Sri Lanka
Private
13 days from £7,965
Private Tour
Colombo to Colombo – 13 Days
This 13-day journey offers a relaxed yet richly layered exploration of Sri Lanka’s east coast and highlands. Begin in Kotugoda before travelling north to the Cultural Triangle, where you’ll explore UNESCO-listed sites like Dambulla and Sigiriya. From there, trace the lesser-visited eastern shoreline, enjoying time in Passekudah and Arugam Bay — both known for their calm waters, local charm, and unspoilt beaches. Along the way, explore ancient capitals and fishing villages, and immerse yourself in the laid-back rhythm of coastal life.
Then head inland to Sri Lanka’s tea-growing highlands, staying in Haputale with its panoramic hill views and cool mountain air. Learn about tea production, visit monasteries and waterfalls, and experience the peaceful beauty of the region. Finish your journey in Kandy, the island’s cultural heart, with time to visit sacred sites and soak up the lakeside serenity. This itinerary blends beach, culture, nature, and comfort in perfect balance.
EXPLORE SRI LANKA’S CULTURAL TRIANGLE: Visit UNESCO-listed sites including the Dambulla Cave Temples and the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. These ancient landmarks offer a deep insight into Sri Lanka’s religious heritage, royal history, and art, set amidst the lush landscapes of the island’s historic Cultural Triangle.
RELAX ON SRI LANKA’S EAST COAST BEACHES: Spend tranquil days on the unspoilt beaches of Passekudah and Kalkudah, known for their calm turquoise waters and golden sands. Discover fishing villages, enjoy fresh seafood, and unwind in stylish coastal retreats along Sri Lanka’s peaceful east coast.
EXPERIENCE SRI LANKA’S TEA COUNTRY IN HAPUTALE: Enjoy sweeping views and cool breezes in the southern highlands. Visit a working tea plantation, try leaf-picking, and learn how Sri Lanka’s famed Ceylon tea is made. Haputale offers a quiet retreat amid hills, waterfalls, and rich cultural traditions.
DISCOVER CULTURE AND TEMPLES IN KANDY: End your journey in Sri Lanka’s last royal capital. Visit Bahirawakanda Monastery and the revered Temple of the Tooth. Set beside a scenic lake, Kandy offers a peaceful setting and insight into the island’s deep-rooted Buddhist traditions.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Discover Sri Lanka’s east coast and highlands on a 13-day journey combining beaches, ancient sites, tea plantations, and cultural heritage. From Sigiriya and Passekudah to Haputale and Kandy, enjoy a relaxed itinerary filled with scenic landscapes, rich history, and authentic local experiences across Sri Lanka’s diverse regions.
Arrive in Colombo and transfer to Kotugoda, where you’ll stay at The Wallawwa, a peaceful boutique hotel in a colonial-era bungalow surrounded by tropical gardens. It’s the perfect place to rest after your flight and begin your Sri Lankan adventure. Take time to relax, enjoy a soothing massage, and settle into the calm atmosphere. This tranquil start offers a gentle introduction to the island’s mix of heritage and nature, setting the tone for the journey ahead.
The Wallawwa Hotel
The Wallawwa in Nogombo is an old colonial manor house with beautifully furnished rooms. Set in a magnificent garden, this old Sri Lankan 'manor house' dates back two hundred years. Surrounded by neatly manicured lawns and trees that provide the shade and cool breeze during the sweltering Sri Lankan summer, The Wallawwa gives a feeling of staying in a luxurious house. Indeed, the property was once occupied by the Head Chieftain of Galle which gives meaning to the name “Wallawwa”.
Travel early to Dambulla, in the heart of Sri Lanka’s northern region. Along the way, enjoy views of lush countryside and village life. Visit the famous Dambulla Cave Temples, filled with ancient Buddhist art and statues. Later, climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic setting and frescoes. These remarkable places reveal the deep history and spirituality of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Spend the night in Sigiriya, close to these historic treasures.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Jetwing Vil Uyana
Water Garden Sigiriya
Jetwing Vil Uyana sits on its own man-made eco-reserve which boasts a wetland, secondary monsoon forests and paddy lands. What was formerly a barren patch of land has now emerged into a nature lover's paradise with more than a hundred varieties of wildlife inhabiting the area. Amongst one of the eco-friendliest hotels in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka the Jetwing Vil Uyana is surrounded by nature on all sides with an environment full of animals and birds that live there.
Water Garden Sigiriya is a boutique nature resort, set about 8 km north of Sigiriya in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Inspired by the ancient water gardens of the nearby Sigiriya rock fort, Channa Daswatte, a renowned Sri Lankan architect and protégé of the late Geoffrey Bawa, created a unique luxurious resort providing an oasis of peace and serenity. Situated in Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, it serves as a perfect base from which to explore its surrounding cultural and heritage sites.
Drive to Sri Lanka’s northeast coast, stopping at Polonnaruwa, an ancient city rich in ruins and royal history. Start at the archaeological museum before exploring the crumbling temples, palaces, and statues that tell the story of a once-great kingdom. Then continue to Passekudah, where you’ll check in at Uga Bay, a stylish beach resort. After the history and heat, the blue sea and palm-fringed sands offer a welcome change and time to unwind.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Uga Bay By Uga Escapes
Uga Bay by Uga Escapes is a luxurious beachfront retreat, set on the stunning Pasikuda Bay on the east coast of Sri Lanka. Pasikudah has a beautiful curved bay with one of the longest stretches of shallow coastline in the world. Uga Bay occupies a prime location on the widest part of the beach between the deserted, palm fringed beach at Kalkudah in the south and the famous Trincomalee Harbour in the north, where whale watching tours are possible from May to September.
Spend a relaxed day enjoying Passekudah’s beautiful beach. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for swimming or just floating in the sea. Wander into the nearby fishing village to see the traditional way of life, unchanged over generations. If you’re hungry, this is a great place to try fresh local seafood. The laid-back pace and natural beauty make Passekudah ideal for recharging before your next journey.
Meals Included: Breakfast
If you’d like to explore further, visit Kalkudah, a neighbouring beach just a short drive away. This stretch of coastline is quieter but equally scenic, with golden sands and a peaceful atmosphere. Whether you swim, read a book by the sea, or take a gentle walk along the shore, it’s a lovely way to enjoy the coast. Return to Uga Bay in the evening for another restful night beside the ocean.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head south along the east coast to Arugam Bay, a three-hour drive through rural landscapes and coastal towns. Arugam Bay is one of the world’s top surf destinations, known for its laid-back vibe. Stay at Kottukal Beach House, set right on the beach just north of the main town. This peaceful spot blends comfort and natural beauty, perfect for relaxing or exploring Sri Lanka’s surf culture.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kottukal Beach House by Jetwing
Try your hand at surfing in Arugam Bay. Beginners can take lessons or simply enjoy bodyboarding at the easy beach break near Stardust Hotel. More confident surfers can head to famous spots like the Point, Pottuvil Point, or Crocodile Rock. Whether you’re in the water or watching from the beach, the chilled-out atmosphere and friendly surf scene make for a fun and active day.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a break from the beach with a trip to Lahugala National Park, a peaceful place to see elephants and other wildlife in their natural environment. It’s a short journey from Arugam Bay and offers a change of scenery and pace. The park’s open grasslands and quiet beauty are ideal for wildlife watching and photography. Return to your beachside retreat for a restful evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave the coast behind and drive inland to the southern highlands, a region of misty hills, tea plantations, and cool mountain air. Arrive in Haputale, perched on a ridge with wide views of the surrounding valleys and plains. Settle into Kelburne Mountain View Cottages, a cosy and scenic base for your stay. The change in altitude and scenery brings a refreshing new side to your Sri Lankan experience.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is all about tea. Visit the Kelburne Tea Plantation to learn how tea is grown and made. Try your hand at picking leaves and tour the factory to see the full process from leaf to cup. You’ll gain a new appreciation for Sri Lanka’s world-famous Ceylon tea. In the afternoon, explore a local waterfall or visit a nearby monastery for some quiet reflection amid the hills.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kelburne Cottage
Travel to Kandy, a city steeped in royal and religious history. Surrounded by hills and centred around a peaceful lake, Kandy has long been the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. After arriving, settle into your hotel and enjoy some free time. Wander the lakefront or explore the nearby markets and cafes. It’s a gentle introduction to a city that blends tradition with everyday life.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kings Pavilion Kandy
The Kandy House
Kings Pavilion is a boutique hotel, set outside the town of Kandy in Central Sri Lanka. Situated on a hill overlooking the lush valley below, it offers a serene oasis with great vistas of the Hunnasgiriya and Knuckles mountain ranges. Spread across 3-acres of luscious gardens in the residential area in the suburbs of Kandy, this resort offers a perfect base from which to explore the historic Kandy town and the fascinating region of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle.
The Kandy House is an ancestral manor house, set in the hills on the edge on the historical city of Kandy. Built in 1804 by the Chief Minister of the Kandyan Kingdom, this palatial villa has been converted into a designer boutique hotel incorporating modern facilities for 21st-century guests. Situated outside Kandy's town centre, it is well placed for guests to explore a broad selection of Sri Lanka’s primary destinations in and around Kandy, the Cultural Triangle and Tea Country.
Begin your day with a visit to Bahirawakanda Monastery, where you can see monks going about their daily rituals and enjoy views across Kandy. In the evening, visit the famous Temple of the Tooth, beautifully lit at night. This sacred site is home to a relic of the Buddha and is an important pilgrimage site. The calm atmosphere and soft light make this a moving and memorable visit.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive back to Colombo for your final day in Sri Lanka. If time allows, explore some of the capital’s highlights. Visit the National Museum, admire old colonial buildings, and stroll through the Fort district. These final hours offer a chance to reflect on your journey, from beaches and temples to tea country and surf towns. Later, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Inspired by the diverse beauty and cultural richness of Sri Lanka’s East Coast, "Sri Lanka's Serene Sojourn: From East Coast to Highland Retreats" was designed to offer a blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
The motivation behind this tour is to showcase the stunning landscapes, from pristine beaches to lush highlands, and the ancient heritage that makes Sri Lanka unique.
This expedition is perfect for those interested in a variety of activities, from surfing and exploring ancient ruins to enjoying nature and understanding local culture and wildlife.
YOUR TRIP DESIGN, PACE & FLEXIBILITY: This privately operated Sri Lanka adventure is designed around one of the island’s most compelling contrasts: the restorative cool of the highlands followed by the wide, sunlit calm of the east coast. The journey is at its best when the highland chapter is given time to settle—an extra night often allows gentler starts, more time in the landscape, and a smoother transition to the sea. On the coast, the rhythm can be kept deliberately simple: long beach days and quiet evenings, with experiences introduced only when they genuinely add to the sense of escape.
PRIVATE GUIDES, DRIVERS & ON-THE-GROUND SUPPORT: This route benefits from local judgement, particularly when moving between elevations and coasts. Private transport keeps transitions smooth, while specialist hosts can be introduced selectively—tea and hill-country expertise where context enriches the experience, and coastal support when timing and conditions matter. The service style remains light-touch and quietly proactive: refined pacing, well-judged stops, and the ability to re-sequence days discreetly if weather or local conditions suggest a better order. You retain privacy and freedom; the logistics remain invisible.
THE EAST COAST: SRI LANKA’S “NEW” SHORELINE: For many years, large parts of Sri Lanka’s east coast sat outside mainstream tourism because of the civil conflict. What that means today is that the shoreline still feels remarkably unspoilt—broad beaches, a slower pace of life, and a sense of space that is increasingly rare in the Indian Ocean. It is not “new” in the literal sense, of course; it is newly rediscovered by high-end travellers. For clients who have done the south and west, the east offers a different Sri Lanka—quieter, more pristine, and often far more rewarding as a genuine escape.
ACCOMMODATION STANDARDS & DINING: Accommodation is curated to a premium brief, with the highlands selected for atmosphere, views and cooler air, and the east coast chosen for privacy, beach quality and a true retreat feel. Room category and positioning make a tangible difference—quiet rooms in the hills, and the right beachfront orientation on the coast—so early confirmation typically improves access to the strongest inventory. Dining is intentionally flexible: excellent breakfasts, relaxed evenings, and the option to curate standout tables or private dining moments when you want them, without making the programme feel scheduled.
SEASONALITY, SEA CONDITIONS & PRACTICAL COMFORT: The east coast also has a practical advantage: its weather pattern can be favourable when other parts of the island are less settled, which is one reason this itinerary works so well. Sea conditions and visibility vary, so water-based days are best approached with intelligent timing and a calm degree of flexibility. In the highlands, mornings can be cool with mist and occasional rain; the most rewarding scenic moments often arrive with softer light. Walking is generally gentle and can be increased or kept minimal depending on your appetite for movement.
Prices From
Tour: Sri Lanka East Coast Highland Escape
Tour reference: SRIL108/2026
Price: Indicative price based on top-end services; final cost varies by season, availability, and your chosen inclusions.
Tour dates: Travel Any day (subject to availability)
Deposit to confirm: £150 per person
Prices From
Tour: Sri Lanka East Coast Highland Escape
Tour reference: SRIL108/2027
Price: Indicative price based on top-end services; final cost varies by season, availability, and your chosen inclusions.
Tour dates: Travel Any day (subject to availability)
Deposit to confirm: £150 per person
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Your entire holiday is designed around your personal preferences
Travel at your own pace with full itinerary flexibility
Choose from handpicked, luxury hotels & resorts across Asia
Enjoy seamless logistics, private transfers, and 24/7 assistance
Our package holiday team has decades of experience in luxury Asia travel
Receive first-hand advice from specialists who know each destination intimately
Gain access to hidden gems and authentic local experiences
Our aim is to stay committed to responsible travel in Asia
We partner with eco-conscious providers
Itineraries include experiences that preserve Asia’s cultural and natural heritage
Travel with complete confidence under full ATOL protection
Fully bonded and financially protected for your peace of mind
Established in 2014
