Luxury Sri Lanka
Overview
A well-paced nine days from the ancient capital of Anuradhapura through Kandy and the hill country to Ella, a Yala safari, and two full nights on Bentota's beaches to close the trip properly rather than rushing straight to the airport.
Gallery
Highlights
- Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Sigiriya rock fortress
- Kandy's Temple of the Tooth and a cultural show
- The train-line views around Nuwara Eliya and Ella
- Yala jeep safari — leopards and more
- Water sports and whale watching at Bentota
Included & excluded
- Accommodation, 3–4 star hotels or similar, half-board basis
- Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle for the full itinerary
- Assistance of a chauffeur guide
- Government taxes
- 1 litre bottled water per person per day
- Yala National Park jeep safari
- Entrance fees to sights in Sri Lanka
- Airfare and visa fees
- Early check-in / late checkout charges
- Tips and porterage
- Lunch and any other meals not mentioned
Day by day
Arrival — Anuradhapura
Transfer to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's first capital, and settle in for a quiet first night among its well-preserved ruins.
Anuradhapura → Sigiriya → Dambulla → Kandy
Climb Sigiriya rock fortress and visit the Dambulla cave temple en route to Kandy.
Kandy
A day at an easy pace in Kandy — the Temple of the Tooth and a traditional cultural performance.
Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
Drive up through tea country to Nuwara Eliya, with its colonial architecture and waterfalls.
Nuwara Eliya → Ella
Continue (or take the train) to Ella, with hikes to Little Adam's Peak and Ravana Falls.
Ella → Yala National Park
Head south for a jeep safari at Yala, known for its high density of leopards.
Yala → Bentota
Travel to Bentota for two nights on the coast, with water sports on offer — speedboats, diving and kite surfing.
Bentota
A full day at Bentota — swim, try a water sport, or visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery nearby.
Bentota → Departure
A final morning by the coast before transfer to the airport.
Map
Frequently asked questions
What does “luxury” refer to on this itinerary?
The pacing and accommodation standard rather than a fixed 5-star requirement — fewer one-night stops and two full nights at Bentota to close the trip properly; we can tailor the hotel category to what you're after.
Why does the trip start in Anuradhapura rather than Negombo?
It front-loads the ancient-cities leg so the back half of the trip is free for hill country, safari and beach without doubling back.
Is the Yala safari included, or an add-on?
Included — a jeep safari is built into day 6 before the drive to Bentota.