Our Team
Our Tour Experts
Heroes and Heroines
The Cultural Triangle
Visit the ancient heartland of Sri Lanka dating back to the 5th century.
-
![Amy Waters snow biking]()
Our Team
Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
-
![William Dalrymple]()
Our Tour Experts
We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
-
![Liz Bonnin]()
Heroes and Heroines
the people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education
Sri Lanka – The Classic Journey
This classic Sri Lanka holiday shines a spotlight on varied landscapes, culture and wildlife, before ending with some time on the coast. You are joined by outstanding guides with local knowledge and insider tips, while staying in boutique properties. This suggestion is perfect for first-time visitors but can be tailored by one of our experts.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
1
2
Tea Estates
Discover peaceful tea plantations and endless vistas.
3
Tracking leopards
Feel the thrill of tracking leopards in the wild with an expert naturalist.
4
Galle Fort
Head south to Galle for some UNESCO Café Culture and time on the beach.
Why we like it
This classic holiday to Sri Lanka covers all the highlights of this beautiful island whilst incorporating some less visited spots. Accompanied by a knowledgeable driver/guide, discover tea plantations, holy temples, national parks and white sand beaches. Travel into the central highlands for sensational scenery, explore national parks, home to wild elephants, sloth bears, and leopard. The coastal UNESCO Galle Fort is a must-see.
-
Day 1
Colombo (The Wallawwa)
-
Day 2
Colombo - Sigiriya (Vil Uyana)
-
Day 3- 4
Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa (Vil Uyana)
-
Day 5
Anuradhapura - Gal Oya (Gal Oya Lodge)
-
Day 6
Gal Oya
-
Day 7
Gal Oya - Dickoya (Camellia Hills)
-
Day 8
Dickoya (Camellia Hills)
-
Day 9
Dickoya - Yala National Park (Kulu Safaris)
-
Day 10
Yala National Park (Kulu Safaris)
-
Day 11
Yala National Park - Galle (The Why House)
-
Day 12 - 13
Galle (The Why House)
-
Day 14
Colombo
Day 1
Colombo (The Wallawwa)
On arrival, you’re met and driven to the stylish Wallawwa Hotel, located just 30 minutes from the airport. If energy and time allow Colombo, with its colonial architecture, markets and restaurants, is worth exploring.
Day 2
Colombo - Sigiriya (Vil Uyana)
Travel north from Colombo to Vil Uyana where you’re based to explore the ancient historical sites of Sri Lanka. Stop en route to climb the rock fortress of Sigiriya.
Day 3- 4
Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa (Vil Uyana)
Spend two days exploring the Cultural Triangle, which stretches from the hill capital of Kandy, to the first Sinhalese capital of Anuradhapura and the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa.
Day 5
Anuradhapura - Gal Oya (Gal Oya Lodge)
Travel to Gal Oya Lodge, with a stop for a local curry lunch.
Day 6
Gal Oya
Based at Gal Oya Lodge, the morning is spent on Sri Lanka’s largest lake, which is home to migratory birds and wild elephants, who you might be lucky enough to see swimming between the lake islands. In the afternoon take a jeep safari to explore the 20-acre forest, still inhabited by the Vedda community – the indigenous people of central Sri Lanka. Relax by the pool and watch nature unfold.
Day 7
Gal Oya - Dickoya (Camellia Hills)
Travel from Gal Oya Lodge to higher ground and the lush tea estates, so iconic of Sri Lanka’s landscape.
Day 8
Dickoya (Camellia Hills)
Walk through local tea covered hills or hike the nearby Adams Peak. For a more relaxed afternoon enjoy a picnic beside a waterfall, before finishing the day with afternoon tea on the lawn and a candle lit dinner.
Day 9
Dickoya - Yala National Park (Kulu Safaris)
Today, you’re driven south, a journey of around four hours, to the national park of Yala – home to Sri Lanka’s leopard population. Your base is Kulu Safaris, a comfortable tented camp where guides and staff are on hand to make the most of this wonderful wildlife experience.
Day 10
Yala National Park (Kulu Safaris)
Today is spent within Yala National Park. Dawn jeep safaris are how the day begins, carefully and quietly seeking out leopard, hidden amongst the forest bush. Back at camp the guides take you to explore the lake by canoe, on a walking safari to spot smaller wildlife and preparing to end the day with another chance to view leopard. The evening is time to talk about your experiences while enjoying a sundowner before a fireside dinner.
Day 11
Yala National Park - Galle (The Why House)
Travel from Yala towards Galle on the south coast, arriving at The Why House – your base for three nights.
Day 12 - 13
Galle (The Why House)
Spend the next two days relaxing on the beach and by the pool. Time should be given to explore Galle, a wonderful place to wander the hidden backstreets, browse eclectic boutiques and enjoy drinks at sunset. Full of life and colour, Galle is an exuberant town, bursting with vibrancy.
Day 14
Colombo
Bid farewell to the south and head to Colombo for your onward travel arrangements.
More details
Sri Lanka's Cultural Heart
Often referred to as the Cultural Triangle, Sri Lanka’s former capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are located around four hours north of Colombo. These cities showcase the intricate and well-preserved ruins of the palaces, which once proudly stood here.
Anuradhapura was founded in the 5th century BC and was the major centre for Theravada Buddhism, whilst Polonnaruwa is Sri Lanka’s second-oldest city. Wander the sites with a guide on hand to bring the history to life.
Tea Estates
Few locations in Sri Lanka can match the panoramic splendour of the island’s tea dotted hill country. These former hill stations were once home to the British seeking respite from the heat, with the landscape scattered with timber panelled bungalows and forgotten cricket grounds.
Explore the beautifully manicured tea estates that this country has become famous for. Walk the hills of Adam’s Peak and Horton Plains, picnic by waterfalls and sip tea picked on the doorstep.
The Leopards of Yala
Home to the Sri Lankan leopard, Yala National Park is 1,000 square kilometres of untamed jungle. The park is sandwiched between monsoon forest and coastal sand dunes and houses a myriad of wildlife.
Leopards continue to be the main attraction. But with tree-climbing sloth bears, endangered primates such as purple-faced leaf monkeys and bear monkeys and sublime birdlife, Yala is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise.
Historic Galle
It is impossible not to be caught up in the romance and history of Galle. This 17th-century fort town is home to an iconic cricket ground, ramparts made for strolling and a collection of shops and restaurants that are unbeaten in Sri Lanka.
Galle is also the gateway to the white sands of southern Sri Lanka. This varied coast offers beaches with a buzzing surf scene, as well as quieter spots where yoga and a good book provide entertainment. With rural villages and lotus-flecked lakes, the region around Galle is worth exploring by bike while based at a peaceful villa.
Start planning your trip
Meet our experts
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
Clare Higginson
It was my passion for languages that first encouraged me to leave the UK behind and grab my rucksack. Since then, it’s been a mixture of intriguing cultures, jaw-dropping landscapes and the wonder of seeing animals in their natural habitat that sees me continuously extending my travel wish list.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 880 980
Charlotte Lawton
My strong sense of belonging in Asia stemmed from a childhood in Hong Kong and Nepal. My Grandmother was born in a tent in India. Some of my clearest memories are of walking through a dense, tropical jungle while hailstones the size of cricket balls rained down on us; of being carried on my father’s shoulders as we trekked through the Himalayas; my mother wearing flipflops on a snowy mountainside; and me falling into Dal Lake in Srinagar as we disembarked from our houseboat.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 880 980
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £5,175 Per person
When to travel
Sri Lanka in January
Sri Lanka benefits from generally good weather all year round and experiences a tropical climate with the best and most popular to visit being during our winter months, from January to April.
Sri Lanka in February
Visit the Southern and Western coast of Sri Lanka to experience the hot and humid climate in coastal areas or visit the mountainous regions for cooler temperatures with less humidity.
Sri Lanka in March
In Northern and Central Sri Lanka, temperatures will start to rise, and these regions will become more humid with March being generally a dry month for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka in April
Overall, April is a very good time to visit Sri Lanka, with most of the island experiencing high temperatures and lots of sunshine, all before the first monsoon rains of the year begin in the South.
Sri Lanka in May
From May to August, the country experiences the first of its two annual monsoon seasons in Southwest Sri Lanka. Therefore, during these months it is best to visit Northeast Sri Lanka including Batticaloa and Passekudah.
Sri Lanka in June
Rainfall with continue in the South during the monsoon season whereas in Northern Sri Lanka, June is one of the best times to visit this area with a warm climate and high temperatures throughout.
Sri Lanka in July
In Northern Sri Lanka, the months of June and July are particularly good times to travel to the area, with minimal rainfall, particularly high temperatures and long days of sunshine.
Sri Lanka in August
Throughout the country, you can expect excellent climate conditions. August is an ideal month for those wanting to experience both the Northeast and Southwest regions of the island, typically quite unusual due to Sri Lanka’s monsoon seasons.
Sri Lanka in September
September will start to see the end of the monsoon season in the Southwest and whilst rainfall and thunderstorms are less frequent, are still likely across the region.
Sri Lanka in October
Prior to the monsoon season, rainfall is likely throughout the country and can sometimes be unpredictable, meaning disruptions in travel are likely.
Sri Lanka in November
From November to February, Northeast Sri Lanka will experience one of two annual monsoon seasons. Whilst most days will experience rainfall, it is a great time to travel to experience the lush, green countryside.
Sri Lanka in December
Due to the monsoon in the Northeast, it is best to visit the southwest coast of Sri Lanka prior to the second monsoon reaching this area in May. Experience high levels of sunshine, perfect for Sri Lanka’s beaches.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
Featured in the press
