Island of Contrasts: A Journey Through Sri Lanka’s Tea, Temples & Shores

Sri Lanka is a country of striking contrasts. From the bustle of its capital to the stillness of its ancient temples, the mist of its tea-covered highlands and the rhythm of the Indian Ocean, every region feels distinct yet deeply connected. This 12-day journey reveals the island’s many faces, balancing culture, nature and slow coastal living.

Days 1 to 2: Colombo

Stay: The Wallawwa

Begin in Colombo with a gentle start at The Wallawwa, a leafy colonial manor close to the airport and perfect after a long flight. When you are ready to explore, a private historical tour brings the city to life. Visit the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, browse the Pettah Bazaar, step inside the Wolfendhal Dutch Church and pause at the National Museum. You get a clear sense of the island’s layered past before heading inland.

Days 2 to 4: Sigiriya and Anuradhapura

Stay: Water Garden Sigiriya

Travel north to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, a region that forms the historic and spiritual heart of the island. This area is home to the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy, and contains five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is a place where history and mythology intertwine, filled with sacred temples, stupas and cave monasteries surrounded by rural villages and lush jungle.

Spend a day with your private guide in Anuradhapura, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Receive a blessing near the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree, said to have grown from a cutting of the tree beneath which Buddha attained enlightenment. Later, climb the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a spectacular 200-metre-high column of volcanic rock that rises dramatically from the plains. The fortress was built in the 5th century as a royal palace, complete with landscaped gardens, frescoes and water features that remain remarkably intact today. At the summit, the panoramic views stretch endlessly across the surrounding forest and paddy fields.

End the day at the Dambulla Cave Temples, a complex of five caves decorated with more than 150 Buddha statues and intricate murals painted over 2,000 years ago.

Your base, Water Garden Sigiriya, sits among waterways and manicured gardens, with villas designed for privacy and relaxation, many offering direct views of the rock fortress itself.

Days 4 to 6: Kandy

Stay: W15 Hanthana Estate

Continue south to Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Once the stronghold of the Sinhalese kings, it remains one of the country’s most important religious sites and home to the Temple of the Tooth, which houses what is believed to be a relic of the Buddha. The city’s lakeside setting and surrounding hills make it one of the most scenic stops on the journey.

Spend a morning walking a section of the Pekoe Trail, a new long-distance network of estate paths that weave through the highlands. The routes are peaceful and varied, offering views across mist-covered mountains and valleys that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Stay at W15 Hanthana Estate, an elegant boutique retreat set in the hills above Kandy. Days here unfold at a slower pace, with time to explore, swim, and enjoy long dinners on the terrace surrounded by the sound of the forest.

Days 6 to 8: Hatton

Stay: Ceylon Tea Trails

Journey deeper into the Central Highlands to Hatton, the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country. Rolling green hills blanketed with tea bushes and dotted with colonial bungalows define the landscape.

Your stay at Ceylon Tea Trails is a highlight of the trip. The property consists of restored planter bungalows from the British era, each with its own butler, chef and sweeping views across the plantations. Take a guided tea factory tour to see how the world’s finest Ceylon tea is picked, processed and graded. End with a tasting session overlooking the hills, learning to identify the subtle differences between the blends.

Outside of the estate, guided walks and cycling routes take you through local villages and along quiet trails, while evenings are spent beside the fire or enjoying dinner under the stars.

Days 8 to 10: Yala National Park

Stay: Wild Coast Tented Lodge

Descend from the hills towards the southeast, where the jungle meets the sea at Yala National Park. This is one of Sri Lanka’s best-known wildlife reserves and one of the few places in the world where you might see elephants, leopards, crocodiles and peacocks in a single day.

Yala is home to one of the highest densities of leopards anywhere on the planet. The park also supports a variety of other species including sloth bears, spotted deer, mongooses and over 200 species of birds.

Your base, Wild Coast Tented Lodge, sits on the edge of the park where the bush blends into the beach. The lodge combines high design with a deep respect for its surroundings, its cocoon-shaped tents mirroring the curves of the coastal dunes. Join your naturalist guide for morning and evening safaris, or take a night drive to glimpse nocturnal wildlife using infrared equipment. Back at camp, unwind with a drink by the pool before a candlelit dinner beneath the stars.

Days 10 to 12: Weligama

Stay: Cape Weligama

Finish your journey on the south coast at Cape Weligama, an elegant clifftop retreat that perfectly captures the relaxed rhythm of coastal Sri Lanka. Villas and suites are scattered across tropical gardens, all with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.

This is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy some well-earned luxury and rest. Spend your days swimming in the crescent-shaped infinity pool, visiting nearby coves or exploring Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just a short drive away. The fort’s narrow lanes are filled with cafes, boutiques and galleries, and at sunset the ramparts become the best spot on the island for a drink with a view.

Back at Cape Weligama, the service is discreet, the food exceptional and the setting hard to beat. It is a fitting end to your journey, combining coastal calm with Sri Lankan warmth and hospitality.

This itinerary reveals Sri Lanka in all its diversity, from ancient kingdoms and sacred temples to wild rainforests, rolling tea estates and sun-drenched shores. Every stop celebrates the island’s warmth, resilience and culture, inviting you to slow down and connect deeply with its landscapes and people.

This itinerary costs around £5,600 to £8,000 per person, including accommodation on a half board basis and all transfers. Activities such as private tours, safaris and cultural experiences are additional and can be tailored to your preferences. Final pricing will depend on the time of year and the details of your trip.