South Sri Lanka: A Luxury Vacation 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. Perched on a gently sloping hillside and looking out over the mirrored waters of Castlereagh Reservoir, you’ll come to the boutique hideaway of Camellia Hills. The blossoming gardens, iridescent infinity pool and discrete butler service 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 as you embark on stage seven of the Pekoe Trail. Winding its way through the surrounding tea plantations, you’ll feel at one with the landscapes as you immerse yourself in this simpler way of life.

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 Chena Huts 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 Malabar Hills and discover a boutique stay that seamlessly blends modern comforts with historical charm atop a jungle-clad hill overlooking Weligama. Pick up one of the hotel’s bicycles and explore the surrounding area, or 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. If you fancy a touch more wildlife however, we can alternatively arrange a whale watching outing, sailing through the clear waters of the Indian Ocean with Mirissa’s stunning shoreline as your backdrop. You’ll have the chance to spot blue whales alongside playful dolphins, before enjoying a swim in the refreshing waters or a snorkel among vibrant reefs. A beautiful day guaranteed to leave you with lasting memories of Sri Lanka’s coastal splendor.