Sri Lanka’s Ancient History & Wildlife Wonders

17 days from £12,430 for 2024 per person

• Negombo
• Dambulla
• Kandy
• Gal Oya National Park
• Kumana National Park
• Yala National Park
• Galle
• Colombo

For such a small island, Sri Lanka is bursting at the seams with history, heritage, culture and wildlife. From the ancient lost city of Anuradhapura to the ruined citadel of Sigiriya, one can experience the crucible of Sinhalese life from a bygone era at every turn. What’s more, Sri Lanka is home to some of the best wildlife and birdlife experiences in Asia.

Begin your journey in Sri Lanka’s beating heart of culture, traditionally referred to as The King’s Land, or today known as the Cultural Triangle. The once great and ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa serve as important reminders of the golden age of early Sinhalese civilisation. Anuradhapura was the island’s medieval capital from the 3rd century BC to 933 AD, and today the great ruined city is dotted with magnificent palaces, vast monasteries and monumental pagodas. Polonnaruwa was Sri Lanka’s second capital, and the ruins here are more compact, but no less absorbing. Sigiriya is the spectacular rock citadel and possibly one of Sri Lanka’s most extraordinary and mesmerising sights. Climb to the top for commanding views over the flat plains below for a chance to really get to grips with the scale of the historical site. In the southern heartlands, the sacred city of Kandy was the last royal capital of Sri Lanka, and is still home to the island’s most revered Buddhist relic, the Temple of the Tooth.

The second half of this itinerary will focus on Sri Lanka’s amazing wildlife and birding opportunities. Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity and untouched natural habitats have been protected and nurtured for generations. Both ancient and contemporary Sri Lankan rulers have made it a priority to preserve the land and its wildlife, where hundreds of species of mammals, reptiles and birds call the island home. Gal Oya, on the eastern reaches of the island, has rather a mythical air about it; it is home to forest-dwelling tribes and swimming elephants, and has always been relatively difficult to get to. However, once there, the most eco-luxe lodge awaits in the form of Gal Oya Lodge. Venture further east still to Kumana National Park, Yala's much less frequently visited neighbour. Whilst you camp out under the stars, it's not rare to spot a leopard or elephant. Kumana Mobile Tented Camp has the best guides and naturalists in the business, and the camp is comfortable and the food delicious - it’s the most special and unique wildlife experience on offer!

End your trip in Galle, the old colonial Dutch fort, which withstands the age of time. Small and buzzing with a friendly local atmosphere, one can spend the days walking the streets of the fort, or merely enjoying the sunshine in a cafe and watching the world go by. It is also the ideal spot to base yourself for whale watching. These gentle marine giants can be spotted off the coast of Mirissa from the beginning of November to the end of April, when the ocean is warm and calm.

This luxury holiday is purely a suggested itinerary; it can be booked as it is or used as a starting point for creating your very own tailor-made tour. If you are feeling inspired and would like to see similar trips, take a look at our collection of Sri Lanka itineraries.

My favourite thing is to go where I've never been.
Diane Arbus