Sri Lanka in Style: Wild Trails, Luxe Safari & Beach

Ayubowan! Your Sri Lankan journey begins in Negombo, a vibrant coastal town just a short drive from Bandaranaike International Airport. Upon arrival, your host will greet you and transfer you to Jetwing Blue, a contemporary beachfront hotel with excellent facilities — including two pools, a spa, and direct access to the Indian Ocean. It’s an ideal spot to rest and reset after your travels. Spend the afternoon relaxing at your own pace, and later meet your guide and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing. If time and energy allow, enjoy a gentle stroll along Negombo’s lively beach road for a glimpse of local life.

After a relaxed breakfast, you’ll begin your journey inland with a scenic drive to the cooler highlands of Kandy. Your base for the next three nights is Simpson’s Forest, a boutique heritage-style lodge tucked among tea estates and dense forest canopies, just outside Kandy. With panoramic views, characterful rooms, and a serene hill-country setting, it’s a peaceful retreat to unwind between daily adventures. This afternoon, stretch your legs on the lodge’s Mini Nature Trail – a gentle 2-hour hike which starts right at the lodge and meanders through lush evergreen forest, a spice plantation scented with cloves and pepper, and a working tea estate where you can observe (or join in) traditional tea plucking. Along the way, look out for wildflowers, butterflies, and native flora, and enjoy sweeping views over forested valleys from a quiet hilltop vantage point. Dinner is not included tonight, but you will dine à la carte at the hotel’s restaurant — a celebrated spot that blends Sri Lankan and international flavours with panoramic views of the surrounding misty mountains. Expect beautifully prepared seasonal dishes, an elegant atmosphere, and a memorable introduction to the region’s culinary richness.

This morning set out on a guided Tamil village walk — a rewarding blend of gentle trekking and cultural immersion through the surrounding Meenawatte Estate. This 3–4 hour hike winds through tea and spice plantations, offering glimpses into daily life in Sri Lanka’s hill country. You’ll begin on a shaded trail of rolling terrain, passing clove trees, pepper vines, and tea bushes before reaching a nearby Tamil village tucked into the hills. Along the way, your local guide will share stories about the region’s agricultural traditions, Tamil heritage, and the rhythms of rural life, offering a deeper connection to the landscape and its people. While the route includes some gentle climbs and descents, the pace is leisurely to soak in the views. This afternoon head back to Simpson’s Forest to unwind — perhaps with a dip in the pool, a drink on the terrace, or a stroll through the lodge’s peaceful gardens. For those keen to explore a little more, you may choose to join your guide for an optional visit to Kandy’s city centre, around 45 minutes away. Soak up the heritage charm and lakeside setting, browse local shops and markets, or pay a visit to the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic — one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka, said to house a tooth of the Buddha himself.

After breakfast, you’ll set off on a memorable journey into the foothills of the Knuckles Mountain Range. Your day begins with a scenic 1-hour drive from Simpson’s Forest, followed by a 30-minute tuk tuk ride through winding hill roads to reach the trailhead — a picturesque start to a day rich in nature and cultural discovery. The trek leads you deep into remote and rural Sri Lanka, through forests scented with pine and cardamom, across tea and spice plantations, and along jungle trails beside gurgling streams and cascading waterfalls. As the landscape shifts, so too does your perspective — this is a chance to step into the rhythms of village life, observing farmers tending rice paddies with water buffalo, and children walking home from school along red earth paths. Along the way, you’ll stop in a local mountain home, where a warm welcome awaits. Watch or help prepare a traditional lunch over open fire, and share a simple but delicious meal with your hosts, often accompanied by fresh fruit from the garden. Return to the lodge in the afternoon with time to unwind — perhaps with a swim in the pool, a quiet drink on the veranda, or simply soaking up the views. Today is your final night in Kandy, as tomorrow you’ll set off early for one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic rail journeys through the highlands.

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Kandy and board one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic train rides — the slow and soulful journey from Kandy to Ella. Watch as the landscape shifts from misty highlands and tea-covered slopes to cloud forests and cascading valleys. On arrival in Ella, you’ll continue by road to your base for the next two nights: Anasa Wellness, a serene hilltop retreat tucked away in the cloud-kissed forests above Bandarawela. Set among tea estates and jungle canopy, Anasa blends minimalist design with natural textures — think polished concrete, local stone, and warm timber. Rooms feature large windows and private terraces that open onto sweeping mountain views, and the spa and pool make it easy to switch into rest-and-recharge mode. This evening, you can choose to dine a la carte at the retreat’s restaurant, where nourishing Sri Lankan flavours meet clean, seasonal ingredients, many sourced from the surrounding gardens. Settle in and breathe deep — this is your time to unwind.

Enjoy a slow morning at Anasa Wellness, your serene boutique retreat nestled in the hills. Begin your day with an optional rejuvenating yoga session, followed by a nourishing breakfast. Take a dip in the pool with views of misty mountains, unwind at the spa, or simply relax on your balcony surrounded by birdsong and forest. The hotel’s focus on wellbeing and quiet luxury makes it a perfect base to reset before heading back out to explore. In the afternoon, you’ll transfer to the charming highland town of Ella, known for its lush scenery and laid-back vibe. First, stop at the Nine Arch Bridge, an iconic feat of colonial-era railway architecture, where you might catch a train chugging its way through the arches — a picture-perfect moment. Then it’s on to Little Adam’s Peak, one of the region’s most popular short hikes. The trail begins just outside Ella town and is clearly marked, with a gradual incline through tea plantations and small villages. It typically takes about 45–60 minutes to reach the summit, which sits at around 1,100 m above sea level. The effort is well worth it: at the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over Ella Gap, surrounding mountains, and the far-reaching southern plains — especially striking at sunset, when the sky turns gold and pink. After your descent, enjoy a free evening in Ella, with time to explore the town’s vibrant café scene or try one of the local restaurants for dinner. Later, you’ll return to Anasa for a restful night.

After breakfast, journey from the highlands to the southeastern plains of Yala National Park. Your base for the night is Ceylon Wild Safaris — an exclusive tented camp tucked inside a private jungle corridor bordering Yala National Park. With just six stylish canvas suites, each featuring plunge pools, outdoor showers, and private verandas, the camp blends wild seclusion with refined touches and warm, personalised service. This afternoon, set out on a private jeep safari in Yala Block 5, known for its lower visitor numbers and rewarding wildlife sightings. Accompanied by a skilled naturalist guide, you’ll explore the area’s diverse habitats in search of elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, exotic birds — and, with luck, the elusive leopard. Return to camp at dusk for a relaxed evening under the stars. A surprise awaits — a special way to round off your day in the wild. Let the night sounds of the jungle lull you to sleep in your safari tent.

Rise early for a final bush walk with your naturalist guide — a quiet, intimate way to explore Yala’s wilderness on foot, spotting animal tracks, birds, and learning how to read the land. After breakfast, begin your journey south to the coast. En route, enjoy an authentic Sri Lanka buffet before stopping at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, stop at the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe, a government-run conservation centre that rehabilitates orphaned elephant calves and prepares them for life back in the wild. Unlike many elephant attractions in Sri Lanka, this centre prioritises ethical care — there’s no touching or performances. You will observe the young elephants during their scheduled feeding (usually around 2:30 pm), keeping human contact to a minimum to ensure a smooth reintegration into their natural habitat. Next, make a short detour to Mulkirigala Rock Temple, an often-overlooked gem steeped in history and spiritual depth. Climb a series of stone staircases to reach hidden cave shrines, centuries-old frescoes, and large reclining Buddha statues. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over the surrounding jungle and southern plains — a serene moment before heading to the coast. Arrive at Ananya Beach Hotel in the late afternoon, your base for the next three nights. This serene hideaway sits on a quiet beach near Tangalle and offers the perfect mix of barefoot comfort and modern style. The evening is free to unwind — swim in the pool, stroll along the shore, or relax as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean.

After days of exploration, today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. With no activities scheduled until late afternoon, you’ve earned this chance to slow down and soak up the coastal calm. Lounge by the pool, take a stroll along the quiet beach, or simply relax in the comfort of Ananya Beach Resort — your boutique hideaway that balances barefoot comfort with warm Sri Lankan hospitality. As the day mellows, slip into a kayak and paddle out onto the calm waters of a nearby lagoon. Guided by a local paddler, glide silently through golden reflections and tangled mangroves. Watch for flashes of color as kingfishers dart by, spot monkeys foraging along the banks, and soak in the quiet magic of dusk settling over the water. It’s a serene and intimate way to wind down a day spent by the sea.

Start your day with an energizing surf lesson at the beautiful and quiet Kudawella Bay. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, the calm, consistent waves here provide the perfect playground — your expert instructor will tailor the session just for you. After catching some waves, unwind with a leisurely beachside lunch and enjoy some downtime by the pool or treat yourself to a soothing massage at the hotel spa. As the sun begins to dip, roll out your mat for a sunset yoga session. It’s the perfect way to stretch out and reconnect with body and breath, framed by the sound of waves and the soft hues of golden hour. Finally, gather for a special farewell dinner under the stars (weather permitting) at Ananya Beach Resort — a delicious way to toast the end of your unforgettable Sri Lankan adventure.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before a sigle private group transfer, usually scheduled in the morning, takes you directly to the airport for your onward journey, carrying memories of an incredible trip.