- Days 1–3Colombo
- Days 3–6Cultural Triangle
- Days 6–8Kandy
- Days 8–10Tea Country
- Days 10–12Galle Fort
- Days 1–3Colombo
- Days 3–6Cultural Triangle
- Days 6–8Kandy
- Days 8–10Tea Country
- Days 10–12Galle Fort
A Cultural and Historical Exploration of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is home to hundreds of miles of palm–lined beaches, rolling hills of verdant tea plantations, millennia–old temples sat alongside faded colonial mansions, and ancient forests where herds of elephants roam. Uncover the island’s rich tapestry of history and diverse culture on this luxury 12 day tour.
Trip highlights
- Enjoy a historical walking tour of capital Colombo
- Explore the gardens around Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites Kandy, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa
- Spend time with renowned photographer Stephen Champion
- Discover Tea Country in Sri Lanka’s emerald hills
- Join a guided tour of Galle Fort led by an archaeologist
Our bespoke trips include
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1–3
A Sri Lankan introduction in Colombo
On the western coast of the island, Colombo is a sprawling city home to over five million people. It is traditionally centred around Fort, a business district with its roots as a fortified Portuguese trading post, and the green waters of Beira Lake, all facing out to sea.
You’ll be shown around the traditional colonial centre for a fascinating introduction to its historic quarters and grand 19th-century architecture, stopping for tea with a spectacular view overlooking the harbour before heading towards the bustling Pettah markets.
Where you could stay
Days 3–6
Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle
Head back to the Sinhalese past in the Cultural Triangle, a vast swathe of ancient monuments, sacred temples and countless archaeological remains, it’s corners marked by Kandy, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the three great Sinhalese capitals.
During your visit you will discover Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, built around and on top of a huge column of rock in the 5th century by King Kasyapa. Here, you can explore the gardens and archaeological remains below before scaling the 1200 steps to the top for an amazing view. You will also spend time at the Ritigala ruins, a monastery in the jungles of the region’s highest mountain.
Make it mine
Anuradhapura
Polonnaruwa
A privately guided cycling tour of Anuradhapura
Dating back to the fourth century BC, Anuradhapura was the spiritual and secular capital of the island for well over a millennium. Many of the city’s monasteries and colossal dagobas can still be seen today.
This privately guided cycling tour takes you through a dozen sites, such as the three largest man made stupas in Sri Lanka, the Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig said to be the southern branch from the tree under which Buddha was enlightened. You will bike along flat terrain and can make stops along the way for pictures and to enjoy the scenery.
Walk, bike or drive around the ancient city of Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa is the second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms. Today the ancient city remains one of the best planned archaeological sites in the country, standing testimony to the kingdom’s first rulers. Your visit starts with the Kings Palace and Baths. Visit three different tooth relic temples and proceed to the stupas. Your visit ends on the western side of the complex, home to one of the most astonishing Buddha rock carvings in Sri Lanka.
Days 6–8
Stay in Sri Lanka’s culture capital
A world of ancient kings, ornate temples, lush gardens and vibrant traditions, Kandy is the second largest city in Sri Lanka and its cultural capital. Nestled in the midst of hills and surrounded by tropical paddy fields and tea plantations, the town is the home of the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), the country’s most important religious shrine. Browse the bustling market places with bright, fresh produce, local delicacies and fragrant spices, or spend the day exploring the opulent temples and learning about the city’s rich history.
Where you could stay
Make it mine
Tooth of the Buddha
Tea and stories
Tour the Temple of the Tooth
Sri Dalada Maligawa, or the Temple of the Tooth, houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics, it being believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Monks of the two chapters of Malwatte and Asgiriya conduct daily worship in the inner chamber of the temple. Rituals are performed three times daily, at dawn, at noon and in the evenings.
Spend a morning or afternoon with renowned photographer Stephen Champion
Re-live some of Sri Lanka’s recent history through Stephen’s books and prints. They depict everything from traditional village culture to everyday modern scenes and observations throughout the 26 year old civil war which ended in 2009. His iconic photography has received much local and international attention during the last 30 years.
Days 8–10
A taste of the tea plantations
Relax among the emerald hills of Tea Country and learn about how this humble crop has shaped the landscape and country since its introduction – the first tea plantations were established in Kandy in the 1860s and now most of the scenic central region’s elevated slopes are covered in contoured rows of painstakingly maintained plants.
You’ll see the hills dotted with women quickly but meticulously harvesting leaves by hand, baskets slung across their backs, and enjoy a guided tour of the Dunkeld Tea Factory, a quintessential tea experience for those visiting Sri Lanka. During your visit you will also visit Warleigh Church, a gift from Englishman William Scot in 1878 to the Wanarajah Estate near the hamlet of Dickoya. Built like a typical British church, the church’s original bible is still kept at the alter.
Where you could stay
Days 10–12
History and heritage in Galle
Spend your days soaking up the unique atmosphere of Galle, a stunning town at the southern edge of Sri Lanka with fascinating colonial history evident at every turn through its eclectic assemblage of architecture. A Portuguese, Dutch then British trading port, its walls and everything they encompass are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with beautiful Dutch fusion architecture, a commanding Victorian lighthouse, grand churches and mosques, all in a sultry tropical setting.
You will spend an afternoon discovering the historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument that is the Galle Fort with a Researcher and Building Archaeologist.
Our Sri Lanka trip was amazing. We added Sri Lanka to our already planned Maldives vacation and engaged Jacada to design our trip. Rosanna understood our goals and expectations right off the bat. She put together an itinerary that was perfect. We have engaged travel agents prior, and this was by far one of our best experiences. She is absolutely…
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
