The Cultural Triangle
Visit the ancient heartland of Sri Lanka dating back to the 5th century.
This 14-day introduction to Sri Lanka shines a spotlight on the wild side with wonderful walking trails and safaris. You are joined by outstanding guides throughout who have knowledge on all the local haunts.
Visit the ancient heartland of Sri Lanka dating back to the 5th century.
Climb the scenic winding tracks to the heart of the tea country.
Feel the thrill of tracking leopards in the wild with an expert naturalist.
Explore the alternative Galle with a local guide.
This classic holiday covers all the highlights of this beautiful island whilst avoiding the crowds. Joined by expert guides in each destination, discover tea plantations, holy temples, national parks and white sand beaches. Stunning nature can be found just half an hour from the cities. Ride by train into the central highlands for sensational scenery. National parks shelter elephants, sloth bears, and leopard. The coastal UNESCO Galle Fort is a must-see.
Day 1
Colombo
Day 2
Colombo - Thirappane - Anuradhapura
Day 3- 4
Anuradhapura
Day 5
Anuradhapura - Knuckles Mountain Range
Day 6
Knuckles Mountain Range
Day 7
Knuckles Mountain Range - Kandy
Day 8
Kandy - Hatton
Day 9
Hatton
Day 10
Hatton - Yala National Park
Day 11
Yala National Park
Day 12
Yala National Park - Galle
Day 13
Galle
Day 14
Colombo
Day 1
Colombo
Take a guided walking tour through Colombo and visit the Fort and Pettah to experience the colonial architecture.
Day 2
Colombo - Thirappane - Anuradhapura
Day 3- 4
Anuradhapura
The Cultural Triangle runs from the hill capital Kandy, the first Sinhalese capital of Anuradhapura to the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa.
Day 5
Anuradhapura - Knuckles Mountain Range
Day 6
Knuckles Mountain Range
The Knuckles range is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular with wildlife enthusiasts and hikers.
Day 7
Knuckles Mountain Range - Kandy
The Knuckles range is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular with wildlife enthusiasts and hikers.
Day 8
Kandy - Hatton
Day 9
Hatton
Day 10
Hatton - Yala National Park
Day 11
Yala National Park
Avoid the crowds at Yala and still get a unique eco-friendly wildlife experience.
Day 12
Yala National Park - Galle
Avoid the crowds at Yala and still get a unique eco-friendly wildlife experience.
Day 13
Galle
Galle is a microcosm of Sri Lankan society, resonating with magnificent sights and sounds.
Day 14
Colombo
Galle is a microcosm of Sri Lankan society, resonating with magnificent sights and sounds.
Uncover historical sites and discover new restaurants during your stay in this eclectic city with a local guide by your side. Gain insider knowledge on the best places, including the best kottu. Visit Galle Face Green at sunset and watch a local cricket game.
Explore off the beaten track with our favourite archaeologist, Nerina, who will ensure you avoid the crowds by visiting some little-known sites on the Cultural Triangle.
The Knuckles mountain range, 1000 metres above sea level, offers the most fabulous opportunity for hikers. The mini Worlds End trek is easily completed in only two hours from Madulkelle Eco Lodge. Passing through dense forest, crystal clear streams and gorgeous waterfalls.
Grab a good book, perhaps a cushion, and settle in for a long but extremely picturesque journey on one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Few locations in Sri Lanka can match the panoramic splendour of the island’s western hill country. An opportunity for some incredible photography.
Safari drives by day, sea-turtles coming ashore to lay eggs by night, with the fleeting chance of an elephant coming down to play in the surf are some of the highlights of visiting Yala National Park.
Take a 20-minute tuk-tuk ride outside of Galle to visit the Yatagala Temple – a mystical site explored barefooted. Your Buddhist guide will assist you with a puja ritual and the monks will offer a blessing. A wonderful way to end your time on this fabulous island nation.
Unravel the mysteries and discover the secrets that go into making that perfect cup of Ceylon tea. Find out how the tea leaves plucked by the female estate workers are sorted and processed into making Sri Lanka’s favourite beverage.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Throughout the country, you can expect excellent climate conditions. August is 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.
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.
Prior to the monsoon season, rainfall is likely throughout the country and can sometimes be unpredictable, meaning disruptions in travel are likely.
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.
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.
These may be uncertain times but they are, without a doubt, still full of opportunity to discover the extraordinary safely. Through knowledge and expertise, we can connect you to those destinations embracing travellers with the added confidence of flexible booking and decades of insight.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?