Ayu in the Wild Luxury Travel Sri Lanka

05/06/2024

When we tailor make our journeys in Sri Lanka, you are assured that our property recommendations are independent and not affiliated with a particular hospitality brand on the island ✨

It’s one of the key points we harp on when we mentor new Travel Designers into our team. Having curated bespoke journeys for 10 years, we know what our guests love - and what irks them! Having stayed in the best of the best, or the utterly unique-in-the-middle-of-nowhere kind of places across the island, we know how to select from a wide portfolio of accommodation based on our “feel” of each place and the style it adds to the guests’ journey.

Have a chat with our Founder, to curate a trip - and you’ll see what we mean 💬

10/05/2024

What would an ultimate summer family travel experience of a lifetime, in Sri Lanka look like?

Ayu means ‘life’ in Sanskrit. Experiential travel with Ayu in the Wild is about understanding life, traditions, and how our cultural heritage has evolved through centuries across one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, while enjoying the comforts of some of the lovely hotels and lodges in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is in demand for family travel in July and August so start your planning now.

25/04/2024

Turn back time⌛️in one of Sri Lanka’s most historic cities.

🖼️🕍🏛️⌛️Art, nature, history... they are all capsuled in Colombo where colonial conquests throughout
the centuries, have influenced the city’s appearance, food, historic quarters, modern art and life. Nooks and corners spread throughout the whole city of Colombo are truly worth a day or two of guided walks.

And at the end of a walking tour of Colombo with us - when you enter the beautiful grandeur of for a sundowner, look out for this wonderful gentleman and his welcoming smile.

19/04/2024

You don’t want to miss an evening like this in Sri Lanka. A good book. A glass of wine. Dinner being rustled up by a fantastic chef. Kids relaxing on the spacious verandah. Bliss!

Curating luxury family holidays for summer 2024 with a bit of adventure and loads of style.
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12/03/2024

One of the finest modern eco luxury hotels in Sri Lanka, give guests the feeling they are not staying in a hotel but in a beautiful architectural masterpiece set in a garden of lakes.

Contact us for

partner hotel in Sri Lanka.

31/01/2024

Speaking about the elephant in the room at the Galle Literary Festival on Destination Revival in Sri Lanka. Enjoyed sharing thoughts with the engaged audience on the million dollar question relevant to all Sri Lankans - are tourism dollars, especially through luxury tourism flowing in through Sri Lanka's banking system?

Impact. Impact. Impact.
Nearly 25% of Sri Lanka's population are living below the poverty line, struggling to put food on the table, another 20% are teetering on the edge of the poverty line where one more economic shock will send them spiralling down and where luxury tourism can do so much to champion causes on education, health, conservation and improve livelihoods supporting millions of Sri Lankans, when they need it the most!

Thank you .hospitality for the wonderfully moderated session with Simon Bell of the social enterprise Amba Estate, Miguel Cunat curator of The Pekoe Trail and the wonderful Sam Bleakely, writer, surfer, academic and filmmaker all focused on what sustainable tourism really means - or should mean to Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans.

26/01/2024

Circular Economies - where each trip supports as many Sri Lankans as possible, remains one of our core values since 2012.

The luxury of an Ayu in the Wild Sri Lanka itinerary is our intentional commitment to curate only a limited number of utterly personalized, once in a lifetime adventure each year, for travelers looking to discover Sri Lanka in a meaningful way that brings the greatest benefit to the island. Supporting local community-based experience hosts, jeep drivers, farmers, artisans, long standing chauffeurs, experts in history, folklore, and storytelling - people, who's livelihoods have strengthened as our business evolved - this is what tailor made luxury travel means to us.

Get in touch, if our values align with yours.

10/01/2024

Kicking off Ayu in the Wild Luxury Travel Sri Lanka's work year for 2024 by scoping an initiative to support through tourism is a day none of us will ever forget.

A wonderful place full of motivating spaces (and teachers) who strive to empower hearing-impaired preschool kids to speak, sing, dance, and engage in upskilling them - with the sole focus of enabling them to enter mainstream schools and Universities. The success stories are endless.

This year - let your holidays in Sri Lanka support more hearing-impaired kids by first strengthening the capacity to retain the committed cadre of teachers who for decades have been putting their heart and soul into giving hope to these adorable kids and their families from disadvantaged communities.

Through our smiles - we were mostly close to tears today.

04/11/2023

Are you missing out on the biodiversity experience courtesy of the green season holidays in Sri Lanka’s East Coast? Talk to Ayu in the Wild Luxury Travel Sri Lanka - to make a Biodiversity Hotspot in the world, more exciting than ever.

Are you missing out on Sri Lanka’s green season in the East Coast from January to mid-April with its Biodiversity Hotspot of the World experience? Here’s why you should visit now.

02/11/2023

Life in Sri Lanka, is more diverse than you know.

Our meaningful Sri Lanka itineraries try to connect you with one of the world's biodiversity hotspots and its centuries old cultural heritage - through the eyes of many locals who benefit from hosting you. Ayu means life, in Sanskrit. Sometimes you might travel far from your lodge, to meet locals passionate to show you their traditional livelihoods and craft - their life. Let each experience unfold slowly. And when your journey ends....we hope you leave feeling that same passion for life in one of the world's most unique islands.

Talk to about our tailor made trips.

30/10/2023

These luxurious pool villas and hotels in Sri Lanka are on our mind today as we field more requests for family holidays.

For each curated family holiday itinerary across Sri Lanka, we love to pick a selection of places where young guests and tired little bodies can take a soothing break after safaris, rainforest walks, and visits to Sri Lanka's cultural highlights.

Is a family holiday to Sri Lanka on your mind today?

24/10/2023

Some of the best places to stay in Sri Lanka are also near some of our most unique local experiences ✨

One of the key things we always consider when we tailor make an itinerary in Sri Lanka is the proximity to experiences or whether we need to factor in a longer drive for something really special. When luxury accommodation is juxtaposed with adventures to learn about life in Sri Lanka - thats what makes a tailor made holiday, unforgettable. As always, managing guest expectations is important too.

Talk to our founder about slow travel itineraries in Sri Lanka 💬

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19/10/2023

It feels like the world has gone mad and as we sit and ponder what to post on social media, there is such a dissonance between the need to post bright cheerful images to lure guests and what many in the world are going through today.

This moody image of mist enveloping the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy struck a cord. It is one of the most visited places in Sri Lanka which has seen centuries of happiness as well as moments of discord. Much like what the world is like right now.

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13/10/2023

A tiny Dance Therapy initiative for kids and adults suffering from multiple disabilities around Galle in Sri Lanka.

Households that include Persons with Disabilities (PwD) are far more vulnerable to socio-economic challenges, especially in countries such as Sri Lanka and many of the families are debt burdened, affecting their health and living standards. None of them cannot afford professional therapy. There is so much that can and must be done to foster resilience to the challenges they face. This initiative is simply to improve their health through physical activity and to give them something to look forward - something, that makes them feel special.

Its a small impact initiative, but we're happy with it.

05/10/2023

Take a look at some of the prettiest places to stay along the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka.

If you are looking for a vacation where relaxation and great food means a sip of bubbly by a pool villa and the design aesthetics of slow living - we have the perfect villas and boutique lodges for our guests along Galle, Bentota, Talpe, Mirissa and Tangalle. ✨ And then, there are the little cultural experiences with intriguing history and friendly local guides.

Tap here to be tempted enough to book a tailor made luxury vacation in beautiful Sri Lanka with Ayu in the Wild Luxury Travel Sri Lanka 👇🏼

29/09/2023

A huge thank you to and for hosting such an energy filled room of change makers at the lovely Mandala Club.

Kudos to you Dr Anne-Kathrin Zschiegne, Holly Tuppen, Dr Delphine Malleret King, Julie Cheetham - loved every minute of the learning, laughing and looking to the future. 🌱🐘 🌊There are so many prospects for Biodiversity Hotspots like Sri Lanka when the right people share ideas generously (great 🧀 & 🍷help the cause too!)

21/09/2023

From Ceylon spice to leopards and dolphins in Sri Lanka, here's how a deeper exploration of Negombo, Kalpitiya, and Wilpattu with an Ayu in the Wild insider could unearth some interesting snippets.

Discover unique things to do in Negombo, Kalpitiya and Wilpattu, from kitesurfing to birdwatching in Sri Lanka on a tailor made itinerary with Ayu in the Wild.

18/09/2023

Colombo -  Sri Lanka's vibey city has an old-Colombo and a contrasting cosmopolitan Colombo. Read more 👇

We live and work here and exploring it with our insider's knowledge can be great fun! 🚶‍♂️👌🏽 There's a Colombo Anthropology Walking Tour, a Heritage Art Tour, watch performances by one of South Asias oldest orchestras established in 1958 or an indigenous dance company founded in 1943, take a batik workshop with a famous designer or gain access to a historic Members Only Golf Club conferred Royal status by King George V in 1928 before you wine and dine in stylish pubs, bars, fine dining restaurants, jazz and brunch spots. 💫

Hit the Link in Bio to read how Ayu in the Wild can unpeel the layers of this sea-side city.

15/09/2023

Do you visit for the spirituality, archaeology or mythology? Retrace the steps of ancient Sri Lankan Kings. The Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka is home to the island’s ancient civilizations and natural history.

One of Asia’s extraordinary historic tourist destinations, the Cultural Triangle is a popular place to visit on a tailor-made Sri Lanka trip by Ayu in the Wild.

12/09/2023

Did you know the connection between Sri Lanka's heritage and Berners Street, London?

We've spent either side of last weekend scoping out experiences and talking to expert guides as we dig even deeper into the historical heritage of Sri Lanka. 🇱🇰

What fascinating facts we've unearthed about ships that sailed into our ports ⛵🏴‍☠️, the treaties struck between ancient Kings of Ceylon and seafaring nations for Cinnamon and elephants 🐘, about art, craft and livelihoods 🖼 influenced over centuries morphing into the living heritage of an island.

Talk to our Founder for a bespoke trip with many, handpicked fascinating Sri Lankan Guides. The depth of their knowledge adds so much colour to our trips and is part of our conscious effort to support several Sri Lankans through one tailor made journey.✨💫

05/09/2023

One-child-at-a-time! The Advanced Level results just released in Sri Lanka helped us celebrate a small win. The first kid to benefit from the AYU Scholarship Fund for rural kids has passed his ALs! 👏

✨ The child is the son of a long standing local community based guide who has worked for a decade with Ayu in the Wild and faced many challenges over the last 4 years even prior to the downturn in tourism since Covid. The child's ambition is to study software engineering or pursue a vocational training course in IT and we can't wait to see how his future unfolds.

The AYU Scholarship Fund for rural kids aims to provide bursaries for deserving kids to support their schooling or tertiary education. Empowering young girls and boys in Sri Lanka's rural communities to access education and empower them to strive towards decent work and economic growth, just one-child-at-a-time, is Ayu in the Wild's small way of contributing towards Sri Lanka's sustainable development goals.

01/09/2023

Sri Lanka is multicultural, and the language is nuanced by its history and heritage. ✨
Here are some words we think are essential if you are visiting our wonderful island.

Click to learn some useful Sri Lankan words👇

22/08/2023

Guided Walks in Sri Lanka’s northernmost post of Jaffna becomes even more special from this week as the historic 𝙉𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙡 honouring Lord Murugan commences. 🛕✨

Read our blog to find how Ayu in the Wild’s guided walks will help you discover the best of Jaffna with our unique local experiences connecting our guests with local traditions, craft, cuisine, the Hindu faith and festivals.

Ayu in the Wild’s guide on the best of Jaffna will help you connect with local traditions, craft, cuisine, the Hindu faith and festivals on guided walks.

17/08/2023

Not-to-be-missed stylish shops in Sri Lanka's vibey cosmopolitan city of Colombo. Read our blog post to know where to find the quirky and the elegant, from antique styled ornamental timber to handloom tableware in the brightest of hues, sophisticated two-toned crockery, statement pieces of jewelry, batik and silk dresses. 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘱 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘧𝘵, 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘚𝘳𝘪 𝘓𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘢. 💖✨
https://www.ayuinthewild.com/faqs-sri-lanka/shopping-in-Colombo-homeware-unique-craft-art

An Insider Guide for boutique shopping in Colombo for art, craft, porcelain, homeware from Ayu in the Wild’s list of favourite and quirky stores.

15/08/2023

Sri Lankan Art and Buddhism inside a Cave Temple complex of the 1st century BC, and a rock fortress known as a Lion Rock.

Read tour blog to find out what to visit among Sri Lanka's UNESCO World Heritage Sites recognized for their value and importance not just to a particular community or country but to all of humanity. 🌏💫

Discover all of Sri Lanka's cultural and natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites and how Ayu in the Wild recommends exploring them.

08/08/2023

A magnificent reservoir built by an ancient Sri Lankan King in the 3rd century has become home to an annual natural spectacle known as the Great Elephant Gathering - from July to September and considered one of the 70 areas of importance for birds in Sri Lanka. 😍

Back then, Minneriya Reservoir with a total capacity of over 130 million cubic meters of waters created an agricultural oasis for the people of North Central province in Sri Lanka creating opportunities for trade with South East Asia. The King was revered by the farming community for his efforts at converting this water mass into a natural catchment area with a 2 Km long stone paved dam. A shrine was built on the dam by the people who considered the King, a holy deity known as 'God of Minneriya'. ✨

Large swathes of forests link elephant corridors to the reservoir and today, during the dry season, when water levels fall to around 35 million cubic meters, the sediment rich reservoir beds convert to a haven for tuskers in search of mates, matriarch leading small herds for feeding, young calves to gather and smaller clans to form play groups. 🐘🐾

Learn more interesting facts on safaris with our Naturalists.

01/08/2023

August marks a significantly religious month across Sri Lanka for people from the North to the South. 🛐✨

· Today 1st August, is a full moon Poya Day called ‘Esala’ believed to be the day on which the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka in 4th century AD and Sri Lanka's monarch King Dutugemunu laid the foundation stone of the Ruwanweliseya - the Maha stupa in Anuradhapura which was built in 140 AD. Maha means the most important and significant of all Stupas. This particular Poya also signifies the day in which Prince Siddhartha - a Hindu prince who renounced his wealth and founded Buddhism, was conceived. 🪷

· The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil in Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka celebrates one of Sri Lanka's longest festivals spanning over 25 days held in honour of Lord Murugan. The incredibly atmospheric festival of processions on each day includes poojahs (religious ceremonies), drumming and dancing, and many acts of self-mortification culminating in an elaborate chariot parade called the 'Ther' festival. 🛕

27/07/2023

Sri Lanka is multicultural, and the language is nuanced by its history and heritage. ✨

Here are some words we think are essential if you are visiting our wonderful island.

Click to learn some useful Sri Lankan words👇

25/07/2023

Culture in coastal towns of Sri Lanka, and why we locals love them.

🧭 Tangalle (𝙏𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡: தங்கல்லை, Thangallei; 𝙎𝙞𝙣𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙖: තංගල්ල, Thangalla)

The placid lagoons, the golden beaches, are not the only drawcards of Tangalle.

🔸Approximately 13 kilometres away from Tangalle town lies Mulkirigala Rock Temple, nestled among a grove of coconut trees. After a climb of a few hundred steps to the summit, you’ll discover the temple along with the Bodhi tree which is said to be the offspring of the tree under which Buddha became enlightened. As beautiful as it is of religious importance, the temple houses several large reclining Buddha statues with smaller sitting and standing statues and fantastic mural paintings of the 17th and 18th centuries.

🔸Cultural travellers will love immersing in the temple's claim to fame, in the early 1800s, a scholarly English colonial administrator unearthed the monastic library containing the ola-leaf documents that held the ‘key’ to the translation of the Mahawamsa and Chulavamsa, the Pali chronicles of Sri Lanka’s history from 543. George Turnour’s discovery made it possible to translate the island’s history into English and later to Sinhala.

🔖Save this post, and ask us to include it for your next trip to Sri Lanka.

20/07/2023

Thinking of our next adventure in Sri Lanka 🏝️Where are you visiting this Summer?

Lovely sunlit 📸 by: | | Amanwella | | |