Sri Lanka Ultra Luxury Tour
Best Experiences – Best Hotels – Best Private Guides
Sri Lanka Ultra Luxury Tour 15 Days
Sri Lanka has seduced travellers for centuries. Marco Polo described it as the finest island of its size in the world, while successive waves of Indian, Arab and European traders and adventurers flocked to its palm-fringed shores, attracted by reports of rare spices, precious stones and magnificent elephants. Poised just above the equator amidst the balmy waters of the Indian Ocean, the island’s legendary reputation for natural beauty and plenty has inspired almost magical regard even in those who have never visited the place.
HIGHLIGHTS: HILL COUNTRY & BEACHES – 5* BOUTIQUE HOTELS – UNESCO HERITAGE SITES – HOT AIR BALLOONING* – ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS – WILDLIFE SAFARIS – TEA PLANTATIONS – SCENIC TRAIN RIDE – WHALE WATCHING – STILT FISHERMEN – GALLE FORT
This Sri Lanka Ultra Luxury Tour has been designed to take in as many of the country’s highlights as possible while keeping travelling time to a minimum. However, do not feel constrained by a set itinerary; it’s merely starting point to help when planning the trip. All our Sri Lanka Tours are fully customizable – just add your preferences in the enquiry form below or get in touch with one of our Sri Lanka Specialists to provide the perfect finishing touches.
Tour Overview
- 15 Days Private Luxury Tour
- Hand-Picked Luxury Hotels
- A/C Limousine / Mini Van
- Chauffeur Guide
- Excursions as described
- Safe & Secure Certified
- Fully Customizable
starting from US$ 4.499.-
Sri Lanka Ultra Luxury Tour Itinerary
All listed excursions / activities listed below are only recommended suggestions. The best is to discuss the next day’s itinerary with your guide and chose the destinations according to your interests.
The excursions / activities marked with ‘*’ are not included and must be booked at the location – please ask us if you have any questions. Entrance fees for all other excursions / activities, are included, except 4×4 Jeep Safaris.
If you like the itinerary but would like to change the hotels to fit your expectations and/or budget, let us know and we will send you all matching options.
DAY 1
Airport – Negombo
After your arrival at Sri Lanka’s Bandaranayke International Airport, you will be met by your personal Chauffeur Guide.
ACCOMMODATION NEGOMBO
Start your tour with a limousine transfer to The Wallawwa, an award-winning boutique hotel set in 200-year-old tropical gardens with gourmet food, jungle pool, and heavenly spa carved out of an atmospheric 18th-century manor house. The Wallawwa is conveniently located not only for Colombo Airport but also for exploring the busy fishing town of Negombo. The suites gracefully blend the character of an 18th-century manor house with bold contemporary additions. Super soft linen dresses four-poster beds positioned to gaze into the gardens, and little details such as vintage phones and bold prints infuse rooms with a retro-contemporary vibe.
Negombo, a well-developed west coast beach town, is a 30-minute drive from The Wallawwa. A vibrant center of Sri Lanka’s fishing trade, Negombo has more than its fair share of Gothic churches, and its predominantly Catholic residents are testament to the town’s nickname, Little Rome. The town’s beach is a long, wide stretch of sand flanked by large hotels, while the lagoon and Muthurajawela Wetlands form an important wildlife reserve.
Overnight at The Walawwa, Negombo
DAY 2
Negombo – Private City Tour – Canal and Lagoon Boat Trip
NEGOMBO SIGHTSEEING TOUR
In the middle of NEGOMBO stands the stately pink landmark of St Mary’s Church, one of the many large Roman Catholic churches that dot Negombo and the coast north from Colombo. Portuguese missionaries were particularly active in the area, converting many of the local Karava fishermen. Their devotion to Roman Catholicism can still be seen, not only in the churches but also in the dozens of beautiful little wayside shrines along the main roads around town.
A detour towards the sea runs past the harbor and the main fish market. Negombo Lagoon is the source of some of the island’s most highly prized seafood, especially its large and juicy prawns. Daily fish auctions are held early in the morning (around 7 am) where crowds of locals can be seen haggling animatedly over huge piles of tuna, seer, mullet, crabs, and other forms of marine bounty. Negombo Beach itself is a working beach, the preserve of fishermen mending their nets, making reed baskets or working on their vessels in preparation for the night’s fishing.
MUTHURAJAWELA WETLANDS – Canal and Lagoon Boat Trip
The saltwater wetlands and lagoons are home to abundant birdlife as well as to toque macaque monkeys, water monitors, and the occasional crocodile. The boat putters down the Hamilton Canal before reaching the southern end of the Negombo Lagoon, a breezy expanse of water running around patches of tangled mangrove swamp with egrets, herons, and kingfishers perched in the branches. About 7000 years old; Muthurajawela was declared a sanctuary in 1996 in recognition of its immense bio-diversity. This trip is pure romance around sunset time.
Overnight at The Walawwa, Negombo
DAY 3
Negombo – Anuradhapura – Sacred Bo Tree – Sigiriya
ANURADHAPURA SIGHTSEEING
Sri Lanka’s first capital, ANURADHAPURA was founded by King Pandukhabaya in 380 BC and remained far and away the biggest and most important city on the island for nearly 1,400 years until the capital moved finally eastwards to Polonnaruwa. Anuradhapura’s 113 kings (and four queens) oversaw a great flowering of the arts, producing magnificent palaces, intricate sculptures, ornate pleasure gardens, and a sequence of vast stupas built to protect the most sacred relics of Buddhism. Perhaps the most impressive achievement was in irrigation, with reservoirs constructed to preserve the monsoon rains, and a system of sluices put in place to keep the rice paddies productive.
The Sanctuary at Tissawewa, set in what was formerly part of the Royal Pleasure Gardens, is a good place to start the exploration of the ruins on foot or rentals bicycles.
A short drive to the north, you can see the Sri Maha Bodhi, the Sacred Bo Tree the oldest historically documented tree in the world. The tree grew from a sapling of the original bo tree of Bodhgaya in India, under which the Buddha gained enlightenment. It was brought to Sri Lanka by Sangamitta, the daughter of Emperor Ashoka, in the 3rd century BC. Encircled by a gold-plated railing, it stands amid younger trees. Most of the island’s bo trees have been nurtured from the Sri Maha Bodhi’s seeds. Buddhists consider watering the bo tree an act of devotion, so you might see pilgrims, pots of water in hand, helping to nourish the plant.
Within walking distance of the bo tree is the Brazen Palace (Loha Pasada), which once had a bronze roof, nine floors, and housed 1,000 monks. Only about 1,600 stone pillars now remain of its former splendors.
ACCOMODATION SIGIRIYA
In the afternoon proceed to the Water Garden Hotel in Sigiriya where luxury meets nature surrounded by lakes & water streams. This breathtakingly beautiful Sigiriya hotel boasts a modern-day water harvesting design based on the 2,000-year-old water garden on the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
The villas at Water Garden Sigiriya, are set amongst an expansive property and its perfectly articulated landscape. Flanked by winding tributaries and veiled by the abundant flora, the 30 immaculately appointed villas combine chic, spacious interiors, secret gardens, and exclusive private plunge pools. Choose from a range of villa options, all of which come retrofitted with essential amenities and a plethora of other features, designed to ensure your stay at one of the foremost luxury hotels in Sri Lanka is nothing less than exceptional.
A carefully crafted oasis of wellness, tranquillity and beauty, with spacious interiors full of warm hues and subdued earthly tones, unmatched among spa hotels in Sri Lanka . Water Garden Sigiriya Spa invites you to untangle and revel in a choice of treatments, including world renowned Balinese massages, carried out by qualified, attentive professionals. All ingredients used are organic and of the highest quality, for indulgence that will leave your mind relaxed, your body rejuvenated and your spirits elated.
Overnight at Water Garden Hotel, Sigiriya
DAY 4
Sigiriya – Lion Rock Fortress – Ancient Polonnaruwa – optional Hot Air Ballooning
SIGIRIYA ROCK
Rise early to beat the crowds at the breathtaking Sigiriya Rock – a UNESCO Heritage Site. Although the colossal rock, with its frescoes, Mirror Wall and Lion Platform, is the main attraction, there are also lovely grounds in which to wander.
Inscriptions found in the caves that honeycomb the base of the rock indicate that SIGRIRIYA served as a place of religious retreat as far back as the third century BC, when Buddhist monks established refuges here. It wasn’t until the fifth century AD, however, that Sigiriya rose briefly to pre-eminence in Sri Lankan affairs, following the power struggle which succeeded the reign of Dhatusena (455–473) of Anuradhapura. Save plenty of time for the Sigiriya Museum, which has archaeological finds and other artifacts on display.
HOT AIR BALLOONING
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POLONNARUWA
In the afternoon, head to Polonnaruwa. The great ruined capital of POLONNARUWA is one of the undisputed highlights of the Cultural Triangle – and indeed the whole island. The heyday of the city, in the twelfth century, represented one of the high watermarks of early Sri Lankan civilization. The Chola invaders from South India had been repulsed by Vijayabahu, and the Sinhalese kingdom he established at Polonnaruwa enjoyed a brief century of magnificence under his successors Parakramabahu and Nissankamalla, who planned the city as a grand statement of imperial pomp, transforming it briefly into one of the great urban centers of South Asia before their own hubris and excess virtually bankrupted the state. Within a century, their enfeebled successors had been driven south by new waves of invaders from southern India, and Polonnaruwa had been abandoned to the jungle, where it remained, unreclaimed and virtually unknown, for seven centuries.
Polonnaruwa’s extensive and well-preserved remains offer a fascinating snapshot of medieval Sri Lanka, including some of the island’s finest monuments, and is compact enough to be explored in an afternoon.
Overnight at Water Garden Hotel, Sigiriya
DAMBULLA CAVE TEMPLESDAY 5 Sigiriya – Dambulla Rock and Cave Temples – Udawattakele Nature Sanctuary – Kandy
DAY 6
Kandy
KANDY CITY TOUR
The last Sinhalese kingdom, Kandy is central to the history of Sri Lanka and is home to many of the island’s cultural gems. Meaning ‘hill’, Kandy once stood as an impenetrable fortress against invading colonial powers, withstanding all attempts of invasion until the British finally deposed the king in 1815. Kandy houses the world-famous Temple of the Tooth, one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the world, which was built to protect the sacred tooth relic thought to belong to Lord Buddha, which has been enshrined in Sri Lanka for hundreds of years. As well as a host of other temples and visit the Kadungannawa Tea Factory. Kandy is one of the best places to explore the art history of Sri Lanka and travelers should take the time to see a Kandyan cultural show.
Kandy Market is the central retail and wholesale market for the city and surrounding areas. One of the most interesting aspects is the contrast of people, religions, and ethnicities you encounter in Kandy, all living in perfect chaotic harmony. A church sits in the vicinity of the Temple of the Tooth, side by side with a Kovil and the great Red Mosque. The market itself is full of weird and wonderful vegetables, fruits and spices, and is – as you would expect – noisy and smelly!
TEMPLE OF THE SACRED TOOTH RELIC
If an elephant carries a tooth in a gold casket through the streets, it must be a very special tooth. The tooth is said to be from the Lord Buddha and is now worshiped in the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, the Sri Dalada Maligawa. The tooth is revered for the spiritual power of Buddha stored in it and that it also acts as a rainmaker. The latter characteristic, in particular, led to many conflicts between kings, because possession of the tooth underpinned the respective king’s claim to power since his country was safe from drought.
In this temple district, there are Buddhist and Hindu shrines, in the immediate vicinity a church and a mosque, so that 4 world religions are represented in a small area.
KANDY ESALA PERAHERA
The Sri Dalada Maligawa Esala Perahera Festival takes place in early August. Up to a hundred lavishly decorated elephants, ceremonial dancers, and acrobats honor the Sacred Tooth Relic and the guardian gods Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama, and Pattini by colorful processions.
ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS
Just outside the Kandy city limits lies this little paradise with thousands of tropical and subtropical plants. Created by the British in the 19th century, the Peradeniya Botanical Garden is still considered one of the most beautiful in Asia.
you can find over 4000 flowers, shrubs, medicinal plants, and trees from all tropical regions of the world. The 60 hectares of gardens, forests, and houses can be explored in countless ways on foot or in oxen-drawn carriages.
In the orchid house, a sea of flowers of over 200 different species will delight every nature lover. In addition, many birds, butterflies, and numerous other animals, such as flying foxes, can be observed.
Overnight at Kings Pavilion Hotel, Kandy
The train journey from Kandy to Ella is the most beautiful train ride in Sri Lanka, if not in the world! Board the train and experience breathtaking views of lush green tea plantations, mountains, viaducts, valleys, and dense jungle. What’s more, it’s the perfect way to experience Sri Lankan life. Meet smiling locals on the train, wave to the running children along the tracks, and eat the spicy snacks sold by vendors who board at each stop. The route takes you through tea plantations, jungles, and mountains. As the journey goes on, you move into the lush green highlands, dotted with tea plantations, beautiful hilltop villages, and waterfalls. The train was brought to life in the mid-1800s when Sri Lanka was under British colonial rule. During this time, it was used as a train to transport tea from the plantations to Colombo, where it would then be exported internationally. These days, it’s used mainly by locals who use it to travel between home and work. The train from Kandy to Ella should take around 6 hours. However, it’s Sri Lanka, and there can be stops and delays on the journey. Yes, it might be a long ride, but it’s 100% worth the journey.DAY 7 Kandy – Ella Train Ride (Observation Carriage)
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scenic TRAIN JOURNEY from Kandy to Ellaexperience breathtaking views of lush green tea plantations, mountains, viaducts, valleys, and dense jungle |
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THE TEA STORY The Amazing Journey Into The Art Of Tea Making Tea was introduced to Sri Lanka in the colonial era by the British and the daily practice of drinking tea is now a firmly established institution in Sri Lankan culture. The serving of tea among Sri Lankan friends and family is a true mark of hospitality. Our unique 98 Acre tea story tour will help you get a complete understanding as to how we produce tea – from start to finish. Featuring among the best places to visit in Ella, now you can take a walk in the plantation with our expert during plucking time and admire the deft plucking of the standard ‘two leaves and a bud’. Take a moment to chat with a tea plucker, snap a picture to reminisce later and then continue onto the factory floor to see the withering process and subsequent steps involved in making fresh tea. Continue onto a great tea tasting session at the factory and then return to the Bar 98 or Restaurant 98 to appreciate a tea cocktail, mocktail, or a delicately tea-infused dish. Immerse yourself in a never-to-be-forgotten wonderful tea experience! Breathe in the aroma of factory fresh tea and learn how to brew a good cup of tea! By the end of the day, you will have a good understanding of the steps involved in making quality Pure Ceylon Tea. BIKING Get ready for a great biking adventure at 98 Acres Resort and Spa! Ella is recognized for being one of the best places to go biking in Sri Lanka due to its scenic location. After having a hearty breakfast, ride through the tea plantations towards Namunukula (a distance of 13 km). – Pedal hard to the Namunukula mountain range. – and proceed back to the resort. On the way, take a break to view the Southerland Estate, the Nine Arch Bridge, and then ride to the Demodara Railway Station to view the majestic Demodara railway loop. – Then head back to the resort in the evening for a well-earned rest! HIKING & TREKKING The vicinity of 98 Acres Resort and Spa affords ample opportunity for hiking, trekking, and biking. Ella is a great location for viewing some of the best natural scenery in Sri Lanka. Must-visit locations: Little Adam’s PeakDAY 8 – 10 Ella
- Little Adam’s peak is Ella’s best-known attraction
- Resembles Adam’s Peak
- Located five minutes away from the resort
- A short half-hour climb to the top of the 1141 meter peak
- Breathtaking views of an endless valley, tea plantations, and waterfalls
- Ella Rock is a must climb for those into hiking and trekking
- 7km for the starting point (15 minutes drive ) then 3km hike (1.5 hrs)
- See spectacular views of the valley
- The Ravana Ella Falls is a wonderful sightseeing attraction
- Ranks as one of the widest falls in Sri Lanka
- The waterfall measures approximately 25 meters (82 ft) in height and cascades from an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop
- The falls form part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary (8.6 km) 20 min Drive | Walking one and half hours
- Visit the nearby Ravana cave, which according to the Indian Ramayana Epos, is famed to have held Seetha captive who was kidnapped from India by King Ravana
DAY 11 – 14
Ella – South Coast – Tangalle
SOUTH COAST BEACHES
Among Sri Lanka’s South Coast Beaches, all with white sandy shoreline and turquoise waters, TANGALLE is still like a dream on another level. Since the beach is basically located at the end of the (coastal) road, it serves as the perfect retreat for relaxing away from the hustle and stress of daily life. The white sands, palm groves and the lovely waters, set in a tropical environment is the perfect getaway from the wintertime (or any other) blues.
Tangalle Beach is the perfect place to go for a peaceful and quiet vacation. The beautiful white sand beach will give you the true vibes of a tropical paradise. The white sands goes on for kilometers at a stretch with bays and beaches on both the north and south sides.
The beach offers some of the most spectacular views of the sunset. Though the water is deep blue and pretty, swimming at Tangalle Beach is not suitable as the tides can be quite rough and it can be quite dangerous. The small bay with a sheltering reef, is one of the places that you should definitely visit. The reef catches the bigger waves and it acts like a natural Jacuzzi. The soft sands of the beach also make it an ideal spot for a nice morning run.
There are many other beaches nearby, which you can visit on day trips from your hotel. All the land on the edge of the Indian Ocean is lined with mangrove vegetation with many beautiful lagoons. Ask your guide for secret beaches and insider tips!
YALA
Sri Lanka is one of the best places in Asia for seeing wildlife. The island’s isolation from the mainland, the heavy rainfall of the two diagonally blowing monsoons, and the country’s wide range of altitudes have given Sri Lanka a variation in climate and biodiversity normally found only across an entire continent.
The top draw is the Sri Lankan leopard, a sub-species endemic to the country; in certain areas of the park, the average leopard density is as high as one cat to every square kilometre. During the fruiting of the palu trees in June and July, sloth bears are often observed.
Other animals you might spot include sambar (a large deer), spotted deer, buffalo, wild pig, stripe-necked and ruddy mongooses, langur monkey, toque monkey, golden jackal and Indian palm civet.
The combination of freshwater, marine, scrub and woodland areas ensures a high diversity of birds. Indeed, the park hosts 220 different types, and serious twitchers have recorded 100 species in a single day.
REKAWA TURTLE WATCH
The southern golden beaches of Rekawa are known to attract several endangered species of sea turtles; which include loggerhead, hawksbill, olive ridley, green and leatherback turtles. These five species make their way to the stretch of untouched beach in Rekawa to lay their eggs before heading back to the ocean.
The Rekawa Turtle Watch is a conservation project which aims at protecting the nesting sites, thereby ensuring the eggs hatch safely and the baby turtles can return home. Travellers can embark on a turtle watching excursion in the evenings to catch a glimpse of turtles laying their eggs.
WHALE WATCHING IN MIRISSA
Mirissa is an ideal destination for those who wish to catch a rare glimpse of those beautiful and gentle giants of the Ocean. Situated at the southern coast of Sri Lanka from beyond MIRISSA coast lies the Indian Ocean its vast majesty right up to the Antarctic landmass. It comes as no surprise that these amazing marine mammals migrate through the vast and fertile stretch from December to April during the annual breeding season. Mirissa itself is a quiet and peaceful coastal town boasting unspoiled beaches.
Setting off from Mirissa there is up to 90% opportunity to come across Sperm whales and a pretty good chance of sighting the Blue whale as well. There are believed to be around 26 different species of whales traversing this region and this includes the well-loved dolphins.
VISIT KATARAGAMA
A sacred pilgrimage town Kataragama is a temple complex dedicated to Buddhist guardian deity “Kataragama deviyo” and Hindu War God Kathirkamam. It is one of the few religious sites in Sri Lanka that is venerated by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and the Vedda people. As such, the KATARAGAMA festival (middle of each year) is visited by the rich, poor, and all religions alike. It is a spectacle of sound, light, faith and fervour Guests can visit Kataragama at any time of the year and your guide will provide a narrative on the layout, the history, customs and practices.
SINHARAJA RAIN FOREST
The Sinharaja Forest is the last remaining primary tropical rainforest in the wet zone of Sri Lanka. Spanning over an area of 11,250 hectares of forest land, Sinharaja Forest is bounded on the north by the Napola Creek and Koskulana River, on the south and south-west by the Maha Creek and Gin River, on the west by the Kalukandawa Creek and Kudawa River and on the east by an ancient footpath near Beverley Tea Estate and by the Denuwa Mountain. The elevation of the forest varies from 90 to 1170 meters, presenting a large diversity in plant and animal species living in the forest. This ecological importance of Sinharaja Forest has led UNESCO to declare the forest as a World Heritage Wilderness Area, prompting the world community to preserve this wonderful gift from nature.
DAY 15
Tangalle- Airport or next Destination in Sri Lanka
Depending on your schedule, try and visit historic Galle on your way back to the airport or your next destination in Sri Lanka.
GALLE
The port city of Galle is not only of historical interest but the business center of the South of Sri Lanka.
This is the right place if you want to experience the Singhalese culture, away from the touristic hot-spots without loosing out on your holiday itinerary.
Galle was known as Gimhathiththa (although Ibn Batuta in the 14th century refers to it as Qali) before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, when it was the main port on the island. Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, before the arrival of the British, who developed the harbor at Colombo. Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in south and southeast Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and south Asian traditions. The Galle Fort is a world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European invaders. Other prominent landmarks in Galle include the St. Mary’s Cathedral founded by Jesuit priests.
You can spend hours exploring the famous Dutch fort, go shopping at one of the oldest markets of Sri Lanka and the modern shopping complexes or you can enjoy the feeling of “the good old times” at one of the colonial-style hotels and restaurants.
End of Ultra Luxury Sri Lanka Tour
All listed excursions / activities listed below are only recommended suggestions. The best is to discuss the next day’s itinerary with your guide and chose the destinations according to your interests.
The excursions / activities marked with ‘*’ are not included and must be booked at the location – please ask us if you have any questions. Entrance fees for all other excursions / activities, are included, except 4×4 Jeep Safaris.
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Book Sri Lanka Ultra Luxury Tour from US$ 4.499 p.p.
Please fill out the enquiry form below and we will send you the confirmation as soon as we have confirmed each availability. If you like the itinerary, but would like to change the hotels to fit your expectations and/or budget, let us know and we will send you all matching options. This tour is fully customizable, or our Sri Lanka Experts can help you to create a unique Sri Lanka Experience from scratch.
Mobile/WhatsApp : 0094 773 866 315
Availability
The Discover Sri Lanka Tour is a private tour and can depart any day of the year. The best season for the South Coast is October – May, but even off-season has its attractions. Fewer people and cheaper hotels with the occasional rainfall for spectacular sunsets.
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