A Different Journey - 9 Days
Starting from USD 1,330 per person, on double sharing
Discover a different side of the island on this 9 day Sri Lanka tour, designed for travellers who want to go beyond the usual tourist trail. Over nine days, experience Sri Lanka through rainforests, village life, wildlife, conservation, peaceful beaches and historic coastal towns, an off the beaten path Sri Lanka journey that moves from city lights to starlit nights.
Begin in Colombo, the island’s commercial hub, before leaving the busy city behind for the heart of nature. Near the Sinharaja Rainforest, the pace slows and the sounds of the forest replace the city. Enjoy lunch beside a natural stream, then take a guided Sinharaja rainforest walk through one of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable natural environments. Continue to Udawalawe, where open landscapes and reservoirs set the scene for a visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned elephant calves are cared for before returning to the wild. As evening comes, join an Udawalawe safari and watch wild elephants in their natural habitat.
Head south to Talalla, a peaceful coastal village away from the busier resorts, for barefoot walks, tropical surroundings, local life and time to unwind by the ocean, with an early-morning whale watching trip from the southern coast. Along the coast, wander Galle Fort, where colonial architecture, narrow streets, local cafés and ocean views create a completely different atmosphere. Then glide along a Madu River boat safari through mangrove forests, small islands and wetlands, learning about local wildlife, traditional cinnamon cultivation and village life. End your journey by the sea in Bentota, with a slower tropical escape before you fly home.
Day 01 - The Tropical Gateway
- Upon your arrival, you will receive a warm welcome from our representative at the
airport. - Explore the bustling fish market at Negombo by the beach; observe local fishermen in action.
- Transfer to Colombo – Colombo is Sri Lanka’s vibrant commercial capital, where modern city life blends with colonial heritage and cultural diversity. The city features bustling markets, historic landmarks, seaside promenades, shopping districts, and a lively dining scene. As the country’s largest city, Colombo offers visitors a fascinating introduction to Sri Lanka’s history, culture, and contemporary lifestyle.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Check in to the hotel.
- Dinner and overnight stay in Colombo.
Travel Time (Approx.): Airport to Colombo – 1 hr
Accommodation: La Maison De Colombo, Colombo
Day 02 - Rakwana
- Start the day with a scrumptious breakfast.
- Colombo city tour, exploring the bustling metropolis – Highlights (Independence Square, Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo National Museum, Galle Face Green, Port City, Dutch Hospital Complex, Red Mosque, and more)
- Drive to Rakwana – Rakwana is a picturesque mountain town situated at the entrance to the renowned Sinharaja Rain Forest. Surrounded by verdant hills, tea plantations, waterfalls, and diverse natural landscapes, it serves as a tranquil gateway for the exploration of Sri Lanka’s rainforest ecosystem. The region presents a harmonious blend of rural charm, rich biodiversity, and opportunities for adventure, thereby serving as a precursor to the ancient wilderness of Sinharaja.
- Relax in the evening
- Dinner and Overnight Stay in Rakwana
Travel Time (Approx.): Colombo to Rakwana – 4 hr
Accommodation: Rosewood Manor, Rakwana
Day 03 - Rakwana
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Take a walk in the Sinharaja Rainforest – Sinharaja Rainforest is Sri Lanka’s last remaining primary tropical rainforest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and high number of endemic species. The forest is home to rare plants, birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects found nowhere else in the world. Exploring Sinharaja through guided rainforest trails offers an unforgettable experience of lush greenery, waterfalls, streams, and the incredible natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s ancient wilderness.
- Dinner and Overnight Stay in Rakwana
Accommodation: Rosewood Manor, Rakwana
Day 04 - Udawalawe
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Drive to Udawalawe – Udawalawe is a beautiful destination in southern Sri Lanka, renowned for its rich wildlife, scenic landscapes, and peaceful surroundings. The area is best known for Udawalawe National Park and the Udawalawe Reservoir, offering visitors excellent opportunities to experience nature, wildlife, and the region’s diverse ecosystems. It is a popular destination for safari adventures and one of the best places in Sri Lanka to observe wild elephants in their natural habitat.
Visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home – Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home is a sanctuary for orphaned elephant calves, nurturing and rehabilitating them before their return to the wild. Witness the feeding sessions from a designated viewing area and discover the inspiring dedication of Sri Lanka’s elephant conservation efforts in a natural and ethical setting.
- Evening Safari adventure in Udawalawe National Park – Udawalawe National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s best wildlife destinations, renowned for its large population of wild elephants that can be seen throughout the year. The park’s open grasslands, wetlands, and forests are also home to water buffalo, deer, crocodiles, jackals, and a wide variety of bird species. A jeep safari in Udawalawe offers excellent opportunities for close wildlife encounters in a beautiful natural setting.
- Dinner and Overnight Stay in Udawalawe
Travel Time (Approx.): Rakwana to Udawalawe – 1 hr 30 min
Accommodation: Waraka, Udawalawe
Day 5, 6, 7 - Thalalla
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Transfer to Talalla – Talalla is a quiet coastal destination on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, known for its long sandy beach, clear waters, palm-fringed shoreline, and relaxed atmosphere. Away from the busier beach towns, it offers a peaceful setting for swimming, beach walks, enjoying sunsets, and simply unwinding by the Indian Ocean. The surrounding coastal landscape and laid-back character make Talalla a pleasant stop for travellers seeking a quieter side of southern Sri Lanka.
- Relax on the Beach
- Early morning whale-watching adventure on the 2nd or 3rd day during the stay in Talalla – Whale watching in Mirissa presents an exceptional marine experience along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The deep waters surrounding Mirissa offer valuable opportunities to observe blue whales, sperm whales, dolphins, and various other marine species in their natural habitats. Participants can engage in a scenic boat journey across the Indian Ocean, thereby experiencing one of Sri Lanka’s most thrilling wildlife encounters.
- Dinner and Overnight Stay in Talalla
Travel Time (Approx.): Udawalawe to Talalla – 1 hr 30 min
Accommodation: Talalla Retreat
Day 8 - Bentota
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Drive to Galle – Galle is a historic coastal city in Sri Lanka, best known for the famous Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built during the Dutch colonial period. The city features charming cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, museums, boutique shops, and scenic ocean views. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful seaside atmosphere, Galle is one of the most attractive destinations on the southern coast.
- Visit a turtle hatchery
- Visit Galle Fort & city.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Boat Safari on Madu River – Madu River is a beautiful Ramsar-listed wetland on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, famous for its mangrove forests, small islands, and rich biodiversity. A boat safari offers a peaceful journey through its scenic waterways, with opportunities to see birdlife, traditional cinnamon cultivation, and the unique wetland ecosystem.
- Reach Bentota, another beach paradise.
- Relaxed Dinner by the Shore.
- Dinner and overnight stay at Bentota.
Travel Time (Approx.): Talalla to Bentota – 2 hr
Accommodation: Cinnamon Bey Beruwala (Bentota)
Day 09 - Goodbye Sri Lanka
- Breakfast at the hotel, savouring your final meal in paradise.
- Drop-off at the airport, concluding your unforgettable journey.
Travel Time (Approx.): – Bentota to Airport (CMB) – 2 hr
End of our service!
- Airport pick-up and drop-off on the first and last day
- Accommodation
- Professional chauffeur guide
- Fully air-conditioned private luxury vehicle
- A complimentary bottle of water per person each day
- Government tax / No hidden charges
- 24-hour emergency contact
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Your Words
About us from the world
Excellent rating
Based on 20 reviews![]()
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Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We recently completed a family tour in Sri Lanka with our guide, Nimantha, and it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. Traveling as a family of five with three young children, we were impressed by how flexible and thoughtful he was in planning and pacing the trip. Nima made sure the activities suited our kids, balancing adventure with comfort. He was patient, attentive, and always ready to adjust plans to keep the kids engaged and happy. Nima also has a deep knowledge and passion for Sri Lankan history, culture, and customs that added richness to our trip. We especially appreciated how he explained local practices—religious traditions, tipping etiquette, and cultural nuances—which gave us a more authentic experience. Nimantha’s professionalism, warmth, and genuine care turned our trip into a memorable adventure. His ability to combine well-organized tours with authentic local encounters made this one of our best family holidays. We would highly recommend him to any family looking to explore Sri Lanka with ease, comfort, and joy.
Hussain AliTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
An exceptional experience touring Sri Lanka’s with Ceylon Space. Our guide, Batheesha, was a wonderful travel companion. A careful driver, thoughtful organiser, and genuinely passionate about his country’s history and people. The whole team behind the scenes also deserves credit for how smoothly everything was arranged, from logistics to timing. A memorable trip we’d happily recommend to anyone visiting Sri Lanka. Ayubowan!
Tony PeetermansTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
If you are planning to go to Sri Lanka - or even if you are not - the best way to go is with Ceylon Space Holidays, and especially with Nimantha as your guide and driver. We travelled as three adults: myself, my husband Andrew (a zoologist and passionate wildlife photographer), and our daughter Elena, and from the very first day it was clear we were in extraordinary hands. The highlights were almost too many to list - a Yala safari where we spotted a leopard, elephants, langurs, hoopoe, painted stork, bee eater, and an astonishing array of other birds that had Andrew and Elena in absolute heaven; the breathtaking climb up Lion Rock at Sigiriya; the magical scenic railway journey from Ella through the tea country; a traditional cooking class in a lovely family home in Ella that ended with singing and guitar-playing around the table - one of those rare travel moments you never forget; the beautiful town of Kandy where we stayed at the stunning Amaya Hills Hotel; and the laid-back beachside bliss of Trincomalee, where we stayed in a beach chalet at Trincomalee Blu. Every hotel on the trip was gorgeous and welcoming, and my food allergies were communicated and managed flawlessly throughout. Nimantha is a highly experienced and qualified guide with a remarkable depth of knowledge about Sri Lankan history, culture, wildlife and nature - his stories and explanations made every site come alive in a way no guidebook ever could. But beyond his expertise, he is genuinely kind, thoughtful and generous of spirit, and even took the time to teach us Sinhala along the way. Ceylon Space Holidays and Nimantha - absolutely exceptional, without reservation.
Roslyn PrinsleyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The Perfect Guide for an Unforgettable Sri Lanka Tour We couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Nima embodies all the qualities of a skilled and knowledgeable guide, with a deep understanding of Sri Lanka’s history, architecture, and culture. Beyond his expertise, Nima has a great sense of humor and an incredible ability to read people, knowing exactly when to step back or when to dedicate more time to certain experiences. His passion for his job is undeniable, and he always goes the extra mile to ensure his guests have the best possible experience. A detail that should not go unnoticed is how impeccably clean and well-maintained his car always was. He was consistently punctual and provided all the necessary information throughout the trip. What truly sets him apart is his willingness to add a personal touch—he arranged balloons and cake for my birthday as a surprise and he went out of his way to find jackfruit for me, which I deeply appreciated! We sincerely thank Nima for making our three-week tour through the breathtaking Sri Lanka an unforgettable experience.
Shauni DevosTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
If you are lucky enough to book Ceylon Space and Nema as your guide to all things Sri Lankan, you are indeed in for a trip of a lifetime. His in-depth knowledge and love for his homeland shines through every day. He's impeccably honest, and goes out of his way to make things as nice as possible for you. I am looking forward to a return trip to explore Northern Sri Lanka with this company.
Donna BurgeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We just completed an incredible 10 day tour with Nimantha from CeylonSpace. He was an experienced, knowledgeable and flexible guide. The tour was well planned, keeping the kids (and grandparents) in mind, with enough down time to recover between drives. He even went to great lengths to decorate the van and organise a cake as a surprise for my daughter on her birthday. We loved all the hotels he chose and felt so safe with him behind the wheel. Highly recommend!
Jo ThomasTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My husband and I had the pleasure of taking a private tour around Sri Lanka with Batheesha's company CeylonSpace in late January 2026. Although there were some initial misunderstandings at the beginning of the tour due to language differences, Batheesha soon made it clear that he was doing his utmost to make sure we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Sri Lanka. It was small touches that impressed us, e.g. going and finding our hats that we had left behind at a restaurant, picking us up from a restaurant in the evening when it was raining and giving us a framed photo that he took during the holiday. Batheesha was also very flexible in changing our itinerary when things didn't suit us, which is what you would want in a private tour. We have no hesitation in recommending the exceptional service provided by CeylonSpace for your private guided tour of Sri Lanka.
Peta PatonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
One of my most amazing holidays ever, the scenery and accommodation was outstanding plus the incredible variety of Sri lankan food was awesome. Our driver and tour guide of Ceylon Space was Nimantha who was brilliant his knowledge and history of Sri Lanka and friendliness was fantastic and I cannot wait to go over their again in the future to view the remaining areas. The local Sr Lankans are very friendly and happy people who love to talk and share experiences with you. Highly recommended our 3 week holiday with Ceylon Space Holidays. / Geoff Allen
Geoff AllenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Just spent 20 days with Nima and Lalith on our tour of Sri Lanka with our 2 daughters aged 10 and 13 and I would recommend that anyone planning to visit Sri Lanka do the same. From the outset, anything within our itinerary that Nima created was there in the interest of creating a well rounded experience of Sri Lanka: we were constantly provided with trips and information that were well thought out and tailored for us and it always felt that Nima's primary concern was to ensure we were gathering all these experiences to form a lasting appreciation of his country. Whilst doing this, every aspect of what we did felt so easy and geared to a pace that suited us as a family, any decision was always presented as flexible and no single thing we requested was any trouble to either of Nima or Lalith and I would say the sensitivity with which all this was done is a rare thing indeed. A twenty day tour in Sri Lanka's beautiful yet sometimes very hot climate can be daunting when children are involved, the itinerary was busy and varied and this can be tiring for kids but I can honestly say that the kindness, compassion and understanding we received from both guys were the standout feature of this holiday - I cannot stress this enough because it allowed all of us to enjoy the experiences we had thoroughly and with the minimum of stress. This aspect of any guided tour cannot be purchased, it is purely down to the natural warmth of the individuals that can make an already fascinating visit into an emotionally memorable one. We covered over 2100km during our stay and we were provided with genuinely interesting information by Nima about the major cultural sights and artefacts that litter the country. More than that though, we all felt we made personal connections with Nima and Lalith and this gave us access to the perspective of their country that wasn't purely designed for tourist consumption but came from real Sri Lankans. Again, this is down to their innate warmth of spirit and it really makes a difference in how one digests the wonders of Sri Lanka. I think it's important to point out the aspects of such a holiday that aren't merely accounts of visits to already well documented attractions but are the intangibles that are provided by the individuals you have chosen to guide you around them. In this I would whole heartedly recommend firstly, Nima, as the one who organised the whole trip - ensuring our accommodation was all linked up really smoothly; our fundamental needs were seen to i.e. access to banks, shops and any other incidentals; identifying any tweaks that could be made to the itinerary, based on immediate personal needs etc: all of this was achieved with great light-heartedness and good nature with absolutely no fuss whatsoever - I genuinely believe he was born to make those around him happy. Secondly, our driver Lalith: I have to firstly honour his driving, I for one would last 5 minutes on Sri Lanka's roads but his unflappable and tolerant nature made the considerable journey seem completely safe and believe me, this is a very hard thing to do there. He was an undeniable positive to have as an extra companion during the tour - never obtrusive, forever helpful and just a genuine pleasure to have in our party. He and Nima even decked out the van we travelled in with balloons when they discovered it was my birthday - Nima also presented me with a cake. This is just one instance of their kindness and I was genuinely touched by that. Overall, I can't praise Ceylon Space Holidays enough for providing us with a lasting good feeling and wealth of experiences during our trip to Sri Lanka: I suggest anyone considering a trip to the country make sure they enlist Nima as their guide and specifically request Lalith as their driver, you will not be disappointed - guaranteed.
John SmythTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We recently returned from an unforgettable 13-day tour of Sri Lanka and had the pleasure of having Nima as our guide. From the moment we arrived, Nima made us feel welcome and completely at ease. What really set this experience apart was the flexibility Nima offered—he let us choose what we wanted to do each day, tailoring the itinerary to suit our interests and pace. Whether it was exploring ancient ruins, relaxing on the beach, enjoying the local cuisine, or discovering hidden gems off the beaten track, Nima made it all seamless. He was knowledgeable, patient, and always had a smile on his face. His local insights and great sense of humour made every day enjoyable. Thanks to Nima, we didn’t just see Sri Lanka—we experienced it in the best way possible. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a relaxed, customised, and genuinely personal travel experience!
D R