Sri Lanka12 days
Sri Lanka: Coastal and Hill Retreats — 12 Days
Slow-paced journey through Kotugoda, the central highlands, and Tangalle's beaches with stays at independent properties
This 12-day journey moves across three distinct regions of Sri Lanka without pressure or rapid transit. The route begins in Kotugoda's colonial-era estate, moves into the central highlands via waterfalls and mountain passes, then descends to the southern coast for an extended beach stay. Accommodation is at independent properties — The Walawwa manor house, The Capoe House cliff retreat, and Anantara Peace Haven resort — each selected for their setting and facilities rather than brand identity. Days balance structured activities (train journeys, wetland boat safaris, turtle-watching excursions, waterfall visits, and Lipton's Seat viewpoint) with unscheduled time at each base. The itinerary includes private transport, an English-speaking driver-guide throughout, meals at the hotels, and entrance fees to sites mentioned in the day-by-day plan.
Highlights
- Stay at The Walawwa in Kotugoda, an 18th-century manor house set in tropical gardens
- Boat safari in the Muthurajawela Wetlands near Negombo
- Waterfall visits: Bopath Ella and Bambarakanda Falls en route to the highlands
- The Capoe House, a cliff-top property overlooking the Haputale mountain range
- Lipton's Seat panoramic viewpoint and the scenic railway line between Haputale and Ella
- Nine Arches Bridge, a colonial-era stone structure on the railway
- Turtle-watching at Rekawa in Tangalle
- Anantara Peace Haven resort with spa facilities and beach access in Tangalle
- Rainforest walks, pilgrimage sites, and fishing port visits from the southern coast base
Day by day
1Arrival at The Walawwa, KotugodaThe Walawwa, Kotugoda
Arrival is met with welcome assistance and transfer to The Walawwa in Kotugoda. The property, built in the 18th century, occupies expansive tropical gardens and functions as a guest house. Check-in occurs here, with overnight accommodation in a double room.
2Leisure at The WalawwaThe Walawwa
A full day at The Walawwa allows use of the hotel's facilities — the jungle oasis pool, spa treatments, and dining. No structured excursions are scheduled.
3Negombo and Muthurajawela Wetlands from KotugodaNegombo · Muthurajawela Wetlands · The Walawwa
Afternoon departure for a city tour of Negombo, followed by a boat safari into the Muthurajawela Wetlands. Return to The Walawwa for the night.
4Journey to Kalupahana: Waterfalls and Mountain ViewsBopath Ella · Bambarakanda Falls · The Capoe House
Departure from Kotugoda toward the central highlands. The route includes stops at Bopath Ella and Bambarakanda Falls. Bambarakanda is among the island's tallest single-drop waterfalls. Arrival at The Capoe House in Kalupahana, situated on a cliff edge overlooking the Haputale mountain range. Overnight stay.
5Mountain Base Day at The Capoe HouseThe Capoe House
A day of leisure at The Capoe House, with optional activities including mountain hikes and waterfall visits in the surrounding area. The property sits at elevation in the central highlands; arrangement of specific walks or visits is offered through the hotel.
6Lipton's Seat and Scenic Railway JourneyLipton's Seat · Nine Arches Bridge · The Capoe House · Haputale to Ella or Badulla
Departure to Lipton's Seat for panoramic views of the tea estates and surrounding plateau. Afterward, a scenic train journey from Haputale travels through mountain terrain to Ella or Badulla, passing the Nine Arches Bridge, a colonial-era stone railway bridge. Return to The Capoe House.
7Leisure in KalupahanaThe Capoe House
Spend another day at The Capoe House, enjoying the tranquil ambiance and luxurious amenities of the highland property.
8Journey to Tangalle and Anantara Peace HavenAnantara Peace Haven resort · Kalupahana to Tangalle
Departure from Kalupahana southward to Tangalle, a coastal town on the southern shore. Check-in at Anantara Peace Haven resort, situated on the beach. Overnight stay begins a four-night stay at this location.
9Turtle-Watching and Beach Time in TangalleTangalle's beaches · Rekawa · Anantara Peace Haven
Day spent on Tangalle's beaches. In the evening, transfer to Rekawa for turtle-watching — the site is a nesting ground for loggerhead, olive ridley, and green sea turtles. Return to Anantara Peace Haven.
10Tangalle: Water Sports, Rainforest, and Spalocal rainforests · pilgrimage sites · fishing villages · Anantara Spa · Anantara Peace Haven resort
A day of choice: water sports and beach activities, or guided visits to local rainforests, pilgrimage sites, and fishing villages. Alternatively, time spent at the hotel using the pool, beach access, and facilities. The itinerary includes Ayurvedic spa treatments at the Anantara Spa. Overnight at the resort.
11Leisure in TangalleTangalle · Anantara Peace Haven
Final full day in Tangalle, with the option of water sports, beach time, or hotel-based relaxation. Overnight at Anantara Peace Haven.
12Departure from TangalleBandaranayake International Airport
Transfer to Bandaranayake International Airport for your departure, taking with you memories of Sri Lanka's tranquil landscapes and elegant hospitality.
Where you go
- 1Negombo
- 2Lipton's Seat
- 3Nine Arches Bridge
- 4Tangalle
Included
- Welcome and assistance at the airport
- Welcome bags on arrival and Gift at the departure
- Accommodation in a double room sharing basis
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Service of an English-speaking chauffeur guide (Included their accommodation and meals)
- Check-in is from noon and checkout is before noon.
- Private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle including all transfers and excursions suggested in your travel plan
- Vehicle insurance covering passengers
- Entrance fees /tickets to monuments, sites & visits suggested in your given travel plan
- All the services proposed in your travel plan
- All the government taxes applicable to date
- Best possible option /decision in the event of unexpected breakdowns or an emergency
- 24/07 emergency contact
Not included
- Domestic and international flights
- Single room supplement (price per single person travelling individually)
- Airport taxes
- Visas fees
- Travel /medical insurances
- Lunches that are not in your travel plan
- Beverages
- Tips & porter charges
- Personal expenses
- Services not proposed in your travel plan
- Other mode of transport not mentioned in the travel plan