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Enjoy a luxury 10 nights in 3 idyllic hotels in the south and west of Sri Lanka. This tour is ideal for those looking to experience a taste of Sri Lanka with plenty of beach time and without too much driving.

Begin with a few nights in an exquisite colonial bungalow in lush tea country, then onto one of the charming Geoffrey Bawa properties on the beach in Bentota before finishing on the south coast just a few miles away from historic Galle Fort. With opportunities for tea tasting, temple visits, scenic walks, cookery classes and even an up-close elephant experience, we guarantee you’ll leave both refreshed and eager to return to explore Sri Lanka in more depth.

This itinerary is designed for adults/couples seeking a luxury stay, but the hotels are easily adjusted to accommodate families and the route is already well suited to younger children with no more than 3 hours in a car at any one time. The weather is best on this route from late November to end April but also is usually sunny in August as the monsoon takes a little break.

If you have more time, do consider our Classic 2 week Highlights loop with more stops. And as always, contact srilanka@fleewinter.com to discuss in detail as this is just a sample itinerary that will always be tailored for your needs, budget and preferences.

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Sri Lanka

On arrival in Sri Lanka, meet you Chauffeur-Guide and transfer to the low lying lush tea country.

Welcome to your home for the next few nights, an old colonial planter’s bungalow set in a 62-acre private working tea and rubber estate. Each room is unique and charming, and expect welcoming staff, excellent food and a beautiful pool.

Your stay here is rural so we book half board –  enjoy your first Sri Lankan dinner in the stunning glass dining room overlooking the grounds.

Overnight at Rosyth Estate, Kegalle – Classic Room

Accommodation

Day 2 - A day of Tea and Elephants

This morning after breakfast (try the Hoppers!), visit the nearby tea factory on foot and observe the process of how the legendary Ceylon Tea is made.

Later in the afternoon, you will visit the Elephant Freedom Project, a short drive away. Here you’ll have the chance to spend some time with the elephants rescued from previous captivity by the charity. The elephants are safe here from riding and bad treatment. Follow the elephants lead, and go for a walk or even for a ‘bath’ in the river, plus enjoy lunch at the main house and an opportunity to visit the fascinating elephant dung factory.

Return to Rosyth for the evening.

 

Day 3 - Sri Lankan Cooking Class

This morning after a relaxed breakfast, learn the art of making the typical Sri Lankan rice and curry!

Together with your chef, visit the local market where the chef will be at hand to introduce you to local produce and explain the uses. On your return to the estate, you will have the opportunity to cook authentic Sri Lankan curries. Your hands on cooking class will include a fish or chicken curry and three other vegetable curries and a traditional salad. Sit down for lunch in the dining room in the canopy of the trees with the curries that you have cooked and enjoy your lunch with the rice and poppadums. You will have the opportunity to take away the recipes to replicate at home.

Afternoon will be at leisure – consider booking a spa treatment at the spa on the estate.

For those who prefer, replace today’s activities with a drive or train ride in to historic Kandy where you can visit the markets, the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic and the botanic gardens.

Day 4 - To Bentota

After breakfast, check out and join your driver for transfer to Bentota, on the beautiful west coast.

Check in to The Villa Bentota, a charming property originally designed by celebrated Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, since extensively upgraded.

Spend the afternoon at leisure.

 

Accommodation

Days 5 and 6 - At leisure in Bentota

Explore the local beaches, and consider joining some water sports activities if that’s your thing, as Bentota is famous for these.

A river boat safari is wonderful too, and a good opportunity to experience Sri Lanka’s varied birdlife. You are also close to a turtle conservation project and Lunuganga Gardens.

 

 

Day 7 - Galle Fort

Enjoy a final breakfast in Bentota then check out and drive into Galle Fort, a UNESCO world heritage site and a joy to explore for a day.

Walk the cobbled streets and learn about the history. Check out the shops, choose a lunch spot and later carry on to Habaraduwa on the south coast.

Check in to KK Beach, a contemporary and stylish hotel right on the ocean.

Accommodation

Days 8 to 10 - Free days on the beach

Walk along the beach and explore the bustling life of the area, including the abundant dining opportunities and safe swimming coves teeming with turtles.

Fun day trips from your luxury home include boating on Koggala Lake and Mirissa for surfing and whale watching.

Day 11 - Fly home

You driver will return to collect you and drive to the airport.

Come back soon!

What's included?

Included
  • Accommodation as noted
  1. 3 nights at Rosyth, Classic Room Half Board
  2. 3 nights Villa Bentota, Standard Room, Breakfast included
  3. 4 nights KK Beach, Ocean Deluxe, Breakfast included
  • Meals, transfers, tours as stated in the program

International flights, optional tours, visa fees, travel insurance and tips are not included.

 

 Make a booking
Colombo
There is only one word to describe Colombo and that is hectic! It can be fun with a handful of good shops and restaurants to explore but we wouldn't overly recommend it as the first point of call for newcomers to Sri Lanka. It isn't a must see. More
Kandy
Kandy is 3 hours from Colombo and the religious heartland of Sri Lanka. It was made a world heritage site in 1988. The city's main attraction is the Temple of the Tooth, home to Sri Lanka 's most precious Buddhist relic which becomes the focus of a fortnight long festival known as the Perahera each July. Other points of interest include the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, Royal Botanical Gardens and the Commonwealth Cemetery. More
Negombo
Originally a fishing town the long beaches of Negombo are nowadays dominated by tourists who like the short transfer times from Colombo International Airport. With a few good hotels, Negombo is a popular jumping off point for visitors but it is by far the most touristy town in Sri Lanka and so may not appeal to everyone. More
Bentota
Bentota is just 2 hours from the airport and as such has a good range of facilities such as watersports and local restaurants. There are a number of larger hotels along the main beach, but your likely to have the smaller beaches to yourself. The area is ideal for families with elephant rides on the beach, banana rides year round and Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery nearby. More
Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is traditionally a surfer town and so has a number of laid back beachfront bars and restaurants, as well as two of the only discos on the island. We have a few accommodation options in Hikkaduwa and recommend it as a day trip from both Bentota and Galle for the glass bottom boat and chance to swim with turtles in the bay. More
Galle Fort
The Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its Dutch colonial past and makes a great day trip from a coastal villa. It has a real cosmopolitan feel due to boutique gift shops and hotel restaurants, mixed with Moorish, Portuguese, Dutch and British history. It is possible to stay in the fort and definitely fun for a few nights. It is approx 3 hours from the airport.
Adam's Peak
Adam's Peak at 7500 ft high is the most famous physical feature in Sri Lanka and a place of pilgrimage. Sri Lankans come mainly in the month of April to pay their respects to the mountains deity Sumana, while foreigners come to admire the sunrise. The climb takes several hours and is done at night, therefore only suitable for the physically fit. More
Yala National Park
Yala National Park on the southeast tip of the island is the most well known of Sri Lanka 's 15 wildlife reserves. Yala is prime leopard spotting territory, especially in August when the area is at its driest, but it is also home to a healthy population of elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, wild boar, buffalo, jackal and an abundance of bird life. More
Ella
Ella has one of the best views in Sri Lanka - through the Ella Gap to the Kirinda Lighthouse on the coast 1000m below. Ella can be reached by road or rail, 7 hours from Colombo. Home to some lovely waterfalls, working tea estates and mini Adam's Peak you can happily spend a few nights in this charming little hill town. More
Kitugala
Home to the Kelani River, Kitugala is a pretty riverside village dedicated to white water rafting, canyoning and kayaking. More
Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay on the east coast of Sri Lanka is a surf paradise, popular with backpackers during the months of April - September. Best avoided in the off season when most of the local businesses close down. More

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