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Experience Our Sri Lanka

Our customized, private insider tours of Sri Lanka feature our favorite places and experiences in the country.

Colonial-era history...

Evocative reminders of the Dutch and British colonial periods remain, including much of the architecture in Galle Fort. Our expert guides help explain this time in Sri Lanka’s history during private touring.

Iconic image...

The fifth-century rock fortress of Sigiriya towering over the surrounding jungle.

Elephants...

Elephants are common in Sri Lanka. We can arrange private elephant experiences such as interacting with and walking with elephants.

 

Modern Sri Lankan architecture...

Geoffrey Bawa was Sri Lanka’s most important architect of the 20th century, and his modern approach to traditional architecture has influenced buildings across the island. We arrange visits to Bawa’s country house, stays at a Bawa-designed hotel and meals in his former architecture studio (now a restaurant).

Rice and curry...

The quintessential Sri Lankan meal is rice (white and/or red) served with a selection of full-flavored curries—which might be made with fish, meat, lentils or vegetables—and an assortment of chutneys, sambols and pickles.

Beyond rice and curry...

A few of our other favorite Sri Lankan dishes are buffalo curd (thick yogurt) with palm sugar treacle, hoppers (bowl-shaped crepes served with curry or other items), and fresh tropical fruit such as papaya and passionfruit.

Liquid refreshment...

A cold bottle of ginger beer or coconut water straight from a king coconut helps alleviate the tropical heat.

What to buy...

Colorful handloomed sarongs, batik textiles, utensils made from buffalo horn, traditional masks, handmade lace and bowls made from coconut shells.

Ceylon tea...

Black tea is Sri Lanka’s most famous export. Also known as Ceylon tea (reflecting the former name under colonial rule), it’s produced on lush plantations in the Hill Country. We arrange visits to a local tea factory to see how tea is grown, picked and processed.

Did you know...

The Arab traders who visited centuries ago called the island “Serendip,” the origin of the word “serendipity”?

Diversity...

has dominated in Sri Lanka for centuries, as seen in the ancient Buddhist cities of the Cultural Triangle and the lively Buddhist temples dotted around the island. However, many villages also have active Muslim mosques, Hindu temples and Christian churches, reflecting the island’s ethnic and religious diversity.

Did you know...

Many of the tanks (reservoirs) around Sri Lanka were built centuries ago? Today, they help conserve water for irrigation and other uses throughout the year.

Country roads...

Most of Sri Lanka is rural, and one of the pleasures of traveling the island is seeing daily life—children walking to school, farmers working fields, families bathing in the tank—in the villages along the way.

Infinity pools...

Sri Lanka’s top resorts have beautiful swimming pools (and private plunge pools) that are perfect for cooling off after a day of touring.

Traditional dance...

We arrange a private performance of typical dances from around Sri Lanka, such as a mask dance and dancing from the Kandy region accompanied by energetic drumming. The finale is a thrilling firewalk.

Markets...

Find out what’s in season during a visit to vibrant central markets in Colombo and Kandy or roadside stands in the countryside, where melons, pumpkins and other produce come from nearby fields.

Spices...

Sri Lanka is renowned for spices, and we include a visit to a spice plantation to see how nutmeg, cloves, ginger and other spices are grown.

Did you know...

Cinnamomum verum—the cinnamon tree native to Sri Lanka—produces a thinner bark and lighter flavored spice than the more common cassia cinnamon?

Wildlife experiences...

An early morning game drive in Yala National Park is a good opportunity to see wild elephants, deer, birds and perhaps even a leopard, a local icon. We also arrange game drives in the Cultural Triangle and other parts of the island.

Luxury resorts...

Sri Lanka has several world-class resorts, including Amangalla, a historic building inside atmospheric Galle Fort; Amanwella, a modern resort in a palm plantation on the beach; and Tea Trails, evocative bungalows among tea fields in the Hill Country.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites...

The Cultural Triangle is an almost overwhelming collection of UNESCO-listed Buddhist stupas, cave temples, ruined palaces, stone carvings and even a sacred bo (bodhi) tree planted more than 2,000 years ago.

Experience Our Sri Lanka.

Contact Artisans of Leisure to start planning a private, customized tour.

Sri Lanka in Photos

  • Colors of Sri Lanka
  • The Best of Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka on Our Blog

  • Dambulla Cave Temple in Sri Lanka
  • Exclusive New Sri Lanka Tours
  • An Interview with Emeric Harney of Harney & Sons Fine Teas

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In the Press

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  • Conde Nast Traveler
  • The New York Times
  • Wall Street Journal
  • CNN
  • Travel + Leisure
  • Town & Country

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Testimonials

My clients said it was the absolute best trip they have ever taken; it was flawless and fabulous. You delighted my clients in ways not previously attainable by other tour operators...
~ C.S., Seattle, WA

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