Destinations: Colombo, Negombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Induruwa, Galle
Destinations: Yala National Park, Negombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Induruwa, Galle, Colombo, ...
Colombo, Negombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Induruwa, Galle
Discover a land of ancient temples, aromatic tea and awe-inspiring wildlife on this 12-day small-group tour of Sri Lanka. Climb the jaw-dropping Sigiriya Rock Fortress ruins to survey the surrounding jungle, enter the sacred Golden Cave Temple of Dambulla and explore the vast grounds of historic Galle Fort. Search for Sri Lankan leopards and elephants on safari in the sprawling Yala National Park and make a flower offering at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to the sound of resonant chanting.
Stimulate the senses with the vibrant aromas of the Matale spice gardens, harvest tea leaves with the masters of the central hills and connect with the age-old Ayurvedic tradition during a traditional spa treatment. Your tour features stays in handpicked hotels, roundtrip private airport transfers and entrance fees to included activities, making this a one-of-a-kind adventure to the Jewel of the Indian Ocean.
Looking to travel with upgraded accommodation? You can book the same tour with accommodation upgrades here.
Colombo, Negombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Induruwa, Galle
Destinations: Colombo, Negombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Induruwa, Galle
Destinations: Yala National Park, Negombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Induruwa, Galle, Colombo, ...
Your Sri Lankan adventure begins upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), where you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your Negombo hotel.
Spend the day at your leisure. Mingle with the locals at Negombo Fish Market, discover colonial history at the Dutch Fort or take a sunset stroll along the beach.
Take to the road after breakfast and head to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Golden Cave Temple of Dambulla. Home to five sanctuaries, countless statues and paintings dating back to the 1st Century BC, this sacred temple complex has hosted the pilgrimage of countless people for millennia.
Make your way to your hotel for check-in and take a moment to enjoy a rejuvenating treatment at the resort’s Panchakarma Ayurvedic Spa at Amaya Lake. Combining traditional healing practices with the principles of Ayurveda, Panchakarma’s treatments feature soothing herbal baths and cleansing steam.
Leave revitalised and spend your evening in your tranquil villa, overlooking the ancient Kandalama Reservoir.
Wake to a hearty breakfast before an early trip to Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The awe-inspiring palace ruins are set high atop a granite rock formation, offering sweeping jungle views and astoundingly well-preserved ancient architecture and water gardens.
Transfer to the ruins of Polonnaruwa, once the thriving capital of Sri Lanka. This garden city is home to the ancient Polonnaruwa Vatadage – an utterly unique structure built to shelter the stupa within – and the incredible Parakrama Samudraya reservoir, built during the reign of King Parakramabahu I in the 12th Century. Once you’ve explored the vast array of ruins and statues, retire to your hotel to spend an evening at leisure.
Prepare for another day of adventure with breakfast at your hotel, then set out to visit the spice gardens of Matale. Meet the local spice farmers and breathe the aromatic air, filled with the scent of fresh cinnamon, deep cardamom and nutmeg, warm pepper and mace – the famous flavours of Sri Lanka.
Continue on your way to Kandy – an ancient seat of royal power, now known for a plethora of must-see cultural sites. Discover the historic city on a welcome tour, culminating in a visit to Kandy View Point. Take in spectacular views of the city and the artificially constructed Kandy Lake at its centre. Opt to walk around the lake or join a memorable boat ride across its calm waters.
In the evening, you’ll visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in time for a puja ceremony, where you’ll make an offering of flowers and listen to the meditative chanting of Buddhist devotees. This beautiful UNESCO World Heritage-listed temple is where the tooth relic of Buddha is enshrined, making it one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka.
Later, reflect on your experience and retire to your hotel, nestled in the nearby hills.
Venture into the central hills of Sri Lanka’s tea country on a scenic train journey (subject to availability). Marvel at the rolling green hills of tea plantations and watch tea pickers at work in the field.
Arrive at your hotel in Nuwara Eliya – an English hill station set in the shadow of Sri Lanka’s tallest mountain, Pidurutalagala. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, meandering through picturesque Victoria Park or paddling a swan boat across Gregory Lake.
After breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to embark on our morning tea experience. Visit the local tea plantations and factory, and get acquainted with the art of tea plucking as you try your hand in the field. Discover Sri Lanka’s primary export and the different varietals grown in the region, then learn about the process, from planting all the way to tasting.
Complete your experience with an afternoon high tea at the colonial Grand Hotel. Admire the elegant architecture as you sample perfectly steeped tea, cucumber sandwiches and traditional English scones with clotted cream. Enjoy an afternoon exploring at your leisure.
Enjoy breakfast, then set out for the drive to Yala National Park – an enormous wildlife sanctuary on Sri Lanka’s southeast coast. Celebrate your arrival with a luxury Jeep safari, keeping your eyes peeled for the majestic Sri Lankan leopard, wild water buffalo and over 40 other species of mammals alone.
Unwind back at your hotel – maybe choose to visit the resort spa for a relaxing massage or cleansing steam bath.
Rise and shine early this morning for a sunrise safari. The park is vital for the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants, water birds and many other wild animals. Keep your eyes peeled and you may spot a Sri Lankan sloth bear, leopard and wild water buffalo.
Spend the evening relaxing in style at your hotel.
Depart for Induruwa after breakfast. Stop along the way to visit the stilt fishermen of Koggala. A tradition unique to southern Sri Lanka, local fishermen perch atop a pole and crossbar planted in the seabed, creating an eye-catching beachside tableau.
Travel onwards to your Induruwa hotel for an evening free to enjoy as you please.
Take a morning tour of the coastal city of Galle. Sri Lanka’s oldest seaport, Galle’s long history as an important trading port is apparent in the melange of colonial architecture. See the UNESCO World Heritage-listed 16th Century Galle Fort, built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch and British.
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon further exploring on your own time, or choose to visit the National Maritime Museum, set in a vast old spice warehouse, for a deeper dive into Galle’s history. Return to your hotel for dinner and beachside relaxation.
Leave the southern coast and travel to the capital of Colombo. Take a tour of this vibrant coastal city, visiting the National Museum, striking Gangaramaya Temple on Beira Lake and historic Colombo Fort. Weave through the leafy neighbourhood of Cinnamon Gardens to see Independence Square, then walk along the shoreline of Galle Face Green. Take the opportunity for some shopping in Colombo’s city centre, then enjoy a restful evening at your leisure.
After one final breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the Jewel of the Indian Ocean. Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), where your unforgettable Sri Lankan escape concludes.
Sri Lanka Adventure – A journey of ancient wonders and breathtaking nature
Travel to an island rich with history and natural wonder on this incredible small-group tour with handpicked accommodation. Visit countless UNESCO World Heritage sites, with time to explore further at Galle Fort and the glorious Yala National Park.
Designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, Yala is the go-to destination for Sri Lankan animal spotting. Home to numerous endangered species, Yala boasts the highest density of leopards in the world. On your safari, you’ll keep a close eye out for 44 species of mammals – such as buffalos and sloth bears – as well as 215 species of birds and 46 species of reptiles. With the chance to spot the gentle Sri Lankan elephant, this truly is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Booking Summary: After you book, please follow the instructions in your booking summary email and ensure you complete your traveller information details in full.
7-Day Change of ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee:
Date Changes
Itinerary Amendments & Changes
Surcharges
We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.
Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.
Please note:
Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation, if you choose to change; change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes.’
For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with hotel.
Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
Baggage Restrictions
Transfers
Flights (extended tours only)
Please Note:
Travel Insurance
Passports & Visas
Traveller Details
Tipping (approx. US$12–US$15 per day)
Tipping is considered standard practice in Sri Lanka. At the conclusion of the tour your guide will collect tips from each guest and it will be divided among the guide, driver and support staff. In addition, hotel and local restaurants and jeep safari drivers should be tipped a similar amount. Please bear in mind, tipping is optional and at your discretion.
Changing Money
You can change money at the airport upon arrival in Colombo. Larger cities such as Colombo, Galle and Kandy will also have ATM machines. US$ and other major currencies may be accepted in select locations (such as hotels).
What to Bring With You
Tour Pace
Travel Styles
Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:
Your tour begins and ends in Sri Lanka at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) with roundtrip airport transfers.
Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.
Please book your flights to arrive at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) anytime on Day 1 and depart Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) after 10am on Day 12.
Maldives Extension: A one-way flight from Colombo to Malé, Maldives (Velana International Airport, MLE) is included in your package. Roundtrip speedboat transfers are included between the hotel and Velana International Airport (MLE). If you are connecting to an international flight at the end of the tour, it is recommended to book your departing flight after 12pm to allow for delays and check-in. Please note a return flight to Sri Lanka is not included.
Roundtrip airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only, unless you have booked your pre- and post-accommodation with Luxury Escapes. If you have booked your pre- or post-accommodation with us, please advise our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com to arrange your transfer.
You must complete your Traveller Details form within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge Team will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.
Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive at your starting location on your chosen tour start date.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website, Visas Direct, to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Important Destination Information:
Sri Lanka
Time zone: India Standard Time GMT+5:30
Telephone: +94
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (Rs or LKR)
Accessing money: Avoid buying Sri Lankan rupees ahead of time, as it’s unlikely you’ll get a good rate outside of Sri Lanka, and remember to exchange back to your currency before returning home. ATMs are widely available, with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas. Most institutions will exchange money for you.
What to take: Comfy shoes for sightseeing, a hat and lightweight, light coloured cotton clothes are best suited for the warm tropical temperatures of Sri Lanka. Some warm clothes are recommended, if you are heading for the cooler hilly regions (for example, Nuwara Eliya). Dress modestly at religious sites. You should remove your shoes and hat when entering a Buddhist or Hindu temple, and if carrying an umbrella unfurl it. Mosquito repellent and sunscreen are also recommended.
Language: Sinhala or Tamil
Climate: Tropical and quite hot, Sri Lanka has an average yearly temperature that hovers between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius.
Maldives
Time zone: Maldives Time GMT+5
Telephone: +960
Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa or US Dollars
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available, with credit cards widely accepted.
Language: Dhivehi
Climate: Warm and tropical, with an average high between 29 and 31 degrees Celsius year-round. January and April are the driest months, with little rain and low humidity, making this peak season at resorts.
Optional experiences