Best of Sri Lanka Highlights Tour

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Carbon neutral

7 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

35 - 75 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Ends

Nuwara eliya, Sri Lanka

Highlights

Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to spend your morning watching the herd of majestic animals

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress marvel at the irrigation and construction capabilities of the ancient ones.

Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa Heritage Sites enable you to walk through ruins of castles, water gardens, and more.

Delight in the significant places of worship of the Dambulla Cave Temple and Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Marvel at the Hill Country with a sightseeing tour of Kandy

Enjoy a Tea Tasting at the Nuwara Eliya Tea Estate & Factory

Get to know Sri Lanka's ‘Little England' for its British-inspired architecture and plantation lifestyle, in Horton Plains.

Colombo Sightseeing Tour

Enjoy a Tea Tasting at the Nuwara Eliya Tea Estate & Factory

Get to know Sri Lanka's ‘Little England' for its British-inspired architecture and plantation lifestyle, in Horton Plains.

Colombo Sightseeing Tour

Itinerary

Experience the best of Sri Lanka in just 7 days, where rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique wildlife await. Begin your journey with an elephant watching at Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage as they take their daily walk to the watering hole. Then, head to the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock, climb to the top, and marvel at the ancient construction and advanced irrigation systems of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

On the next day, explore the two oldest Sinhalese kingdoms—Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa—where you’ll walk through ancient ruins, royal palaces, and water gardens, immersing yourself in Sri Lanka’s fascinating history. Then, you will have a whole other day to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple and the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, two significant Buddhist sites. Afterward, be captivated by a lively Cultural Dance Show, an unforgettable display of Sri Lankan culture.

Next, head to the cooler climate of Nuwara Eliya. This charming town offers British-inspired architecture and lush green hills, a perfect place to unwind and soak in the tranquil beauty before returning to the bustling streets of the Colombo city tour for a wrap-up of your Sri Lankan adventure.

Start your journey stress-free with our seamless Door-to-Airport service as all the details of your airport transfer will be taken care of, ensuring you begin your trip relaxed and refreshed. Our small group tour includes a complimentary one-way chauffeur service from your doorstep to the airport, so you can skip the hassle of arranging transportation and avoid traffic. Enjoy 24/7 local assistance, a warm airport meet-and-greet welcome with a local guide, and an exclusive "local-host" experience, only offered by Tweet World Travel.

day 1 - Airport - Pinnawala - Sigiriya (d)

Upon arrival, proceed to Sigiriya. Enroute, visit the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage - Located about 55 miles from Colombo, off the Colombo-Kandy road, Pinnawela is home to an orphanage established in 1975 for abandoned and injured elephants. The orphanage now cares for over 65 elephants, including babies brought from various locations and those born through the captive breeding program. The best times to visit are during feeding, from 9:30 to 10:00 AM and 1:30 to 2:00 PM, and during bathing, from 10:00 to 10:30 AM and 2:00 to 2:30 PM, when all the elephants are taken to the nearby river.

Climb the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the evening.

Sigiriya - Known as the “Fortress in the Sky,” Sigiriya is a remarkable 5th-century marvel and one of the island’s most extraordinary wonders. Often referred to as Lion Rock due to the massive lion statue that once stood at its entrance, this impressive rock rises nearly 500 feet and is surrounded by a triple moat. At its summit, you can explore the ruins of a grand palace and its lush gardens, which once included a swimming pool. One of the highlights is the stairway adorned with ancient frescoes, featuring life-sized damsels preserved in their original, vibrant colors.

After your visit, check in your hotel.

Tonight you and your fellow tour guests will enjoy a Welcome Dinner at the Hotel that celebrates the unique flavors of the region. This evening promises an unforgettable experience as we indulge in a menu featuring authentic regional dishes.

Overnight in Sigiriya

Important Information

We highly recommend that you download the Tweet Trip App before you travel. The app gives you easy access to your trip details and travel vouchers, and allows you to chat with our customer support team anytime, anywhere.It is very important that you attend the welcome briefing and dinner on this day. If you expect to arrive late, please contact our customer support directly through the Tweet Trip App. For details about the meeting location, simply ask the hotel reception.

Accommodation:Amaya Lake

Meals:Dinner

day 2 - Sigiriya - Anuradhapura - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya (b, D)

After breakfast, proceed to Anuradhapura. Following your arrival, embark on a city tour to explore the ancient ruins and historic sites of Anuradhapura.

Anuradhapura is an ancient city in Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the island’s first capital and a key center of Theravada Buddhism. Established in the 4th century BCE, it is known for its well-preserved ruins, including the revered Sri Maha Bodhi tree and impressive stupas like Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya, showcasing Sri Lanka's rich historical and spiritual heritage.

Polonnaruwa served as Sri Lanka’s medieval capital from the 11th to the 13th centuries. This period saw significant political, economic, and social revival under Kings Vijayabahu I, Parakramabahu I, and Nissankamalla. The monuments here are better preserved than those at Anuradhapura. Notable sites include the Parakrama Statue, Royal Palaces, Audience Halls, Vata-da-ge, Thuparama, Rankoth Vehera, Kiri-Vehera, Gal-Vihara, Lankathilaka, and the Tivanka Image House.

Afterwards return Back to hotel in Sigiriya.

Overnight in Sigiriya.

Accommodation:Amaya Lake

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

day 3 - Sigiriya - Dambulla - Kandy (b, D)

After breakfast, head to the Dambulla Temple for a visit.

Dambulla is famous for the five cave Temples on a rock. The first 03 caves are better, older and larger than the other two. Some caves dates to 1st C.B.C. All the 5 cave walls and ceilings are covered with Buddhist murals and there are more than 130 Buddha statues, statues of Gods and Kings are also found here.

Following breakfast, proceed to Kandy. En route, visit a spice garden in Matale to observe the cultivation of various spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and pepper. You will also have the opportunity to purchase spices if desired.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which has been an esteemed relic since the 4th century A.D. The tooth, brought to Sri Lanka hidden in the hair of an Orissan princess, is considered one of Sri Lanka’s most revered possessions and holds profound significance in the Buddhist world.

Afterwards, witness a traditional Kandy Cultural Dance Performance which serves as an excellent opportunity for visitors to experience the rich traditions of Sri Lanka in one setting. The performances are accompanied by traditional drumming and vibrant costumes that enhance the visual spectacle.

Check in to your hotel in Kandy for dinner.

Overnight in Kandy.

Accommodation:Amaya Hills

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

day 4 - Kandy - Peradeniya - Nuwara Eliya (b, D)

After breakfast, visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, which cover 147 acres and originated in 1374 as a pleasure garden for the Kings of Kandy. The gardens boast over 5,000 species of trees and plants, including both endemic species and tropical flora. Highlights include the spice garden and the Orchid House, popular among visitors.

Following the garden visit, embark on a city tour of Kandy. As the hill capital and the site of the annual Perahera festival, Kandy was the last bastion of the Sinhala kings before being ceded to the British in 1815. The city exemplifies the enduring influence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, with numerous temples, shrines, and monasteries preserving Buddhist traditions.

Afterwards, proceed to Nuwara Eliya.

Enjoy dinner at your hotel

Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Accommodation:Araliya Green Hills

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

day 5 - Nuwara Eliya - Horton Plains - Nuwara Eliya (b, D)

Today after breakfast, we depart for the Horton Plains National Park.

The Horton Plains National Park is situated some 200 km away from Colombo, amidst hills in the Nuwara Eliya district. The most amazing feature of the park is the "World's End" where the southern part of the plains comes to a sudden end and drops almost straight down for 700m. The park contains a rich variety of birds and animals.

Nuwara Eliya - The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coldest places on the island, but is really just like an England spring day although the temperature does drop at night.

All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence. Houses are like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions.

Afterwards check in to hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Accommodation:Araliya Green Hills

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

day 6 - Nuwara Eliya - Colombo (b, D)

After breakfast, proceed to Colombo for a city tour.

Explore Colombo, which includes a drive through both bustling commercial districts and the serene, tree-lined residential areas of Cinnamon Gardens. Visit the Fort area, the former British administrative center and military garrison, as well as Sea Street, known for its Goldsmiths' quarters in the heart of Pettah. The Bazaar area, featuring a Hindu temple with intricate stone carvings, and the Dutch Church of Wolfe dhal, dating back to 1749, are also notable stops.

Additionally, visit the BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall), view the replica of the Avukana Buddha, and see Independence Square.

Afterwards, check into your hotel in Colombo.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Colombo.

Accommodation:Marino Beach

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

day 7 - Colombo - Departure (b)

After Breakfast as per the flight timing Leave to Airport for Departure.

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

Stay at hand-selected high-quality 4 Star accommodation in a central location or adjacent to monuments or strategically at the edge of a wilderness.

Meals

Welcome DinnerA Unique & Varied Dining ExperienceFull Breakfast Daily (B=6);Dinners (D=6) as per itinerary

Guide

Airport Meet-and-Greet welcome service with local tour guide

Others

24/7 local assistance and travel guidanceGuaranteed departures with just two guestsSmall group with a maximum of 16 guestsA unique "local host" experience exclusively offered by Tweet World TravelComplimentary one-way Chauffeur-drive from your home to the airport within a 35 km radius*Arrival and departure airport transfers in private air-conditioned vehiclesAll touring in air-conditioned vehiclesLocally based professional driversEntrance fees at monumentsComprehensive sightseeing as per itineraryEnglish-speaking local tour guides who live and breathe the destination – they will bring your itinerary to life.For a group of more than 10 people, on top of local tour guides, Tweet Tours will provide an experienced tour director. He or she will oversee your entire journey, accompany you every day, and connect you to the people, places, and encounters in a way you’ll never forget.

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a good tour as it is run by a trusted travel specialist who has received 23 reviews for other tours with an average 4.8rating.

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Highlights

Itinerary

day 1 - Airport - Pinnawala - Sigiriya (d)

day 2 - Sigiriya - Anuradhapura - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya (b, D)

day 3 - Sigiriya - Dambulla - Kandy (b, D)

day 4 - Kandy - Peradeniya - Nuwara Eliya (b, D)