Day 1: Arrive Colombo
You will be met on arrival at Colombo Airport and transferred approx. 3 hours to Taylors Hill, just outside Kandy, your home for the next three nights (half-board basis inc. breakfast and dinner).
Taylors Hill
This handsome colonial-era British planter’s home occupies a privileged position in the high hills overlooking Kandy. Dating back to the mid-19th century, Taylors Hill is a quintessential English country home, transplanted to the cool, breezy climes of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands.Taylors Hill offers just five rooms, all located within the original property. Each room is individually-styled and features a unique blend of colonial-era and contemporary furnishings.
The property sits on several acres of land, shared with a working tea factory. The immediate grounds have been converted into neatly-cropped lawns and English-style gardens, surrounded by verdant forest.
There is a small pool in the gardens and plenty of spots to sit, relax and enjoy the cooler climate.
Day 2-3: Tea Country
The next two days are free for you to relax or explore at leisure. You will have a private vehicle and driver at your disposal, leaving you free to explore the area around Kandy at your own pace.
The last royal capital of the Sinhalese kings, succeeding both Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, Kandy is among Sri Lanka’s best-preserved “sacred cities”. It is also, unlike those earlier capitals, a vibrant, living city, with a thriving economy and lively market centre.
Allow a full-day to explore the city and visit its most famous colonial-era and royal monuments, including Sri Dalada Maligawa (the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic). We recommend visiting the Temple of the Tooth during the 10AM or 6PM daily Puja ceremony, which sees the tooth relic removed from the sacred inner chamber.
There are plenty of good spots to dine out in Kandy. Consider stopping for tea at the iconic Queen's Hotel or at Empire Café. For dinner, you might like to sample hoppers, a traditional Sri Lankan savoury pancake, at a local restaurant, followed by drinks at the kitsch Helga's Folly, Kandy’s most eccentric bar and hotel which has played host to everyone from Laurence Olivier to Gandhi!
Day 4: Tea Country – Tangalle
Depart after breakfast for the coastal town of Tangalle (approx. 5 hours drive time). On arrival, check-in at the Last House for 6 nights (Cinnamon Hill Suite, B&B basis).
The Last House
This delightful beach house is situated just outside the seaside town of Tangalle, overlooking the pristine bay of Mahawella.Developed by famed Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, the Last House stands out not just for its location but for its gorgeous design. The property displays Bawa’s trademark style in miniature, with airy, light-filled interiors that open seamlessly onto generous alfresco spaces. There are just six rooms, all of which lead directly onto the central courtyard – which houses a small pool fringed by fragrant frangipani trees – on one side, and a wide verandah overlooking the sea or lagoon on the other.
Situated 7 kilometres from the nearest town, Tangalle, the Last House is one of only a few hotels within this coastal region. The pristine beach at Mahawella is frequently deserted, offering the utmost in tranquillity and a true escape from the crowds.
Day 5-10: Tangalle
The next five days are free for you to relax at this beautiful beach property. Should you feel the need to venture further afield, you’ll find much to see and do in the surrounding region.
Within easy reach of the property is the Mulkirigala cave and temple complex, housing a fabulous monastery carved out of a 200m high natural rock, in a style similar to that of the more famous Sigiriya rock, while further afield is the port city of Galle, notable for its ancient mosques, stunning mansions, and its colonial-era Portuguese fort.
Those looking to explore the region’s wildlife as well as its culture can enjoy a day of whale-watching along the coast (Nov to Apr), or a leopard-tracking safari in Yala National Park.
Activities can be arranged in advance through us or directly with the property if you prefer to keep your schedule flexible.
Day 11: Departure
Transfer to Colombo Airport to check in for your return flight.
Kandy and the Southern Coast
10-night luxury escape to Sri Lanka’s central highlands and the southern coast at Tangalle
Kandy and the Southern Coast
Explore Sri Lanka’s central highlands and the southern coast around Tangalle on this 10-night luxury getaway, including a 5-night stay at the fabulous boutique hotel, 'the Last House', overlooking the bay of Mawella.
Outline Itinerary
Price guide
Price based on two travellers in shared twin/double accommodation and subject to availability at the time of booking.
Pricing
11 days from £2895pp
Kenya Safari
Faultless. At all three camps the service was faultless and the staff leaned over backwards to help us.