Slow travel Sri Lanka
Culture, countryside and beaches
Explore Sri Lanka at a leisurely pace, starting in capital Colombo before travelling to the country’s cultural triangle, where you can visit ancient cities, temples and rock formations at Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya. From here, head into Sri Lanka’s rolling hills to the rural town of Kandy, where you can visit tea plantations, hike in the countryside and take cooking classes. End your trip on the beaches of the south coast, where you can take a trip to the fort town of Galle, complete with colonial buildings and grand mansions. Head back to Colombo for your departure.
Key information
| Destinations | Yala National Park, Polonnaruwa, Colombo, Galle, Kandy |
|---|---|
| Activity | Luxury, Beach, Culture |
| Physical Level | Mild |
 Season |
January - December |
Suggested itinerary
Historic markets and modern malls in Colombo
Day 1–2 in Colombo
Cosmopolitan Colombo is more than just the gateway to Sri Lanka.
Here, you can learn about Sri Lanka’s multi-ethnic history, with churches, mosques and temples all in a line, street food with influences from around the world, and shopping in a mix of ancient markets and huge malls in Pettah.
Don't miss
Sample diverse Sri Lanka cuisine
From Jaffna crab curry to breakfasts of hoppers (fermented rice crepes), Sri Lankan food has a distinct identity depending on where you visit.
Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa
Day 3–5 in Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, a thriving centre of commerce and religion.
Today, visitors can explore the site’s archaeological treasures, including the Sacred Quadrangle and a number of temples. Combine your trip with a visit to the nearby Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Don't miss
Get lost in the caves of Dambulla
Explore the five main caves of Dambulla stuffed with statues of Buddha and Hindu gods. The walk up offers great views of Sigiriya Rock.
See Buddha’s tooth in Kandy
Day 6–8 in Kandy
Central Kandy is one of Sri Lanka’s most significant religious sites, being home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic – a tooth from Buddha himself.
The golden-roofed temple is actually part of the Royal Palace complex, which includes several museums and temples. Look out for the annual perahera festival, when the tooth is paraded around the city by 65 decorated elephants.
Relax in historic Galle
Day 9–14 in Galle
The historic fort town of Galle is best explored on foot, allowing you to take in its grandiose colonial buildings, ancient temples and mosques and many quirky side streets. Make sure to take a walk on the ramparts of the fort, with views out over the ocean.
Don't miss
Cruise down the Kapu Ela river
Enjoy a scenic boat ride down the Kapu Ela River, exploring rural villages and watching grey fish eagles soar through the air.
Where to stay
Superior
Rosyth House
Initially built in 1926, but completely refurbished in 2010, Rosyth House is an excellent addition to the range of converted planter’s bungalows that are on offer in Sri Lanka’s beautiful hill country. Situated at 1,000 feet above sea level in a working tea and rubber estate, 10 minutes from the provincial market town of Kegalle and only two and half hours from the airport, it is far more accessible than almost all of the other bungalows in the tea-growing region.
Superior
KK Beach
A contemporary beachfront hotel with stylish, modern interiors and fantastic service, KK Beach sits on a quiet beach just a 20-minute drive from Galle.
With just 10 rooms and a lovely pool, the property is wonderfully intimate. Rooms range from deluxe, suites and penthouse rooms, all with private terraces looking over the pool, palm trees and beach.
Book this itinerary
This route booked with one of our specialist tour operators may cost between £3,350 and £4,800pp. Pricing varies by accommodation class, and can be tailored to suit your budget.
Pricing is typically inclusive of hotels, transfers, meals, and all guided excursions and activities.
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