In the Footsteps of Buddha
An Exclusive Group Journey
Through Sri Lanka
9–23 January 2027
Temples in the morning light, green tea country and warm days by the ocean. Discover Sri Lanka with Lena Skogström and a small group of fellow travellers.
From SEK 47,950 per person sharing a double room. Emirates flights from Stockholm included.
Small Group • Swedish Tour Leader • Boutique Hotels • International Flights Included
Limited number of places available.
Meet Sri Lanka Specialist Lena Skogström
Sri Lanka has been part of Lena Skogström’s life for almost 50 years. With her as your Swedish tour leader, the journey becomes a personal introduction to the island’s people, history and living traditions.
Lena travels with the group, shares stories and answers questions along the way. An English-speaking national guide adds local knowledge, while the small group gives you time for conversation and shared discoveries.
Come with a friend, a partner or on your own. Curiosity about Sri Lanka is a wonderful place to begin.
Lena Skogström – Experience & Background
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Nearly 50 years of connection to Sri Lanka
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Extensive experience working with Sri Lanka as a destination
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Has represented leading Sri Lankan hotel and travel industry partners
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Engaged in Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
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Deep knowledge of Sri Lanka’s culture, history and societal development
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A Journey Through Sri Lanka with Greater Depth
An exclusive group journey through Sri Lanka for travellers interested in Buddhism, culture, history and meaningful travel.
Together with Sri Lanka specialist Lena Skogström, we visit some of the country's most important sacred sites, ancient temple cities and cultural landmarks. The journey combines Buddhist traditions, lush highlands, carefully selected boutique hotels and time for reflection at a more considered pace.
For many, this becomes more than a journey through Sri Lanka. It is an opportunity to experience the country on a deeper level and gain a greater understanding of the people, history and culture behind the places we visit.
What Makes This Journey Unique
This journey combines Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist sites, cultural heritage, lush highlands and southern coastline in a carefully designed itinerary where knowledge, meaningful experiences and time for reflection all have their place.
Travelling in a small group with Swedish tour leader and Sri Lanka specialist Lena Skogström creates an opportunity to experience the country in a more personal and enriching way. Along the journey, there is time not only to see Sri Lanka, but to better understand its history, traditions and people.
What You'll Experience
Temple Rituals & Buddhist Traditions
Experience Sri Lanka’s Buddhist traditions, temple ceremonies and sacred historical sites together with one of Sweden’s most experienced Sri Lanka specialists.
The Highlands & Sri Lanka’s Lush Landscapes
Travel through Sri Lanka’s misty highlands with rolling tea plantations, cool mountain air and lush green landscapes where the pace becomes slower and nature takes on a greater presence.
Boutique Hotels & Atmosphere
Stay at handpicked boutique and heritage hotels carefully selected for their atmosphere, character and sense of place.
The South Coast & Slower Days
End the journey along Sri Lanka’s peaceful southern coast with time to unwind, reflect and embrace a slower rhythm by the ocean.
Journey Information
9–23 January 2027
Join Sri Lanka specialist Lena Skogström on a small-group journey through the island’s history, culture, Buddhist heritage, lush highlands and southern coast.
Over two weeks, memorable experiences are balanced with beautiful hotels, good food, conversation and time to enjoy Sri Lanka together – with Swedish tour leadership throughout.
Journey Highlights
👥 Small Personal Group
🇸🇪 Swedish Tour Leader – Lena Skogström
✈️ International Flights Included
🏨 Handpicked Boutique and Heritage Hotels
🌿 Buddhist Traditions, Culture and History
Route
Negombo → Anuradhapura → Sigiriya → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Southern Coast
Approximate Travel Times
• Negombo to Anuradhapura: approximately 5–6 hours
• Anuradhapura to Sigiriya: approximately 1.5 hours
• Sigiriya to Kandy: approximately 2 hours
• Kandy to Nuwara Eliya: approximately 2.5 hours
• Nuwara Eliya to the South Coast: approximately 5.5 hours
• South Coast to Bandaranaike International Airport: approximately 2.5–3 hours
Ideal For Travellers Seeking
✓ Culture and history
✓ Meaningful travel experiences
✓ Small group journeys
✓ Personal guidance and insight
✓ Time for reflection and relaxation
✓ A deeper understanding of Sri Lanka
From 47,950 SEK per person
Limited number of places available.
1. Arrival & A Gentle Beginning
Day 1
The first evening is simply about arriving. After the flight, tropical greenery, an elegant boutique hotel near the airport and an easy first evening together are waiting.
It is a chance for the group to begin getting to know one another, settle into the pace of Sri Lanka and ease into the journey ahead.
2. Sri Lanka’s Historic Heart
Day 2–3
Travel through ancient temple cities and historic places where Buddhist traditions have continued through generations.
In Anuradhapura, you step into one of Sri Lanka’s most important historical and cultural landscapes. Temples, ceremonies and everyday life make the past feel alive – not as a museum, but as something that remains part of Sri Lanka today.
3. Sigiriya – History, Nature & Green Landscapes
Day 4–6
As the journey continues towards Sigiriya, the landscape changes and Sri Lanka becomes greener.
Here, historic sites and nature are balanced with a little more space in the programme. There is time for Ayurveda, the pool, conversation and simply enjoying the surroundings – a welcome contrast to the culture-rich days before.
4. Kandy & Buddhist Traditions
Day 7–8
In Kandy, you encounter Sri Lanka’s living Buddhist traditions through temple ceremonies, conversations and experiences that offer a deeper understanding of the country and its culture.
The journey then continues toward places where nature, open views and quiet surroundings create space for reflection and presence.
5. The Highlands & Tea Plantations
Day 9
The journey continues into Sri Lanka’s cooler highlands where mist-covered hills, rolling tea plantations and colonial charm set the tone.
A slower day unfolds among beautiful landscapes, afternoon tea and an atmosphere that feels as though it belongs to another era.
6. The South Coast – Ocean, Warmth & Unhurried Days
Day 10–14
Along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, the pace slows even further.
The days are shaped freely with time by the ocean, long lunches, quiet mornings and the opportunity to explore small coastal villages, cafés and beaches along the way.
A soft and relaxed ending to a journey that stays with you long after returning home.
What Is Included
This small group journey through Sri Lanka has been carefully designed to create a balanced travel experience where culture, nature, relaxation and comfort come together naturally throughout the journey.
Included in the journey:
• International return flights
• 14 days through Sri Lanka
• Handpicked boutique and heritage hotels
• Daily breakfast
• Selected dinners and experiences according to the program
• Swedish tour leader with Lena Skogström
• All transportation and transfers within Sri Lanka
• Temple visits and cultural experiences according to the itinerary
• Visits to Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Sri Lanka’s southern coast
• Time for relaxation and experiences in a slower rhythm
• Swedish travel protection via Travel Experts
From 47,950 SEK per person
Including international flights
Limited number of places available.
Carefully Selected Accommodations
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Boutique and characterful heritage hotels
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Peaceful retreats in natural surroundings
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Carefully selected properties reflecting local architecture and atmosphere
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Comfortable accommodations designed for rest and reflection
Throughout the journey, accommodation is chosen to complement the overall pace, atmosphere and intention of the experience. Rather than large resort hotels, we prioritise places with character, personal service and a strong sense of place.
Why This Journey?
Imagine waking to a warm Sri Lankan morning, sharing breakfast with a small group you have already begun to know, then heading out for the day with Lena by your side.
Some days take you into thousands of years of history. Others lead through tea country, small communities and vivid green landscapes. In between there are long lunches, conversations, beautiful hotels, good food and time simply to enjoy where you are.
When the journey reaches the south coast, the rhythm changes again. Ocean air, warmth and unhurried days bring the trip to a close – by then Sri Lanka feels like more than somewhere you visited.
That is the feeling behind In the Footsteps of Buddha – culture and history in depth, but also connection, enjoyment and the pleasure of discovering Sri Lanka together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a group journey or a private tour?
In the Footsteps of Buddha is a group journey with a limited number of participants. The format allows for a personal and cohesive experience, while being professionally guided and organised throughout.
When does the journey take place?
The journey takes place from 9–22 January 2027
What is included in the journey?
The journey includes accommodation at carefully selected properties, transportation during the trip, and planned experiences as outlined in the programme, along with local expertise throughout. Full details are provided in the detailed itinerary.
How physically demanding is the journey?
The journey is designed at a calm and considered pace. Some walking and light activity may be involved, but no special physical preparation is required. The programme allows time for rest and recovery.
What kind of accommodation can I expect?
Accommodation is carefully selected with a focus on comfort, character, and surroundings, supporting the overall flow and intention of the journey.
Who is this journey suitable for?
This journey is ideal for travellers seeking a more thoughtful way of exploring Sri Lanka, with an emphasis on culture, Buddhist traditions and cultural history, and overall balance rather than a fast-paced itinerary.
How do I receive the full itinerary?
You can access the full day-by-day itinerary directly through the form on this page. Enter your first name and email and the itinerary opens immediately.
