Best of Sri Lanka
12 Nights / 13 Days
Overview
Sri Lanka is an ideal getaway, offering an enchanting mix of adventure and relaxation. Picture yourself strolling along the sandy shores of Bentota, exploring the rich cultural heritage at Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla Cave Temple, and the Kandy Tooth Relic Temple. For wildlife enthusiasts, Yala National Park offers a chance to see exotic animals up close. Don’t miss the lush hill country and the charming tea factories, where you can learn about the tea-making process. And for a truly unforgettable experience, hop on the scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella, where the chilled breeze and breathtaking views will leave you spellbound.
Highlights
- Colombo City Tour
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Kandy Tooth Relic Temple
- Peradeniya Botanical Garden
- Kandyan Dance Performance
- Scenic Train Journey from Nanu Oya to Ella
- Half day tea experience
- Galle City Tour
- Sri Lankan Village Experience (Hiriwaduna)
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
- Safari at Yala National Park
Tour Route
Detailed Itinerary
Wish to customise your tour?
Talk to our experts to tailor-make your journey.
Arrive Colombo
Upon your arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, our friendly driver will greet you and transfer you to Colombo. The drive takes about 45 minutes. Once you reach Colombo, you’ll check into your pre-booked hotel and meet your Local Tour Manager, who will give you a briefing on the itinerary for the next few days.
Colombo City Tour and Meeting Local Vendors in Pettah
Your adventure starts with a visit to the Fort and Pettah, the bustling commercial hub of Colombo. Here, you’ll find a mix of offices and shopping areas nestled around the historic GOH, the oldest colonial hotel. This is a great opportunity to meet local vendors and learn about their daily lives.
You’ll explore shops and restaurants situated near Sri Lanka’s iconic twin towers. Then, continue to the old racecourse, now a vibrant area filled with colonial buildings, restaurants, and shopping arcades. As you drive through the city, you’ll pass notable landmarks like Colombo City Hall (a mini replica of the White House), the Town Hall, Independence Square, the B.M.I.C.H (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall), and the Cinnamon Gardens residential area.
After a day of exploration, you’ll return to your hotel in Colombo for a comfortable overnight stay.
Colombo – Dambulla (Drive)
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Next, you’ll head to Dambulla. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel and have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy at your own pace.
Enjoy a restful overnight stay at your hotel in Dambulla.
Dambulla – Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Dambulla
Early Breakfast and Journey to Sigiriya
Start your day with an early breakfast at the hotel before setting off towards Sigiriya.
Morning Visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Begin your morning with a climb to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a journey that takes approximately 1.5 hours. Known as the Lion’s Rock, this ancient fortress and palace is nestled in the Matale district of Sri Lanka. Built by King Kassapa, Sigiriya is surrounded by beautiful gardens, ponds, and various structures, making it one of Asia’s best-preserved city centers. Initially a rock-shelter mountain monastery, it was later transformed by King Kassapa into a palace and garden complex. After his death, it reverted to a monastery. The earliest human habitation here dates back nearly five thousand years to the Mesolithic period. The site features rock inscriptions that record donations made to the Buddhist monastic order between the third century B.C. and the first century A.D. Sigiriya gained prominence in 1831 when Major Jonathan Forbes of the British army stumbled upon its summit. The complex includes a central rock and two rectangular precincts, surrounded by moats and ramparts, all based on a square module.
Transfer from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa
After exploring Sigiriya, you’ll transfer to Polonnaruwa, about an hour’s drive away.
Explore Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa, the island’s second-largest kingdom, stands as one of Sri Lanka’s best-planned archaeological relic sites, showcasing the discipline and greatness of its early rulers. Its beauty was even featured in the Duran Duran music video “Save a Prayer” in 1982. Recognized as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, Polonnaruwa offers a serene glimpse into the country’s rich history.
Return to Dambulla
After your visit to Polonnaruwa, you’ll return to your hotel in Dambulla for a restful evening.
Dambulla
Breakfast at Hotel
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel.
Safari at Minneriya National Park
Embark on an exciting safari at Minneriya National Park, located in the North Central Province. This park is a prime spot for wildlife enthusiasts, offering the chance to see herds of elephants throughout the year. The best time to visit is between May and October when the famous Gathering of wild elephants occurs. During this period, up to 300 elephants can be seen congregating, making it the largest known gathering of Asian elephants in the world. These majestic creatures are drawn to the grassy fields on the reservoir’s edge during the dry season. The Minneriya tank, built by King Mahasen in the third century AD, adds historical significance to this natural spectacle.
Transfer back to Hotel
After the safari, you’ll head back to your hotel to relax and unwind.
Dambulla –Matale – Kandy (Drive)
Breakfast at Hotel and Check Out
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Transfer to Kandy via Matale (approx. 2 ½ hours)
On your way to Kandy, you’ll pass through Matale.
En-route Lunch at a Local Spice Garden in Matale
Matale, situated at an altitude of 546 meters in the central hills, offers captivating landscapes filled with fertile greenery and scenic mountain ranges adorned with cascading waterfalls. This bustling town is known for its vibrant urban life and renowned spice gardens, producing some of the world’s best cinnamon. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to see how these spices are grown and processed. A cookery demonstration will show you how these spices are used in Sri Lankan cuisine, and you can even purchase some garden-fresh spices to take home. Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch at the spice garden before continuing your journey to Kandy.
Transfer to Kandy from Matale
Kandy, one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic cities, lies amidst hills and serves as the capital of the Central Province. It is both an administrative and religious hub, particularly significant to Buddhists of the Theravada School. As Sri Lanka’s second-largest city, Kandy is famous for housing the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa), the beautiful Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, and its vibrant festivals like the Esala Perahera. Kandy is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Sri Lanka, showcasing the country’s culture and beauty at its highest level.
Check in at the Hotel in Kandy and Relax for the Day
Kandy – Pinnawala – Kandy
Breakfast at Hotel
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel to start your day.
Transfer from Kandy to Pinnawala (approx. 1 ½ hours)
After breakfast, you’ll head to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Located northwest of Kegalle, halfway between Colombo and Kandy, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Wildlife Department. The orphanage is set on a 25-acre coconut property near the Maha Oya River. Initially founded to care for orphaned elephants from Sri Lanka’s jungles, it was taken over by the National Zoological Gardens in 1978, and a captive breeding program began in 1982. Since then, over 20 elephants have been bred here. The orphanage aims to provide a natural habitat for the elephants, with some exceptions such as daily river baths and bottle feeding for babies under three years old. Pinnawala boasts the largest herd of captive elephants in the world and is a popular attraction for both Sri Lankan and international tourists. Watching the elephants bathe in the river is a highlight and a truly enchanting experience.
Kandy City Tour
After visiting Pinnawala, return to Kandy for a city tour.
Shopping in Kandy
Explore Kandy’s exotic arts and crafts and world-famous gemstones.
Stroll or Drive Along Kandy Lake and Upper Lake Drive
Enjoy breathtaking views of Kandy’s Hill Capital as you take a leisurely stroll or drive around the picturesque Kandy Lake and Upper Lake Drive.
Return to your hotel in Kandy for a restful evening.
Kandy – Nuwara Eliya (Drive)
Breakfast at Hotel and Check Out
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Transfer from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (approx. 3 hours)
After breakfast, you’ll depart from Kandy and head towards Nuwara Eliya.
En-route Visit to a Tea Plantation/Factory
On the way, stop by a tea plantation or factory to see firsthand how Sri Lanka’s famous tea is grown and processed. Learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a fresh cup of tea.
Nuwara Eliya City Tour
Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, explore this charming town, known as the “city on the plain” or the “city of light.” Nestled in the central highlands, Nuwara Eliya is one of the world’s major tea-producing areas. Overlooked by Sri Lanka’s tallest mountain, Pidurutalagala, the town is a popular destination in the hill country.
Nuwara Eliya was reportedly founded by British officers who stumbled upon it while elephant hunting. British Governor Sir Edward Barnes later established it as a health resort, which became internationally renowned. The town was a hub for English pastimes such as golf, fox hunting, and polo. Nuwara Eliya also holds archaeological significance, with pre-historic human remains discovered in the area. The city reflects its colonial past, with new hotels styled in colonial decor.
Sri Lanka is a leading producer and exporter of tea, and Nuwara Eliya has been the heart of the tea industry since the mid-19th century. Known as “Little England,” the town is home to beautiful waterfalls like Ramboda Falls, Devon Falls, and Laksapana Falls. Enjoy trekking and hiking expeditions around these natural landmarks.
Transfer to Hotel in Nuwara Eliya and Check In
Nuwara Eliya
Breakfast at Hotel
Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel to start your day.
Relax at Leisure
Spend the day at your own pace, relaxing and enjoying the cool tropical breeze that Nuwara Eliya is known for.
Unwind and soak in the serene atmosphere of this charming hill town.
Nuwara Eliya – Ella – Yala (Drive)
Breakfast at Hotel and Check Out
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Proceed to Nanu Oya Railway Station
Head to Nanu Oya Railway Station to begin your scenic train journey.
Train Journey from Nanu Oya to Ella
Experience one of the most scenic train routes in Sri Lanka, traveling from Nanu Oya to Ella. The journey through Sri Lanka’s tea country is unforgettable, with cold air flowing through the windows and endless rolling hills of tea plantations and lush forests. The Eastern train route from Kandy to Nanu Oya, continuing to Ella and Badulla, offers breathtaking views.
A highlight of this route is the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge near Ella station, a picturesque bridge built in the early 1900s entirely from rocks and cement without any steel. Known locally as “Nine Skies” for the way the sky is framed through the arches, this bridge is a perfect spot for photos. Passengers can ride the train over the bridge and, if staying in the area, walk along it. The journey also includes traveling through long, dark tunnels, where passengers often enjoy yelling as the train passes through.
Hike Mini Adams Peak
After arriving in Ella, take some time to hike Mini Adams Peak, a popular trek offering stunning views.
Proceed to Yala by Road from Ella (approx. 2 ½ hours)
Travel by road from Ella to Yala, enjoying the scenic drive.
Arrival in Yala
Upon arrival in Yala, check in at your hotel and relax.
Yala
Breakfast at Hotel and Check Out
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Morning Visit to Yala National Park for a Jeep Safari
Head to Yala National Park for an exciting morning jeep safari. Located in the southeast region of Sri Lanka, Yala is the island’s second-largest national park, approximately 300 km from Colombo. Established in the early 1890s as a game sanctuary, the park lies in a dry-zone region with long drought seasons and daytime temperatures often exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.
Yala National Park is a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is renowned for its leopard sightings, where you can observe leopard cubs seeking refuge in trees or adult leopards quenching their thirst at water holes. The jeep safari offers a close-range view of these majestic creatures. The park’s diverse habitats, including lakes, beaches, jungles, rivers, and scrubland, support a wide range of wildlife. While leopards are the main attraction, the park is home to about 32 species of mammals, 125 species of birds, and numerous reptiles and lagoon fauna. Yala is considered one of the best places to see large mammals in their natural habitat.
Evening Safari at Yala National Park
In the evening, embark on another safari to explore more of Yala’s rich wildlife.
Return to your hotel in Yala for a relaxing evening.
Yala – Bentota (Drive)
Breakfast at Hotel and Check Out
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Proceed to Bentota with En-route Sightseeing in Galle
On your way to Bentota, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the historic city of Galle. Located on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, Galle is known for its vibrant history and stunning beauty. The city is famous for its well-preserved Dutch-colonial buildings, which attract visitors from around the world. As you walk through the city, you’ll be enchanted by the blend of the sweet aroma of spices and the salty sea breeze.
A highlight of Galle is the fort built by the Portuguese in 1588, later expanded by the Dutch. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has withstood the test of time, including the devastating Boxing Day Tsunami, and remains a testament to Galle’s rich history and multi-ethnic population. The fort’s walls offer a unique way to explore the city, providing insights into its storied past.
Galle is a city filled with rare art, ambitious and hardworking people, and classic architecture that harmonizes with its tropical setting. This fusion makes Galle a must-visit destination, offering an unforgettable travel experience. Its beauty is unrivaled, often considered a tropical paradise and a piece of living art.
Proceed to Bentota
After exploring Galle, continue your journey to Bentota and check into your hotel.
Settle in and enjoy your evening at the hotel in Bentota.
Bentota
Breakfast at Hotel
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel.
Full Day at Bentota Beach
Spend the entire day at Bentota Beach, soaking in the sea breeze and coastal warmth. Bentota, a small town located 65 kilometers south of Colombo in the Southern Province, is renowned for its stunning views and pristine beach. If you’re looking for a peaceful and natural retreat without the hustle of bars and restaurants, Bentota Beach is the perfect spot.
The beach stretches over 7-8 kilometers and is known for its tranquility, cleanliness, and calm atmosphere. Its quiet surroundings provide a natural and relaxing environment, making it an ideal place to unwind and enjoy a sunbath. There’s plenty of space for everyone to find their perfect spot and fully immerse themselves in the serene beauty of Bentota Beach.
Return to your hotel in Bentota for a restful evening.
Bentota – Colombo (Drive)
Breakfast at Hotel and Check Out
Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Proceed to the Airport
As you head to the airport, take with you the abundance of memories from your unforgettable experience in Sri Lanka – The Paradise Island. Safe travels!
Pricing*
The Prices for the All Our Tours are on Request Only .
Kindly fill the Request Form Below for the Price of the TOUR.
Price will Included
- Accommodation on Twin / Double Sharing basis
- Daily Breakfast and Dinner
- Private Transfers
- City Sightseeing
- Air Conditioned Private Car with English speaking Driver Guide
- Entrances to Monuments
- Two Game Drives at Yala National Park
- Train Ticket as per program
- Govt Taxes
Price will Not Included
- International Flight
- Insurance
- Expenses of Personal nature
- Meals -Lunch
- Camera and Video charges
- Tips
- Visa Charges
Hotels Included
* Terms and Conditions Apply
- Prices applicable for standard hotels, luxury accommodations available on request.
- Christmas and New Year supplement applicable extra.
- Local taxes apply.
