Coast and Country Combination
Sri Lanka is a beautiful, slice of paradise offering a whole world of diverse escapes. Forty minutes south of the capital Colombo, Wadduwa is the start of a string of fabulous beaches running all the way down and around Sri Lanka’s southwest coast. As inviting as Sri Lanka’s coastline is, however, the island’s interior is also definitely worth exploring, particularly the Cultural Triangle, located between the three ancient capitals of Kandy, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa and home to six UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
On arrival in Colombo you will be met by a car and driver who will transfer you to your chosen hotel in the Cultural Triangle. We would recommend a three to four night stay here to allow you to fully explore the area. Whilst in the Cultural Triangle you (accompanied by your guide) can see such fascinating sites as the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Rock Temples, Polonnaruwa (medieval capital of Sri Lanka), the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage and Kandy’s sacred Temple of the Tooth. After your cultural exploration, you will be transferred to your chosen coastal hotel for some thoroughly deserved relaxation time by the beach.
Our hand-picked hotel suggestions below include the coast and Cultural Triangle:
The rustic luxury of Vil Uyana, close to the Lion Rock Fortress of Sigiriya, combined with the contemporary coastal elegance of The Fortress near historic Galle.
The unique Kandalama Hotel, cut into the rock face facing the Kandalama tank (lake) near Dambulla, combined with the small and luxurious Saman Villas located on a striking headland on the south-west coast.
The boutique Kandy House, in the hills above Kandy, combined with the secluded coastal Villa Bentota, a former Dutch ancestral home.
For a suggested touring itinerary including the Cultural Triangle see our Highlights of Sri Lanka Touring Holiday