Boutique Sri Lanka honeymoon: leopards & luxury

Itinerary in brief:

• 1 night Pannala
• 3 nights Sigirya
• 2 nights Kandy
• 2 nights Ella
• 2 nights Yala National Park
• 3 nights Thalpe

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flights 

Day 2: Arrive Sri Lanka

On arrival in Sri Lanka, you will be met and driven to your first hotel in Pannala. Check into your room, relax and recover from any jetlag.

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel, dinner

Day 3: Pannala to Sigiriya

After breakfast, you’ll leave for Sigiriya, a small village in the centre of the island. Tonight, you’ll explore a local village called Hiriwadunna, learning about the daily lives of the local people. Wander along a scenic trail past crop fields and take a boat ride on an ancient reservoir, spotting butterflies and birds.

Included: 4* hotel, breakfast, dinner, touring     

Day 4: Sigiriya & Minneriya National Park

This morning, you’ll travel to the rock fortress of Sigiriya, a 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky”. The ‘Lion rock’ of Sigiriya is a citadel of immense beauty rising out of the jungle. At the base of the rock you’ll find a moat and extensive water gardens before climbing the steep stairs to the top, for unparalleled views over the surrounding forests. The majestic lion’s paw guards the stairway to the palace on the summit next to the frescoes of maidens that have survived in a sheltered area of the rock.

In the afternoon, you will head to Minneriya National Park where you will get to take a jeep safari. Minneriya is home to many animals including deer, sambar, leopards, sloth bear and elephants.

Included: 4* hotel, breakfast, dinner, touring     

Day 5: Polonnaruwa

After breakfast you will be taken to Polonnaruwa. Approximately 1½ hours away this city was the medieval capital of Ceylon during the 11th-13th centuries. Once here you can explore this once majestic city, the surrounding walls are still standing as are the remains of palaces, shrines, monasteries, parks and ponds. The statues of Buddha located here are considered to be masterpieces of Sri Lankan art.

Return to Sigiriya in the evening.

Included: 4* hotel, breakfast, dinner, touring     

Day 6: Dambulla to Kandy

Today you’ll head to Dambulla to explore the famous Golden Rock cave. This magnificent temple has been a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries. It is a cave monastery, a vast and isolated rock mass with five caverns – one of the best reserved in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist murals are especially beautiful, as well as a 47 foot long statue of the reclining Buddha.

In the afternoon you’ll travel to Kandy, a bustling country town in the green tea fields of the high country. Famous for the pink temple and the vast Kandy Lake, this is a great place to soak up Sri Lanka’s fascinating culture.

Included: 4* hotel, breakfast, touring                    

Day 7: Kandy

After breakfast, you’ll head out to explore Kandy. Starting with a drive up the hill for a spectacular view over the town. Next, you’ll go back to the city centre, taking a walk around the famous shopping streets and visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. They have a rare orchid house, - founded in 1824, the gardens still hold one of the world largest collections of plants and trees, including palms, mahogany and tamarind.

In the evening you’ll discover the sacred Temple of the Tooth – this is the prime edifice of Buddhists all over the world. The relic is housed in the magnificent temple and is a joy to explore in the dusk light.

Included: 4* hotel, breakfast, touring    

Day 8: Train to Ella

This morning you’ll leave Kandy behind as you hop on the train that rattles its way to Ella. With a cool breeze through the window and people selling local snacks on the train it’s a delightful journey through the mountains. Keep an eye out for birds along your journey – you might spot woolly necked storks, buzzards and peacocks. Ella is a little village surrounded by high mountains and breath-taking vistas in the central hills of Sri Lanka – on arrival you’ll check into your hotel for two nights.

Included: Breakfast, touring, train tickets, dinner, Nine Skies

Day 9: Ella     

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a short tour of Ella. Visit the Nine Arches Bridge, feel the spray from Ravana Falls and explore the green tea plantations. The rest of your time in Ella is yours to enjoy how you wish – whether you hike the gentle trail to the summit of Little Adam’s peak for endless views of lush countryside, wander through the local tea fields or simply enjoy your luxury hotel, high in the tea hills of Ella.

Included: Breakfast, touring, train tickets, lunch, dinner, Nine Skies        

Day 10: Ella to Yala National Park

After breakfast, you’ll be driven south towards Yala National Park. During the journey, you’ll descend from the mountains to the coast, passing chilli fields and pepper plantations where kingfishers and bee-eaters flit through the warm air. You’ll arrive in Yala in the early afternoon and check into your hotel for two nights.

Included: 5* hotel, breakfast, lunch, dinner, touring       

Day 11: Yala National Park

Now it’s time for a little exploration whilst still enjoying some of the finer things in life – this is your honeymoon after all! You’ll be staying at Wild Coast Tented Lodge in a Cocoon Pool Suite. The lodge is a Relais & Chateaux property and the unique rooms boast vaulted ceilings that offer jungle views from the double-height double glazed facades. The décor is a combination of colonial expedition-style and contemporary design, perfect for honeymooners on safari. On top of that, your suite as a romantic four-poster bed and a free-standing handmade copper bathtub.

Today, you’ll set off on two game drives, although if you want to book more, just ask. The passionate guides will help you track elephants, sloth bears and the famous leopards of Yala National Park. At the same time, they’ll keep an eye out for some of the smaller residents, such as mongooses, cobras and bright blue bee-eaters.

There are also lots of extra activities you can book directly with the lodge, from guided bush walks to cycling trips through the local rice fields. In the evenings, sit back and relax with a drink at the Ten Tuskers Bar, or, for something unforgettable, we can arrange a private dinner on the beach under the stars.

Included: 5* hotel, breakfast, lunch, dinner, touring, 2 x jeep safaris       

Day 12: Yala to Thalpe

Today you will be driven along the south coast to Talpe. Stop in at Dondra Head to see the famous lighthouse on the way, or to play in the waves on the golden sands of Tangalle. When you arrive, you can check into your hotel and begin to unwind.

Included: 4* hotel, breakfast, touring    

Days 13 & 14: Thalpe

Finish your honeymoon with a few days on a beautiful beach, with crashing waves, great cocktails and gorgeous ocean views. You’ll be staying at The Owl and the Pussycat, a luxurious boutique hotel which oozes romance and fun. The décor is quirky, colourful and classy. Your bright and sunny room boasts a private terrace overlooking the water.

The food here is vibrant and full of flavour – think spicy curries and fresh seafood. The traditional thalis are legendary, so be sure to try one. Lounge by the pool before grabbing a cocktail for a sundowner by the beach – it’s the perfect place to relax at the end of your honeymoon.

Included: 4* hotel, breakfast, touring                    

Day 15: Depart Sri Lanka

After a final delicious breakfast, you’ll be driven back to the airport for your flight home.               

Included: International flights, transfers, breakfast        

Day 16: Arrive UK