Soul of the Island: A Luxury Sri Lanka Escape

In the early morning, you’ll climb to the summit of what is arguably Sri Lanka’s most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, reaching the top in time to watch the sun rise over the verdant Sri Lankan plains and peel back the morning mist.

Rising majestically above the surrounding landscape at a height of 180 metres, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress was established by the exiled King Kashyapa as his new stronghold in the 5th century. The remnants of his domineering palace remain at the summit and can be reached by ascending Lion Rock; here, two carved lion paws remain from what once would have been an imposing full-body statue welcoming ancient visitors. As you climb the towering rock from its base, you’ll have time to admire the beautiful water gardens, ancient frescoes and the famous Mirror Wall before reaching the top to explore the remains of the fortress and take in an unforgettable sunrise vista. After this awe-inspiring experience, you’ll return to your hotel for a well-earned breakfast before your next adventure begins.

Next, you’ll head out on an exhilarating Jeep safari through either Minneriya, Eco or Kaudulla National Park (dependent on season) to encounter Sri Lanka’s majestic Asian elephants in their natural habitat. These parks are renowned for their large herds of wild elephants, which can be glimpsed lumbering through the dense shrubbery against a backdrop of wild beauty.


Accommodation:

Superior Category: Aliya Resort & Spa (or alternative hotel of equal standard)
Boutique Category: Vil Uyana (or alternative hotel of equal standard)

Today you’ll begin the journey to the ancient city of Kandy, which lies amid the rolling topography of the Sri Lanka’s Central Province, a region dotted with lush tea plantations and swathed in biodiverse rainforest.

First, you’ll stop at the famous Dambulla Cave Temple, located a 30-minute drive from Sigiriya. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the best-preserved cave temple complex on the island, where a short climb brings you to five ancient caves etched into the rockface inside of which you’ll find elaborate Buddha statues plus colourful paintings adorning the ceiling.

After visiting the Dambulla Cave Temple, you’ll continue the journey to the serene lakeside city of Kandy, which lies nestled in the mountainsides approximately 1 hr 30 mins away. En route, you’ll stop at a spice garden in Matale to learn about the history of Sri Lanka’s spice production and how it has helped shape empires. Arriving in Kandy, you’ll check into your hotel and have the rest of the afternoon to spend at leisure.


Accommodation:

Superior Category: Radisson Hotel Kandy (or alternative hotel of equal standard)
Boutique Category: Adigar’s Manor (or alternative hotel of equal standard)

After breakfast, you will transfer to the train station in Kandy and board a train that will wind through Sri Lanka’s breathtaking hill country to Nanu Oya.

Lasting approximately 4 hrs, the train will pass through spectacular mountain scenery: mist-covered mountains draped in descending tea plantations, lush green countryside bearing cascading waterfalls and picturesque rural villages, the cool mountain air and rhythmic sound of the train creating a wonderful atmosphere as you journey through the heart of the Tea Country.

Once you disembark at Nanu Oya, your driver will collect you and transfer you to your hotel in the scenic village of Nuwara Eliya, often called ‘Little England’ for its colonial charm, cool climate and English-style country houses. When you arrive in Nuwara Eliya, your driver-guide will take you on a revealing city tour before you check into your hotel.


Accommodation:

Superior Category: Jetwing St. Andrews (or alternative hotel of equal standard)
Boutique Category: Stafford Bungalow (or alternative hotel of equal standard)

Over the next two days, you’ll embark on both morning and afternoon game drives through the wilderness of Yala National Park for the chance to encounter its wealth of species, including the elusive leopard and sloth bear plus elephant, crocodile and myriad bird species.

Early morning game drives provide scenery aglow under soft golden light, perfect for photography as the park awakens and animals like leopards, deer and peacocks begin their day of roaming the wild. During afternoon drives, you can capture dramatic scenes as elephants congregate at watering holes and crocodiles bask in the afternoon sunlight. On each game drive, an experienced naturalist who knows the terrain well will be on hand to enlighten you with fascinating stories and facts about the numerous species which inhabit the reserve.


Accommodation:

Superior Option: Jetwing Yala (or alternative hotel of equal standard)
Boutique Option: Nyne Hotels Mayur Lodge (or alternative hotel of equal standard)

You’ll have a whole day to spend at leisure in the picturesque coastal resort town of Bentota.

Home to the sweeping Bentota Beach, you can choose to lounge on the soft sands, explore coral-rich dive sites offshore, or venture to nearby beaches to glimpse Sri Lanka’s iconic ‘Stilt Fishermen’ haul in their catch.


Accommodation:

Superior Category: Thaala Bentota (or alternative hotel of equal standard)
Boutique Category: Rock Villa (or alternative hotel of equal standard)