When you think of Sri Lanka, what springs to mind? The surf-washed, golden beaches, or ancient Sigiriya? Both are highlights of any trip, but for those who take the time to travel further afield, you’ll be rewarded with something calmer, wilder and more in tune with what the island was like before it was ‘discovered’.
Some of the island’s most rewarding travel experiences and Sri Lanka's best hotels lie in the lesser-known corners. As we shine a spotlight on this beautiful island nation, we’ve put together a Sri Lankan itinerary that takes you from the peaceful shores of the east coast to the remote Gal Oya National Park, through the emerald tea country of Ella, and down to the south coast, staying in a collection of our favourite lodges and hotels that are all rooted in Sri Lankan heritage and style.
Each stop has been carefully chosen for its sense of place and character, whether it’s a private beach house in Kalkudah, a former tea planter’s bungalow in the hills, a former merchant’s house in Galle, or Geoffrey Bawa’s own lakeside estate. If you have been to Sri Lanka before, this offers a completely new perspective. And if you have not yet been, it is an unforgettable way to begin.
Sri Lanka’s East Coast enjoys a longer dry season than the South and West, making it a smart choice for the summer holidays (the best time to visit is April to September). While places like Arugam Bay and Passikudah have slowly made their way onto the travel radar, Kalkudah remains blissfully low-key.
Where to stay: Kalkudah Beach House is an extremely private beachside retreat sitting within a 25-acre coconut estate. With just five bedrooms surrounding a 22-metre swimming pool, the property opened in early 2025 after a long and thoughtful renovation by Teardrop Hotels. The estate spills onto a stretch of empty golden sand where days begin with a barefoot stroll or a swim before a long, laid-back breakfast served on the veranda. There is little to do in the way of sightseeing at Kalkudah and that is exactly the point. However, for those feeling curious, a short drive takes you to Batticaloa or the UNESCO Sacred City of Polonnaruwa.
Lightfoot Tip: Ask us about arranging a private BBQ on the beach at sunset. For a completely different pace, we can also arrange a boat trip through the mangroves or a day with local fishermen.
A Coastal Hideaway: Kalkudah Beach House
Into the Wild: Gal Oya National Park
From the coast, travel inland to the Gal Oya National Park. This remote pocket of jungle is one of Sri Lanka’s most untouched national parks, boasting some of the island’s most stunning scenery. It’s also home to a healthy population of Sri Lankan elephant, Mugger crocodiles, leopards and 150 species of birds.
Where to stay: Gal Oya Lodge itself is deeply rooted in sustainability and conservation. With just ten eco-conscious bungalows scattered through forest, the design stems from the lodge’s founding philosophy to blend with nature, built using materials found close by. With a focus on open plan living, each of the bungalows - some with a private pool – offer uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscapes and the communal swimming pool is a welcome site after a day out on safari. Spot elephants swimming across Gal Oya Lake on a boat safari or take a jeep safari deep into the ancient sections of the park. There are also ample opportunities for hiking and biking near the lodge, but a real highlight is spending time with the local Veddha community - the last remaining forest-dwelling indigenous group in Sri Lanka.
Lightfoot Tip: Arrive at the lodge by helicopter for a once-in-a-lifetime aerial perspective of the island.
After the wilds of Gal Oya, the journey climbs into Sri Lanka’s central highlands, where misty hills roll into tea fields and the air is crisp and cool. The hill country is an outdoor lover’s paradise with endless hiking opportunities with heartstopping views.
Where to stay: Your base here is Nine Skies, a beautifully restored bungalow near Ella, part of the Teardrop Hotels collection, perched above the Demodara Valley. Days can be spent hiking the Pekoe Trail, Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock, visiting a local tea factory, birdwatching, plus much more. With only five rooms, a stay at Nine Skies is deeply personal and incredibly relaxing.
Lightfoot Tip: We can arrange a private picnic along the iconic Demodara railway line, or a hike with a naturalist guide along the Pekoe Trail.
The Hill Country: Spark your spirit of Adventure
Galle: Sri Lanka’s most famous town
Leaving the hill country behind, you’ll head south to Galle, the historic walled town on Sri Lanka’s southern coast. With a colourful history, Galle is one of South Asia’s best-preserved forts and is a highlight on any tailormade journey through Sri Lanka. With an excellent culinary and crafts scene, it is a place for food lovers, artists and fashion enthusiasts. Not to mention cricket fans!
Where to stay: The Sun House is located just outside the town’s walls, perched on a hill with views across the fort to the sea. Once the home of a Scottish spice merchant, The Sun House has been reimagined as an elegant, eight-room boutique hotel with a sprawling garden and swimming pool. From here, you can dip into the fort to explore the boutiques, galleries and cafes, but always retreat back to the quiet of the house. The staff are warm and discreet, and the atmosphere is relaxed and informal.
Lightfoot Tip: Enjoy an afternoon stroll through the town before perching on the walls to watch the impressive sunset. Galle can be busy during peak season - we know the best restaurants and boutiques to visit and can make all the necessary reservations.
Your journey ends in Bentota, on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, home to some beautiful beaches and a short hop from Colombo for your onward flight home.
Where to stay: On the shores of Dedduwa Lake sits Lunuganga, the country home of legendary Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. This beautiful 10-bedroom property is less a hotel, more a living museum and staying here is like entering into another era. The house, gardens and interiors remain much as Bawa left them. You can wander through his libraries, dine under the frangipani trees, and sleep in rooms once reserved for his closest friends and guests. It is the perfect place to pause before you travel home. Take a day or two here to read, sketch, or simply soak up the design details. It is an intimate and highly personal experience, and one that suits those with a love of architecture, art, or slow travel.
Lightfoot Tip: We recommend a private guided tour of the estate and gardens, followed by lunch in Bawa’s garden pavilion with views across the lake.
The Final Stop: An Artist’s Retreat
Why Book with Lightfoot?
Our travel experts have created this journey through Sri Lanka in partnership with Teardrop, Gal Oya and The Sun House, to highlight some of the places we know and love. Our team has travelled extensively in Sri Lanka, and we understand when to go, how to connect the dots, and how to make your holiday feel personal for you.
Whether you are travelling with your family, on your own, as a couple or with a group of friends, we can tailor our itineraries to your pace. And throughout your trip, you have access to our local support and expertise, every step of the way.
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Lightfoot Travel creates tailormade itineraries throughout Sri Lanka, including the Hill Country, South Coast, Eastern Province and more. Get in touch to plan you bespoke adventure.
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