Introduction to Sri Lanka

(7 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Colombo, Cultural Triangle, Kandy, Hill Country

This private Sri Lanka tour features many of the highlights of the country, such as interacting with elephants, climbing the Sigiriya rock citadel, visiting the Temple of the Tooth and staying at a tea plantation in the Hill Country.

Begin in Colombo, the vibrant capital of Sri Lanka, with private touring of historic sites, bustling markets and interesting neighborhoods.

Next, explore the highlights of the Cultural Triangle, a region filled with fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Tour the ancient Buddhist city of Polonnaruwa to see ruined palaces and monumental stone sculptures. 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. Alternatively, spot wild elephants and other animals in Minneriya National Park. In nearby Dambulla, tour impressive cave temples filled with Buddhist sculptures and vibrant religious paintings.

One afternoon, enjoy a private elephant experience at a local lake, including bathing the elephants, feeding them and walking next to them, if desired.

Continue to Kandy, a former royal capital in the hills. En route, visit a spice plantation to learn how different spices—including Sri Lanka's renowned cinnamon—are grown and harvested. In Kandy, see a puja (religious ceremony) at the Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO site dedicated to a sacred relic of the historical Buddha. Also, visit a local market, and tour the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya.

In the evening, enjoy a private performance of traditional Sri Lankan dance and fire walking.

Venture into 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 also sample different types of high-quality Sri Lankan tea. During leisure time, hike through the tea fields or relax by the pool.

This tour can easily be extended with time in Galle, Tangalle, Ella, Yala National Park and other popular destinations in Sri Lanka.

We can also combine our private Sri Lanka tours with destinations in the Maldives, India, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman.

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