Sri Lanka is a holiday destination which manages to captivate every one of the senses from the moment you arrive. Fragrant spice gardens perfume the warm tropical air, emerald tea plantations carpet rolling hillsides, sandy beaches stretch for miles along the Indian Ocean and ancient temples stand proudly among lush forests that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.
At Elegant Resorts, we specialise in creating tailor made holidays to Sri Lanka that allow you to experience this extraordinary island in the way that is most appropriate for you given your interests and the style of Sri Lanka holiday you are looking to have. Whether you dream of wildlife encounters, scenic rail journeys, luxury beach breaks or gastronomic delights, our bespoke Sri Lanka holidays can be carefully crafted around your own individual interests, creating a getaway which is every bit as unique as you are.
Despite its relatively compact size, Sri Lanka offers one of the world's most diverse holiday experiences. Within just a few hours, tourists can journey from palm-fringed coastlines to cool mountain landscapes, explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites before embarking on thrilling safari adventures. This remarkable diversity ensures that no two holidays in Sri Lanka need ever be the same.
Often referred to as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean," for centuries the island has welcomed tourists seeking its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. This long history has resulted in an extraordinary collection of temples, palaces, fortresses and ancient cities that remain in excellent condition to this very day. These timeless landmarks contrast sharply with the ultra modern hotels and holiday resorts in Sri Lanka, adding to the general diversity that can be achieved on a tailor made Sri Lanka holiday itinerary.
One of the greatest visitor attractions in Sri Lanka is the remarkable Cultural Triangle, an area filled with some of Asia's most significant archaeological treasures. Ancient royal capitals, centuries-old monasteries and magnificent temples offer clues to the island's fascinating past and provide holiday makers with the chance to experience Sri Lanka's spiritual traditions. Towering above the surrounding plains, the spectacular Sigiriya Rock Fortress remains one of the country's most iconic historic landmarks. Rising dramatically from the jungle, this ancient royal citadel rewards tourists with breathtaking panoramic views after climbing past beautifully preserved frescoes, landscaped water gardens and impressive defensive structures that have survived for more than a thousand years.
Nearby, the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura showcase remarkably preserved ruins that tell the story of Sri Lanka's powerful kingdoms. Giant dagobas, intricate stone carvings and peaceful temple complexes provide fascinating insight into the island's rich Buddhist heritage. These historic sites form an essential part of many tailor made Sri Lanka holidays, allowing travellers to appreciate the country's extraordinary history while enjoying expertly guided experiences that bring the island's history to life.
No visit to Sri Lanka would be complete without exploring the beautiful city of Kandy, nestled beside a tranquil lake within the cool Central Highlands. This charming city remains one of the island's most important cultural and spiritual centres and is home to the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism's holiest shrines. Throughout the year, pilgrims gather here to pay their respects, while the spectacular Esala Perahera festival transforms the city with elaborately decorated elephants, traditional dancers, musicians and vibrant processions that celebrate centuries-old customs. This takes place every July or August, in line with the lunar calendar. Even outside festival season, Kandy offers a wonderful blend of colonial architecture, bustling street markets and peaceful botanical gardens that make it an essential part of many of the bespoke holidays in Sri Lanka that we put together for our clients.
Beyond Kandy, the landscape changes dramatically as winding roads climb through the mist-covered Central Highlands. Here, endless tea plantations create some of the country's most recognisable scenery, with neat rows of emerald tea bushes stretching across rolling hillsides. Visitors can explore historic tea estates, learn about the production of world-famous Ceylon Tea and enjoy freshly brewed cups while overlooking spectacular mountain views. Scenic train journeys through this region are widely regarded as among the most beautiful railway holiday experiences anywhere in the world, passing waterfalls, cloud forests and picturesque villages that seem untouched by the passage of time.
Nature lovers will quickly discover why Sri Lanka is regarded as one of Asia's finest wildlife holiday destinations. The island's national parks provide remarkable opportunities to encounter an astonishing array of animals in their natural habitat. Yala National Park is internationally renowned for having one of the world's highest concentrations of elusive leopards, while elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals and countless bird species also thrive within its diverse ecosystems. Udawalawe National Park offers exceptional elephant viewing opportunities, while Minneriya National Park hosts the famous annual gathering of hundreds of wild elephants during the dry season, creating one of the world's most remarkable wildlife spectacles.
Conservation is now an increasingly large consideration on the island and many tourists choose to visit ethical elephant sanctuaries that focus on rehabilitation, education and wildlife protection. These unique tours and experiences allow visitors to learn about these magnificent animals while supporting important conservation initiatives that help protect Sri Lanka's unique biodiversity for generations to come.
The island's coastline offers an equally rewarding contrast to its inland adventures. Golden beaches lined with swaying coconut palms provide the perfect setting to relax after days spent exploring ancient cities and wildlife reserves. The southern coastline features stylish beachfront resorts overlooking the Indian Ocean, where guests can enjoy private pools, luxurious spas, gourmet dining and private beach access. Between November and April, the calm waters along the south and west coasts are ideal for swimming, sailing, snorkelling and whale watching, while the east coast offers exceptional conditions during the northern hemisphere’s summer months.
Food is another significant consideration in most of our tailor made Sri Lanka holiday itineraries. Influenced by centuries of international trade and cultural exchange, Sri Lankan cuisine combines aromatic spices, fresh seafood, tropical fruits and locally grown vegetables to produce vibrant dishes bursting with flavour. Traditional curries, fragrant rice dishes, freshly caught fish and delicious street food all offer authentic tastes of the island, while luxury resorts elevate local ingredients into sophisticated fine dining experiences under the instruction of award winning chefs. Cooking classes, spice garden visits and local market tours can all be incorporated into tailor made holidays to Sri Lanka, providing plenty of highlights for the foodies amongst us.
One of the many advantages of choosing to create a tailor made Sri Lanka holiday with Elegant Resorts is the flexibility to experience several distinct regions within a single itinerary. Your journey may begin with a cultural exploration of ancient cities before continuing into the tea-covered highlands, followed by exciting safari adventures and concluding with several days of relaxation at one of the island's leading beach resorts. Modern infrastructure and the availability of private chauffeurs, domestic flights and helicopter transfers make travelling between destinations convenient and our Luxury Travel Specialists will use their first hand experience and contacts in the region to make multi centre Sri Lanka holidays feel seamless and easy.
At Elegant Resorts, every itinerary is individually created to reflect your personal interests and travel aspirations. Whether you wish to focus on wildlife photography, historic monuments, luxury wellness retreats, beach relaxation or culinary exploration, we can carefully design bespoke Sri Lanka holidays that deliver moments that will stay in the memory long after the holiday has ended. Get in touch with one of our Luxury Travel Specialists today to start planning your next tailor made holiday to Sri Lanka with Elegant Resorts.