Essential Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Culture | Wildlife | Archaeology

Temples, tea plantations & tranquil beaches

14 days £2,395 pp This is the per person group tour price, based on 2 sharing. The price is subject to change with exchange rate and flight cost fluctuations.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

You haven't truly seen an island until you've experienced the Teardrop of India - Sri Lanka. Pack your bags and come away with us on a journey through South Asia's own Emerald Isle.

Known since antiquity from as far away as Buddhism's heartlands of Northern India, the island formerly known as Ceylon really is India without the clamour, or the hustle and bustle. Wander through a myriad of sacred dagobas and temples in the UNESCO heritage site of Anuradhapura. Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress for panoramic views across mist-shrouded forests, as well as visiting the wonderful cave temple complex of Dambulla to find out why few belief systems are quite as organic as Buddhism.

Venture into the wilderness of Sri Lanka's national parks in search of the mystic leopard. Relive old England herself in Nuwara Eliya. Stand staring at the panoramic beauty of oblivion at the World's End. Feel the gloriously damp chill of English weather high on Horton Plains. Stare up at emerald-tinted tea plantations in Sri Lanka's highlands, and go on a Celyon tea tasting while you're at it. Savour the sweet taste of Kandy.

And to round off an unforgettable fortnight, hit the streets of cool Colombo to taste food as nature intended.

Sri Lanka is all this, and much more.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • The UNESCO World Heritage site of Anuradhapura
  • UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress
  • Golden Temple Complex in Dambulla
  • Home of ancient Sri Lankan kings at Kandy
  • Tea plantations in the Horton Plains
  • Leopards in Yala National Park
  • Galle's Dutch-built UNESCO-listed Fort.
  • Colombo's thriving streetlife

Places Visited

Colombo - Anuradhapura - Minneriya National Park - Ritigala Monastery - Dambulla - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya - Horton Plains - Tissamaharama - Yala National Park - Galle Fort

What's Included

Arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

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Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrival in Colombo

Arrival into Colombo International airport, where you will be met by a Travel the Unknown representative and transferred to your hotel in Negombo, a small fishing village in the western coast. Not far from the airport, it is the ideal place to spend your first night after a long flight. Check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure. Take a stroll on the beach, dip in the pool or simply read a book.

Overnight in Goldi Sands Hotel, Negombo

Meal plan: Dinner

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Day 2 : Negombo - Anuradhapura

After breakfast, we head out to ancient Anuradhapura, the city of kings.

Anuradhapura is one of Sri Lanka’s most ancient capitals, and the birthplace of Theravada Buddhism. You'll find it not only home to many ancient archaeological sites, but also an important pilgrimage site for Theravada Buddhists who flock there honour the many stupas, and other religious monuments.

Highlights include a stop at what many consider to be the world's oldest documented tree, a bodhi (aka bo), brought to the island by Emperor Asoka's daughter in the 3rd century BC.

Later we move on to atmospheric Kaludiya Pokuna, a dense, hilly jungle concealing 1,500 year-old ruins.

Leisurely evening, and dinner at your hotel.

Overnight in Rajarata Hotel, Anuradhapura

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka’s first city (380 BC) and served as its capital city for over 100 of the country’s kings. Centred around a cutting from the 2,200-year-old ‘Tree of Enlightenment’, the Buddha’s fig tree, Anuradhapura boasts dozens of ancient monasteries that practice ancient teachings and religious festivals; making it one of the world’s holiest Buddhist cities.

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Day 3 : Anuradhapura - Avukana - Habarana - Minneriya - Habarana

En route to our destination at Habarana, we'll stop for a remarkable roadside attraction: the Avukana Buddha statue. One of best standing statues in all Sri Lanka, debate rages about the date of its construction, but it's at least 1,300 years old.

After an early check-in at your villa, we'll head out on a jeep safari through Minneriya National Park, before returning to Habarana for a relaxing evening on the grounds with dinner. 

Overnight in Sevanagama Villa, Habarana

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Minneriya National Park is located in the central province of Sri Lanka. A mixture of scrub land, forests and wetlands, it is home to 24 mammal species,160 bird types, 25 reptile species and 26 fish species. The park is also one of the best places in the country to see wild elephants and is famed for its large elephant gatherings.

The Avukana Buddha Statue stands near to Kekirawa. The ancient statue has been carved from a great granite rock face and dates back to the 5th century. The elaborate carving was undertaken during the reign of Dhatusena and is one of the best examples of a standing Buddha statue from ancient Sri Lanka. 

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Day 4 : Habarana - Sigiriya - Habarana - Ritigala - Habarana

Rising over the dry plains of the Sigiriya district is the Lion Rock. That will be our first port-of-call today, and an early start, too. The tough climb of 1200 footsteps up this flat-topped monolith ends with the most scenic bird’s-eye view of the emerald plains and leafy villages beneath.

After a late morning return to Habarana to allow you to hit pause for a while after an invigorating climb, in the late afternoon we hit the trail again, this time to see first hand the Ritigala Archaeological Monastery. But arguably even better than the sight of monastery walls is the forest walk you will take down meditation pathways.

Back to the villa in Habarana in the evening to rest and to dine. 

Overnight in Sevanagama Villa, Habarana

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

The Sigirya Rock Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the wonders of the ancient world. It is located in the middle of a plain and consists of a 200m-tall central rock and two rectangular precincts that stand on the east and the west. The fortress is surrounded by wide moats that used to be full of crocodiles. Sigirya was built under the orders of King Kasyapa and was used as both a palace and a fortress. 

Forty-three kilometres away from the ancient city of Anuradhapura, sits the ruins of Ritigala Monastery dating back to the 1st century BCE. Tucked away on the Ritigala Mountain Range, the ruins cover 59 acres and sit close to the foot of the man-made reservoir Banda Pokuna; which historians believe was used for religious rituals. Ritigala was also discovered to have none of the traditional relics and icons found in Buddhist temples. It is believed that this was due to the extreme austerity and simplicity the Pansukulikas Buddhists, who resided in the area, adopted to achieve ultimate enlightenment.
 

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Day 5 : Habarana - Dambulla - Kandy

On the way to delightful Kandy, we'll stop in at another remarkable roadside attraction: the Dambulla Cave Temple. A UNESCO world heritage site, Dambulla is considered to be the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in the country.

On arrival in Kandy, check in to your hotel where dinner will be served. The evening is at your leisure to enjoy nightfall over the Hantana hill range, just out of town. 


N.b. When you’re visiting Dambulla, few things to keep in mind: make sure to carry socks because shoes you wear should be left at the temple entrance down the hill. The time you decide to take the minor climb, the rocky surface can be hot under the day time sun. So, we suggest to visit early morning when the sun is milder. 

Overnight in Fox Resort, Kandy , Deluxe

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

The UNESCO-site Dambulla Rock Temple was built by King Walagambahu in the first century. Also known as the Golden Temple Complex, it is one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive cave temples, containing over 2000 sq metres of painted walls and ceilings. In fact it is thought to be the largest collection of paintings in the world, with over 150 images of the Buddha spread between the five caves, the largest being 14 metres tall.

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Day 6 : Kandy

A morning being a sous-chef, and an afternoon out and about in one of the best urban spaces on the whole island. What more could you want?

First off, we're going to transport ourselves to a homestay in Kandy, where the lady of the house is waiting to deliver a cookery tutorial, starting with an in-depth introduction into the Sri Lankan spices and how best to combine them to conjure the perfect curry. At the end of it all, your efforts will be rewarded with a mouth-watering lunch!

In the afternoon, we'll see why Kandy was the last stronghold of Sinhalese royalty to resist British imperial power.

Join in on our discovery of why the Temple of the Tooth is fundamental to Sinhalese Buddhist identity. You'll find out whose famous mouth the tooth long ago occupied, as well.

Evening back at your hilltop resort. Dinner included. 

Overnight in Fox Resort, Kandy

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Kandy was the last capital of the ancient kings’ era of Sri Lanka. Capital of the Central Province, Kandy is both a commercial and religious city; the latter being the predominant reason why the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Surrounded by mist clinging hills, Kandy is prone to soft drizzle and grey skies. However, its wet climate only illuminates the rich colours of its colonial houses and intricate silk saris worn by local women. The picturesque region of Kandy is also home to The Esala Perahera, one of the oldest and grandest Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka to commemorate the first teaching given by the Buddha, and the longest river in the country, the Mahaweli River.

The Temple of the Tooth, also known as Sri Dalada, is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy. Home to Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Buddha – it has played a central role in local politics. For centuries it has been believed that whoever held the tooth would also hold governance of the country, hence why Kandy is the country’s sacred city.

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Day 7 : Kandy - Ramboda - Nuwara Eliya

Our day's destination is the very British-themed Nuwara Eliya: Sri Lanka's own hill station, nestled among the trademark tea plantations of Sri Lanka's gorgeous highlands. En route to so-called 'Little England', we cannot but stop at the imposing sight of the 109m-high Ramboda Falls. If you're lucky there you might see butterflies mass through the mist-laden spray that comes off the cascades.

Nuwara Eliya will entrance you with its Home Counties-style cottages, its Scottish bungalows, as well as its English village green. Its climate is even rather British.

Evening at your hotel with dinner included. 

Overnight in St. Andrew's Hotel , Nuwara Eliya

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Nuwara Eliya, meaning 'City of Light', is a town in the highlands of the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is also called 'Little England' - as, historically, the region's temperate climates attracted British colonialists who came to run Nuwara Eliya's many tea plantations. The buildings and houses in the town still retain features from this colonial period, whilst private gardens and parks continue to be maintained and manicured in an old-English style. 

The Ramboda Waterfalls are situated in the Pussellawa region of Sri Lanka. Water from the Panna Oya tributary falls over 100 metres from an elevation of almost 1000 metres above sea level. Visitors can walk up to the top of the Ramdoda waterfall, where they can enjoy scenic views of the valley and surrounding forests.

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Day 8 : Nuwara Eliya - Horton Plains - Nuwara Eliya

The high watershed of the entire island, Horton Plains N.P. stands at about 2,300m above sea level. After driving from our base in Nuwara Eliya, we'll do an easy trek over swathes of grassland and under cloud forest through what must be the coldest place in all Sri Lanka. Our 10km stroll (without too much elevation) ends abruptly at the World's End, a sheer drop of hundred of metres. A place of mystifying beauty, at World's End you'll feel you're at the beginning of something quite unique. 

Back to Nuwara Eliya before embarking on a second excursion to a tea plantation, to do a tasting and to gain an inkling into the trade that powered Britain's great empire.

Back to Nuwara for an evening of relaxation and dinner at the hotel.

n.b. Bring adequate clothing to Horton Plains, for the weather can be as damp and changeable as it is in Britain. 

Overnight in St. Andrew's Hotel , Nuwara Eliya

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

The Horton Plains are a nationally protected park in the highlands of Sri Lanka. Designated as a national park in 1988, the plateau is home to a rich array of biodiversity - many species are endemic to this region. The plateau stands at an altitude of over 2,000 metres and provides panoramic views across the lush green valleys. The park is home to large herds of Sri Lankan sambar deer, along with many rare and migratory bird species. 

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Day 9 : Nuwara Eliya - Ella Gap - Rawana Falls - Tissamaharama

On leaving Nuwara, our lowland destination is Tissamaharama, which abuts the undisputed queen of Sri Lanka's National Parks, Yala. Inevitably, we take the scenic route past the Ella Gap to see the plains expand below us. Afterwards, the journey continues on with a stop at the Rawana Falls, a landmark mentioned in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.

Heading downhill to our resort, it's around now that the wildlife starts to get rather interesting.

Evening and dinner at your lakeside retreat in Tissamaharama.

Overnight in EHKO Safari Tissa, Tissamaharama

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

The Rawana Waterfalls can be found in the Rawana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary and are the widest falls in Sri Lanka. Standing at a height of over 25 metres tall, the water cascades over an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop into the Kirindi river below, though the quantity of water dramatically reduces over the dry season. During the wet season, the many waterways of the great falls are said to resemble an areca flower. 

The remote village of Ella is renowned for its beautiful landscape, including impressive panoramic views across the surrounding forested valleys, known as 'Ella's Gap'. On a clear night, it is said that you can see as far as the Great Basses lighthouse on Sri Lanka's southern coastline. Ella is the perfect place to explore Sri Lanka's rich wildlife, whilst its rural setting provides tourists with an authentic experience of traditional and rural Sri Lankan living. 

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Day 10 : Tissamaharama - Yala - Tissamaharama

Rising pre-breakfast, we first travel into the town of Tissamaharama to get a feel for the place. We'll look on, curious, as experts demonstrate how to make 'curd', Sri Lanka signature dessert. Then it's a trip to a potter's house to see how ceramics are made. Lastly, what we've all been waiting for: an archetypal Lankan breakfast at a local house.

Later in the day, we travel to Yala National Park. Home to an amazing range of wildlife, Yala boasts splendid natural sights: enormous elephants, preening peacocks, bulky black bears and lean leopards that steal away into the shadows. Not for nothing is this Sri Lanka's preeminent sanctiuary of nature as it should be.

Spend the rest of the evening at your leisure in your Tissamaharama retreat, where dinner is included. 

Overnight in EHKO Safari Tissa, Tissamaharama

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Yala National Park is one of the most impressive national parks in Sri Lanka. The park spans 979 sq. km. and consists of five blocks, two of which are open to the public. It is famous for having the highest leopard density in the world, as well as for the conservation of elephants and aquatic birds. It is one of the 70 Important Bird Areas of the country, being home to over 200 different bird species. Yala's ecosystems range from moist monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands. Two important pilgrim sites are also located within the park, Sithulpahuwa and Magul Vihara.

The town of Tissamaharama is surrounded by scenic paddy fields, not far from the national parks of Yala and Bundala. The town is said to have been founded in the 3rd century BC and is still home to the ruins of many ancient temples and monasteries which date back to this era. One of the most famous examples is Tissamaharama Dagoba, which was built in the 2nd century BC and has since been fully restored. Its decorative dome, harmika and distinctly broad spire make it one of the most unique temples on the island. 

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Day 11 : Tissamaharama - Galle

From the fringes of Yala national park, we embark on a 3-hour journey down to Galle on the south coast. This historic, maritime town has been variously settled and administered by the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British. Many others mariners, including Arab merchants, have passed through. Today it is resolutely Sri Lankan. You'll stay at Galle Fort, the most historically significant area. Its ramparts jut out into the Indian Ocean, and the promenade along the old sea walls is a place of vibrant human interaction.

Let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere of the place

Evening dinner and rest at your Galle Fort heritage hotel. 

Overnight in Yara Galle Fort, Galle

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

From 1505 to 1640 the Portuguese governed Galle, ruling for 135 years before being defeated by the Dutch, who constructed the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort. When the British acquired the city in 1796 they turned the fort and city into their administrative centre. However, after the country became a formal British colony in 1815, Galle declined in importance as the British developed Colombo as their capital and main port. Despite being heavily damaged in the 2004 Indonesian tsunami, the city operates a booming tourist trade and local economy; complete with schools and colleges, administrative offices and courts. 
 

Built by the Portuguese in 1588, the fort has been used by the Dutch, British and then the Sri Lankan governments ever since.  Many marvel at the fact that despite being over 420 years old, the fort is still well-maintained and reconstruction work is still continuing.  The fort has been recognised by UNESCO as ​an 'urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries'
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Day 12 : Galle - Colombo

A coastal drive from Galle brings us to Sri Lanka's thrumming capital, Colombo. Check in and take in your lovely new surroundings overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Later in the day, get a true insider's view of the nation's biggest city. Escorted by a specialist, we'll explore the centrality of food in the socio-cultural landscape of this country. On our Colombo street food tour, we'll get an appreciation for the eclectic influences that permeate the food scene here. Try dosai, vadai, biryana, kottu roti, topped off with the ubiquitous taste of tea.

A 'real' dinner among locals on the streets of Colombo, before returning to your hotel to chill.
 

Overnight in Granbell Hotel Colombo, Colombo

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

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Day 13 : Colombo

The penultimate day of this tour will entail a more gentle rhythm. In the morning, your guide with chauffeur you around select parts of downtown Colombo.

The afternoon is yours to do as you please.

Evening and dinner at your hotel. 

Overnight in Granbell Hotel Colombo, Colombo

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, is a vibrant city with a rich and diverse history. Its landmark colonial and modern architecture take influence from its Portuguese, Dutch, British, Islamic, Indian and Buddhist dwellers; and is most visible in the city's Fort district. Other interesting sights in Colombo include the Galle Face Green, Viharamahadevi Park, Old Parliament Building and the Independence Hall.
 

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Day 14 : Departure

Round off an exhiliirating tour with a last Sri Lankan breakfast before departing for the airport to catch your flight home. 

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

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Goldi Sands Hotel

Negombo (1 night)

Everything at Goldi Sands Hotels is waiting to be experienced. Discover One Hundred and Thirty one air-conditioned double rooms, which consists of Five Junior Suites, Two Duplex suites, Fifty Seven Deluxe Sea View Rooms, Fifty Seven Sea View Standard Rooms and Ten Economy Rooms which can accommodate 2 pax each and the rest of the rooms having its own private balcony / terrace offering excellent views of the Indian Ocean and the beautiful landscaped garden, which can accommodate 2 pax plus 2 kids each. All rooms are stylishly decorated and equipped with every luxury you would want for an enjoyable stay. There is a lift in the main building for the comfort of the visitors.

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Rajarata Hotel

Anuradhapura (1 night)

The Rajarata Hotel is located within the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka in Anuradhapura. The bedrooms are equipped with modern amenities that offer guests a comfortable stay. The on-site restaurant offers traditional Sri Lankan and international cuisine options. Guests can also choose to relax in the bar area or hotel swimming pool.

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Sevanagama Villa

Habarana (2 nights)

Featuring a minimalist architectural style and built on a serenely beautiful natural locale, Sevanagama Villa blends modern conveniences and the best of Sri Lankan cuisine for a truly memorable stay.

Purpose built by a Sri Lankan couple for family holidaying, the property has been developed and improved without losing its rustic charm. Sevanagama Villa is just the place for an exciting holiday for exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Central and North Central provinces of the country, observing amazing wildlife or to simply kick back and enjoy a well-earned vacation.

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Fox Resort

Kandy (2 nights)

Just a quick drive South West of the bustling Kandy city, FOX Kandy lies nestled in the Hantana mountain range, offering guests the convenience of being close to the city while enjoying the cool climes of the hill country. Perched atop a cliff, surrounded by emerald hued mountains of lush green tea and pepper plantations, you will believe that you’ve entered into picture postcard. A serene boutique resort that offers every modern convenience in the most breathtaking setting

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St. Andrew's Hotel

Nuwara Eliya (2 nights)

St. Andrew's Hotel is situated amongst the tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya. The former country house still very much displays a sense of colonial elegance and old world charm. The bedrooms have similarly been decorated in an old-English style and are fitted with necessary modern comforts including air-conditioning and satellite television. Guests can either dine in the Old Course Restaurant or choose to enjoy the more informal atmosphere of the Road Hole Bar. Other hotel facilities include access to wifi, a Snooker room and a neighbouring golf course. 

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EHKO Safari Tissa

Tissamaharama (2 nights)

The Safari Hotel is situated in Tissamaharama, just on the outskirts of Wirawila Tissa Sanctuary. The hotel has a warm and modern decor, which has been inspired by its safari location. Each ensuite bedroom is spacious and fitted with contemporary fixtures and fittings. Guests can enjoy views from their rooms across the scenic lake and hotel swimming pool. The hotel is located near to many key sights, including the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple, Yala Wildlife Sanctuary and Yala and Bundala National Parks.

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Yara Galle Fort

Galle (1 night)

Discover unparalleled elegance, exquisite architecture, and an experienced and passionate team at the Yara Galle Fort Hotel.

Located in the heart of the famous UNESCO World heritage site in Galle, our hotel speaks a timeless tale of warmth and adventure.
Experience a savour of paradise as you choose from the boutique’s wide range of rooms. With it’s luxurious handpicked comforts coupled with an array of premium complimentary amenities, Yara promises to create a sensual & unforgettable experience.

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Granbell Hotel Colombo

Colombo (2 nights)

Granbell Hotel, Colombo is set minutes away from the Central Business District and overlooking the scenic Port City. Elegant interiors matched with unhindered views of the azure coast and its surroundings, from your bedroom or the rooftop pool and bar, our city hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka promises you a relaxed island escape.

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Sri Lankan Tea Experience

Head to the hills to one of Sri Lanka's best tea plantations

Sri Lanka's Wildlife

Discover Sri Lanka through its diverse wildlife

Sri Lanka Beaches

Complete your tour of Sri Lanka with a relaxing stay on one or two of its pristine beaches

Trek through Sri Lanka

Explore Sri Lanka's rice paddies and mountain ranges on foot

A Taste of Sri Lanka

Let your taste buds fall in love with Sri Lanka on a tour of its finest delicacies.

Hidden Sri Lanka (14 days)

Remote temples & rural life in lesser-seen Sri Lanka

Essential Sri Lanka (14 days)

Temples, tea plantations & tranquil beaches

Wildlife of Sri Lanka (14 days)

Tropical birds, leopards & elephant gatherings

Reviews

I'm delighted with all the trips that I have arranged through Travel the Unknown for myself and a couple of friends. We've stayed in some wonderful places and have had exceptional encounters with local people. Our guide was very good about checking in with us about what we wanted to do.

Joan Edmunds (USA) , Tailormade Sri Lanka

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to India and Sri Lanka and had some unforgettable experiences from the magnificent Taj Mahal to the slums of Mumbai; watching a leopard chase a squirrel up a tree and women being taught to sew in a women’s cooperative in Udaipur. This was our first "educational guided tour" and our first experience of Travel The Unknown. I thought the whole planning and booking process was excellent, and the actual holiday itself was just as good - in terms of content of activities, pace of the trip and quality of the guides and accommodation. We are already planning our next one....

Judith & David James , Tailormade India & Sri Lanka
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