Sri Lanka in ten days
Ten days through Sri Lanka: the journey begins at Colombo airport and leads first into the Cultural Triangle, where Sigiriya and the ancient royal cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa tell of a history thousands of years old. It continues into the hills near Kandy and on to the tea country around Hatton and Ella, before a safari in Yala National Park brings elephants and, with luck, leopards. On the south coast, the journey ends on palm-fringed beaches. An exclusive tour with a curated selection of hotels from the MOON Luxury Travel portfolio, with a private driver, shaped around your pace.
Our journey through Sri Lanka begins in the west of the island at Colombo airport and leads first into the Cultural Triangle. There you discover the ancient royal cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa and the Sigiriya rock, which rises high above the jungle. From there, the route heads south into the highlands, to the tea plantations around Hatton and on to Ella, and continues to Yala National Park, where you watch elephants and, with luck, leopards. Along the south coast, palm-fringed beaches and boutique beach hotels await, where the journey comes to a close.
My personal highlight was the tour with our driver. Along the route, he showed us local restaurants and stalls where we would never have stopped on our own.
Our suggested itinerary
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Day 1-3
Arriving in the Cultural Triangle
In the Cultural Triangle, in the north and centre of the island, temples and ruins tell of a history thousands of years old. In Anuradhapura, the ancient royal city, you visit temple complexes and great white stupas and see the sacred Bodhi tree, to which pilgrims travel from across the country. Polonnaruwa, the later capital, is best explored by bicycle or tuk-tuk, past palace ruins, temples and Buddha statues carved into the rock. At Sigiriya Rock, you climb the steps high above the jungle and are rewarded with a wide view across the land. If you wish, add the cave temples of Dambulla, with their murals and Buddha figures. Distances are short, so you can experience everything at an easy pace in two to three days, with a private driver and guide who accompany you whenever you like.
Hotel suggestion
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Day 4-5
Wellness in Kandy
After the temples and ruins of the Cultural Triangle, the journey continues into the hills near Kandy, where you spend two days at Santani Wellness Resort & Spa. The twenty minimalist chalets sit secluded on the hillside in Panwila, with views of mountains and valley. The three-storey spa is the largest in Sri Lanka, with hydrotherapy, Ayurvedic treatments, massages and a cedar sauna overlooking the jungle. The day begins with a yoga class and a guided morning walk, and in the evening, four- to five-course menus of regional ingredients await. In between, there is time for the infinity pool overlooking the valley, or for an excursion to the city of Kandy, about an hour away.
Hotel suggestion
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Day 5-7
Safari in Yala National Park
Further south, Yala National Park awaits. Elephants roam freely here, and Yala has one of the densest leopard populations in the world, so with some luck you may spot a leopard. Game drives take place in the early morning and late afternoon, when animals are active and the light is soft.
Hotel suggestions
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Day 7-10
Beaches in the Southwest
The journey ends by the sea. The south coast has beaches such as Mirissa and Unawatuna, lined with palm trees, with waves inviting walks and swims. The historic port town of Galle and its fort suit an afternoon among lanes, cafés and fortress walls. From November to April, boats leave Mirissa for whale watching, and further east near Tangalle lie quieter stretches where you often meet only a few other guests. In the southwest, around Hikkaduwa, you find beaches with reefs for snorkelling and rainforest inland.
Hotel suggestions
