Sri Lanka
Private
14 days from £7,965
Private Tour
Colombo to Colombo – 14 Days
Discover Sri Lanka's natural beauty and ancient history on this immersive hiking and heritage tour. From colonial coastal towns to forest reserves and sacred peaks, this 14-day journey blends cultural insight with soft adventure. Begin in the coastal town of Negombo, then explore UNESCO-listed sites in Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya. Hike through spice-scented hills in Matale and uncover sacred cave temples in Dambulla. Visit the royal city of Kandy before heading into the tea-covered highlands of Nuwara Eliya. Then continue your journey with scenic walks through the Bogawantalawa Valley and part of the sacred Adam's Peak trail.
Enjoy scenic walks through misty highlands, tropical forests, and rural villages, surrounded by absolutely breath taking scenery at every turn. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to spot elephants, explore the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, and visit some of Sri Lanka’s renowned national parks, where you can experience the country’s incredible wildlife. End your adventure in the charming city of Galle, where Dutch forts and ocean views create the perfect conclusion. This itinerary offers a gentle but enriching pace for travellers seeking culture, soft trekking, and nature across Sri Lanka's most picturesque and historic landscapes.
HISTORIC SITES OF SIGIRIYA AND POLONNARUWA: Explore Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals with visits to Sigiriya Rock Fortress (also known as Lion Rock) and the ruins of Polonnaruwa. Discover royal palaces, temples, and intricate carvings as you walk through two UNESCO World Heritage Sites steeped in history, art, and the legacy of Buddhist and Hindu civilisations. After exploring these sites, enjoy a wildlife experience at Minneriya National Park, renowned for elephant spotting and its rural Sri Lankan landscapes.
CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS IN KANDY AND DAMBULLA: Visit Dambulla’s rock cave temples and Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth to gain insight into Sri Lanka’s religious traditions. Wander spice gardens, lakeside streets, and colourful markets, connecting with the island’s spiritual depth and vibrant daily life in these culturally rich towns.
HIKING TRAILS IN MATALE AND BOGAWANTALAWA: Experience scenic hikes through Sri Lanka’s central highlands, including a 10-mile trek in Matale and a walk through the lush Bogawantalawa Valley. These soft-adventure trails pass through local villages and remote villages, offering authentic cultural encounters. Walk through tea estates and enjoy the beauty of mountain valleys, with opportunities to spot diverse bird species along the trails. Encounter wildlife, waterfalls, and tea gardens, blending nature with authentic village landscapes and peaceful mountain views.
RAINFORESTS AND FORTS FROM SINHARAJA TO GALLE: Walk through Sinharaja Forest Reserve, home to rare birds and thick jungle trails, before heading south to the coastal fort city of Galle. Explore colonial ramparts, museums, and markets, ending your journey with ocean views and a blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British heritage.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
This 14-day tour offers a unique blend of cultural insight and soft adventure, taking you through ancient cities, lush tea plantations, and vibrant local communities. It is designed as a walking holiday through Sri Lanka's most scenic and historic regions, allowing you to immerse yourself in the country’s rich heritage and natural beauty.
Arrive in Colombo and travel straight to Negombo, a peaceful coastal town where your Sri Lankan adventure begins. Negombo is full of history, with Dutch canals, Portuguese churches, and British colonial buildings. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the calm atmosphere of this beachside town. You can relax by the sea, take a walk through the town, or simply unwind at your hotel after the journey. It’s the perfect place to rest and prepare for the exciting days ahead as you start exploring the culture, history, and nature of Sri Lanka.
Horathapola Estate
Horathopola Estate is a boutique planter’s bungalow, set about an hour’s drive north of Colombo airport in Sri Lanka. Built in the 1920's, the owners Javana and Pia Fernando, recently converted their family estate's grand mansion into a tranquil guesthouse. Retaining its original charm with large windows, antique furniture and surrounded by lush vegetation and a working farm, this unique property offers a perfect base outside Colombo to experience rural Sri Lanka.
Start your day with a drive to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk among centuries-old ruins, statues, and temples that reflect Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist and Hindu history. You’ll see stone carvings and old relics that once formed a grand city. It’s a peaceful place filled with cultural stories. For those seeking a more authentic experience, consider exploring areas off the beaten track around Polonnaruwa, where you can discover remote sights away from the usual tourist routes. In the evening, continue your journey to Sigiriya, where you’ll stay overnight. This area is home to one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks and will be the focus of your exploration tomorrow.
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.
Wake up early to visit the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a remarkable site that rises dramatically from the landscape. Climb to the top, passing ancient frescoes and lion paw carvings along the way. From the summit, enjoy wide views of forests and fields. After the visit, learn more about Sigiriya’s past at the museum nearby. Later, return to your hotel to relax and rest after the morning’s activity. It’s a day of both history and adventure, with plenty of chances to take in the area’s beauty and cultural importance.
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, travel to Dambulla to visit the impressive cave temples built into a rock face. Inside, you’ll see stunning wall paintings and large statues of Buddha. These caves have been places of worship for over 2,000 years. After exploring Dambulla, continue to Matale, a town known for its spice gardens. Here, you’ll learn how cinnamon, cloves, and pepper are grown and used. It’s a great way to experience local life and traditions. Spend the night in Matale, getting ready for tomorrow’s outdoor adventure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sir John's Bungalow
Enjoy a day of hiking in the hills around Matale. Today’s trek covers 10 miles, climbing from 1200 to 1850 feet. Along the way, you may spot monkeys, deer, and colourful lizards in the trees. Halfway through, take a break and swim in a clear natural pool beneath a waterfall. The path winds through forests and open landscapes filled with birdsong and fresh mountain air. Return to your hotel after the trek for a well-earned rest. This day brings you close to nature and offers a real sense of peace and escape.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel to Kandy, a lovely city set beside a lake and surrounded by hills. Once the capital of Sri Lanka’s kings, Kandy is full of culture and charm. Explore the lively markets, browse glittering gems, and visit the famous Temple of the Tooth, where a sacred relic of the Buddha is kept. It’s a key site for Sri Lankan Buddhists. Walk by the lake, take in the city’s laid-back feel, and enjoy your stay in this beautiful part of the country.
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.
Head into the cool highlands to reach Nuwara Eliya, a town surrounded by tea plantations and misty hills. Known as “Little England” for its colonial architecture and gardens, this area feels very different from the rest of Sri Lanka. You’ll see endless green tea fields and might visit a local tea factory. Mount Pidurutalagala, the island’s highest peak, towers in the background. End the day at the Grand Hotel, where the classic setting and calm atmosphere make it a perfect place to relax and take in the beauty of the highlands.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Grand Hotel
This morning, travel to the beautiful Bogawantalawa Valley, famous for tea plantations and mountain views. After breakfast, begin your evening climb towards Adam’s Peak, a mountain sacred to many Sri Lankans. The cooler air at dusk makes the walk more comfortable. You’ll reach a Tea Trails bungalow, located halfway up the peak, where you’ll spend the night. The peaceful setting, cosy accommodation, and sweeping views create a memorable stay in one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic valleys.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ceylon Tea Trails
Ceylon Tea Trails in south central Sri Lanka are a group of five Tea Trails bungalows in the hills of the Bogawantalawa region in the Dimbula district. Bogawantalawa is known as “The Golden Valley” on account of its lush tea bushes and is famous for Ceylon Tea. The five Tea Trails bungalows, each with 4 to 6 rooms and suites, are located between 2 km and 15km from each other. This is an ideal setting for trekking and biking against the backdrop of mountains, lakes, and waterfalls.
Today’s gentle hike takes you deeper into the quiet hills of Bogawantalawa, with a chance to enjoy fresh air and peaceful surroundings. Continue on foot to the village of Ella, known for its lush greenery and welcoming atmosphere. After your walk, return to your Tea Trails bungalow to relax. You can explore more of the area’s tea gardens or simply rest with a cup of tea and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery. It’s a calm and rewarding day in nature.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin the day with a visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home. Watch young elephants being cared for before they return to the wild. It’s a special moment that shows Sri Lanka’s love for wildlife. Then travel to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a rainforest full of rare plants and animals. Enjoy a guided trek through the jungle before settling into the Rainforest Eco Lodge Hotel. Tucked into the forest, your hotel lets you fall asleep to the sounds of birds and insects.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rainforest Eco Lodge
Leave the forest behind and journey south to Galle, a historic coastal city shaped by centuries of trade and colonial rule. In the afternoon, explore Galle’s narrow streets, filled with Dutch and Portuguese buildings, old churches, and lively markets. The walled fort area is full of charm and history. Check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying this unique city where old and new come together beautifully.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend a relaxed day discovering more of Galle at your own pace. Walk along the fort walls, browse the local shops, or enjoy a fresh seafood meal by the sea. Visit art galleries, sip coffee in a colonial café, or simply wander the cobbled streets. Galle offers a lovely mix of culture, history, and coastal life. Whether you're sightseeing or resting, it’s an ideal place to enjoy the gentle rhythm of southern Sri Lanka.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Galle Face Hotel
Amangalla
Galle Fort Hotel
Galle Face Hotel, is Colombo’s iconic landmark, situated on a seafront, facing the famous Galle Face Green. Established in 1864, it was recently refurbished and modern luxuries added with its original old Victorian features. The old wing retains its wonderful colonial architecture with rooms, large enough to take a stroll, many with windows overlooking Galle face green and the Indian Ocean. Furnished with furniture from the 1800s, you really feel like it is a blast from the past.
Amangalla is a historic hotel located within the walls of the historic Galle Fort. The 17th-century Dutch fort is a collection of Colonial buildings including Amangalla, that offers discerning travellers a distinctive experience of modern-day comforts within its 300-year-old heritage building. Many original features such as the teakwood-floors have been carefully restored and rooms furnished with a charming mix of antiques and faithful colonial reproductions.
Galle Fort Hotel is a colonial-era villa, set within the ramparts of the Galle Fort, on Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast. Once a Dutch merchant’s mansion, this 18th-century villa fell into disrepair, until it was painstaking restored and beautifully reinvented in 2003, as a boutique hotel. The result; it won the 2007 UNESCO, Asia Pacific Heritage Award of Distinction, calling it “a masterpiece of cultural heritage and conservation” and now is a member of Small Luxury Hotel of the World.
Start your day with a short hike through Hiyare Rainforest, a peaceful reserve filled with birds and butterflies. Enjoy a picnic breakfast in the forest. Return to Galle and explore the famous Dutch fort, which overlooks the sea and offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s colonial past. Walk its ancient ramparts and take in the ocean views. Tonight, enjoy a special stay at the luxurious Amangalla hotel, a perfect ending to your Sri Lankan adventure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and drive to Colombo Airport. Along the way, take in the last views of Sri Lanka’s countryside. You leave with rich memories of ancient cities, peaceful mountains, lush rainforests, and coastal charm. Your journey may be ending, but the beauty and warmth of Sri Lanka will stay with you.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Inspired by Sri Lanka’s rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty, “Sri Lanka’s Heritage Trail: From Peaks to Ports” was designed to offer an immersive exploration of the island’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and breathtaking landscapes.
The idea for this journey was sparked by a traveler’s first Exodus adventure, where the excitement and memorable group experience inspired us to craft equally immersive and unforgettable tours.
This expedition was motivated by the desire to showcase the diverse beauty of Sri Lanka, from the ancient fortresses and spiritual sites to lush highlands and colonial architecture.
It’s perfect for those passionate about activities, nature, culture, and wildlife, offering unique experiences that highlight the island’s enchanting allure and deep historical roots.
YOUR TRIP DESIGN, PACE & FLEXIBILITY: This privately operated Sri Lanka adventure is built for clients who want heritage and walking woven together with high-comfort pacing. The tour tends to feel most refined when the hill country is given room to breathe—one additional night often turns the walking from “fitting it in” to truly enjoying it, with calmer starts and more time in the landscape. If you prefer your heritage richer and less crowded, we can also time key sites for earlier or later windows and, where appropriate, favour quieter alternatives that deliver the same historical depth with a more private feel.
PRIVATE GUIDES, DRIVERS & ON-THE-GROUND SUPPORT: Sri Lanka is at its best with the right people around you. Private transport keeps transitions smooth, while specialist guiding is used where it genuinely adds value: a cultural host for the island’s great historical sites, and a capable walking guide for the more scenic trails—chosen for judgement, pacing and discretion. On hiking days, the quality is in small details: route choice, start times that suit temperature and light, and a rhythm that feels dignified rather than athletic. Should weather shift, we refine the order of walks and visits quietly so the experience remains seamless.
ACCOMMODATION STANDARDS & MEAL BASIS: Accommodation is curated to a premium brief, typically balancing elegant heritage-style properties with a strong hill-country stay where views, air and atmosphere elevate recovery between walks. Room category and positioning matter—quiet, outlook and space—particularly in the tea country where the hotel becomes part of the experience. Meal basis varies by property; we keep dining flexible, with excellent breakfasts and well-judged evening options, including the ability to curate standout tables without making evenings feel programmed. Dietary preferences can usually be managed well in Sri Lanka with advance planning.
CLIMATE, WALKING CONDITIONS & PRACTICAL COMFORT: Sri Lanka’s comfort is shaped by seasonality and microclimates. The hill country can be cooler with mist and occasional rain, while lower elevations are warmer and more humid; we plan walking times around temperature, visibility and trail conditions so the days feel enjoyable and well paced. Walks can be calibrated from gentle scenic routes to more demanding hikes, and we can adjust the programme to suit your fitness, interest and appetite for adventure. Good footwear and light layers make a tangible difference, and we keep advice discreet and practical rather than instructional.
COSTING, PAYMENTS, CHANGES & CANCELLATIONS: This tour is priced to deliver a high comfort specification—premium accommodation, private transport, expert guiding and carefully managed pacing. The main cost drivers are seasonality, room categories in the most desirable hill-country and heritage properties, and any upgrades that increase privacy or add specialist support on walking days. Strong inventory can be sensitive in peak periods, so early confirmation typically improves choice materially. Once services are secured, refinements may affect hotel terms and transport availability; any implications are explained clearly before adjustments are actioned, with documentation that keeps deadlines and conditions transparent.
Prices From
Tour: Sri Lanka Hiking and Heritage
Tour reference: SRIL103/2026
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 Hiking and Heritage
Tour reference: SRIL103/2027
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
