Sri Lanka eco lodges tour

Arrive at Colombo International Airport, where your private driver will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Negombo, an ideal first stop to ease into your Sri Lanka travel experience.

After check-in, unwind with a 30-minute Ayurvedic head and shoulder massage. Gentle pressure, soothing herbal oils, and the soft sounds of nature help restore your energy, leaving you relaxed, balanced, and ready to begin your journey refreshed.

Set out by tuk tuk from Amarella Lodge through the coconut triangle, discovering authentic rural life along the way. Visit a traditional oil mill and a coconut fibre workshop, meet local craftsmen, and try your hand at pottery before ending at a serene Buddhist temple adorned with frescoes.

In the afternoon, explore the UNESCO-listed site of Anuradhapura by bicycle with an English-speaking specialist guide. Ride between ancient monasteries and towering stupas, visiting Ruwanwelisaya, the ruins of the Copper Palace, and the sacred Bodhi tree, the oldest recorded tree in Asia.

Rise early to climb Lion’s Rock at Sigiriya, one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka and a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the vivid frescoes and the remains of the royal fortress as the morning light reveals sweeping views across jungle and rice paddies from the summit.

After your descent, visit the on-site museum to see detailed 3D reconstructions that bring King Kassapa’s palace complex vividly back to life.

Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple, a sacred complex dating to the 1st century BC. Within its five shrine caves, discover vivid Buddhist murals and serene statues that create one of Sri Lanka’s most atmospheric spiritual sites.

Continue to Kandy to visit the revered Temple of the Tooth, where daily pilgrims arrive bearing lotus and frangipani blossoms.

Explore the adjoining palace of the last King of Ceylon within this UNESCO World Heritage city, and, if possible, attend a puja ceremony for an intimate cultural experience that enriches your tailor made journey.

Meet your local host at Gadaladeniya Temple for a meaningful and personalized Sri Lanka trip experience. Dressed in respectful, comfortable attire, set out on a guided walk that weaves together temple history, village life, and the delicate art of ancient Ola leaf manuscripts. Take part in hands-on workshops led by local artisans, gaining insight into skills passed down through generations.

Later, share a communal lunch in a village home. Harvest fresh vegetables from the garden and cook alongside the family, enjoying genuine conversation and a deeper understanding of Kandy’s living traditions and crafts.

A vibrant chapter of your Sri Lanka itinerary unfolds in Kandy, the island’s spiritual capital. Climb to Bahirawakanda Vihara for sweeping city views, wander through the lively Kandy market among fruit and spice stalls, and visit Ambuluwawa Tower for panoramic hilltop scenery. End the day with a traditional Kandyan dance performance, including the famed fire walk.

Around noon, arrive at Nanu Oya station for a scenic local train ride through emerald tea terraces and misty highlands. The slow journey offers unforgettable views and authentic glimpses of plantation life before you settle into a charming ecolodge that reflects the character of the region.

Meet at Bandarawela station and set off by private tuk tuk to Lipton’s Seat, the scenic promontory where Sir Thomas Lipton once admired his tea estates.

Along the way, pause for a short walk to a dramatic viewpoint overlooking emerald plantations, pass through a tea pluckers’ village, and learn about the traditions of Ceylon tea production.

At the summit, take in sweeping highland views while enjoying a freshly brewed cup of tea and a simple picnic in this historic setting.

Enjoy a free day in Ella, where adventure and scenery come together. Hike Little Adam’s Peak for sweeping views over Ella Valley and, on clear days, the distant ocean.

For a greater challenge, climb Ella Rock along the railway line for dramatic panoramas. Visit Dowa Temple to see the unfinished granite Buddha, walk across the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, and watch trains navigate the spiral loop at Demodara Station. Cool off at Ravana Waterfalls and explore the nearby caves.

Later, continue to Udawalawe National Park for a guided safari of about three hours. Around the reservoir, elephants, deer, and abundant birdlife gather, offering excellent wildlife viewing and photography as your local naturalist explains how the water source sustains the park’s ecosystem.

Arrive in Galle and settle into this historic coastal town where colonial charm meets the Indian Ocean. Later, set out with a local guide to cycle through rice paddies and quiet coastal backroads surrounding the city. Discover village life, hidden temples, and everyday scenes far from the main streets.

Pause along the way to refresh with a Thambili, the king coconut, a naturally hydrating drink enjoyed by locals, before returning to Galle to relax by the sea.

Discover the charm of Galle Fort as you stroll along its UNESCO-listed ramparts at sunset and wander through atmospheric colonial streets lined with boutiques and cafés. Unwind with a restorative Ayurvedic massage at Sanctuary Spa in nearby Unawatuna, or visit the Handunugoda Tea Factory to sample organic teas and learn about traditional production methods.

Explore Sri Lanka’s fragrant spice heritage at a cinnamon plantation, where you will see age-old techniques in action. For a nature-focused experience, glide along the Mahamodara River in search of birds, monkeys, and riverside village life, or cycle through emerald rice fields with a local guide, pausing to refresh with a Thambili, the king coconut.

Conclude your journey in Galle with a relaxed morning exploring the historic Fort. Stroll along the sea-facing ramparts, browse boutique shops, and linger in charming cafés overlooking the ocean.

With tailor-made suggestions, enjoy a final breakfast featuring local flavors and artisan touches at your own pace.

Later, transfer comfortably to the airport, carrying with you the memories of your time in Sri Lanka.