Unique Sri Lanka

Unique Sri Lanka is an itinerary designed for those who have already travelled to Sri Lanka, for those wanting to escape the crowds and for those looking to dig deep and really get under the skin of the country.

From your first night relaxing at The Wallawwa, you will be taken to Jim's Farm in Pallepolla, in central Sri Lanka. A collection of villas snuggle within a beautiful organic form. Learn all about the farm and spices, visit local villages, or even head further north of south. This is a perfect rural escape and an ideal place to unwind in quintessential Sri Lanka.

Kandy is your next stop; from experiencing the tropical surroundings, to visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic there is so much to do. Kandy is slightly eclectic and we can arrange truly unique experiences to make the most of your time there.

From Kandy your private driver/guide will then take you to Gal Oya Lodge which sits in the heart of Gal Oya National Park. Cut off from the outside world for many years, Gal Oya feels completely untouched. It's the perfect place to spot wild elephants swimming, meet with indigenous tribes, go walking and experience game drives to get you deeper in the park.

From Gal Oya you'll head east to Passikudah. The eastern coast of Sri Lanka was untouched for many years but its long pristine beaches and safe swimming conditions make it one of Sri Lanka's best beach destinations and there are now a few wonderful hotels there. Here you can enjoy diving, snorkelling or simply relaxing with a book.

From Passikudah you'll continue in land to Sigiriya, which allows you to delve into the rich history of the 'Cultural Triangle'. Here you'll stay in a boutique property that is nestled in a rural area outside of Sigiriya. From here you can visit Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Minneriya National Park and Dambulla Cave Temples.

A final night in Colombo allows you to relax before you jet back home after the most wonderful and unique journey through Sri Lanka.

Day 1 - 2 : Kotugoda (near Colombo), Sri Lanka

Stay at The Wallawwa for 1 night

On arrival in Colombo, you will be greeted by your chaffeur and be driven to the unique boutique property, the Wallawwa for two nights. Situated a convinient fifteen minutes away from Colombo Airport, this it the perfect place to relax after a long journey. An authentic feel comes from the surrounding villages that welcome you with open arms, great food and beautiful beaches only add to the charm of the property.

Days 2 - 4 : Pallepolla, Sri Lanka

Stay at Jim's Farm Villas for 2 nights

This morning, you will be transfered to Jim's Farm Villa in Pallepolla for two nights. A variety of villas to choose from, all on the serene fifty acre farm, are the perfect place to experience a more rustic side of Sri Lanka. Opportunties to visit the nearby elephant orphanage and yoga retreats are also a popular option for those in the area. A small town, Pallepolla is rural and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Usually missed by traditional touristic routes, this charming village is an off the beaten track favourite, friendly and welcoming, the villagers provide cookery lessons for those wishing to immerse themselves in the Sri Lankan way of life.

Days 4 - 6 : Kandy, Sri Lanka

Stay at Villa Rosa for 2 nights

This morning you will be driven to Kandy, for a two night stay in Villa Rosa. A perfect alternative to the larger and more commercial hotels in Kandy, here you can overlook hill country and enjoy your tranquil surroundings whilst experiencing the breath taking scenery. Stylish rooms and charming decor add a contemporary feel without losing any of the rustic appeal. Dinner on the terrace and guided trips run by the owner are just some of the personal features you would not get anywhere else. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Kandy Lake are popular tourist hotspots, although firm favourites, Villa Rosa provides a different way of experiencing Kandy.

Visits to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic are one of the highlights of Kandy, with its gold roof, it houses Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist relic and is a must-see for any vistor to Kandy. Dominating the town is Kandy lake, a man made creation, strolls along the southern edge are picturesque and relaxing.

Days 6 - 9 : Gal Oya National Park, Sri Lanka

Stay at Gal Oya Lodge for 3 nights

A quick transfer to Gal Oya Lodge, puts you right in the centre of Gal Oya National Park for an unforgettable three night stay. With Sri Lanka's largest lake, boat safaris are a great way of seeing spotting wild elephants swimming between the islands in the park. As an eco-friendly lodge, the focus is on sustainability, charming wooden huts beautifully decorated help to add that magical touch to your stay. Breathtaking views of alligators, elephants and birds are just a few of the animals to be spotted. Jeep safaris and picnics on the sandy banks of the Nigala river are just some of the excursions that can be arranged through this unique lodge.

Days 9 - 12 : Passikudah, Sri Lanka

Stay at Uga Bay for 3 nights

This morning you will be taken to Passikudah where you will stay in elegant Uga Bay resort for three nights. This world class property is just steps from the stunning beach and the amudance of marine life, providing great diving for either experienced or beginner divers. Sri Lanka has some of the most spectacular beaches in the world and this unique property showcases this, with excursions to Batticaloa Lagoon and Passikudah Bay, you can experience the very best of Sri Lankan coastline.

You are situated in the very heart of breath taking archeological relics which borders national parks abundantly filled with wild elephants. Serene beaches line the area, almost untouched by tourists, creates a secluded hideaway-esque feel, a side that few who venture to Sri Lanka have the opportunity to experience.

Days 12 - 14 : Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Stay at Wild Grass for 2 nights

A penultimate drive will take you to Sigiriya to stay in the Wildgrass hotel for two nights, a renowned nature resort that is completely surrounded by jungles, lakes and the Kandalama hills. Hidden away, this is the perfect hideaway for relaxation, with breath taking views. Situated in the heart of the cultural triangle, you can experience the highlights, by taking a visit to Lion Rock to marvel at the iconic lion paws carved directly into the large rocky outcrop high above Sigiriya. With frescos, gardens and museums to entertain you, there is plenty to do and with such dramatic scenery, this truly is one of the best destinations within Sri Lanka.

Day 14 - 15 : Colombo

Stay at Residence by Uga for 1 night

A short drive will take you to your final night, which you will be spending in Colombo in the one of the finst boutique hotels in the area, Uga Residence. Nestled between a Buddhist temple and the bustling Park Street, you can experience the best of both worlds. With a tranquil pool area, this is the perfect place to relax before you are driven to Colombo Airport to embark on your journey home.

When to go

Sri Lanka is considered a sunny year round destination; there is always somewhere experiencing good weather on the island. However, there are huge regional differences. The Southwest ‘Yala’ Monsoons brings rain to the west and southwest coast, as well as the hill country, from April/May to September. During this time the north and east coasts are good. The northeast ‘Mahe’ monsoon is less extreme and brings rain to the east and north during October and November. This monsoon can bring a bit of rain to the south as well. Put simply; head to the south, central, hill country and western areas between December and March and ideally head to the north and eastern areas between April and September. We can never guarantee good weather but believe this is a good guide to follow.