This art discovery tour will take you on a journey of discovery of Sri Lanka’s aesthetic aspects, and along the way you will have exciting encounters with wildlife, visits to historic attractions and plenty of delicious cuisines!
Your arts & culture tour of Sri Lanka will showcase an amazing cross-section of the immense artistic talent that’s present in the country. From historical masterpieces to modern wonders, architecture to oil paintings, masks & puppets to anthropomorphic flower vases – this tour will be a whirlwind of experiences. It will get you up close and personal with artistic masters such as Anup Vega and the Batik maestro Eric Suriyasena. You will also visit exquisitely designed pleasure gardens such as Diyabubula, Lunuganga, and The Brief designed by Sri Lankan art and architecture legends Laki Senanayake, Geoffrey Bawa & Bevis Bawa respectively. Along the way you will also encounter towering mountains, lush green tea estates, thundering waterfalls, golden beaches, ancient ruins, jungles, bars and temples.
Read MoreYour accommodation will consist of handpicked hotels, designed to minimise time spent in travel, so that you can have the maximum time to focus on your art discovery holiday and enjoy your hotel, destinations, and the amazing cuisine in the area.
Ideal For – All types of art lovers, serious or casual, who would want to experience and explore the Sri Lankan art landscape. Recommended for Solo Travellers / Couples / Friends / Families with kids and teenagers / Small groups consisting of friends and family.
Highlights at glance
- Meet artistic masters such as Anup Vega and Eric Suriyasena.
- Explore iconic gardens – Diyabubula, Lunuganga, and The Brief.
- Visit historical World Heritage Sites such as Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, etc.
- Take a tour of a mask workshop and puppeteering museum.
- Visit the historic caves in the Dambulla Cave Temple, which contain paintings, statues and relics accumulated over a period of 2,000 years.
- Journey into the hills, visit a tea plantation, and tour a tea factory.
- Discover the spice trail to learn about the rich flavours of Sri Lanka.
- Stay at a Tented Safari Camp bordering the Yala National Park, experience guided safaris and a delicious BBQ served by a roaring campfire.
- Explore the eclectic streets of the Galle Fort, a Unesco World Heritage site, and the vibrant city of Colombo.
1st Night - Negombo
Ayubowan! Welcome to your art discovery holiday to Sri lanka. Your first night will be spent at the coastal fishing town of Negombo which is a short distance away from the airport. Although your time here will be brief, there is much to explore here, either on your own or with your trusty personal chauffeur. With golden beaches, churches and buildings influenced by Portuguese, Dutch and British colonisation, art galleries and a fascinating mix of cuisines, Negombo is a great place to get lost in and make memories.
The first day of your private, arts & culture tour of Sri Lanka can be enjoyed at your own pace. You will be picked up from the airport by your private chauffeur and taken to your hotel. If you arrive during the day, you can visit the local art galleries to view their amazing collections, explore the town, go on a boat ride along the famous Dutch canal and of course, catch some sun on the wide, golden beaches. At night, the best place to visit is ‘Hotel Road’, which is packed with bars, seafood restaurants and hotels. You can do all of these activities by yourself or accompanied by your chauffeur.
2nd & 3rd Nights - Sigiriya
After a quick morning excursion in Negombo, it is time to head out to Sigiriya, the home of the famed Sigiriya Rock fortress to continue your art discovery holiday. The scenic drive to Sigiriya also contains an encounter with an amazing artist renowned across Sri Lanka. There you will embark on a spellbinding and emotional journey through his paintings and inspirations. The journey of art discovery concludes at the 8th wonder of the world, Sigiriya, to take in the beauty, complex technique, and legends behind the amazing Sigiriya Frescoes.
After an early morning visit to a Negombo fish market, it’s time to set off to Sigiriya. On this leg of your arts & culture tour of Sri Lanka, you will encounter contemporary art as well as ancient art. First we will meet renowned artist Anup Vega at his residence, where he will take you through a viewing and discussion of his latest creations. Then you will head to the Sigiriya Fortress to see the exquisite 1,600-year-old frescoes. The climb up Sigiriya will take place in the afternoon and is set to conclude in time to view the glorious sunset.
After breakfast, your art discovery holiday continues with a scenic drive to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Polonnaruwa. This ancient capital of Sri Lanka is steeped in historical and religious significance, and famed for its well preserved sculptures and architecture. Here you will see strong Indian influences melding with a growing Sri Lankan identity in the architecture, art and sculpture of this sprawling ancient city. Some of the key locations to visit in this city full of palaces, monuments and temples are: Vatadage, Gal Viharaya, Thuparamaya Image House and Lankathilaka Image House.
4th & 5th Nights - Kandy
On the way to Kandy, a short distance from Sigiriya, is the town of Dambulla. The 2,000 year-old Dambulla Cave Temple (home to impressive mural paintings and 157 statues dating back to the 1st century BCE) and Diyabubula (an artistic oasis) are major highlights here. The city of Kandy is steeped in history and religious significance, and is quite a serene location. The serenity of this city lends itself to arts & culture so well, that many artists, sculptors and poets find themselves drawn here.
Today, your arts & culture tour of Sri Lanka will take you to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a World Heritage Site. You can explore the 5 sacred caves and also climb the gently sloping Dambulla Rock to enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings. You will then be taken to Diyabubula, an oasis built by legendary artist & sculptor, Laki Senanayake. This location was transformed by Laki over a period of 50 years into a water garden and an open-air art gallery. Upon arriving in Kandy, you will head over to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to experience the evening rituals.
Your art discovery holiday takes a slight twist by heading to the Spice Trail, where you will learn about Sri Lankan herbs and spices, followed by a discussion on art with an 85-year-old artist over lunch. Then, you will head over for a tour of a clothing factory that specialises in the Batik art form.
6th Night - Nuwara Eliya
Nestled high up in the hills, under the shadow of Sri Lanka’s tallest mountain, is the quaint old town of Nuwara Eliya. Tea estate draped mountains, waterfalls, delicious food, cold weather, hot tea, warm and friendly people and colonial architecture are just some of the highlights of this area. It’s a great place for relaxing and taking life one day at a time. It is also a great place to sample unique cuisines, experience different cultures, and understand just how an innocuous green tea leaf turns into a sought after cup of deliciousness! Nuwara Eliya will definitely be a most memorable location during your arts & culture tour of Sri Lanka.
Setting off from Kandy on your arts & culture tour, your first stop will be for a chat with some members of the tea plucker community. Here you will get to know their way of life and understand the art of plucking the perfect tea leaves. Then you will indulge in a warm cuppa at a local tea boutique before heading to a Hindu temple to gain an understanding of the religion and culture, and receive blessings. You will then visit a traditional craft community that makes drums & brassware and try your hand at these crafts. The last stop is at a tea factory, where you will find out how tea goes from being a leaf on a bush, to a warm cup of golden goodness!
7th Night - Yala
Art discovery holidays to Sri Lanka are also about varied experiences, so it’s time to head all the way to the Deep South and the vast jungles of Yala National Park for some exciting sightings! This leg of your journey will introduce you to some amazing wildlife. Leopards, Elephants, Crocodiles, Sambar, Eagles, Snakes, Peacocks… the list is never ending and the best part is you’ll probably see most of them without even going into the Park! Besides the excitement of encounters, the remoteness of the Yala region often becomes an inspirational place for the artistically inclined, as it forges a deeper connection with nature.
After an early breakfast, you will be driven to a safari camp bordering Yala National Park. After resting from the long drive, you will head out on an afternoon safari in a private jeep, along with a professional and experienced naturalist and tracker. The 3 hour excursion will offer plenty of encounters with wild animals and is quite a unique experience. At night you will be treated to an alfresco candle light dinner experience under the stars, and partake in a night walk along the borders of the Park, to continue your encounters in the wild!
8th Night - Galle
It’s time to continue your art discovery holiday, and journey to the coastal town of Galle. Undoubtedly, the most prominent feature of this town is the culture-rich Galle Fort which was built by the Portuguese colonists, and modified by the Dutch and British, during their respective colonisations. Today, it is a beautifully eclectic mix of cosy homes, cafes with fusion cuisines, intriguing stores, quirky hotels, and art galleries frequented by travellers, artists, writers, photographers and designers. The best way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage site would be to stay within the Fort, and that is precisely what you will be doing!
On the way to the Galle Fort, we will stop to meet a Buffalo Curd Maker. Here, you can observe the process of making delicious Buffalo Curd and sample the wares too. On your Galle Fort tour, you’ll get an insight into the colonial history, legends and mysteries of the Fort. You’ll also meet members of the local community and enjoy a traditional home cooked meal. You are free to explore and experience the fort thereafter, but we do recommend that you head to the ramparts in the evening to watch the sunset whilst enjoying some street food.
9th & 10th Nights - Bentota
Masks and puppets are deeply connected to Sri Lankan arts & culture and are routinely used in rituals and healing ceremonies. So what better way than to visit a mask workshop and a puppeteering museum to learn all the lore and find out how they are made? A well laid out garden is a thing of beauty, but a meticulously laid one is just exquisite. So a visit to the legendary Geoffrey Bawa’s ‘Lunuganga’ estate with its ancient Sri Lankan water gardens, Italian Renaissance gardens and Japanese garden art, followed by a visit to the equally stunning Brief Garden designed by Bevis Bawa, also a legend, is an absolute must.
Leaving Galle after breakfast on your arts & culture tour of Sri Lanka, you will be taken on a short drive to Ambalangoda, which is historically famed for its mask and puppet making. You can observe the various techniques of mask creation using traditional and sustainable resources, and pick up some souvenirs too. Thereafter you will visit the puppeteers museum to learn about the heritage of this art. Then you will be taken to Lunuganga, country home of the illustrious architect Geoffrey Bawa. Here you will be taken on a tour of the sculptures and enthralling gardens that make up the estate.
The entire day today, of your art discovery holiday, will be taken up by your visit to the Brief Garden. The vast rubber estate was converted patiently by famed landscape architect Bevis Bawa, across several decades, into a masterpiece that takes its place amongst the best in the world. The garden has a wonderful mix of plantlife, water features, anthropomorphic flower vases, various fantastical head sculptures and inspired landscaping. The estate bungalow is also a work of art with the rooms being furnished with outdoor showers, sculptures, urns and iron work. This will be a guided tour, but at the end of the tour you are free to explore and take in the beauty of the estate at your own leisure.
11th & 12th Nights - Colombo
We’re nearing the end of your art discovery holiday in Sri Lanka, but these two days will be packed with much to see. Colombo may be a bustling modern city, but art is everywhere you look, sometimes tucked into places and other times well and truly in your face. The only way to discover it all is to explore the city at a leisurely pace. The centuries of colonisations by different nations inevitably led to a mix of cultures which made Colombo wonderfully rich in terms of experiences. So the two days may feel like they’re not enough, but we’ll help you make the most of it!
You will arrive in Colombo towards mid-morning and the agenda here is left free to encourage exploration. There are many impressive cultural sights, temples, grand colonial era buildings, vibrant markets and bazaars to explore and your chauffeur can guide you with your choices. Being a melting pot of cultures, it is also home to a variety of cuisines that range from finger-licking-good street food to eclectic fine dining. The city is quite alive at night with nightclubs, late night movies and cafes being popular haunts. But if that’s not your style you could always head to Galle Face beach for a nighttime stroll, and experience a more chilled out atmosphere full of street food vendors and families having picnics.
Being a modern city, art can be found almost everywhere you turn. From modern art galleries such as the National Art Gallery, Barefoot Gallery and Saskia Fernando Gallery to street art, theatres, museums, and musical performances, arts & culture abounds in this city. If you fancy a less established venue, a leisurely stroll down the tree lined Green Path road will help you discover young artists, as they display their paintings and sculptures by the roadside. At night, you could continue your discovery of the arts in Colombo by attending a play, a jazz concert or a poetry reading as there are many that take place all around the city.
We’ve reached the end of your 12-night art discovery holiday and it is time to depart. Your chauffeur will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you to Colombo Airport in time to catch your departure flight.
What more to add?
- Early Check-ins or late Checkouts (organised upon confirmation of your flight schedules).
- Additional nights in any of the locations.
- Nighttime Loris observation trail in Sigiriya.
- Additional Safaris in Yala National Park (requires an additional night stay).
- Additional nights in Galle (beach stay).
You may see the hotels which we have handpicked for you under each accomadation style. However, there are hundreds of other alternative properties for you to select if you wish to and you may mix and match hotels in different categories as well.
Modest
Accommodation
$ 2,366
1-2 persons
$ 1,923
3-4 persons
$ 1,784
5-6 persons
If you’re looking for a no-frills stay that’s easy on the wallet, and love to spend time with locals and explore the surroundings at your own pace, this is the perfect choice for you. This hotel style is wonderfully cosy, unique, mostly owner-run and provides you with a more personalised service.
Morning Star Guest House
Set in Negombo, this property is a 2-minute walk from the Negombo beach.
BOB Pidurangala
This retreat, which the villagers themselves have named "Kurulu Uyana" or Bird Park, is tucked away in 4 acres of forest at the base...
Viyana Boutique Kandy
Overlooking Kandy, Lake Viyana Boutique Hotel is the ideal starting point for excursions to interesting sites in and around Kandy, or simply to unwind...
Hill Club Nuwara Eliya
The Hill Club is an exclusive members only Club, established in 1876, by the British Planters, and continues as a prestigious destination set in...
Big Game Yala by Eco Team
The Big Game Camp site by Eco Team is located close to the Yala National Park and it takes 15 to 20 minutes to...
Mango House Galle Fort
Mango House, a spacious Dutch colonial-style home in the centre of the famed Galle Fort, combines traditional elegance with a modern, edgy vibe.
The Habitat Kosgoda
Looking to escape the city views to a glorious island paradise? We invite you to satiate your wanderlust and acquaint yourself with The Habitat...
Lake Lodge Colombo
Located right in the heart of Colombo tucked away close to the Beira Lake a lurid green waterway home to pelicans and the Seema...
Plush
Accommodation
$ 3,325
1-2 persons
$ 2,882
3-4 persons
$ 2,743
5-6 persons
Indulgence without breaking the bank? Well, this is the category for you. Personalised and high-quality service, attention to detail, comfort and all modern amenities are hallmarks of this category, whilst being situated in some amazing locations.
Villa Hundira Negombo
Villa Hundira is a private and unique lagoon side villa nestled in the back roads of the Negombo lagoon, located just 20 minutes from...
Amaara Forest Sigiriya
Amaara Forest Hotel Sigiriya is ideal for getting away from the city and is nestled in 22 acres of thick forest.
Fox Resort Kandy
Built atop a cliff overlooking the beautiful hill capital of Sri Lanka, Fox Kandy by Fox Resorts offers picturesque views of the verdant hills...
Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya
Situated on Nuwara Eliya Hill, adjacent to the Golf Course and surrounded by cool tropical greenery, akin to an English summer, the Grand Hotel...
Big Game Yala by Eco Team
The Big Game Camp site by Eco Team is located close to the Yala National Park and it takes 15 to 20 minutes to...
The Fort Printers
The Printers building, which dates back to the 18th century, has operated as a college and then as the site of a conventional printing...
Lunuganga – Teardrop
Celebrated Architect Geoffrey Bawa’s country estate, Lunuganga, with its beautiful interiors and original Bawa’s artwork and blueprints in the main residence, will open your...
Colombo Court Hotel
The 32-room upscale Colombo Courtyard is a stylish, contemporary, and environmentally friendly hotel that works well as an affordable option in Colombo for leisure...
Dreamy
Accommodation
$ 4,207
1-2 persons
$ 3,763
3-4 persons
$ 3,625
5-6 persons
The absolute best in comfort and experience, these high-end properties will make your jaw drop! Unique designs, private plunge pools, personal butlers… the list goes on at these boutique properties. Luxury here is not about star ratings and amenities, it’s about being away from crowds and having authentic, personalised experiences.
Jetwing Lagoon
Jetwing Lagoon, an innovative Ayurveda & wellness resort, is an attractive and stylish five-star destination that offers unforgettable experiences.
Water Garden Sigiriya
Explore secret gardens, meditate by a serene lake, or relax in a private plunge pool and take in the breathtaking view of the ancient...
Radh Hotel
A haven of serenity and unrivalled elegance, the Radh Hotel is magnificently set in Kandy's old hill capital and centrally located, making it an...
Langdale Boutique Hotel
Another delightful offering from the boutique collection by Amaya, Langdale Boutique Hotel is a cheerful, laid-back hotel in aon old British colonial-style, 12 kms...
Mahoora Yala by Eco Team
Part of the Mahoora Camp portfolio by Eco Team, Mahoora puts you closer to Katagamuwa, the less-used entrance to Yala National Park, and on...
Galle Fort Hotel
A trip to Sri Lanka isn't complete without spending a few days (or more) in Galle. Galle Fort Hotel is 6 minutes’ walk from...
Lunuganga – Teardrop
Celebrated Architect Geoffrey Bawa’s country estate, Lunuganga, with its beautiful interiors and original Bawa’s artwork and blueprints in the main residence, will open your...
Tintagel Colombo
Tintagel is a stately 1930s heritage building, once home to the Bandaranaike family which gave Sri Lanka 2 prime ministers and a president, notably...
Everything you need to know about the tour
We’ve taken every possible measure to ensure your safety and comfort during this tour.
The hotels, tours, add-ons, guides and chauffeurs who are part of this programme are carefully vetted, so that you enjoy the highest quality standards and enjoy your tour with peace of mind. At any given point of the tour you will always be within reach of your guide or chauffeur, either physically or via phone (e.g: when you are out exploring on your own), for any assistance.
The important stuff:
Sri Lanka is a nation where religion and culture occupy an important place in the day-to-day lives of the local people. It is important to be aware of the customs and practices that are particular to the location you are visiting, so here are a few general tips to keep in mind during your travels. Your guide / chauffeur will assist you with more detailed information.
- If you plan on visiting any temples, ancient or current, you should wear clothing that covers your body from your shoulders down to your knees. Head coverings such as caps or helmets should be removed and shoes must be taken off at the entrance. White coloured clothing is generally a good choice to go with here.
- Some religious places do not allow photography or videography without prior permission and some may not allow it at all. Refer to signage or ask your chauffeur guide about the policy or protocol. Don’t try to photograph or take videos without permission.
- If you have any tattoos associated with Buddhism, Hinduism or Islamism, it’s best that you cover them completely in public places.
- Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places, workplaces and on public transport.
Included:
- Accommodation for 12 nights (BB), except at Langdale Boutique & Big Game Camp Yala (HB) / Mahoora Camp Yala (All inclusive). All accommodation is on a Double or Twin sharing basis.
- Transportation via air-conditioned car / micro van with an English speaking chauffeur throughout the tour including Airport Transfers.
- Chauffeur’s accommodation, meals and fees.
- Jeep Safari in the Yala National Park in a Private Jeep including private guide, entry permit costs & government tracker fees.
- Entry Permits to all the sites, temples, museums & monuments mentioned in the itinerary.
- Costs of all experiences, community visits, hikes and village walks mentioned in the itinerary.
- Service charges at the hotels & applicable taxes by the Sri Lankan Government at the time of booking.
Not Included:
- Any International or Domestic flights.
- Any Visa fee or ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) fee.
- Any additional beverage or food.
- Early Check in or Late Checkout Charges at Hotels.
- Cost of optional activities / sites.
- Tips to the staff.
- Any mandatory supplement by the government.
- Any expenses of a personal nature (telephone, laundry, hotel extra bills, etc.).
- Any other expense, other than those mentioned in the inclusions list above.
- Single room supplement.
About pricing:
Although it may sound strange for a tropical country, Sri Lankan hotels operate on seasonal rates. This is simply due to a particular region having attractions or weather that’s best enjoyed during a specific time of the year and also due to the demand coinciding with the European winter season. So it’s not uncommon to have two rates that apply on different dates in the same month.
But to make things less complicated for you, Experiential Journeys does things differently by giving you the lowest season ball-park rate on the website, and follows up with the exact rate upon receiving an inquiry or booking request along with the confirmed travel dates. You will not be charged anything until the final price is agreed upon.
Experiential Journeys is an Australian based company and uses AUD as the main currency. We serve a global community of travellers predominantly from New Zealand, U.K., U.S.A., Canada & U.A.E.
Experience
Possible experience in this tour
Some of these experiences are already included in the tour you are looking at, either as a full length or time limited activity. You have the freedom to pick out the ones you want during your tour and the extent to how you want to experience it.
5 - 6 Hours
Explore Negombo
Engage in an exciting series of activities in the fishing town Negombo, famous for its golden sandy beaches and lagoon, located just a few...
Negombo
Colombo
4 hours
The Human Family Meets The Monkey Family
Experience a unique and remarkable opportunity to meet the primate actors of Disney’s Monkey Kingdom amidst the remains of the mediaeval capital.
Polonnaruwa
Sigiriya
Dambulla
3 - 4 Hours
Ceylon Tea Experience at a Working Tea Plantation
Experience the art of renowned Ceylon tea-making by visiting a beautiful tea garden and an award-winning factory.
Kandy
Nuwara Eliya
Ella
Knuckles
3 hours
The World’s Greatest Leopard Safari – Yala National Park
Yala National Park is synonymous with Leopard-topia– holding the largest leopard population in the world, per kilometer. Globally recognised as being not just the...
Yala
2 - 3 Hours
Galle Fort with a Storyteller
Discover world heritage Galle Fort with a one-of-a-kind host.
Galle
Tangalle & South Coast
Bentota & West Coast
1 hour
Puppeteers of Sri Lanka
Traditional art and craft evolved over centuries, from the Golden Ages of Sri Lanka, and String Puppet Art is one of them.
Bentota & West Coast
Galle
3 hours
Geoffery Bawa’s Architectural Masterpiece – Lunguganga
Step into the Lunuganga Estate and experience the bliss of Tropical Modernism, an architectural style of wide open spaces connected to sprawling outdoors that...
Bentota & West Coast
Galle
3 hours
Colombo Street Food Experience
Experience Colombo through its colourful, aromatic, multicultural cuisines on this 3-hour evening walking tour.
Colombo
Negombo
3 - 4 hours
Colombo City Walk… From the Fort to the Crocodile Gate
Colombo, a city with a soul, is the heart of Sri Lanka’s capital city. Experience its warmth and grandeur through a fascinating day tour...
Colombo
Negombo