When you arrive in Sri Lanka, you’ll be greeted with a smile by your very own driver guide. You’ll hop in the car and journey one hour north to the beautiful Horathapola Estate. This secluded plantation bungalow is nestled right in the heart of a working coconut plantation, the perfect place to unwind and tune in to the Sri Lankan way of life after your long flight. The owners are so special here, Javana and Pia Fernando have converted the bungalow with so much love, it’s packed with charm from top to bottom. Depending on when you arrive, there are plenty of things to do here, from cycling through the local villages to cooling off with a dip in the pool. 

This morning, you’ll be picked up and driven 3 hours north to the ancient city of Anuradhapura. You’ll explore the ruins of what is believed to be the very first Buddhist capital of Sri Lanka. The city and all of its treasures were lost to the jungle for years after it was invaded back in 993 CE/AD, but now, they’re all ripe for exploring. After exploring the palaces, monuments, monasteries and dagobas, you'll hop back in the car to head to your safari lodge in Wilpattu National Park for the next two nights.

Today it’s all about the wildlife. Grab your camera and binoculars if you have them, and hop in the back of your jeep for a full-day game drive through Wilpattu National Park. The guides we work with here are brilliant at spotting animals that might be hiding in the bushes, pointing out exotic birds and identifying animal tracks as you go. Keep your eyes peeled for elephant, sloth bear, deer, and – if you’re lucky – a sighting of an elusive leopard might be in store, too. 

Your guide will pick you up today and drive you 4.5 hours to the very northernmost area of Sri Lanka. Jaffna is actually closer to southern India than it is to Colombo, which goes some way towards explaining the riot of cultures and influences you’ll find here. This afternoon you’ll take a tour around the city, visiting the Nilavarai Bottomless Well, the Keerimalai Springs, Jaffna Fort and the impressive stupas of Kandarodai. You’ll be experiencing a part of the country that not many visitors do, and we love that. 

Today, you’ll head off to explore Jaffna's low-lying islands with their hidden beaches, tucked-away lagoons and remote temples. You’ll visit the beautiful island of Kayts which is connected to the mainland by Panay Bridge, and hop on a boat trip across to Delft Island, a place very few tourists visit. An island with a simple life, with a mysterious ‘Growing Rock’, a sprawling baobab tree and horses that roam freely across the beaches, it’s a unique place to visit. 

You’ve got a bit of a long drive, five hours south towards Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle today. We recommend basing yourself in Sigiriya, but we’ve got so many brilliant options of places to stay in the area, from authentic guesthouses to seriously lavish sprawling resorts with a view of the iconic rock from the pool. Chat to us about which might be the best fit for you. This afternoon, head off to visit one of the country’s most significant historical landmarks – the Dambulla Cave Temples. Yet another of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, these five caves are packed with more than 150 Buddha statues and colourful murals.

Most Sri Lanka itineraries feature a climb to the top of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, but this holiday does things a little differently. Nearby, you’ll find the lesser-visited Pidurangala Rock, ready to reward you at the top with 360-degree jungle views as the sun rises over the horizon. Unlike the usual Sigiriya climb, this one has the added benefit of a view of Sigiriya Rock itself, standing proud in the landscape. Of course, if you’ve still got a bit of juice in the tank and fancy climbing Sigiriya at sunset, it’s worth it. But, we wouldn’t blame you one little bit if you opt to spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool and your evening indulging in endless bowls of Sri Lankan curry. 

Today, you’ll be driven 2.5 hours to the east coast and the long golden beaches of Pasikudah. Said to have one of the longest stretches of shallow coastline in the world, it’s the perfect place for a relax and a sea swim. You’ll spend the next 3 nights here, with plenty of time to enjoy the beach, indulge in a massage, and sip on a cocktail or two. Talk to our Rebecca if you want some tips on where to find one of the most beautiful hidden beaches we've ever seen. (She took this photo!)

Shake off the sand and hop back in the car this morning for a 2.5-hour drive south to Gal Oya National Park. This park is remote, tucked away, and home to Sri Lanka’s largest inland body of water. You’ll spend the next two nights at the unique Wild Glamping Gal Oya eco lodge, where 90% of the staff are hired from the neighbouring indigenous Vedda community. Head off on a boat safari this afternoon to try and spot some of the resident wild elephants who love to swim from islet to islet. 

Today, you’ll take a jeep safari to the Nigala section, one of the most untouched regions in this remote national park, where you’ll have the rare and honoured opportunity to meet and learn all about the forest through the eyes and hearts of the indigenous Vedda people. The forest-dwelling Veddas are Sri Lanka’s last indigenous tribe, and make up less than 1% of the population. You’ll take a walk with the chief of the tribe, who will explain all about the tribe’s use of medicinal plants, their ancient hunting methods and how they make their homes in the caves. This is an extraordinary experience that will give you a glimpse into a truly unique way of life, and more of an understanding of Sri Lanka’s earliest inhabitants. 

You’ll have a four-hour transfer this morning before arriving at your unique accommodation overlooking the impressive Knuckles Mountain Range. Named by the British military who felt the five peaks bore a close resemblance to a clenched fist, this area is one of the wildest, unspoilt and most remote in all of Sri Lanka. 

With so many unexplored trekking and wildlife-spotting experiences ready to be enjoyed, all with staggering views to match, the Knuckles Mountains are a great place for those with an adventurous streak to spend a few days. Head off on a guided hike, explore a working tea estate, enjoy a cooking class with a local chef, or simply relax by the pool with a massage. As always, chat to us about how you'd like to fill your day, and we'll recommend the best excursions to suit.

Today, you’ll be picked up to start the journey back towards Colombo. The drive will be around 3 hours, but there’s a beautiful boutique hotel waiting for you at the other end. Hidden away in rural Gampaha, soak up the old world charm and indulgence before venturing out to visit the rural temples and monasteries nearby. You’ll be completely away from the well-trodden tourist trail here. 

It's time to head home today, as you'll be picked up from your hotel in Gampaha and driven back to Colombo airport in time for your flight home.