Affordable luxury: Sri Lanka grand tour

On arrival at the Bandaranayke International Airport, you will get your first taste of warm Sri Lankan hospitality; a representative from Exemplary Voyages will welcome you at the airport and you will proceed to Sigiriya.

Optional: Visit Anuradhapura Ancient city ruins en route. Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka's ancient capital during the 5th century B.C. and, still is the center of the island's Buddhist civilization.The island's oldest Buddhist shrines - some dating back to the 3rd century BC are found here. Impressive white 'dagabas' (relic chambers) and monuments, embellished with handsome stone carvings and sculpture, the oldest documented tree on earth - The Sri Maha Bodhi (over 2000 years old), pleasure gardens, beautifully executed stone baths and ponds, a superb irrigation system of reservoirs and canals are the attractions of Anuradhapura

Check-in at the lovely nature resort situated near a UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel. The restaurant is located overlooking the main pool with spectacular mountain views.

In the morning, proceed to Polonnaruwa Ancient city for sightseeing with your guide. Polonnaruwa King Parakramabahu’s reign was considered the golden age of Polonnaruwa, when trade and agriculture flourished under the patronage of the King. Complimentary biscuits and ginger beer inside the vehicle during touring.

After the tour, proceed to Minneriya National Park for an afternoon Jeep safari. Spot wild elephants and other animals.

Wake up as the sun rises to the sweet chorus of the birds and breathtaking views of the mountains. After a filling breakfast at the resort, proceed to visit one of the Wonders of Sri Lanka. the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The rock is to Sri Lankans what the Taj Mahal is to India – a symbol and architectural marvel, a sight you simply can’t miss if you’re in the country.

Sigiriya is a fortress complex of a ruined palace and one of the World Heritage sites declared by UNESCO. The “Fortress in the Sky” is undoubtedly one of the most treasured historical monuments in Sri Lanka and probably the most visited tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. The most looked forward features of the fortress are the frescoes of maidens which are intact for over 1,600 years and the remains of the Palace on the summit. Out of 1200, every step depicts a historical flashback hidden behind the core of this giant rock and the interesting surroundings make the tedious climb to the top relatively easy.

After an adventurous climb and back, you will be offered some refreshing natural electrolytes – King Coconut water or like the locals call it “Thambili”.

Afterward, head on to the Royal city of Kandy and check-in to your luxurious stay at King’s Pavilion. Perfectly placed in the cozy confines of the misty mountains and verdant forestlands, Kings Pavilion Kandy transports you back to an era of bliss; a time when great kings ruled the central highlands of Sri Lanka! Bringing you a profound sense of peace with its luxurious offerings, our Kandy hotel, lets you slip into a sense of serenity and lets you enjoy the retreat that you have been longing for all along!

After a filling breakfast, engage in a panoramic tour of the royal city of Kandy and pay homage to the most sacred place in the country – the Temple of Tooth Relic.

Experience a pooja ceremony to experience the Buddhist culture and see local people worship on the pure grounds. You may consider buying a few lotus flowers before you enter the temple in order to make an offer. Feel free to speak with your guide and make arrangements to participate in the lighting ceremony.

Optional: After visiting the Temple, you can opt to visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden if time permits.

Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya is 147 acres and was cultivated in 1374 A.D. as a pleasure garden for the Kings of Kandy. There are more than 5000 species of trees and plants, some rare and endemic. Flora from the tropical World Spice Garden and Orchid House are popular with tourists.

After a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel, make your way to a lesser-known sanctuary of serenity – Wellawaya. Pass through a tea plantation along the way; if you’re lucky you will be able to see tea pickers from your car. (*It may be possible to visit a working tea factory if restrictions are lifted by the government.)

Sri Lanka, tea, and tourism are words that cannot be separated. If we are able, we'll take a tour into a tea factory processing the prestigious brand of Ceylon Tea, to observe a rich tradition kept alive up to date. As some of the methodology and machinery are over a century old, this tea-making itself is part of the world’s living heritage.

Complimentary biscuits and ginger beer inside the vehicle during touring.

Optional: High Tea at St. Andrew’s Hotel (Direct payment).

Check-in to your resort located in a piece of paradise. Located at the foothills of our central highlands, Wellawaya is a forgotten gateway at the edge of the historic Uva Province. The journey to Wellawaya takes you through provincial greenery and magnificent mountain ranges to the traditional farmlands of our homeland.

Nestled in the midst of lush paddy fields and rolling hills, Jetwing Kaduruketha has been designed to resemble a traditional village surrounded by rural Sri Lankan landscapes. Our secluded location in Wellawaya is conveniently connected to major island hotspots, yet remains comfortably isolated in the tranquility of our home of Sri Lankan hospitality.

Get ready for another active day. After a delicious breakfast, head out for a walk around the paddy trails of the Kaduruketha with the resident naturalist. Then visit the organic gardens of the resort to pick your own vegetables for a cooking demonstration with the head chef, followed up with a well-deserved authentic Sri Lankan lunch which you helped prepare.

The villages surrounding Jetwing Kaduruketha are home to thriving vegetable farms maintained by the local farming families. Take a basket and stroll through these verdant farms to know more about local vegetables and fruits and collect your own produce fresh off the trees. Dig deep into the island nation’s complex culinary traditions and learn how to cook like a local as our Chef takes you through the secrets of preparing local favorites.

In the afternoon trek to visit ElleWala Waterfall through the jungle (only if restrictions are lifted by the government during the time of booking). This secluded waterfall lies hidden inside the jungle about 5 kilometers from the town and can be accessed by bicycles.

After breakfast with a view, check-out of the hotel and make your way to Tangalle. En-route visit the Elephant Transit Home.

The Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home is run by the ‘Born Free Foundation’. The home is located about 5km from the Udawalawe National Park and cares for elephants in need, intending to act as a halfway home, so that the elephants can be released back into the wild. We highly recommend you visit this organization!

Afterward, proceed to Tangalle and check-in at your hotel. Hidden in the heart of a nature sanctuary is Buckingham Place, a unique, intimate beachside property that re-imagines the idea of tropical paradise. Sixteen spacious bedrooms and suites are scattered across the lush grounds, where nature meets structure in perfect harmony. An oceanfront restaurant and mezzanine lounge are complemented with two swimming pools and many other extras designed to spoil you from the inside out.

Have a filling breakfast at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure by the infinity pool or by the beach.

Optional Jeep Safari in Yala National Park or visit Rekawa Turtle Conservation project.

Yala National Park, situated in the southern province showcases a vast variety of indigenous animals and is best known for large herds of roaming elephants and the ever-elusive leopard. The park's dry thorn scrub, scattered with small dusty glades, is a perfect experience for an adventurous safari.

The Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project is a marine turtle conservation site that aims at protecting the sea turtles that visit the coastline. As Sri Lanka’s beaches attract 5 out of the 7 endangered turtle species, it is imperative to safeguard the nesting sites and aid in the conservation of the species. The best time to visit the conservation center is year-round; however, if you’re keen on watching a turtle lay her eggs, the ideal season is between April to July where 5 to 15 turtles visit the shores each night.

Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel, afterward enjoy a swim in the lovely infinity pool or engage in optional activities.

Optional: Whale Watching Expedition by Private Catamaran. Private guided ocean safari to observe sightings of blue and sperm whales with a learned naturalist. Enjoy breakfast on board while anchored. Snorkel and swim as well.

After breakfast, visit the UNESCO world heritage city of Galle, including its historic Dutch Fort.

Galle is the prime example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and Southeast Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions. The Galle Fort is a world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers. Other prominent landmarks in Galle include the Natural Harbor, the National Maritime Museum, St. Mary’s Cathedral founded by Jesuit priests, and the Clock Tower.

Visit Sri Lanka’s most prestigious and colonial building inside the fort, The Amangalla, for lunch/dinner. Afterward, proceed to the airport to connect with your departure flight.

Optional: Enjoy a lovely romantic Lunch/dinner under the night sky alongside Amangalla’s pool, with a personalized menu, twinkling lights cascading from the trees, and a local flutist or fire dancer providing entertainment if having dinner.

* We recommend you check-out from the hotel early enough to allow you to reach the airport three hours prior to your departure flight.

* Please discuss the exact time of departure with your chauffeur, who will be happy to advise you based on your flight timing.