7-Day Private Luxury Journey Through Sri Lanka’s Culture, Tea Country & Safari

Day 01

Arrival in Colombo | Private Welcome & Transfer

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be met by your private chauffeur-guide and transferred in comfort to your luxury hotel in Colombo or directly to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to rest and adjust, with your journey fully arranged for the days ahead.

Overnight in a luxury boutique hotel

Into the Sacred Heart of Sri Lanka

Depart Colombo privately this morning as the landscape opens into the Cultural Triangle — the cradle of Sri Lanka’s earliest civilizations.

Pause at Pinnawala for a guided visit focused on Sri Lanka’s elephant conservation heritage. Witness these magnificent animals at close range along the riverbanks — a rare moment of connection with one of Asia’s most revered species.

Continue north to Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the great sacred cities of the ancient world. Here, monumental stupas rise from quiet jungle clearings and devotional rituals continue as they have for over two thousand years.

Visit the Sacred Bodhi Tree — grown from the original tree beneath which the Buddha attained enlightenment — and explore the vast monastic complexes and towering dagobas that once anchored a thriving royal capital.

As dusk settles over the ancient reservoirs, the atmosphere becomes almost meditative — a powerful introduction to Sri Lanka’s spiritual lineage.

Overnight in Anuradhapura.

Royal Capitals & Sky Palaces

This morning, journey onward to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s medieval royal capital.

Explore the Royal Palace ruins and sacred quadrangle before arriving at Gal Vihara, where four serene granite Buddhas emerge directly from stone — among the most refined examples of religious sculpture in Asia.

By afternoon, arrive at Sigiriya Rock Fortress — the island’s most iconic citadel rising dramatically above the surrounding plains.

Ascend the lion stairway with your private guide, pausing at the famed 5th-century frescoes before reaching the summit palace. From above, panoramic views stretch endlessly across forest canopy and ancient water gardens below — a masterpiece of early urban design and royal ambition.

Return to your hotel as the rock glows gold in the late light.

Overnight in Sigiriya.

Sacred Temples & The Last Royal Kingdom

Depart for Kandy, the final royal capital of Sri Lanka.

En route, visit the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple, a remarkable sanctuary carved into rock and adorned with centuries-old murals and over 150 Buddha statues.

Continue through the spice-growing region of Matale, once central to the global trade routes that shaped empires.

Arrive in Kandy, nestled among mist-covered hills and centered around a tranquil lake. This evening, enter the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic during ceremonial prayers — one of the most venerated Buddhist sites in the world and a living symbol of Sri Lanka’s spiritual identity.

Later, enjoy a private seating arrangement at a traditional Kandyan cultural performance.

Overnight in Kandy

Tea Country & Colonial Elegance

Begin your morning in the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, once reserved for Kandyan royalty and now home to rare orchids, towering palms, and centuries-old tropical specimens.

Board a reserved first-class carriage for the ascent into Sri Lanka’s central highlands. The train winds through emerald tea estates, mist-laden valleys, and colonial hill stations — a cinematic journey into the cool air of the tea country.

Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, affectionately known as “Little England.” Explore its colonial architecture before visiting a working tea estate for a refined tasting experience and private introduction to the craftsmanship behind Ceylon tea.

Evening at leisure in the highlands.

Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Into Leopard Territory

Descend from the highlands toward the southern plains, stopping in Ella to admire the elegant Nine Arches Bridge — an enduring colonial landmark framed by dense jungle.

Continue to Ravana Falls before proceeding to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuary.

This afternoon, embark on a privately arranged safari in a luxury 4×4 vehicle with expert tracker and naturalist. Yala is renowned for one of the highest leopard densities in the world, alongside elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.

As the sun lowers across golden grasslands and scattered acacia trees, the wilderness reveals itself in silence and scale.

Overnight in Yala

Coastal Departure

After breakfast, travel along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline, where palm-lined beaches meet the Indian Ocean.

Depending on departure time, scenic coastal routes or a brief stop may be incorporated before your private transfer to Colombo International Airport.

Optional extension to a secluded southern beach retreat or Galle Fort can be arranged upon request.