The south encapsulates all that is traditional about Sri Lanka. Its sun baked coastline stretches from the Dutch colonial city of Galle in the west to the national parks in the east and scattered in between, sheltered beneath palms are a thousand sleepy villages and a string of temples and giant Buddhas. Picture perfect beaches include Unawatuna set snugly in a pretty bay, Tangalle where you can witness first hand the life cycle of the turtle and Koggala where fishermen perch on stilts while bringing in the catch of the day. Reaching out from the coastline are the placid lagoons and the wetlands of Bundala, home to crocodile, monkey and spectacular birdlife that will satisfy any wildlife enthusiast.
Recommended accommodation
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Amangalla
The charming Amangalla lies within the walls of the Fort at Galle, historically a significant trading port for Chinese, Persian, Arab and Indian traders, and today a protected UNESCO site.
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Amanwella
Set on the edge of the village of Tangalle, in southern Sri Lanka, in a mature coconut grove overlooking a cresecent shaped bay, Amanwalla’s name literally translates to ‘peaceful beach’.
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The Dutch House
Winner of numerous awards and voted one of the top 20 hip hotels in the world, The Dutch House is an exclusive 18th century country house with a hillside location that ensures privacy.
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Private Villas
For the elite touch, a fantastic collection of private villas are available in Sri Lanka for exclusive hire. Complete with staff, pools and tasteful furnishings they are perfect for family groups and friends.
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The Sun House
Built in the hills five minutes away from historic Galle town by a Scottish spice merchant, this 19th British owned hotel was voted in the Top 21 Hotels for the 21st Century by Conde Nast
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The Fort Printers
Steeped in history, this elegant, 18th Century villa, dressed in opulent silks and crisp white linens provides a luxurious yet intimate base from which to explore Galle and its surroundings.
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The Fortress
Based on one of Sri Lanka’s finest coastal locations near Koggala Lake, close to the ancient city of Galle, The Fortress seamlessly blends designer luxury with ancient, colonial style
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Kahanda Kanda
Kahanda Kanda is a fabulous boutique hotel offering the luxuries of a private villa with the service of a five star hotel, near Galle.
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Aditya
Aditya is designed and run to minimize impact on the environment while maintaining the highest standards of comfort and quality.
Sample itinerary
DAYS 1 – 3 Cultural Triangle
After spending the first night on a working estate, drive from Kandanagedara to the Cultural Triangle via Pinnawela, visting Sigirya, Polonnaruwa & Anuradhapura
DAY 4 Kandy
Transfer to Kandy via Dambulla Cave temples & the Spice Gardens.
DAYS 5 – 6 Hill Country
After a city tour of Kandy, drive to Hatton & enjoy two days in the Hill Country, visiting tea estates & relaxing in old colonial luxury
DAYS 7 – 8 Yala
Drive from Hatton to Yala for a two day safari, one can expect to see elephant & leopard among other wildlife
DAYS 9 – 11 South Coast
Transfer to the south coast visiting the turtle beach at Tangalle, Galle Fort, temples, gardens & local villages
DAYS 12 – 14 West Coast Beaches
Unwind on the beach in Bentota before travelling back to Colombo for some shopping prior to departure
Please call us for a bespoke itinerary and quotation
