Sri Lanka's Hidden Trails
This extraordinary adventure combines off the beaten track Sri Lanka with the island's main highlights which include wildlife, verdant rolling hills, tranquil beaches and important cultural sites. It is ideal for the adventurous traveler, who wants to spend their days searching for the illusive leopard, watching the sun rise on the top of Sigiriya and marveling at the ornate shrines at Trincomalee all the while staying in beautiful and unique properties.
Journey highlights
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Take in Sri Lanka from above as you enjoy a mangificent sunrise over the cultural triangle from a hot air balloon
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This itinerary really takes you off the beaten track, while still ensure you experience the staples of Sri Lanka - culture, adventure, wildlife and relaxation
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Wilpattu is one of the less commercial and crowded national parks so you will have a much more authentic experience
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Climbing up Sigiriya at dawn and watch as the sun rises over breath-taking views as far as the eye can see
- Extraordinary itinerary:Our Extraordinary Journeys offer unforgettable cutting-edge hotels, experiences and restaurants with a focus on design, fashion and innovation
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
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- D
From May to August the Yala monsoon brings rain to the island’s southwestern half. The southwest has the highest rainfall – up to 4000mm a year. There is also an inter-monsoonal period in October and November when rain can occur in many parts of the island. Colombo and the low-lying coastal regions have an average temperature of 27°C. The sea stays at around 27°C all year. Climatically speaking, the driest (and best) seasons in Sri Lanka are from December to March for the west and south coasts and May to September for the East.
Itinerary
Fly to Colombo
Colombo: A Gentle Arrival
When you arrive you’ll start the trip with a leisurely day and night at The Wallawwa. Located just outside of Colombo and near to the airport, it is a charming property that is perfectly designed to soothe and relax you into the vacation spirit.
Accommodation: The Wallawwa ( 1 night )
Wilpattu National Park: Where the Wild Roams
From here move northwest to explore the verdant jungle of Wilpattu, home to some of Sri Lanka’s most cherished and elusive animals. Try your luck spotting a leopard with the resident expert trackers and enjoy your wilderness camping experience at Leopard Trails Camp. After your days exploring the park, return to the camp where you can enjoy a well-deserved sun downer by the campfire before enjoying delicious local Sri Lankan dishes lovingly created by the in-house chef. Wilpattu opened to the public in 2010 and is a less commercial and crowded wildlife experience than other national parks in the country, giving a much truer safari experience.
Accommodation: Leopard Trails - Wilpattu National Park ( 2 nights )
Cultural Triangle: Sunrise Over Ancient Wonders
After exploring the jungle, it will then be time to get stuck into a few days of history and sightseeing in the Cultural Triangle. On your first morning its an early start as you take in your surroundings from above in a hot air balloon - watching the sun rise over the cultural triangle. With your guide you’ll be able to climb the magnificent Sigiriya rock fortress which astounds many with its ancient engineering on and around the cliff face and sweeping views from the summit. We suggest waking early and ascending at dawn so that when the sun does come up over the breath-taking countryside you will be ready to capture the stunning vistas. Vil Uyana will be your home for the two nights; nestled in a tranquil setting on the water’s edge it has a charming village feel throughout.
Accommodation: Vil Uyana ( 2 nights )
East Coast: Untouched Shores and Ocean Adventures
From the Cultural Triangle, head to the east coast for five nights on the beach near Trincomalee. This ancient town sits on one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbours and is often overlooked but we would encourage a visit, with plenty of interesting history to discover. The surrounding beaches still feel untouched and it is the perfect spot for a couple of days of relaxation or to indulge in some serious water sports. Jungle Beach is literally as the name suggests, it hugs the jungle and edges down to the beach making it a lovely setting for a long day of relaxing sipping on delicious cocktails or indeed setting of exploring Trincomalee which is only 30 minutes away. For those who crave a few more animal sightings then at certain times of the year you can set off out to sea to search for whales and dolphins – be sure to have your camera at the ready when they do emerge from the dark depths below as this really is a once in a lifetime experience.
Accommodation: Jungle Beach ( 5 nights )
Kotugoda: Farewell in Comfort
Given the distance between the east and west coasts (an eight-hour car transfer or a flight of just over an hour), we have included one final night for you back in the Wallawwa to finish the trip. Not only does this make it much more comfortable connecting to your international flight but gives you a great opportunity to visit one of the may beautiful boutiques in the city to pick up any last minute souvenirs that you are wishing to take home.
Accommodation: The Wallawwa ( 1 night )
Fly home from Colombo
Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning your holiday.
Price Guide: (Per person based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 2024 | $8,000 | $2,000 | plan your trip |
| January 2025 | $8,000 | $2,000 | plan your trip |
| February 2025 | $8,000 | $2,000 | plan your trip |
| March 2025 | $7,500 | $1,900 | plan your trip |
| April 2025 | $7,500 | $1,900 | plan your trip |
| May 2025 | $7,000 | $1,700 | plan your trip |
| June 2025 | $7,000 | $1,700 | plan your trip |
| July 2025 | $8,000 | $2,000 | plan your trip |
| August 2025 | $8,000 | $2,000 | plan your trip |
| September 2025 | $8,000 | $2,000 | plan your trip |
| October 2025 | $8,000 | $2,000 | plan your trip |
| November 2025 | $7,500 | $1,900 | plan your trip |
| December 2024 | $8,000 | $2,000 | plan your trip |
-
December 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$8,000
Deposit from*$2,000
-
January 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$8,000
Deposit from*$2,000
-
February 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$8,000
Deposit from*$2,000
-
March 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$7,500
Deposit from*$1,900
-
April 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$7,500
Deposit from*$1,900
-
May 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$7,000
Deposit from*$1,700
-
June 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$7,000
Deposit from*$1,700
-
July 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$8,000
Deposit from*$2,000
-
August 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$8,000
Deposit from*$2,000
-
September 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$8,000
Deposit from*$2,000
-
October 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$8,000
Deposit from*$2,000
-
November 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$7,500
Deposit from*$1,900
-
December 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$8,000
Deposit from*$2,000
- plan your trip