SMALL GROUP JOURNEYOFFERS

The Tea Highlands & Whales of the South

2026▾
10
Days
1
Nine Arch Bridge Train
1
Blue Whale Safari
1
Solo

Rolling tea fields, the Nine Arch Bridge steam train, deep ocean blue whales, and the Dutch Fort of Galle

See Pricing & Inclusions ↓
10 Days
Small Group
from $6,900 pp
Home  ›  Journeys  ›  Sri Lanka  ›  The Tea Highlands & Whales of the South

OverviewEngineered for luxury travelers who crave high-altitude topography, rolling tea fields, and historic colonial architecture seamlessly paired with southern whale tracking. From the golden Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and the steam train crossing the Nine Arch Bridge to a private catamaran tracking Wild Blue Whales and snorkelling in secret Sinharaja rock basins — the complete southern Sri Lanka experience.

Best ForLuxury travelers who crave high-altitude tea topography, colonial architecture, and southern whale tracking
Duration10 Days / 10 Nights (approx)
RouteNairobi → Colombo (CMB) → Kandy → Ella Highlands → Mirissa/Weligama Coast → Galle → Colombo → Nairobi
Group SizePrivate or small group — your party, or join a small departure
Price From$7,500 per person sharing
✦

Ceylon Tea Trails — historic colonial-style tea estate in the Hatton/Ella Highlands, one of Sri Lanka's most atmospheric luxury properties

✦

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy — the golden-roofed most sacred Buddhist site in Sri Lanka, with its intricate carvings and paintings

✦

Private hands-on tea plucking and tasting masterclass on the luxury estate

✦

Castlereagh Lake sundowner — single malt whiskies and single-estate Ceylon teas from a wooden deck high over mist-shrouded highland valleys

✦

Nine Arch Bridge, Ella — watching the historic steam train cross the massive brick-and-stone arches spanning the dense jungle valley

✦

Private 55-foot catamaran from Mirissa tracking Wild Blue Whales and pods of thousands of spinner dolphins

✦

Hidden Sinharaja Rainforest border gorges — swimming in secret neon-blue mountain rock basins reached by jungle trek

✦

Galle Dutch Fort (UNESCO) — 17th-century ramparts, the iconic white lighthouse, cobblestone alleys, and colonial manors

✦

Weligama outer reef Sea Walk — helmets on, walking alongside colourful parrotfish, triggerfish, and giant sea anemones

✦

Exclusive stilt fisherman and Beeralu lace weaving cultural encounter on the southern coast

The Tea Highlands & Whales of the South
Route Map

Interactive Route Map

Nairobi → Colombo (CMB) → Kandy → Ella Highlands → Mirissa/Weligama Coast → Galle → Colombo → Nairobi. Day-by-day scrollspy markers to follow.

Itinerary

Ella Highlands, Sri Lanka

Day 1 | Nairobi → Colombo → Tea Highlands — Arrival

VIP handling at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta Airport, direct flight to Colombo. VIP tarmac pickup, private luxury SUV up the winding mountain roads into the rolling green tea highlands.

Check into the historic colonial-styled Ceylon Tea Trails — Luxury Master Suite. Private guided tour of the tea estate if arriving before 4:00 PM. Welcome dinner.

Day 1 | Nairobi → Colombo → Tea Highlands — Arrival
Kandy

Day 2 | Temple of the Tooth & Tea Masterclass

Drive to Kandy to view the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic — the golden-roofed most sacred Buddhist site in Sri Lanka. Private historian explains the history of the tooth relic and the temple's extraordinary architecture.

Return to the estate for a private hands-on tea plucking and tasting masterclass. Single malt whiskies and single-estate Ceylon teas from a private wooden deck over the mist-shrouded valleys of Castlereagh Lake at sunset. Gourmet dinner.

Day 2 | Temple of the Tooth & Tea Masterclass
Breakfast, Dinner
Ella

Day 3 | The Nine Arch Bridge

Travel to Ella to stand at the edge of the deep mountain gorges watching the historic steam train cross the massive Nine Arch Bridge — brick-and-stone arches spanning the dense jungle valley, one of Sri Lanka's most photographed sights.

The surrounding mountains and valleys from scenic viewpoints. Tea plantations and highland scenery. Return to the estate for a relaxed evening.

Day 3 | The Nine Arch Bridge
Breakfast, Dinner
Weligama / Mirissa

Day 4 | Journey to the Palm-Fringed South Coast

Drive down the spectacular Ella mountain pass to the southern coastline — the dramatic descent from highland to coast with extraordinary views throughout.

Check into Cape Weligama — Ocean Pool Villa — or Amanwella, perched on a high headland cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. Afternoon at leisure. Gourmet dinner.

Day 4 | Journey to the Palm-Fringed South Coast
Breakfast, Dinner
Mirissa

Day 5 | Deep Ocean Blue Whale & Dolphin Safari

A private 55-foot luxury catamaran from Mirissa harbour — tracking massive Wild Blue Whales and pods of thousands of spinner dolphins surfacing alongside the vessel in the open Indian Ocean.

A white-linen cooked breakfast on a completely isolated sandy cove beneath a palm-fringed cliff face. Afternoon at leisure. Gourmet dinner.

Day 5 | Deep Ocean Blue Whale & Dolphin Safari
Breakfast, Dinner
Sinharaja

Day 6 | Secret Falls of the Prehistoric Sinharaja

With an elite naturalist guide into a hidden valley on the borders of Sinharaja Rainforest — one of Sri Lanka's last primary rainforests. Trekking through untouched jungle canopy to secret waterfalls.

Swimming inside completely private neon-blue mountain rock basins. The unique ecology of one of South Asia's most biodiverse environments. Return to the resort for a relaxed evening.

Day 6 | Secret Falls of the Prehistoric Sinharaja
Breakfast, Dinner
Galle

Day 7 | Galle Dutch Fort — UNESCO Colonial Walk

A private architectural walk through the 17th-century ramparts and cobblestone alleys of the Galle Dutch Fort — the iconic white lighthouse, elegant colonial manors, its Portuguese and Dutch past explained by a private historian.

The vibrant streets with boutiques, galleries, and cafes. Panoramic views from the fort walls. Return for gourmet dinner.

Day 7 | Galle Dutch Fort — UNESCO Colonial Walk
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 | Southern Reef Sea Walk & Bonfire Dinner

A specialised high-tech diving helmet for a Sea Walk along the protected shallow reefs of Weligama — walking the ocean floor alongside colourful parrotfish, triggerfish, and giant sea anemones.

A grand torch-lit seafood barbecue bonfire dinner with fresh local jumbo prawns on a private stretch of beach under lanterns and palm fronds.

Day 8 | Southern Reef Sea Walk & Bonfire Dinner
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 | Exclusive Stilt Fisher & Lacework Heritage Tour

A coastal cove with the iconic indigenous Stilt Fishermen — balance-fishing on wooden poles driven into the coral reef. Traditional Beeralu lace weaving with master craftsmen.

A private performance of historic maritime storytelling. Celebratory farewell dinner at Cape Weligama paired with vintage wines.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 | Return to Colombo & Departure

A relaxed breakfast watching the Indian Ocean waves crash against the cliffs. Check out, chauffeur along the southern highway to Colombo. Complementary spa session. Airport transfer for international flight back to Nairobi.

City Hotel, Colombo
Breakfast

Want to adjust the pace, swap a lodge, or extend this journey?

We are here for that. Every Finders & Keepers Safaris itinerary is a starting point, not a fixed departure — the pace, the lodges, the length, the dates and the party travelling can all be reshaped around you. Tell us what you would change and a specialist will rebuild the journey and price it honestly, before you commit to anything.

Tailor This Journey →
The Tea Highlands & Whales of the South
Your Accommodation

Three Exceptional Properties

Ceylon Tea Trails — Luxury Master Suite
NIGHTS 1–3
Ella Highlands, Sri Lanka

Ceylon Tea Trails — Luxury Master Suite

View
Cape Weligama — Ocean Pool Villa
NIGHTS 4–9
Weligama / Mirissa, Sri Lanka

Cape Weligama — Ocean Pool Villa

View
Why This Journey

What sets this journey apart

Tea estates in the highlands, the Nine Arch Bridge and blue whales off Mirissa: three Sri Lankas in ten days.

01

Sleep on a tea estate

Ceylon Tea Trails, a historic colonial-style estate, with a hands-on tea plucking and tasting masterclass and a Castlereagh Lake sundowner of single malts and single-estate Ceylon teas.

02

Kandy and the steam train

The golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, and the Nine Arch Bridge at Ella with the historic steam train crossing it.

03

Blue whales and a fort

A private 55-foot catamaran from Mirissa tracking wild blue whales and pods of spinner dolphins, then Sinharaja’s rainforest and a walk around the UNESCO fort at Galle.

Shoulder SeasonJan – MayDry on the west & south coasts
Best ValueMay – SepDry season on the east coast
Peak SeasonSep – DecDry season returns island-wide
Best forTea and food loversCouplesWhale watchers
Plan this journey with us →

Inclusions & Price

Deposit Offer

Hold 2027 for half the usual deposit

Confirm any 2027 departure with a 15% deposit instead of the usual 30%, booked before 31 December 2026.

  • Your balance is not due until 60 days before departure.
  • The reduced deposit holds your camps, permits and internal flights at today’s rates, so a mid-year price movement does not reach you.
  • Applies to new 2027 bookings only and cannot be combined with a group discount on the same booking.
Solo Travellers

30% off the single supplement

Travelling on your own? We cut the single traveller supplement by 30% across selected 2027 departures.

  • The supplement covers the sole-occupancy cost a camp charges when a room sleeps one rather than two.
  • Available on selected camps and dates — your specialist will tell you which of your nights qualify before you commit.
  • Nothing changes about the journey itself: same guide, same vehicle, same rooms.
Group Offer

Bring three, the fourth travels free

Book four guests on a 2027 group departure and the fourth guest’s safari cost is on us.

  • The waiver covers the land portion — camps, meals, guiding and game drives.
  • International flights, visas, gorilla and chimpanzee permits and personal spending are excluded, as those are paid to third parties per head.
  • All four guests must travel on the same departure date and book together.
What's Included
  • VIP tarmac handling at all airports
  • All private luxury vehicle transfers
  • 9 nights luxury accommodation
  • All meals — Full Board throughout
  • International flights Nairobi–Colombo–Nairobi
  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
  • Tea plucking & tasting masterclass
  • Castlereagh Lake highland sundowner
  • Nine Arch Bridge Ella excursion
  • Private 55-ft catamaran blue whale safari
  • Sinharaja secret falls jungle trek
  • Galle Dutch Fort architectural walk
  • Weligama outer reef sea walk
  • Stilt fisher & lace weaving cultural day
  • All park & site entry fees
  • ✓Travel insurance facilitated on your behalf (adjusted in your quote if you are already covered)
  • Visa processing assistance & fees
What's Not Included
  • International flights to/from Nairobi (confirm at booking)
  • Gratuities for guides & staff
  • Premium imported alcohol
  • Items of a personal nature

Per Person Pricing

Per Person Sharing$7,500
Single Traveller SupplementOn Request
ⓘ Pricing is an estimate subject to confirmation based on season, group size, and final accommodation selection.

2027 Season Pricing

The same unforgettable journey, priced by season.

Jan – May Shoulder SeasonDry on the west & south coasts
$7,900
May – Sep Best ValueDry season on the east coast
$6,900
Sep – Dec Peak SeasonDry season returns island-wide
$8,100

Flexible Payment Plan

1

Reserve today with a low early deposit to lock in your 2027 dates and pricing.

2

Spread the rest across convenient instalments, at a pace that suits you.

3

Final balance due one month before departure — nothing more to pay once you fly.

Speak To Us

Journey Details

Travel Kit

Duffel, sun hat, reef-safe sun cream and dry bag

  • Your duffel — A soft-sided Finders & Keepers Safaris duffel, sized for the luggage limits on seaplane and inter-island transfers, where 20 kg per person is common and hard cases are often refused.
  • What is inside it — A wide-brim sun hat, a reef-safe sun cream that meets the marine park rules across the region, and a roll-top dry bag for boat days and sandbank picnics.
  • Yours to keep — The bag and everything in it is a gift, not a loan.
  • Packing around it — Light, breathable layers, and one modest set covering shoulders and knees for Stone Town, villages, temples and local islands.

Note

The island has two distinct monsoon seasons

The west/south coast and hill country are driest from December to March, while the east coast is driest from May to September — your itinerary is routed to favour the best conditions.

  • Early starts — The best of this journey happens at dawn — before the heat, the crowds and the haze. Your guide will confirm what time you will be collected from your hotel.
  • Tailoring this journey — If you would like this package with more or fewer days, arranged for a group, a family or a solo traveller, or with add-ons, reach out and we will tailor it for you.
  • Route changes — Your guide or driver may alter the route in certain circumstances, but every destination set out in the itinerary will be covered.

Documents

ETA required in advance

  • Passport — Valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, with at least two blank pages for stamps.
  • Electronic Travel Authorisation — An ETA is required before arrival. Since 25 May 2026 it is issued free of charge to nationals of 40 countries for a 30-day stay; other nationalities pay the standard fee.
  • At the temples — Shoulders and knees covered, shoes and hats removed. Never pose with your back to a Buddha image, and be aware that visible Buddha tattoos have caused travellers to be refused entry at Bandaranaike.
  • We handle the paperwork — We complete and submit your visa, eVisa or travel-authorisation applications on your behalf. You supply the documents once; we do the filing, track the approval and hold the confirmations for you.
  • Where you must appear in person — A few consulates insist on biometrics or a short interview that nobody can sit on your behalf — China requires fingerprinting for some nationalities, as do European and United States visas. We still prepare the entire file; we simply book you a single appointment and brief you beforehand so one visit settles it.
  • Before you travel — Entry rules change frequently and without much notice. Your specialist confirms the current requirements for every passport in your party at the time of booking, and checks them again before you fly.

Guaranteed Departures

Private, tailor-made departures on your dates, or join a small group

  • Once confirmed, you travel — When your departure date is confirmed, it is guaranteed. We do not cancel, merge or reschedule a confirmed departure for commercial reasons, however the final numbers fall.
  • What confirms a departure — A departure becomes confirmed once the agreed number of travellers has been reached and paid for in line with the agreed payment schedule. Places held without payment do not count towards it.
  • If the minimum is not reached — Where a group departure has not reached its agreed numbers, we tell you early rather than late, and you choose: move to the next available date, continue at a revised small-group rate, or take a full refund of everything you have paid.
  • Solo journeys — Solo and tailor-made itineraries carry no group minimum at all. Your dates are confirmed the moment your deposit is received.

A deposit of 30% is required to confirm your booking, with the balance due 60 days before departure. All itineraries can be tailored — extend a stay, add a destination, or adjust the pace to suit you. Comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical evacuation and personal effects is required for all guests. Your dedicated specialist remains on call throughout your journey for any changes or assistance you need.

  • What to pack — Light, breathable fabrics, and more swimwear than you think you need. Away from the resort, cover shoulders and knees — Stone Town, the fishing villages and any temple will expect it. Bring reef-safe sun cream, which the marine parks require, a rash vest for long snorkelling days, and one smart-casual set for dinner.

More Sri Lanka Journeys

The Lost Citadels & Northern Canyons
REMOTE

The Lost Citadels & Northern Canyons

10 Days · Private
RouteKoh Ker · Preah Vihear · Sambor Prei Kuk · Amansara
The Ancient Northern Kingdoms & Reefs
SRI LANKA

The Ancient Northern Kingdoms & Reefs

10 Days · Private
RouteAnuradhapura · Wilpattu · Jaffna · Delft Island
The Ultimate Couples Romance
SEYCHELLES

The Ultimate Couples Romance

10 Days · Private · Min 2
Route Mahé · Praslin Island · La Digue Island · Curieuse Island
Malaysia
MALAYSIA

The Malayan Grandeur

11 Days · Flights Included
Route Kuala Lumpur · Genting · Cameron Highlands · Penang · Langkawi