Sri Lanka's East Coast Escape

Day 1: Overnight Travel

Take an overnight flight from London to Colombo.

Day 2: Welcome to Sri Lanka!

You’ll be met by our female airport representative who will be holding a board with your name on it. Here you can change currency and purchase a local mobile SIM before being introduced to your chauffeur-guide.

You will be driven to the Amba Yaalu Hotel in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka’s first women-led hotel, where you will stay in a deluxe room for 5 nights.

Spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 3: Sigiriya (Day Two)

In the morning, you will visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, standing at almost 370m above sea level with the ruins of a palace dating back to the 5th century AD found on the summit. However, if you are unable to climb the 1,200+ steps, a visit to the Sigiriya Museum is highly recommended.

In the afternoon, indulge in a culinary adventure and you join village chefs for a cooking demonstration, where you will craft your own authentic Sri Lankan meal.

Day 4: Sigiriya (Day Three)

In the morning, take a 1.5hr drive to The Ruins of Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms that has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

In the afternoon, experience the best sightings of wildlife including wild elephants, 24 species of mammal including the sambhur, spotted deer, sloth bear, toque monkey and purple-faced leaf monkey. Some 160 species of bird have been recorded in the park, including endemics such as the Sri Lanka jungle fowl, hanging parrot, brown-capped babbler, crimson-fronted barbet and black-crested bulbul.

Day 5: Sigiriya (Day Four)

In the morning, start your day with an exhilarating sunrise hike to Pidurangala where the first light of dawn bathes the landscape in golden hues. After embracing nature’s spectacle, head to the tranquil Thalkote Lake for a serene breakfast experience. Enjoy a delicious meal by the calm waters, reflecting the sky’s soft colours and the lush greenery beyond.

The rest of the day is spent at your leisure.

Day 6: Sigiriya (Day Five)

This day is spent at your leisure.

Day 7: Bentota

In the morning, you will explore the rock cave temples of Dambulla, consisting of 5 caves which have been converted to shrines. During an invasion from South India in the 1st century BC, the Sinhalese king Walagambahu took refuge in the caves at Dambulla and through meditation gained the strength to drive the invaders away. As a token of gratitude he declared the caves as a sacred area and built the first cave shrine.

For lunch, visit a farm in the rural village of Matale with a large variety of spices, vegetables, fruits, and herbs, along with some great views of the Aluvihare mountains. At the farm you will be greeted by the planter with fresh juice sourced from the farm before going on an easy hike with the planter to learn about the crops and trees. After the tour, enjoy a delicious, traditional home cooked rice and curry lunch prepared with fresh herbs and vegetables sourced mainly from the plantation.

Then say goodbye to Sigiriya as you are driven down to Bentota when you will check into your home for the next 5 nights. You will stay in a standard single room in The Villa Bentota.

Spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 8-11: Bentota

All days will be spent at your leisure with vehicle available for local exploring up to 80km per day.

Day 12: End of Itinerary

You will be driven for around 30 minutes to Colombo airport to board your flight back to London.

You can view the full-detailed itinerary here