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Two Weeks in Sri Lanka with Ampersand Travel
Our Senior Consultant Emily recently returned from an incredible couple of weeks researching new and existing client experiences in Sri Lanka. From exploring ancient cities and temples across the length and breadth of the country to an elephant safari, hiking up Sigiriya Rock and beach hopping between Tangalle and Bentota, this truly was the trip of a lifetime. Find out more about her itinerary and travel highlights below.
Day 1 & 2: Colombo - stay at Uga Residence (2 nights)
Arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s former capital, to enjoy a relaxing evening at the beautiful Uga Residence - a 180-year-old mansion converted into a trendy boutique hotel before getting up early the next day for a guided tour of Colombo.
Despite being the country’s commercial capital, the city has a thriving art scene, great shops and restaurants, and the beautiful home of Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s most acclaimed architect, which is well worth a visit.
Day 3 & 4: Sigiriya - stay at Maia (2 nights)
Car transfer to Sigiriya (3hrs) for a sunset hike to the top of the famous Rock Fortress, a 370m high rock citadel and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The panoramic views across the Sri Lankan countryside were worth the 30-minute hike!
The next day began with a visit to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital from the 11-13th centuries, followed by a wildlife jeep drive in Minneriya National Park to see the elephants, as well as buffalo, spotted deer, monkeys and lots of exotic birds.
Day 5: Kandy - stay at Kandy House (1 night)
Day 5 started with a 2-hour drive to Kandy via Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka’s greatest cave complex which is covered with frescoes of religious and secular scenes and beautiful geometric designs in orange and gold.
They arrived in Kandy in time for a half-day tour of the city - which is set around a beautiful lake and surrounded by mountains - followed by an evening visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth to see the nightly blessing ceremonies. This is Sri Lanka’s most significant shrine as it is said to contain one of the Buddah’s teeth.
Day 6 & 7: Ella - stay at Nine Skies (2 nights)
Day 6 started with a beautiful drive through the Hill Country to Ella (4hrs) in time for an afternoon trip to Little Adam’s Peak.
The next morning, they visited Haputale and Lipton’s Seat lookout, which is one of the country’s most impressive viewpoints offering stunning panoramic views across the green hills and tea estates.
Day 8 & 9: Tangalle - stay at Amanwella (2 nights)
On day 8, Emily visited the Nine Arch Bridge in Demodora before driving to Tangalle, a small fishing village on the southernmost part of the island, for two days of complete relaxation at Amanwella, one of Ampersand’s Top 10 Beach Hotels and Top 10 Aman Resorts in Asia. It also has one of our Top 10 Swimming Pools!
Day 10 & 11: Galle - stay at Amangalla (2 nights)
After breakfast, they made the short drive (1hr) to Galle in time for an afternoon guided tour of Galle Fort, the old part of the city and another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The next day, they spent the morning enjoying a cycling tour of rural Galle, followed by a free afternoon in Galle to explore the shops, galleries and narrow streets, before a spoiling dinner at Fort Bazaar.
Day 12 & 13: Bentota - stay at The Muse (2 nights)
The next day they headed 2 hours north up the coast to Bentota, for another two days of beach bliss, staying at The Muse, one of Taru Villas most luxury beach villas.
Day 14: Colombo - stay at The Wallawwa (1 night)
For their last full day, they drove back to Colombo (2 hrs) in time for lunch at Gallery Café and a relaxing afternoon at The Wallawwa before our flight home the following morning. All in all, this was a fantastic mix of culture, history, exploring, beach and relaxation… what Sri Lanka is the undisputed best at delivering.
If you'd like to find out more about Emily's trip and how to plan your own luxury holiday to Sri Lanka, please get in touch with her at emily@ampersandtravel.com or give us a call on +44(0) 207 81 99 770.
