Leopards, Tea and Temples

Leopards, Tea & Temples is a privately guided journey through Sri Lanka, designed for travellers seeking deeper, quieter experiences away from the crowds. With over tourism on the rise, this itinerary focuses on meaningful, low-impact travel — including Kumana Under Canvas, a remote and immersive safari escape curated with our expert partners Leopard Trails. Game drives here offer exceptional leopard sightings in a tranquil, less-visited national park. Guests also spend time at a working tea estate in the low tea country, learning the art of hand-rolling tea, and explore UNESCO-listed sites such as Sigiriya and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Stays are at small-scale, independently owned boutique properties that are committed to sustainability.

Sri Lanka, often referred to as the "Teardrop Island," is a treasure trove of diverse experiences. From lush national parks and ancient temples to tea plantations, scenic mountains, and golden beaches, this island offers an extraordinary variety of adventures within its compact 270-mile length. Despite the short distances on the map, travel times can be deceiving due to winding roads and busy traffic, making it essential to consider journey times rather than distances when planning your travels.

At the heart of Sri Lanka lies the Cultural Triangle, a region rich in history and culture, encompassing UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, the iconic Rock Fortress of Sigiriya, and the Dambulla Cave Temple. This area also boasts stunning national parks like Wilpattu and Minneriya, home to sloth bears, leopards, and majestic herds of elephants.

The Sacred City of Kandy, nestled in the low tea country, is famous for the Temple of the Tooth, a revered Buddhist site. From here, you can embark on a scenic train journey through Sri Lanka's verdant hill country, famous for its tea plantations. With a crisp, cool climate, the central highlands offer a refreshing contrast to the island's coastal warmth.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Sri Lanka offers some of the best national parks for safaris, including Yala, Udawalawe, and Bundala, each teeming with wildlife. The southern coast is also known for its whale-watching opportunities, where you can spot blue and sperm whales off the coast of Mirissa from December to April, and in Trincomalee on the east coast from March to September.

Sri Lanka’s rich health heritage is also worth noting, with Ayurveda at the heart of its wellness practices. Many hotels offer rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments alongside yoga and meditation, promoting a holistic approach to health and well-being.

The ideal time to visit depends on the region you wish to explore. The southwest coast and central hills are best visited from December to April, while the north and east coasts enjoy good weather from April to October. However, for those looking for a short beach stay between July and September, we recommend considering the south coast. During these months, the weather on the south coast is generally pleasant, with calmer seas and more activities available. Due to the long travel times from other parts of the island, the south coast offers a convenient base for a shorter, more relaxed beach holiday. However, swimming in the sea in many areas of the south coast can be challenging during this period, so caution is advised.

For those seeking excellent value, the Green Season (May–June and October–November) is a fantastic option. During this time, hotel prices often drop to 30-50% of their usual rates, offering incredible savings. The lower prices make Sri Lanka a more affordable destination during this period. With the unpredictable weather worldwide, visiting Sri Lanka during the Green Season can be an ideal way to enjoy the beauty of the island at a fraction of the cost.

While the warm temperatures remain consistent year-round, it’s best to avoid the peak rainy months and plan accordingly for more pleasant conditions if your budget allows.

Despite the growing popularity of Sri Lanka, the island remains a magical destination where you can savour the warmth of the people, the beauty of its landscapes, and the incredible food. However, visitors should be prepared for long travel times and be cautious of the rough seas and busy roads. The true charm of Sri Lanka lies in taking it slow, savouring the moments, and perhaps planning a future visit to uncover even more of what this enchanting island has to offer.