Signature

Signature Sri Lanka The Island of Serendipity

Overview

Among tea fields, temple stone, and tropical coast, Sri Lanka reveals a deep and enduring beauty

Sri Lanka invites you in gently – through the aroma of freshly prepared tea, the echo of footsteps on temple floors, and the soft ripple of lakes that mirror the sky. Led by your handpicked Signature Guide, slip from the stillness around Negombo to the cultural heartlands of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, where local chefs, wildlife researchers, and temple hosts open windows onto everyday life. Encounters unfold slowly: observing primates among timeworn ruins, joining almsgiving, and cycling highland trails where the tea country unfurls in shifting greens.

Venture to the very heart of each destination on our Signature Collection, where every journey is shaped by our unrivalled local connections and insider expertise. Step beyond the ordinary with private invitations, rare encounters, and experiences few will ever share. So when someone says, “I’ve been there,” you’ll simply smile, knowing you’ve experienced it differently.

Signature Day: Experience our distinctive Signature Day, choosing between immersive optional activities such as dawn birdwatching in the Sigiriya Sanctuary, a village cycling trail with roti-making, a tuk-tuk exploration of Anuradhapura, or a sunrise climb to the top of the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress

Signature Stay: Stay at Jetwing Vil Uyana, a serene wetland sanctuary near Sigiriya, where freestanding dwellings open onto paddy fields, marshes, and forest, and nature moves quietly at your doorstep

Signature Guide: Let your handpicked Signature Guide lead you to the country’s soul — sharing their home, heritage, and heart

Key Information

Activity: Culture
Activity Level: Easy & Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level: Premium
Trip Code: LSL
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: Sri Lanka
Carbon Footprint: 101.1kg CO2e per person per day

Signature Exclusive Inclusions

Elegant, hand-picked hotels and a Signature Stay in Jetwing Vil Uyana, a serene wetland sanctuary near Sigiriya
All breakfasts, three lunches, seven dinners, featuring restaurants that capture the authentic cuisine of Sri Lanka
Your preferred Signature Day experience, selected and prebooked ahead of travel
Named Signature Guide with outstanding knowledge and guest satisfaction
Complimentary transfers on arrival and departure, plus comfortable transport throughout (private minibus)
Gratuities for local support staff so every detail of your journey feels effortless

Positive Impact

We donate to our Foundation and rewild 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller. Find out more about how our adventures support nature and people to thrive.

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations.

Signature Experiences

Signature Sri Lanka | The Island of Serendipity

Join world-leading primate researchers in Polonnaruwa to observe macaques, langurs, and leaf monkeys, and gain expert insight into their long-term conservation

Share an almsgiving ceremony at a rural temple, welcomed by a Buddhist host who reveals the meaning behind this gentle ritual

Trace tea on an exclusive sapling-to-cup tour with estate owners Mike and Rosh, including hands-on leaf picking, factory insight, and a planter’s lunch

Itinerary

First Destination: Negombo
Next Destination: Ahangama

Accommodation:Sentido Heritance
Meals included:Dinner

Accommodation:Jetwing Vil Uyana
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:Jetwing Vil Uyana
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:Jetwing Vil Uyana
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:Simpson’s Forest
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:Hide Ella
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:Hide Ella
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:Mosvold Villa
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Negombo
Next Destination: Ahangama

Welcome to Sri Lanka, the island of serendipity. Complimentary arrival transfers ensure an effortless beginning as you settle into our elegant beachfront haven near the fishing village of Negombo.

Those arriving early may join an optional exploration of Colombo’s art and architecture, beginning at the former private residence of Geoffrey Bawa, father of tropical modernism, before visiting leading contemporary galleries and a private artist studio (available to prebook on request).

As dusk softens, we gather for a welcome reception with our Signature Guide, followed by dinner taking in the sunset and sea breeze.

Accommodation:Sentido Heritance
Meals included:Dinner

Journey to the Cultural Triangle, landscapes opening into lakes, rock outcrops and village life. We pause en route at Kurunegala Amakie Café, before arriving at our Signature Stay, Jetwing Vil Uyana, a wetland sanctuary woven through forest and water.

Signature Experience: In the early evening, step into a quiet rural temple, where a Buddhist host welcomes you into an almsgiving ceremony – a gentle, contemplative ritual at the heart of Sri Lankan religious life. As offerings are prepared and presented, your host explains the significance of generosity, merit-making, and community support in Buddhist practice.

The day closes with an intimate dining experience, where the hotel’s executive chef and a village cook prepare classic Sri Lankan dishes exclusively before you, sharing stories through food.

Accommodation:Jetwing Vil Uyana
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Signature Experience: Arrive at the ancient city of Polonnaruwa to observe its resident primates, including toque macaques, grey langurs, and purple-faced leaf monkeys. Accompanied by field researchers from the Smithsonian Primate Research Station, gain rare insight from conservation specialists whose decades of work have shaped global primate research and featured in acclaimed television documentaries and a Disney film.

After exploring the ancient city, continue to a family farming home for a farm-to-table lunch prepared with seasonal produce and time-honoured recipes.

Later, an afternoon safari in Minneriya National Park – renowned for its elephant population – unfolds across grasslands and wetlands, ending with a relaxed sundowner.

Accommodation:Jetwing Vil Uyana
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Today is your Signature Day, where you can select an authentic, curated experience to connect deeply with Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural heritage. You could:

Climb the iconic rock fortress of Sigiriya at sunrise, tracing water gardens, frescoes, and ancient stone walls, before continuing to Mapagala fortress for a private picnic breakfast in a secluded spot. (4.30am-7.30am)
Join a naturalist for birdwatching at Sigiriya Sanctuary, exploring waterways at dawn as you spot a remarkable variety of endemic and migratory birdlife, with insights into local ecology and conservation. (6am-9am)
Explore the ancient capital of Anuradhapura by tuk-tuk, travelling through jungle trails and monastic ruins while visiting soaring stupas, the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree, and ancient reservoirs. Lunch is included. (8am-2pm)
Cycle through rustic villages near Sigiriya, riding past lush paddies and rural lanes before ending with a hands-on roti-making session and herbal tea shared with local hosts. (2pm-5pm)

Regroup this evening to join a local village community, offering insight into everyday life in the Cultural Triangle through informal conversation and shared stories. Conclude with a relaxed barbecue dinner under the stars, prepared using locally sourced ingredients and by a local family.

Accommodation:Jetwing Vil Uyana
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Travel into the cooler central highlands, arriving at Simpson’s Forest (near Wattegama, Kandy), a tea and clove estate set against mountain ridges.

A traditional lunch served in clay pots introduces regional flavours, followed by a nature hike through estate paths, past tea bushes and towering clove trees, and among the sounds of native birds. It ends at a natural rock pool for a refreshing dip in crystalline waters.

As night falls, enjoy an exclusive garden dinner hosted by the estate’s executive chef, where torchlight and the surrounding forest create an intimate atmosphere.

Accommodation:Simpson’s Forest
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin the day with a cycling adventure along the winding Alkaduwa Road, through quiet estate roads, tea gardens, and among village homes set against misty hills.

Journeying deeper into Sri Lanka’s enchanting hill country, we arrive in the charming village of Ella, a place of rolling tea estates, mist-cloaked peaks, and breathtaking mountain panoramas. With its refreshing climate and unhurried pace of life, Ella provides the perfect setting to experience a different side of the island.

Later, we gather for dinner at Ravana Pool Club, a stylish hillside retreat where contemporary design meets the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Enjoy a relaxed evening of fine food and warm hospitality as you soak in the atmosphere of one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic mountain destinations.

Accommodation:Hide Ella
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Signature Experience: Nestled among the rolling hills of Sri Lanka’s Uva Highlands, enjoy an intimate introduction to the country’s renowned tea heritage at Amba Estate, a locally owned working organic farm. Explore flourishing tea, cinnamon and lemongrass plantations, meet the people behind the estate’s handcrafted teas, and gain insight into its artisanal production methods and community-led sustainability initiatives.

Enjoy a homegrown farmhouse lunch overlooking the countryside before setting out on a scenic walk through the estate to the hidden side of Ravana Ella Waterfall, crossing a rope bridge along the way. The experience concludes with a tasting of four signature handmade teas at a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Ella Gap.

This evening is at leisure, allowing time to relax or discover Ella’s vibrant cafés and restaurants at your own pace.

Accommodation:Hide Ella
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Leaving Sri Lanka’s hill country behind, we journey south to Ahangama for a unique cinnamon experience at Kurundu Villa. Surrounded by cinnamon plantations and emerald rice paddies, we discover the story behind one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated spices. Learn how cinnamon is traditionally grown and harvested, meet the people keeping this centuries-old craft alive, and enjoy a delicious lnch that showcases the spice’s delicate flavours.

Afterwards, we continue to our coastal hotel, where there is time to relax before dinner.

Tonight, we gather on Sri Lanka’s beautiful southern coast for a special farewell dinner. With the Indian Ocean as our backdrop, we enjoy good food and relaxed conversation as we reflect on the experiences we’ve shared throughout our journey.

Accommodation:Mosvold Villa
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, take a quiet moment to absorb the morning calm – the soft rush of the ocean, the stillness of the gardens, and the gentle coastal light that frames your final hours here.

Those with later flights may choose to linger a little longer, enjoying an unhurried coffee or a last walk along the sand before a complimentary transfer to the airport.

While this chapter closes, the island’s colour, ancient pulse, and serendipitous moments linger well beyond the journey itself.

Alternatively, open a new chapter of discovery by speaking to your Signature Collection travel expert about extending your stay.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

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Accommodation

Experience the best of Sri Lankan hospitality

Every aspect of the Signature Collection is meticulously planned to take you deeper into the destination. That means your accommodation is a refined showcase of local hospitality, whether you’re staying in a pioneering luxury hotel or enjoying privileged access to a characterful stay designed to fully immerse you in the local culture.

Below are the accommodations we use on this adventure:

Negombo: Sentido Heritance (night 1)

Set directly on the shores of the Indian Ocean, Sentido Heritance Negombo offers a stylish and welcoming introduction to Sri Lanka. Ocean-facing rooms, tropical gardens and a beachfront pool make the most of the coastal setting, while warm hospitality and excellent dining provide an inviting place to unwind and settle into island life.

Sigiriya: Jetwing Vil Uyana (nights 2-4)

Signature Sri Lanka | The Island of Serendipity

A private wetland sanctuary near Sigiriya, your Signature Stay blends luxury with freestanding dwellings overlooking paddy, marsh, or forest. Floor-to-ceiling windows and natural materials create a tranquil retreat supported by multiple dining venues, a library, plunge pool and spa offering traditional treatments. Expect gourmet dining, tranquil decks, wetland trails and the chance to spot the elusive slender loris after dusk.

Kandy: Simpson’s Forest (night 5)

Signature Sri Lanka | The Island of Serendipity

Tucked within a private tea estate above Kandy, Simpson’s Forest is an intimate retreat surrounded by misty hills and working plantations. Contemporary suites are positioned for privacy, with wide windows framing forest and valley views. A focus on provenance runs through the dining, while guided estate walks and quiet communal spaces invite reflection. It’s a peaceful counterpoint to the cultural intensity of Kandy below.

Ella: Hide Ella (nights 6-7)

Perched above the dramatic Ella Gap, Hide Ella makes the most of its spectacular hill-country setting. Floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious terraces offer sweeping views across forested valleys and mist-covered peaks, while stylish interiors, warm hospitality and a peaceful atmosphere provide a relaxing base for exploring Ella.

Ahangama: Mosvold Villa (night 8)

Set on a palm-fringed stretch of Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Mosvold Villa is an intimate beachfront retreat overlooking the Indian Ocean. Elegant interiors, uninterrupted sea views and warm hospitality create a peaceful place to unwind, with spectacular sunsets providing a memorable backdrop to the final days of your journey.

Enhance your stay: Personalise your experience with curated room upgrades and additional nights tailored to your travel plans.

Essential Information

We have graded this trip Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page.

Driving times: The longest journeys take place on Day 2 (4hr 30 min), Day 6 (five hours) and Day 8 (3hr 30min). All other journeys are under three hours.

Signature Day: Select from a curated menu of optional experiences to create a day that is personal to you, or choose to slow the pace and enjoy the facilities of your accommodation. Simply prebook your chosen experience at least 60 days before departure through your Signature Collection travel expert.

Sigiriya Rock: To reach the top of Sigiriya Rock – an option on your Signature Day – there are nearly 1,200 stone steps up and down. A reasonable level of fitness is needed for this activity which is rewarded with great views from the top.

Day 5 hike: Good fitness levels for hiking on natural trails:

Elevation: 2,296ft (700m)
Distance: 1.5mi (2.5km)

Day 6 cycling: Good fitness levels recommended for the cycling adventure:

Elevation: 1,969ft (600m)
Distance: 4mi (6km)

As with all adventures in the Signature Collection, we take care of your arrival and departure transfers, allowing you to fully relax and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Arrival airport: Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo (CMB)
- Your adventure begins with a welcome reception at 6pm on Day 1 at our first accommodation.
Departure airport: Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo (CMB)
- Your adventure concludes after breakfast on the final day.

Complimentary arrival and departure transfers are included between the airport and the tour’s designated start and end hotels on the first and last day of your tour. If you book additional pre-tour or post-tour nights at the designated start or end hotel through Exodus, your complimentary transfer will also be valid for those arrival and departure dates.

Additional charges may apply for transfers on different dates or to and from alternative hotels within the same city. To ensure arrangements can be made, complimentary transfers must be requested through your Signature Collection Travel Expert at least two weeks before your tour departure date.

Sri Lanka

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally need a visa (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka. Travellers from 40 countries, including the UK, US and Canada, can obtain a free 30-day ETA at www.eta.gov.lk. We strongly recommend that you do this prior to travel to avoid any complications and delays on arrival. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Local customs and laws: You should be aware of local laws and customs in Sri Lanka (see: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sri-lanka/local-laws-and-customs). The mistreatment of Buddhist images and artefacts is an offence; please note, people have been refused entry to Sri Lanka because of visible tattoos of Buddha.

This journey deepens your connection to Sri Lanka through its food and drink. Dine in garden settings and village homes, enjoy estate and farm-led lunches, and savour coastal dinners shaped by the day’s catch. The journey closes with a private beachfront farewell dinner by the sea.

When meals aren’t included, your Signature Guide will be on hand with carefully chosen recommendations, leaving you free to dine together or enjoy the evening at your own pace.

Sri Lanka’s tropical climate brings warm temperatures year-round. The Cultural Triangle is typically dry and sunny, with cooler mornings ideal for exploration. In the hill country around Kandy and Ella, days feel fresher, with misty starts and mild afternoons. Along the southern coast, expect steady warmth, sea breezes and the occasional brief shower. Seasonal variations shape the landscape’s character, but conditions generally support relaxed exploration throughout the year.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

We also weave Signature Legacy moments into your itinerary, so the positive impact of your trip lasts long after your stay. These are moments to remember which help people and nature thrive, ensuring you build a harmonious, positive connection with the places you visit.

On this journey, you can:

Join Smithsonian-affiliated researchers in Polonnaruwa to observe Sri Lanka’s primates, supporting long-term conservation research that protects endangered species and their ancient habitats.
Take part in a privately hosted visit to Amba Estate, where your time with the owners supports ethical tea and organic farm production, skills preservation, and the future of small-scale Sri Lankan estates.
Share meals prepared by local families, from home kitchens to village gatherings, strengthening community-led food traditions and ensuring tourism benefits remain rooted in place.