From ancient heritages to bustling cities and stunning beaches to stunning rural scenery, this comprehensive, 20-day Sri Lanka tour will bring you face to face with the best that this country has to offer. Starting from Negombo, you will travel to Anuradhapura, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Sigriya, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya during this tour before heading off to Waskaduwa to relax on the beach.
Get the glimpse of Sri Lanka's history across millennia in Anuradhapura, and Sigiriya among other places and explore the modern cities of Kandy, Nanu Oya and Galle to understand the country's more-recent colonial past.
Along the way you can also choose to explore Sri Lanka's pristine national parks and get a chance to see herds of elephants in the wild. You'll also be able to see rescued baby elephants at Udawalwe’s Elephant Transit Home. Also learn the local way of life during a train ride from Kany to Nuwara Eliya and enjoy an intriguing crab-cooking session in Jaffna.
After experiencing the verdant hills and expansive tea plantation inland, end your trip soaking up some sun on the picturesque beaches of Kalutara.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
7-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Colombo, Negombo, Sigiriya, Kand
Colombo, Negombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Jaffna, Galle, Minneriya National Park, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe, Kalutara, Waskaduwa, Anuradhapura, Nagadeepa Islands, Trincomalee
Our 20-day tailor-made trip to Sri Lanka was truly unforgettable, largely thanks to our wonderful guide Lahiru. We had the pleasure of visiting some of the country's most famous national parks, including Wilpattu and Yala, and Lahiru's extensive knowledge of the wildlife, regions, and local cultures made the experience all the more enriching. He went above and beyond to ensure that our trip was a success, and we couldn't have asked for a more helpful and accommodating guide.
Throughout the planning process, Lahiru was extremely communicative and clear in his explanations of everything from airport pickup to lodging to costs. The lunches provided were delicious, with a warm lunch on the first day and quintessential 'boxed' lunches on subsequent days. The dinners were all buffet-style, but with plenty of options, including vegetarian.
Overall, we feel that our trip was worth every penny and would jump at the chance to do it all over again. Thank you, Lahiru, for an incredible Safari adventure!
Wildlife safaris and game drives
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Eco Lodge, Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Negombo, Sigiriya, Mirissa, Anur
Negombo, Sigiriya, Mirissa, Anuradhapura, Galle, Ella, Yala National Park, Horton Plains National Park, Sinharaja, Wilpattu National Park, Minneriya National Park, Kaudulla National Park, Nuwara Eliya
Lahiru was fantastic to work with! He was incredibly responsive and provided us with the trip of a lifetime in Sri Lanka. We enjoyed the extra experiences that were so unique and felt like we truly experienced the best of Sri Lanka, even though we were only there for a week. We always appreciate trips that inspire us to return! Without a doubt, we would gladly choose this tour operator again in the future!
We reached out to several operators but chose to work with Lahiru due to his honesty and straightforwardness. We provided him with a list of our desired activities and accommodations for our 15-day trip, and Lahiru responded with an excellent itinerary and fantastic hotel recommendations. The price was reasonable, and the all-inclusive package meant we didn’t have to worry about any additional services.
The hotels we stayed at was great, excellent food and amazing hospitality. The van was in good condition, equipped with air conditioning, and our driver, Asanka, skillfully navigated Sri Lanka's challenging roads. Lahiru, who also served as our guide, was incredibly knowledgeable and kind, making our experience even more enjoyable.
Without a doubt, this is one of the best tour operators in Sri Lanka.
Thank you,
Linda and John
Adventure
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Negombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Anurad
Negombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Anuradhapura, Galle, Ella, Yala National Park, Colombo, Tissamaharama
We booked the Classic Ceylon Sri Lanka Tour for our honeymoon. The tour agent was Aitken Spence Travels. Day 1: Arriving at Colombo airport, we were greeted by our guide/driver named Rane (guide and driver are the same person throughout the tour). Our first stop was the Ramada Hotel in Columbo, where we checked in. You can take advantage of the afternoon to explore the city or relax at the hotel. We have reviewed each hotel separately in this thread if you want to learn more about each hotel review in detail. Our guide agrees on a time for you to be picked up the next morni g, which was ours at 8am. to start on time. Colombo is a busy city so traffic can be very busy. Day 2: Drive from Colombo to Dambulla, which is approximately a 4-hour drive away. Your guide will make a rest stop for a drink if you wish. Once we reach Dambulla we visit the Temple of the Rock. This fascinating temple is built on the side of a rock with some historical monuments of Buddhas and paintings. Once we had visited the temple, we stopped for lunch at one of the various Sri Lankan tourist restaurants. The food is in keeping with the country and there are usually rice, potatoes, various meats and salads on the menu. We were never disappointed. Lunch is not included in the tour price so it is extra, but at approx 600 rupees it is very reasonable in terms of cost. Some days we didn't fancy lunch and you can skip this if you want. Your driver will be very accommodating. We were then taken to our hotel which would be home for the next 3 nights: Amaara Forest Hotel (review available separately). The following days consisted of: Day 3 - Drive from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa to visit the 2nd Heritage of the Capital City. This is an amazing experience that offers a fantastic insight into Sri Lankan history. After this we reached Minneriya to the national park. The opportunity to see elephants in the wild is something not to be missed. There are also wild buffaloes, monkeys, birds, and many more animals to witness. We also visited a silk shop where silk was made, and we were dressed in traditional Sri Lankan clothing, where you can take photos of each other. The ladies at this store were wonderful and we bought a few items. The woodcarving factory is also a good stop, where you can watch how they make traditional Raksha masks and other items. We really wanted to buy a pair of these and the factory store on site had plenty to choose from at reasonable prices. Day 4 - Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Rock). This spectacular rock of approximately 200 m high has impressive views. The only way to achieve this is through lots of steep steps so you will need to wear some good trainers as flip flops will wreck your feet. It can get quite busy on the stairs for the first part as there are historical paintings to see a third of the way which causes the delay, but it picks up soon after. Don't let this delay put you off, I almost decided not to bother you, but the wife talked me into it and I'm glad I did. When you get to about 2/3 of this way, this is where the Lions entrance is. At one point this one had a huge rock lion face on it which is sadly gone. From this point you can reach the top and the view of Sri Lanka can be seen for miles. Word of advice to all of you, there are people who offer to "show" you the rock, they will expect payment for their services, so you politely say no or agree to a cost up front. Also when on the stairs there will be men offering to help him up (at one point taking my wife's hand and escorting her down the stairs which I soon said no to) in all fairness once I say no they will leave you alone, so don't do it. Don't let this discourage you, but be prepared. This day you also have a tour of a rural town in a carriage and a boat ride. You may be offered lunch here which is a great experience and at 600 rupees well worth it. A local lady prepares dinner in her cabin in the woods, and there is a good choice to have. You won't get a chance to experience this again so totally recommend it. Day 5 - Kandy. The journey from the hotel above to here is around 2.5 hours, but it breaks down to an intermediate stop at Spice Garden, where you can see how various spices grow and are shown how to make curry mixes from scratch. The day also included a visit to a gem museum. Generally these places have a room or two showing the history of the gems etc but then a shop at the end. We found the gem shop too expensive for what we wanted to get out of our souvenir shopping, so we didn't buy anything. Again, you don't have to buy anything if you just want to look around. After you transfer to another hotel, we stopped at Earls Regent in Kandy. Day 6 - We visit the Botanical Garden which is a lovely relaxing day where you can walk slowly and take in the surroundings. After this, you can have lunch or return to the hotel to relax. Day 7: We visit a tea plantation on this day where you can see the process from tea leaf picking to the final product. We were allowed to pick tea leaves in the hills as well as visit the shop on site to pick up some reasonably priced local tea/souvenirs. From this point, you can return to the final hotel of the tour to rest in Nuwara Eliya. You can, if you wish, take a walk in the area near the hotel. Day 8 _ This is the route back to the airport, which takes around 7 hours in total, but is broken down by the different sights offering opportunities for waterfalls and a few breaks at local cafes and restaurants. As a guide, we leave at 8:30 am and arrive at the airport at 3:30 pm. Overall the tour was amazing but very tiring. It's not a relaxing vacation, so if you can get a second week in a row somewhere, you can relax. We went to the Maldives which is a 1 hour flight to Male airport. Some final points:
We were advised to tip the driver between $5-10 per person per day as an example, but you can tip what you feel was worth. Your guide will offer to take you to other places that are not listed on the tour and will be charged. If you don't want to do this, just say no thanks and they won't accept you. We almost fell for this and arrived at a spa which we were told would cost 5,000 rupees each for an hour which works out to a total of �40 so not a huge cost but we really didn't want a spa visit So we politely said we weren't interested. On the last day you will also be asked if you want to go rafting, which we didn't do as the last thing we wanted was to get wet en route to the airport. Overall, a worthwhile trip to an amazing country.
Join this eleven-day exciting adventure in an earthy paradise. Discover a wild world hidden in the Sri Lanka National Parks, witness lush landscapes, and marvel at rich biodiversity through safari, walking and cycling tours.
AdventureActive and outdoor
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Resort, Lodge
Age Range
6-99 yrs
Operated in
spanish, dutch, french, italian, german, english
Destinations
Colombo, Negombo, Wilpattu Natio
Colombo, Negombo, Wilpattu National Park, Anuradhapura, Habarana, Gal Oya National Park, Yala National Park
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Sri Lanka Time Tour via Aitken Spence. We met our driver and guided Sanka in Negombo for a 10 day tour of Sri Lanka. As soon as we met Sanka we knew we had made a very good decision, he was very friendly and welcoming us to continue our tour with the first events, he was prompt and very knowledgeable, and very proud of his country. Driving in Sri Lanka is crazy but Sanka was very experienced and we never felt unsafe. Safety throughout Sri Lanka is a high priority, but we never feel unsafe anywhere and encourage visitors to carry on while the tourism industry suffers. The hotels we stayed in were excellent and the staff were always friendly and very helpful. The tour is very busy with some long days, but we end with a six day break in the Maldives to recover. A truly memorable holiday with lots of laughs and banter with Sanka who made the tour so enjoyable.
Art and architecture
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort, Villa
Age Range
6-99 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Colombo, Negombo, Sigiriya, Kand
Colombo, Negombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Embark on an unforgettable 10-day journey through the stunning landscapes of Sri Lanka. Start by exploring the vibrant city of Colombo before heading to the cultural heart of Kandy, where ancient temples and traditions await. Continue to the lush highlands of Nuwara Eliya, renowned for its tea plantations, then relax amidst the scenic beauty of Ella. Experience the wild wonders of Yala National Park before soaking up the serene beaches of Hiriketiya and Dickwella. Finally, unwind in the coastal town of Negombo before concluding your adventure at Bandaranaike International Airport. This tour offers the perfect blend of culture, nature, and relaxation.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Private Tour
Age Range
5-80 yrs
Operated in
english, german, spanish
Destinations
Colombo, Negombo, Kandy, Ella, Y
Colombo, Negombo, Kandy, Ella, Yala National Park, Nuwara Eliya, Hirketiya, Katunayake
Embark on an unforgettable seven-day journey through Sri Lanka, a land of diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Your adventure begins in the bustling coastal town of Negombo, where you’ll explore historic canals and lively markets before heading inland to Nuwara Eliya, a haven of rolling tea plantations and serene lakes. Along the way, visit the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and trek through the breathtaking Horton Plains.
The journey continues to Ella, where lush greenery, iconic landmarks like Nine Arch Bridge, and local flavors await. Delight in a cooking demonstration at Ella Spice Garden and soak in the charm of this picturesque hill town. From there, venture to Mirissa, a coastal paradise perfect for whale watching, yoga, or simply relaxing by the sea. Highlights include exploring Coconut Tree Hill and indulging in fresh seafood under starlit skies.
As the tour winds down, visit the historic city of Galle with its colonial-era fort before arriving in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital. Here, modernity meets tradition, offering bustling markets, serene temples, and architectural splendor. Conclude your adventure with cherished memories of Sri Lanka’s scenic beauty, rich heritage, and heartfelt warmth, eager to return for more discoveries.
Discover Sri Lanka's hidden gems and iconic highlights on this multi-activity adventure tour. Blending off-the-beaten-path experiences with must-see attractions, this well-balanced itinerary ensures you experience the best of both worlds.
Fully guided, the tour takes you to the heart of the island, where local hosts share unique experiences. Explore unseen, stunning villages in Sri Lanka's central mountains and secret wildlife viewing spots, guided by expert naturalists, away from the crowds.
Of course, the tour also includes Sri Lanka's iconic highlights. We've carefully selected locally-owned, small hotels that offer a unique and authentic local experience, ensuring your stay is as memorable as the places you visit.
Ayubowan! Welcome to the paradise island of Sri Lanka. Explore Sri Lanka high and low with this fascinating tour starting in the capital, Colombo, and taking an inland loop that covers all the main historical, cultural, and natural attractions of this magical island. Experience firsthand the love and respect that Sri Lankans have for the Elephants. Explore the medieval city of Polonnaruwa. Visit Nuwara Eliya, the heart of Sri Lanka's tea country producing a significant share of the world’s best tea. Discover Yala National Park, stepping into the most visited national park in the country but also the lands of a civilization that thrived during the reign of Sri Lankan kings. Explore Kaudulla National Park, listed by Lonely Planet, making this elephant tour in Sri Lanka among the Top Ten wildlife spectacles in the world. Visit Galle, the epic Southern capital, the intersection where classic Dutch architecture meets a tropical setting creating a vivid atmosphere in beauty
Art and architecture
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
6-99 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Colombo, Negombo, Kandy, Nuwara
Colombo, Negombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Ahungalla
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Walk along the white sandy beaches in Negombo and indulge in the local food, a gourmet-food lover paradise. Watch the local fishermen set off to sail for a day's fishing in the overpowering Indian Ocean. Get to witness the day at Negombo Fish Market that takes place right on the beach, Enjoy a cultural feast packed into 4 memorable days.TOUR HIGHLIGHTNegombo: Discover the main highlights of Negombo and witness from the locals the process of fish drying by the sea. There's nothing you'll miss during this experience!
Getaways and short breaksBeach
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
6-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Colombo, Negombo
Colombo, Negombo
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
