A TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY DESIGNED BY SPECIALISTS
At The Ultimate Travel Company, all our holidays are created individually to suit your preferences and the Summer in Sri Lanka itinerary can be used for inspiration or as a starting point for your luxury Sri Lanka holidays. Whether you prefer a different style of accommodation, a greater focus on a particular experience or wish to include extra stops on your journey, our experts will design an itinerary that is entirely unique to you.
ABOUT THE ITINERARY
This summer journey through Sri Lanka is designed around the island’s east coast season, combining cultural sites, hill country scenery, wildlife and time on the beach. Begin with a gentle first night near Colombo before travelling to Sigiriya, Dambulla and Polonnaruwa in the Cultural Triangle.
The route then continues into the central highlands and on to Gal Oya National Park, where wildlife viewing includes jungle walks, boat safaris and lodge-based activities. The final days are spent at Kalkudah on the east coast, before returning to Kotugoda for a final night close to the airport.
LONDON TO COLOMBO
Depart London Heathrow in the evening on your SriLankan Airlines flight to Colombo.
KOTUGODA
Arrive in Colombo, where you will be met and transferred to Kotugoda, around 30 minutes from the airport.
Stay at The Wallawwa, a restored colonial manor house set in mature gardens. The remainder of the day is at leisure after your flight.
Stay: 1 night at The Wallawwa, Garden Suite, Breakfast included room category and board basis to be confirmed.
CULTURAL TRIANGLE
This morning, there is the option to visit Negombo fish market before continuing by road to the Cultural Triangle.
Your base is Water Garden in Sigiriya, a boutique hotel set across 35 acres with views towards Sigiriya Rock. The following morning, visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the 5th-century citadel built by King Kashyapa. The climb to the summit involves around 1,200 steps, although it can be taken at your own pace and it is possible to climb only part of the way.
This afternoon, there is the option to visit Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second capital and now a World Heritage site, with a possible local stop for rice and curry.
Stay: 2 nights at Water Garden, Superior Deluxe with Plunge Pool, Half board included room category and board basis to be confirmed.
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
Travel to Dambulla Cave Temples, a World Heritage site with five caves, extensive painted walls and ceilings, and more than 150 Buddha images.
Continue into the central highlands to Ashburnham Estate, a 1930s planter’s bungalow set on a 98-acre tea estate in the Knuckles Mountain Range. The next day is free to explore the estate, swim in natural pools, walk to the waterfall, go mountain biking or take a guided tour of the tea fields with the estate manager.
Stay: 2 nights at Ashburnham Estate, Suite Room, Breakfast included room category and board basis to be confirmed.
GAL OYA NATIONAL PARK
Transfer to Gal Oya National Park, a journey of approximately four hours.
Stay at Gal Oya Lodge, a small wildlife lodge set within 20 acres of private forest. During your stay, join a jungle drive and walk with a resident naturalist, and take a boat safari on Senanayake Samudra, Sri Lanka’s largest reservoir. With luck, elephants may be seen swimming between islands or feeding at the water’s edge.
Additional lodge activities include the Monkey Mountain trek, bird walks, local hikes, a bicycle tour, the animal monitoring programme and a jungle night walk. These can be discussed with the lodge team on arrival.
Stay: 3 nights at Gal Oya Lodge, in a Bungalow, on a full board basis.
KALKUDAH
Travel to Kalkudah on Sri Lanka’s east coast, a journey of approximately two and a half hours.
Stay at Karpaha Sands, a small tented beach resort on Kalkudah Beach. The next three days are at leisure by the sea.
Stay: 4 nights at Karpaha Sands, in a Palam Suite, including breakfast.
KOTUGODA
Transfer to Batticaloa for your Cinnamon Air flight to Colombo. On arrival, you will be met and transferred the short distance to The Wallawwa for your final night in Sri Lanka.
Stay: 1 night at The Wallawwa, in a Garden Suite, including breakfast.
FLY HOME
Transfer to Colombo Airport for your SriLankan Airlines flight to London Heathrow.
PRICE INCLUDES
- Accommodation, meals and activities as stated
- Airport transfers in private vehicles
- Private driver guide
- Entrance fees
- Park fees
PRICE EXCLUDES
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Meals not stated
- Personal gratuities
TRUSTED BY FELLOW TRAVELLERS
We had a wonderful safari experience in South Luangwa, Zambia this September. Despite a few unexpected setbacks behind the scenes, everything ran seamlessly for us. Our driver and guide were outstanding, and the standard of accommodation was truly first class.
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