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Itinerary
From the golden shores of Colombo to the misty highlands of Nuwara Eliya and the wild landscapes of Yala, experience the many faces of Sri Lanka on this unforgettable journey. Climb the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore the sacred temples of Kandy and Anuradhapura, and meet a practicing monk for a traditional blessing ceremony. Watch Asian elephants roam freely on safari in Yala National Park, then journey to the colonial streets of Galle Fort, where Dutch-era mansions overlook the Indian Ocean. Along the way, visit a working tea estate, enjoy high tea at the Grand Hotel and witness the skill of Weligama’s stilt fishermen. With amazing landscapes, rich traditions and warm hospitality at every turn, discover the Pearl of the Indian Ocean on a trip to Sri Lanka.
day 1Arrival Colombo
Arrive in Sri Lankas lively capital, where colonial elegance meets modern vibrancy. Once the bustling heart of the ancient maritime Silk Road, Colombo has long been a crossroads of cultures, where European architecture blends with Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas and bustling spice markets. A warm welcome awaits you at your hotel, a serene retreat amidst the citys dynamic energy. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a rooftop dinner. Indulge in an exceptional selection of locally sourced cuisine, curated to highlight the islands rich culinary heritage, all while gazing out over Colombos skyline.
Meals
Dinner
Location Visited
Colombo
Accommodation
Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo
day 2See the Sights of Colombo
day 3Village Life in Hiriwadunna
day 4Early Heritage in Anuradhapura
day 5Explore the Ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress
day 6Into the Hills of Kandy
day 7Cultural Kandy
day 8All aboard the train to Nuwara Eliya
day 9Through the Lowlands to Yala National Park
day 10Yala National Park Safari
day 11Along the Coast to Galle
day 12Galle at Leisure
day 13Goodbye Sri Lanka
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Highlights
Colombo: Discover Colombo’s vibrant heart on a tuk-tuk adventure through its historic streets. See the colonial-era Colombo Fort and explore the lively Pettah Market before visiting the striking Red Mosque. Pass the Old Town Hall, step inside the Dutch-built Wolvendaal Church and admire the eclectic Gangaramaya Temple where Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian and Chinese influences blend seamlessly across its shrine rooms and courtyards. Conclude at Hotel Nippon with a classic mutton roll and a refreshing drink.
Dambulla: Dating back to around 750–400 BCE, this ancient burial site offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s early civilisations. Carefully arranged stone chambers once held cremated remains, accompanied by pottery, beads and iron tools: evidence of advanced social and cultural practices. As you explore the well-preserved tombs, admire the ingenuity of their construction and uncover the beliefs that shaped the lives of the island’s earliest inhabitants.
Anuradhapura: Explore Anuradhapura, visiting key religious and archaeological sites. See the Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba a large stupa recognised for its scale and engineering, and visit the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree linked to the Buddha’s enlightenment. Continue to Thuparamaya and the remains of the Abhayagiri Monastery. At Isurumuniya Temple, view its noted rock carvings, then meet artisans in a nearby village known for traditional clay pot making.
Polonnaruwa: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with your Travel Director, uncovering the legacy of Sri Lanka’s medieval capital. Flourishing between the 11th and 13th centuries, the city thrived through an advanced irrigation system that sustained large-scale rice cultivation. Walk among its well-preserved stupas, temple complexes and the Royal Palace, once the centre of a powerful kingdom.
Dambulla: Step inside Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved cave monastery, a sacred site for over two millennia. Dating back to the 3rd century BCE, this UNESCO-listed temple sits 160 metres above the plains, offering panoramic views over the central highlands. Explore its vast caverns, where more than 150 Buddha statues and intricate murals cover the walls, depicting centuries of Buddhist teachings and Sri Lankan history.
Kandy: Visit one of Buddhism’s most revered pilgrimage sites, where, enshrined within a golden casket, lies Sri Lanka’s most sacred relic: a tooth believed to have belonged to the Buddha. Explore the temple’s richly decorated halls, admire intricate carvings and golden embellishments, and soak in the atmosphere of devotion that surrounds this historic sanctuary.
Nuwara Eliya: Travel by train through Sri Lanka’s central highlands, where mist-covered mountains, cascading waterfalls and emerald tea plantations unfold at every turn. This scenic journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya offers a glimpse into the island’s colonial past, passing historic railway stations and landscapes unchanged for generations before arriving at the hotel.
Nuwara Eliya: Discover Nuwara Eliya with your Travel Director, exploring a town once known as Little England for its colonial bungalows, golf courses and rose gardens. Stroll along the shores of Gregory Lake, an artificial reservoir built in 1873 to support British agricultural experiments. Next, visit the Nuwara Eliya Post Office, a striking Tudor-style building dating back to 1894, which remains one of the country’s oldest functioning post offices.
Nuwara Eliya: Visit a tea estate and factory to trace the journey of Ceylon tea, a tradition introduced by the British in the 19th century. Walk through misty plantations where expert tea pluckers carefully harvest the finest leaves. Gain insight into the intricate process of withering, rolling and fermenting that defines the island’s world-renowned brew before enjoying a freshly steeped cup, surrounded by the landscapes that make Sri Lanka’s tea so distinctive.
Ella: Gaze out from one of Sri Lanka’s most striking escarpments, where the central highlands drop sharply to the southern plains. Formed by ancient geological shifts, this dramatic gap cuts through the mountains, offering a view that stretches for miles. Tea-covered slopes, winding roads and distant waterfalls create a landscape shaped by both nature and history.
Yala National Park: Embark on morning and evening game drives through Sri Lanka’s most celebrated national park, covering nearly 1,000 square kilometres of dry woodlands, open grasslands and coastal lagoons. Its combined freshwater and saltwater ecosystems support Asianants, crocodiles and abundant birdlife. With luck, glimpse the solitary Sri Lankan leopard, as Yala hosts one of the world’s highest leopard densities.
Yala National Park: Explore the diverse birdlife surrounding your hotel on a guided nature walk, where the calls of kingfishers, herons and bee-eaters fill the air. As you wander through coastal scrub and wetlands, spot colourful species that thrive in this rich ecosystem, gaining insight into Sri Lanka’s remarkable avian biodiversity.
Galle: Walk through the cobbled streets of this UNESCO-listed fort, uncovering its blend of Portuguese, Dutch and British influences. Built in the 16th century, its bastions and ramparts have withstood centuries of monsoon winds. Stop at the Galle Lighthouse, standing since 1939, and take in sweeping views of the Indian Ocean.
Kandy: Visit one of Buddhism’s most revered pilgrimage sites, where, enshrined within a golden casket, lies Sri Lanka’s most sacred relic: a tooth believed to have belonged to the Buddha. Explore the temple’s richly decorated halls, admire intricate carvings and golden embellishments, and soak in the atmosphere of devotion that surrounds this historic sanctuary.
Nuwara Eliya: Travel by train through Sri Lanka’s central highlands, where mist-covered mountains, cascading waterfalls and emerald tea plantations unfold at every turn. This scenic journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya offers a glimpse into the island’s colonial past, passing historic railway stations and landscapes unchanged for generations before arriving at the hotel.
Nuwara Eliya: Discover Nuwara Eliya with your Travel Director, exploring a town once known as Little England for its colonial bungalows, golf courses and rose gardens. Stroll along the shores of Gregory Lake, an artificial reservoir built in 1873 to support British agricultural experiments. Next, visit the Nuwara Eliya Post Office, a striking Tudor-style building dating back to 1894, which remains one of the country’s oldest functioning post offices.
Nuwara Eliya: Visit a tea estate and factory to trace the journey of Ceylon tea, a tradition introduced by the British in the 19th century. Walk through misty plantations where expert tea pluckers carefully harvest the finest leaves. Gain insight into the intricate process of withering, rolling and fermenting that defines the island’s world-renowned brew before enjoying a freshly steeped cup, surrounded by the landscapes that make Sri Lanka’s tea so distinctive.
Ella: Gaze out from one of Sri Lanka’s most striking escarpments, where the central highlands drop sharply to the southern plains. Formed by ancient geological shifts, this dramatic gap cuts through the mountains, offering a view that stretches for miles. Tea-covered slopes, winding roads and distant waterfalls create a landscape shaped by both nature and history.
Yala National Park: Embark on morning and evening game drives through Sri Lanka’s most celebrated national park, covering nearly 1,000 square kilometres of dry woodlands, open grasslands and coastal lagoons. Its combined freshwater and saltwater ecosystems support Asianants, crocodiles and abundant birdlife. With luck, glimpse the solitary Sri Lankan leopard, as Yala hosts one of the world’s highest leopard densities.
Yala National Park: Explore the diverse birdlife surrounding your hotel on a guided nature walk, where the calls of kingfishers, herons and bee-eaters fill the air. As you wander through coastal scrub and wetlands, spot colourful species that thrive in this rich ecosystem, gaining insight into Sri Lanka’s remarkable avian biodiversity.
Galle: Walk through the cobbled streets of this UNESCO-listed fort, uncovering its blend of Portuguese, Dutch and British influences. Built in the 16th century, its bastions and ramparts have withstood centuries of monsoon winds. Stop at the Galle Lighthouse, standing since 1939, and take in sweeping views of the Indian Ocean.
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15 days
13 daysDuration
Group TourJoin a group of travelers
48 peopleMaximum group size
5 - 99 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Easy
Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.
Starts
Ends
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Colombo, Sri Lanka
What's Included
Accommodation
Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo HotelJetwing Lake, Dambulla HotelCinnamon Citadel Kandy HotelGrand, Nuwara Eliya HotelJetwing Yala HotelJetwing Lighthouse, Galle HotelNuwara Eliya: Savour a traditional high tea in the elegant surroundings of the Grand Hotel, a colonial-era landmark in Sri Lanka’s hill country. Delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and handcrafted pastries are served alongside a selection of fine teas. Overlook beautifully manicured gardens and enjoy the tranquil charm of Nuwara Eliya’s misty highlands.
Meals
Dinner (x10)Breakfast (x12)Lunch (x4)Colombo: Get to know your Travel Director and fellow travellers over a rooftop dinner. As the city stretches out before you, raise a toast to the journey ahead. You’ll enjoy a menu thoughtfully crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, offering a taste of the island’s rich culinary traditions.Habarana: Welcomed by the local community, take a guided walk through the farmlands of Hiriwadunna, where fresh vegetables, fruit and spices thrive under traditional cultivation methods. Enjoy an outdoor lunch featuring authentic Sri Lankan dishes, prepared with ingredients sourced straight from the fields. As you dine, you’ll hear stories of sustainable farming practices and the deep-rooted traditions that shape rural life.Dambulla: Gather for a traditional Sri Lankan barbecue, where fragrant spices and fresh local ingredients take centre stage. You’ll enjoy a selection of grilled specialities, expertly prepared over an open flame. The rich aromas and bold flavours reflect the island’s culinary heritage, creating a relaxed and flavourful dining experience.Kandy: In the village of Menikkumbura, join a Local Expert for a hands-on cooking experience, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Learn the techniques behind Sri Lanka’s fragrant dishes before sharing a meal together in a relaxed setting, gaining insight into the country’s rich culinary traditions.
Transport
Travel by coach
Guide
Anuradhapura: Meet a practicing monk who will guide you through a blessing ceremony, a deeply spiritual ritual invoking peace, protection and prosperity. Experience the soothing rhythm of traditional chanting as age-old customs unfold, offering a rare insight into Sri Lanka’s Buddhist traditions.
Others
Galle: Perched on wooden stilts above the waves, fishermen use a time-honoured technique passed down through generations. This unique method, developed during World War II amid food shortages, requires patience and balance as they cast their lines into the shallows. Though increasingly rare, it remains a powerful symbol of Sri Lanka’s coastal heritage.Sigiriya: Climb this UNESCO World Heritage Site, an ancient rock fortress built in the 5th century by King Kashyapa. Once a royal citadel, its summit offers sweeping views over the surrounding plains. Along the way, see the famed Sigiriya frescoes, the polished Mirror Wall and the remains of one of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable engineering achievements.Sigiriya: Designed in the tradition of Sri Lanka’s ancient royal gardens, this lush retreat showcases a rich variety of tropical flora. Its thoughtfully arranged terraces, water features and shaded pathways reflect early innovations in landscape design. Learn how gardens once served as symbols of power and ingenuity, blending natural beauty with advanced irrigation techniques.Kosgoda: Visit a pioneering sea turtle conservation centre, where a dedicated team works to protect Sri Lanka’s endangered turtle species. Guided by a conservationist, learn about the threats facing these marine creatures, from habitat loss to pollution. Depending on the season, witness hatchlings being released, supporting vital efforts to safeguard the future of these ancient travellers. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainability Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.Sigiriya: Climb this UNESCO World Heritage Site, an ancient rock fortress built in the 5th century by King Kashyapa. Once a royal citadel, its summit offers sweeping views over the surrounding plains. Along the way, see the famed Sigiriya frescoes, the polished Mirror Wall and the remains of one of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable engineering achievements.Sigiriya: Designed in the tradition of Sri Lanka’s ancient royal gardens, this lush retreat showcases a rich variety of tropical flora. Its thoughtfully arranged terraces, water features and shaded pathways reflect early innovations in landscape design. Learn how gardens once served as symbols of power and ingenuity, blending natural beauty with advanced irrigation techniques.
Availability
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N
Neil M.Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent
Well paced, multi night stays are always welcome and three nights in Dambula was great
G
George L.Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent
Provides a broad overview of the culture, people and beauty of what Sri Lanka can offer
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent
The itinerary was full on. No rest and it was always go, go, go. You received a well rounded tour of Sri Lanka, but the tour probably could be extended a couple days to include a couple of half days with free time.
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
4.0 | Very Good
All the activities were valuable, but too much was packed into each day. We rarely had any free time to just relax and enjoy the lovely hotels. Fewer activities each day would make for a more enjoyable holiday.
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent
Great pace in this itinerary to discover the wonders of Sri Lanka with a great guide.
