Explore the best of

Tea, Sea & Safari

in Sri Lanka

Tea, Sea & Safari in Sri Lanka

Your Tea, Sea & Safari journey combines epic wildlife sightings, fascinating cultural immersions and a picturesque journey along Sri Lanka’s pristine coastline.

Travel to the imposing Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the important pilgrimage site of the Temple of the Tooth. Track leopards in Yala National Park and marvel at the sheer number of elephants in Minneriya. Undertake an epicurian adventure as you discover Sri Lanka’s amazing cuisine and hike through green hilltops of cinnamon, tea and artisanal spice plantations. From the palm-fringed beaches of Weligama to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, and with ample opportunity for rest and relaxation, this itinerary provides you with a fantastic overview of Sri Lanka – an island that will leave you seriously impressed.

17 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS

DAY 1 | KOTUGODA | 1 NIGHT

Arrive in Colombo. Transfer to The Wallawwa and enjoy the remainder of today at leisure – an opportunity to enjoy this iconic property.

DAY 2 | ANURADHAPURA | 3 NIGHTS

Road transfer to Anuradhapura, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka (approx 4.5 hours). Your afternoon is at leisure to explore the sprawling 58-acre lush green garden & the historically significant, 150-year-old mansion at its centre.

DAY 3 | ANURADHAPURA

Take a tuk tuk ride through the ancient kingdom of UNESCO Anuradhapura today before experiencing an authentic ‘Kamatha’ meal – an epicurian adventure serving revered royal recipes in a pavillion in the centre of a rice paddy.

DAY 4 | ANURADHAPURA

This morning visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress where, as you climb, you can take time to enjoy the ancient frescoes in the caves in the cool of the morning. This afternoon visit Minneriya National Park home to the largest known wild Asian Elephant gathering, in one place, in the world!

DAY 5 | KANDY | 2 NIGHTS

Road transfer to Kandy (approx 2.5 – 3 hours). Enroute, stop to visit the Dambulla Cave Temples – a series of 80 caves containing many beautifully ornate Buddha statues & painted with intricate religious imagery. After lunch wander through a beautifully landscaped Sri Lankan Botanical Garden before checking in to Kandy House.

DAY 6 | KANDY

This morning enjoy a hosted Kandy Culinary Food Trail and a wander through Kandy town. Early in the evening head out to visit the Temple of the Tooth – a popular pilgrimage site where a relic of the Buddha’s tooth is housed and witness the nightly Thevava Pooja ceremony.

DAY 7 | HATTON | 2 NIGHTS

This morning you willl be delivered to Peradeniya Railway Station to board the train bound for Hatton. For the next 3 hours you will wind your way through astonishingly beautiful scenery. Your driver will meet you at the station and deliver you to your hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure.

DAY 8 | HATTON

Participate in a guided Tea Factory Tour today with the afternoon at leisure to wander through the tea plantations or rest and take in the Central Highlands, laid out before you with Castlereagh Lake making a splash in the landscape.

DAY 9 | YALA | 2 NIGHTS

Catch the morning flight from the Castlereagh reservoir to Hambantota. A further one hour’s drive will deliver you to Wild Coast Tented Lodge, where the jungle meets the sea, adjacent to Yala National Park. Settle in with an afternoon & evening at leisure.

DAY 10 | YALA

Enjoy morning & afternoon jeep drives in Yala National Park. Teeming with biodiversity it is renowned for its leopard population, elephant and bear sightings, mugger crocodiles & migrant birds.

DAY 11 | WELIGAMA | 3 NIGHTS

Head out on another morning jeep drive. In addition to wildlife Yala also hosts multiple historic archaeological sites that date back centuries. On return to your tented camp checkout and drive to Weligama (approx 3 hours). Your afternoon is at leisure.

DAY 12 | WELIGAMA

A full day is at leisure today at Cape Weligama. Activities available for pre-booking include healthy doses of fun, adventure & pampering, along with a holistic wellness offering to soothe mind, body and soul.

DAY 13 | WELIGAMA

With a plethora of activities from a rural bike ride through scenic rice paddies, rubber & cinnamon estates to Cape Weligama’s Signature Ocean Safari there is plenty for you to do today; or you may elect to simply relax on the beach or by the pool. (activities must be pre-booked).

DAY 14 | GALLE | 2 NIGHTS

On the leisurely drive from Tangalle to Galle today you may wish to stop enroute for sightseeing or photographic opportunities along the ocean shore. On reaching Galle you have the afternoon at leisure to wander the Fort, shop or simply relax.

DAY 15 | GALLE

Meet a local Sri Lankan family and learn to cook traditional recipes before savouring your creations over lunch with your hosts. Later this afternoon, accompanied by a 5th generation resident of Galle Fort, you will explore this living museum.

DAY 16 | COLOMBO | 1 NIGHT

Road transfer to Colombo (approx 3 hours) stopping at Lunuganga Gardens – the old home of iconic Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa, enroute. Enjoy a short sightseeing drive of Colombo before being delivered to your hotel late this afternoon.

DAY 17 | END OF ITINERARY

Pending your time of departure you will be transferred to the airport this morning, or you will have the morning at leisure (with late checkout) and will be delivered to the airport later today To begin your journey home or continue your adventure.

PLEASE NOTE:

This itinerary provides the perfect framework for a spectacular tour, however it can be designed to suit your preferred pace, price and pursuits. Contact us for a tailormade journey.

OUR ACCOMMODATION RECOMMENDATIONS

A handpicked selection of Sri Lanka's best

The Wallawwa – near Colombo airport

Just outside Colombo, amongst three acres of manicured gardens, The Wallawwa is a 200 year old colonial manor house, lovingly restored to provide 17 beautifully furnished bedrooms and suites. Original features have been brought right into the 21st century with luxuriant interiors and a glamorous pool to name a few. Read More

Ulagalla – Anuradhapura

Ulagalla is a resort located south of Anuradhapura, in the heart of the cultural triangle. It offers a host of activities to enjoy during your stay including nature trails, horse riding, cycling, archery and kayaking. Ulagalla is a triumph of eco-friendly design with luxurious, fully-facilitated interiors meaning that comfort is not forgotten. Read More

Kandy House – Kandy

The grand ancestral home of one of Kandy’s most influential aristocratic families, Kandy House sits in 6 acres of lush gardens on the outskirts of a quiet village close to Kandy. It is a luxurious and nostalgic jungle escape and an excellent base to explore Kandy’s Botanical Gardens, the Temple of the Tooth and the charming town itself. Read More

Camellia Hills – near Hatton

Overlooking a mirror-still reservoir and sitting amidst plantations and pine forests, Camellia Hills is a 5-room boutique hotel that encapsulates the peaceful tranquility of Sri Lanka’s tea country. A modern interpretation of a tea planter’s bungalow, sympathetically designed to echo the heritage of the area. Read More

Wild Coast Tented Lodge – Yala NP

Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Yala, is wild and authentic, perfectly positioned in prime leopard country. Its unique design sees man-made structures blend seamlessly into the encircling landscape with the use of carefully selected natural materials while daily excursions into Yala National Park are a highlight for all. Read More

Cape Weligama – Weligama

Thirty minutes east of Galle in southern Sri Lanka, lies Cape Weligama, a luxury resort with sweeping views overlooking the Indian Ocean. It is strategically nestled into the natural slopes atop Weligama's striking headland creating the welcoming illusion of a traditional Sri Lankan village. Stay, relax and enjoy the resort's facilities. Read More

The Fort Bazaar – Galle

The Fort Bazaar is set amidst ageing coral walls on historic Church Street, within the historic walls of Galle Fort. The décor is fresh and contemporary with understated interiors and a distinctly Middle Eastern feel. It is a fabulous base from which to explore then to stop for coffee in a stylish café to watch the world go by. Read More

Maniumpathy – Colombo

Nestled between art galleries, chic boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants and national monuments, Maniumpathy is a unique stately home converted boutique hotel in Colombo. Maniumpathy is a more refined choice for long or short stays in Colombo, as well as the ideal place to meet, relax or celebrate. Read More

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NEED TO KNOW

17 nights of all encompassing the highlights of Sri Lanka

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START: Colombo, Sri Lanka | Finish: Colombo, Sri Lanka

This itinerary provides the perfect inspiration for a spectacular journey & can be tailored to suit your style, pace, preferences and budget. Elements of this trip may vary based on your chosen season & dates of travel which may also present the opportunity to see & do even more!

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Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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