Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.
Starts
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Ends
Colombo, Sri Lanka
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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. 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: Home to some of Sri Lanka’s most sacred and historic sites. See the Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba, a towering stupa, a domed shrine that enshrines sacred relics and a marvel of ancient engineering. Visit the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a revered fig tree linked to the Buddha’s enlightenment, and Thuparamaya, the island’s first stupa. Explore the vast Abhayagiri Monastery and the intricate rock carvings of Isurumuniya Temple before meeting local artisans in a village known for its 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.
Kandy: Experience the energy and artistry of a Kandyan dance performance, a tradition once performed in royal courts and sacred rituals. Accompanied by pulsating drumming, dancers leap and twirl in elaborate costumes, while fire-breathers and acrobats add to the spectacle. This dynamic display brings Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage vividly to life.
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. 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, where dry woodlands, open grasslands and coastal lagoons create a habitat for diverse wildlife. Covering nearly 1,000 square kilometres its freshwater and saltwater ecosystems support Asian elephants, crocodiles and an abundance of birdlife. With luck, glimpse the elusive Sri Lankan leopard, as Yala is home to 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. At the Galle Lighthouse, standing since 1939, 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.
Kandy: Experience the energy and artistry of a Kandyan dance performance, a tradition once performed in royal courts and sacred rituals. Accompanied by pulsating drumming, dancers leap and twirl in elaborate costumes, while fire-breathers and acrobats add to the spectacle. This dynamic display brings Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage vividly to life.
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. 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, where dry woodlands, open grasslands and coastal lagoons create a habitat for diverse wildlife. Covering nearly 1,000 square kilometres its freshwater and saltwater ecosystems support Asian elephants, crocodiles and an abundance of birdlife. With luck, glimpse the elusive Sri Lankan leopard, as Yala is home to 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. At the Galle Lighthouse, standing since 1939, take in sweeping views of the Indian Ocean.
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Uncover Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes on this immersive journey. From ancient cities and sacred temples to misty hill towns, tea plantations and colonial forts, we trace the island’s history and traditions. Along the way, spot leopards in Yala, search for Blue whales off the south coast, and soak up the charm of rural villages and tropical coastlines.
15 days
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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: Settle into the rhythm of Sri Lanka with a rooftop dinner. As the city stretches out before you, join your Travel Director and fellow guests in raising a toast to the journey ahead. 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 open-air lunch featuring authentic Sri Lankan dishes, prepared with ingredients sourced straight from the fields. As you dine, 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. 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: At Isurumuniya Temple, 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
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. 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.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. 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.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.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.
What's Excluded
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 1 - Arrival 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 2 - See the Sights of Colombo
Set off on a thrilling tuk-tuk ride through Colombos lively streets, where colonial grandeur meets South Asian vibrancy. Navigate the bustling lanes of Pettah Market, a historic trading hub where merchants have bartered goods for centuries. Gaze up at the striking Red Mosque, an architectural gem of Indo-Saracenic design. Step inside the 18th-century Wolvendaal Church, a Dutch-built landmark, before visiting the serene Gangaramaya Temple, where Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian and Chinese influences blend seamlessly. End your journey at the historic Hotel Nippon, once a favoured stop for traders and travellers, and sample its renowned mutton roll, a crisp, spiced delicacy.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Colombo
Accommodation:Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo
day 3 - Village Life in Hiriwadunna
Journey inland to Hiriwadunna, where the rhythm of rural life unfolds against a backdrop of lush farmland and tranquil waterways. Take a guided walk through village fields, where fresh produce flourishes under traditional farming methods, before enjoying a Farm-to-Table Lunch, crafted from seasonal ingredients and served in the open air. Explore ancient ruins at The Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs, an archaeological site where carefully arranged stone chambers reveal Sri Lankas early burial customs. It's a rare glimpse into the islands prehistoric past, with artefacts that hint at sophisticated rituals and early craftsmanship. Later, arrive in Dambulla, where the evening is yours to unwind at your lakeside hotel.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Location Visited:Colombo, Dambulla
Accommodation:Jetwing Lake, Dambulla
day 4 - Early Heritage in Anuradhapura
Travel to Anuradhapura, where towering stupas and ancient monasteries reveal the grandeur of Sri Lankas first great capital. This UNESCO-listed city was once a thriving centre of faith and power, and its sacred sites still draw pilgrims today. Walk among centuries-old stone carvings and vast reservoirs that sustained a civilisation for over a thousand years. At Isurumuniya Temple, watch as a practicing monk leads a blessing ceremony, sharing traditions that have endured for generations. Later, visit a village where artisans shape clay pots by hand, keeping an age-old craft alive. Explore Minneriya National Park on an Optional Experience, where Asian elephants roam freely across open plains. Watch as they gather at the reservoirone of Sri Lankas greatest natural spectacles.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Dambulla, Anuradhapura, Dambulla
Accommodation:Jetwing Lake, Dambulla
day 5 - Explore the Ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress
This morning, take your pick of two enriching Insight Choice experiences. Climb the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an architectural marvel rising above the jungle. Built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century, it is a testament to ancient ingenuity, with intricate water gardens at its base, exquisite frescoes along its walls, and the remains of a royal palace at its summit. Alternatively, explore a beautifully cultivated botanical garden, inspired by Sri Lankas historic royal gardens, where terraced landscapes and shaded pathways showcase the islands botanical diversity. After time to relax, journey to Polonnaruwa, where a Local Expert reveals the citys remarkable past. Once a thriving capital, its vast ruins tell the story of a civilisation that mastered irrigation, architecture and sacred art. As evening falls, return to the hotel for a Sri Lankan barbecue dinner, where fragrant spices and flame-grilled specialities bring the islands flavours to life.
Travel into Sri Lankas cultural heart, beginning at the Dambulla Cave Temple, a monastic sanctuary dating back over 2,000 years. Hidden within its rock-hewn chambers, more than 150 gilded Buddha statues sit in quiet meditation, surrounded by intricate murals that trace the islands Buddhist heritage. Continue to Kandy, where misty hills frame the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a revered site that has shaped Sri Lankas history for centuries. Inside, a golden casket enshrines a sacred relic, believed to bring divine right to rule. As evening falls, witness the rhythmic energy of a Kandyan dance performance, where drummers and fire dancers bring ancient storytelling to life.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Dambulla, Kandy
Accommodation:Cinnamon Citadel Kandy
day 7 - Cultural Kandy
Spend the morning in Yatiwawala, where a guided walk through rice fields and spice gardens offers insight into traditional village life. Visit a local market brimming with seasonal produce before meeting an Ayurvedic doctor to learn about herbal remedies. Join a local host to prepare a traditional meal using time-honoured cooking techniques. In the afternoon, explore the Royal Botanical Gardens, originally planted for Sri Lankan royalty and now home to over 10,000 trees, including towering palms and fragrant orchids. Wander through its beautifully landscaped avenues, learning about Sri Lankas diverse plant life. Choose from two Optional Experiencesjoin a Local Expert for a walking tour of Kandy, exploring heritage buildings and local eateries, or take to the water on a Mahaweli River Cruise, floating past lush riverbanks and fishing communities on Sri Lankas longest river.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Location Visited:Kandy
Accommodation:Cinnamon Citadel Kandy
day 8 - All aboard the train to Nuwara Eliya Relaxed Start
Board a train bound for Sri Lankas central highlands, where mist-covered peaks, cascading waterfalls and endless tea plantations unfold beyond the windows. Arriving in Nuwara Eliya, visit a tea estate and factory to follow the journey of Ceylon tea from leaf to cup, walking through emerald-green fields where expert tea pluckers harvest the prized two leaves and a bud. Explore the town with your Travel Director, wandering the banks of Gregory Lake, a reservoir built in 1873, before stopping at the Nuwara Eliya Post Office, a striking Tudor-style building that has stood since the colonial era. At the Grand Hotel, settle in for a traditional high tea, a refined ritual of delicate sandwiches, warm scones and fine Ceylon tea, served in an elegant setting that recalls the charm of Sri Lankas colonial past.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Kandy, Nuwara Eliya
Accommodation:Grand, Nuwara Eliya
day 9 - Through the Lowlands to Yala National Park Relaxed Start
Journey south from Nuwara Eliya, watching as the cool highlands give way to the sun-drenched lowlands. Stop at a breathtaking viewpoint where the central mountains plunge towards the plains, revealing a vast landscape of tea estates, winding roads and distant waterfalls. Continue to Kataragama, a revered pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. Believed to be the home of Skanda, the Hindu god of war, this sacred town is alive with ritual, from temple processions to fire-walking ceremonies. Pilgrims flock to the Kataragama Temple, offering fruit and incense in hopes of receiving blessings. Arriving in Yala, settle into a coastal retreat set between the wilderness and the ocean, just minutes from Sri Lankas most renowned national park.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Location Visited:Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park
Accommodation:Jetwing Yala
day 10 - Yala National Park Safari
Set out on morning and evening game drives with an expert ranger, exploring Yalas diverse landscapes, from dry woodlands to coastal lagoons. Keep watch for Asian elephants grazing near waterholes, crocodiles basking along the shores and, with luck, the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. Between drives, you may like to take a guided nature walk through the hotels surroundings, where vibrant birdlife thrives, from kingfishers and bee-eaters to herons wading in the wetlands.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Location Visited:Yala National Park
Accommodation:Jetwing Yala
day 11 - Along the Coast to Galle
Travel along Sri Lankas southern coastline, where fishing villages and palm tree-fringed shores reveal a way of life shaped by the sea. Stop to meet Weligamas stilt fishermen, who perch on wooden poles in the shallows, a practice developed during World War II when access to boats was scarce. Continue to Galle Fort, a UNESCO-listed stronghold first built by the Portuguese in 1588 and later expanded by the Dutch. With your Travel Director, explore its atmospheric streets, visiting the old District Judges house, as well as museums, historic temples and a centuries-old mosque that reflects the forts diverse heritage. Conclude at the iconic lighthouse, where locals gather in the evening to take in views over the Indian Ocean as the sun begins to set.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Yala National Park, Galle
Accommodation:Jetwing Lighthouse, Galle
day 12 - Galle at Leisure
Spend the day at leisure, unwinding at your hotel or exploring more of Galles historic streets and coastal scenery. For those seeking a deeper connection to Sri Lankas landscapes and traditions, a choice of Optional Experiences awaits. Set out early on a whale-watching cruise to search for blue whales and dolphins off the southern coast, or visit a cinnamon estate to learn about the cultivation of this prized spice. In the afternoon, you can opt to join a boat trip across Koggala Lake, where mangrove-lined shores and small islands reveal a mix of wildlife and local heritage. As the day winds down, enjoy dinner at the hotel with your Travel Director and travelling companions, reflecting on the journey through this captivating island.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Galle
Accommodation:Jetwing Lighthouse, Galle
day 13 - Goodbye Sri Lanka Relaxed Start
Spend your final morning at leisure, soaking in the last moments of your Sri Lankan adventure. In the afternoon, visit a sea turtle conservation centre on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience, where a dedicated team works to protect Sri Lankas endangered turtle species. Learn about ongoing conservation efforts, the dangers of marine pollution and, if the season allows, witness hatchlings being released into the ocean. After this meaningful visit, bid farewell to your Travel Director and fellow travellers before transferring to the airport. Flights should be booked for departure after 20:00, bringing your journey through Sri Lanka to a close.
