Sri Lanka with private driver/guide: temples, train ride, national park & beach

A town nestled in the country’s central jungles, Dambulla boasts an ancient past with an incredible legacy – worthy labelled as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cultural itineraries are always accessible at one's fingertips. From the town’s renowned Golden Temple – housing more than 150 Buddha statues, eye-catching wall paintings, intricate carvings and a giant golden Buddha statue – to the Sigiri Art Gallery where you can find Sri Lanka’s finest artworks.

Tucked in the very heart of the country, Kandy presents itself with a mix of beautiful old style colonial buildings and eye-catching natural scenery. The royal city radiates its shades of beauty at every moment of the day, whether it be a mystical aura during its drizzly moments or flaunting its tropical-like character on sunny days.

Nestled in Sri Lanka's hilly Central Province, Nuwara Eliya is an eye-catching town with a cool and refreshing climate. The 'city on the plain' boasts picturesque views, fields of green tea plantations and colonial-era architecture. Nicknamed 'Little England', Nuwara Eliya was founded by British explorer Samuel Baker. Thanks to its temperate climate, the city became a safe haven for British civil servants and plantation owners. Golf courses, cricket and polo fields, fox hunting and English-style manors were introduced to the city – in other words, Victorian ways of life forged Nuwara Eliya's identity. Visitors today can take a step back in time and immerse themselves in nostalgic vibes.

Embilipitiya is a Sri Lankan hidden emerald – an ideal destination for any travellers seeking an off-the-beaten-path holiday. Surrounded by the UNESCO Listed Sinharaja rainforest, Embilipitiya is famous for its network of canals and streams. The town is also home to the historic Embilipitiya Raja Maha Viharaya, a Buddhist temple dating back to the 2nd century BC. Towering trees, verdant hills, and endless fields of tea plantations mix harmoniously with the Embilipitiya’s cityscape.

Ahungalla is an ideal destination for anyone searching for a peaceful retreat and a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Pristine, sun-kissed beaches put Sri Lanka on the map and Ahungalla is no exception. From its laidback local coastline found at Ahungalla Beach, a popular spot for anyone wanting to take a quick dip or sunbathe, to the castaway-like shores of Migettuwaththa Beach – hidden away by thick jungles. Visitors can also take a boat ride along the nearby Madu River, which offers a peaceful and scenic journey through the mangroves.