The relatively small size of Sri Lanka makes a 2 – 3 week trip viable and you can discover almost all of the island in a relaxed way. Similarly, if only wanting to go for a shorter time, it’s very easy to explore less of the country but still with short journeys and very different experiences. It’s always important to know you have someone at the end of the telephone and we have a superb team of people in Colombo who will arrange everything to perfection for you and will always be there if you need them. They have a deep love and knowledge of their country and are passionate about what they do. They will ensure the loveliest of drivers – in Sri Lanka your driver also acts as your guide so you get to know them quite well and it’s essential that they are affable, knowledgeable and reliable.

The roads in Sri Lanka are, without doubt, exceptional almost everywhere you got and making travelling a delight. To get into the central highlands involves a winding road but the views and sights you have en route make it fly by. There are excellent hotels all over the island and more are on their way. If you can only spare a week and want some winter sun, it is the perfect place to go with a group of friends and take over a villa as there is an abundance of superb, fully staffed villas of all sizes and prices – either inland or coastal - to rent and we are in close touch with the owners – easy to find your perfect villa!

For those really into discovering the ancient history of the island it is definitely worth going up to the beautiful ancient sites in the central north – wonderful stupas and ruins and the mighty Sigirya rock which is certainly worth the effort of climbing up – along with its holy neighbour, Pidurangala. It’s then a very easy drive over to the wonderfully wild and rugged east coast beaches which remain totally unexploited and beautiful – miles and miles of nothing but sand and friendly fishing villages – but there are 2 excellent hotels up there now. Or head down into the dripping jungles for time exploring the flora and fauna of the area before heading up into the high hills for some wonderful walking and tea estate exploration. A train ride is always worth including as it’s a lovely thing to chug through the hills, slowly watching the world go by. We can ensure all this is incorporated.

The National Parks of Minneriya, Gal Oya, Yala, Sinharaja, Udawalwe and Bundala all offer fabulous hotels, differing wildlife and birdlife and very different topography – from seeing elephants swimming in inland jungle lakes to walking along the beach!!!!! Finally, a visit to the gorgeous Dutch Fort town of Galle for some shopping; and a spell on the beach is a ‘must’ in Sri Lanka as they are all so different; there are hotels and villas of every style and budget – all beautiful and the perfect end to a Sri Lankan sojourn!

Below we list a couple of outline itineraries for you to consider which, between them, take in the whole island. There are obviously many other routes one can take and we can tailor it all to suit you, as well as discussing hotel choices as there is such a gamut to choose from.

Buddhism, History, Jungles and Beaches – The Central North and East

• Day 1 - Fly to Colombo
• Day 2 - Arrive and drive to Kandy for 2 nights
• Day 3 - Exploring the former capital
• Day 4 - Drive to Gal Oya National Park for 2 nights
• Day 5 - Jungle walks and boat safaris
• Day 6 - Drive to Sigirya for 2 nights
• Day 7 - Climbing the rock and exploring the ruins
• Day 8 - Drive to Anuradhapura for 2 nights
• Day 9 - Exploring the ancient sites
• Day 10 - Drive to Trincomalee or Kalkudah for 4 nights
• Days 11 - 13 - Relishing the wild, remote, stunning beaches
• Day 14 - Drive to Colombo and fly home or spend the night

Hills, Wildlife, Forts and Beaches – The South

• Day 1 - Fly to Colombo
• Day 2 - Arrive and drive to Hatton for 2 nights
• Day 3 - Walking in the tea estates
• Day 4 - Drive to Ella for 2 nights
• Day 5 - Exploring the hills
• Day 6 - Drive to Yala National Park for 2 nights
• Day 7 - Wildlife safaris
• Day 8 - Drive to Tangalle for 4 nights
• Days 9 - 11 - Relaxing on the pristine beaches
• Day 12 - Drive to Galle for 2 nights
• Day 13 - Exploring the fabulous Dutch fort
• Day 14 - Drive to Colombo and fly home or spend the night