Best time to go: October - April
Best for: Ultimate Luxury Holidays, Culture & Beach, First Time Visitor

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.

Guide Pricing

Starting At

  • LOCATION:
  • £Price on RequestP.P
    Price per person including all accommodation, private transfers, unique experiences and excluding international flights. We can arrange international flights should you wish.

    Highlights

    • Cut out the long drives and island-hop by private helicopter.
    • Stay in the finest boutique hotels, always in their top suites.
    • See the country differently with a hand-crafted selection of unique experiences.
    • Combine the ancient cities, Kandy, the tea hills and the southern beaches.
    • Tailor any element – for example, extend to a top resort in the Maldives.
    DaysLocationHotel
    Day 1-3 Cultural Triangle Ulagalla
    Day 4-5 Kandy Kandy House
    Day 6-8 Tea Trails Ceylon Tea Trails
    Day 9-13 Southern Beaches Amanwella

    Suggested Hotels

    Day 1-3

    Ulagalla

    $ $ $ $ $  

    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.

    View hotel
    Day 4-5
    Kandy House | Luxury Sri Lanka Boutique Hotels | Millis Potter Travel

    Kandy House

    $ $ $ $ $  

    The Kandy House is a magnificent manor house located in the quiet outskirts of Kandy offering nine gorgeous rooms and a delightful pool.

    View hotel
    Day 6-8

    Ceylon Tea Trails

    $ $ $ $ $  

    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 …

    View hotel
    Day 9-13

    Amanwella

    $ $ $ $ $  

    Amanwella is a luxury contemporary style beach hideaway in a hidden cove on Sri Lanka’s beautiful southern coast.

    View hotel

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    10 days from £Price on Request p. p.