South Sri Lanka: A Luxury Holiday from Tea to Wildlife

From epic palm covered beaches to legendary tea estates, historical fortress towns and spectacular National Parks, Sri Lanka has it all. For a taste of the best that this country has to offer, embark on this seven-night Sri Lankan safari adventure, taking in tea plantations reflected in the shimmer of Koggala Lake, the stealthy prowl of a leopard through Yala National Park and the dip of the sunset over Galle’s fortified walls.

Welcome to Sri Lanka

As soon as you touch down in Colombo, we’ll whisk you just outside of town to the peaceful surrounds of the Wallawwa where you’ll have the night to recover from your journey before heading inland, uphill and back in time tomorrow. Sitting on a twelve-acre working tea estate, overlooking an endless green vista of rolling tea-carpeted hills, you’ll come to the boutique hideaway of Kahanda Kanda. The blossoming gardens, iridescent infinity pool and massage pavilion add a little bit of luxury in these remote surroundings. Spend some time learning about the journey from leaf to cup before exploring the area on foot. Immerse yourself in the nearby cultural hotspots before checking out some of the tempting beaches that lie just a few miles away.

Yala National Park

Next, head east for a luxury safari in the incomparable Yala National Park. Home to the highest density of leopard anywhere in the world, there are also sambar, spotted and barking deer, water buffalo, abundant birdlife, butterfly swarms, monkeys and crocodiles to be seen here. Head out on a game drive alongside herds of up to a hundred Elephants keeping your eyes peeled for the rare sloth bear – better known as Baloo from Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. At the end of the day, return to the luxury surrounds of Wild Coast Tented Lodge and enjoy dinner beneath the stars, ready to do it all again tomorrow.

Tropical paradise

After all that intrepid travel, you’ll want a bit of downtime and the Sri Lankan coastline is just the ticket. Check in at Aditya and discover a beautiful space set within three acres of private gardens where traditional colonial style sits in harmony with chic luxury. If you fancy a cultural fix, head into nearby Galle, where you can stroll the streets of the fortified town alongside a private guide with the fort a great vantage point to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. I f you fancy a touch more wildlife however, we can alternatively arrange a whale watching experience with a difference as you take to the skies in a private plane for a unique perspective over blue and sperm whales below – all without disturbing these wonderful creatures. It certainly makes for the perfect way to end your time in this magnificent country.