Best of Sri Lanka

(11 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Colombo, Cultural Triangle, Hill Country, South Coast, Galle

This private tour features the best of Sri Lanka, including the most interesting cultural destinations and activities in the country.

Begin in Colombo, the vibrant capital of Sri Lanka, with private touring of historic sites, modern architecture, bustling markets and interesting neighborhoods such as Fort and Pettah.

Next, explore the Cultural Triangle, a region filled with fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Tour the ancient Buddhist cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. See monumental stupas, ruined palaces and sculptures carved in stone. Visit one of Sri Lanka's most revered Buddhist sites, a temple built around a sacred bo (bodhi) tree thousands of years old. At Mihintale, see a beautiful water garden, abandoned monasteries and centuries-old stone staircases shaded by frangipani trees. Visit Sigiriya, an ancient rock citadel that's Sri Lanka's most spectacular attraction. See the Sigiriya Damsels frescoes, which were painted on the rock walls centuries ago, and climb to the top of the rock to explore the ruins of a fifth-century palace and take in panoramic views over farmland, forest, lakes and mountains. In Dambulla, tour impressive cave temples filled with Buddhist sculptures and vibrant religious paintings. Also spot wild elephants and other animals in Minneriya National Park.

Pass through Kandy—a former royal capital in the hills and home of the Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO site dedicated to a sacred relic of the historical Buddha—en route to the Hill Country, where verdant tea plantations cover rolling mountains. Stay at Tea Trails, an atmospheric hotel set in several renovated tea planters’ cottages. Tour a historic tea factory to learn about tea picking and processing and sample different types of high-quality Sri Lankan tea. Also enjoy a guided hike through the tea fields.

Continue to an exclusive luxury resort on the South Coast of Sri Lanka. During private touring, learn to prepare traditional Sri Lankan curry and rice or visit a working cinnamon plantation. During leisure time, perhaps relax by the pool or book spa treatments at your resort. Additional touring and activities can be arranged upon request, such as snorkeling, surfing lessons, whale-watching excursions (Nov-Apr) and visits to other cultural sites.

Continue along the south coast to Galle, an ancient fortified port and UNESCO site with a colonial-era atmosphere and unique mix of cultures. Stay in the heart of the Galle Fort historic district at Amangalla, one of the finest and most romantic luxury resorts in Sri Lanka. During private touring, visit local museums, explore evocative backstreets, walk on the sea walls to the lighthouse, look for reminders of the Dutch and British colonial years, observe daily life, and browse local shops, some of the best in the country. Also, enjoy flexible private excursions to regional highlights such as a sea turtle hatchery, a traditional mask workshop, and the private country estate of Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka's most acclaimed modern architect.

We can easily combine this Sri Lanka tour with other destinations such as the Maldives, India or Dubai.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world