Cave Temple, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Polonnaruwa ruins, Kandy Temple of tooth Nuwara Elliya Tea Plantation, Ella Waterfalls, Safari at Yala National Park, Galle Dutch Fort and Museum, Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, Bentota Beach, Colombo City tour
Colombo
Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure — relax by the pool or hire a local tuk‑tuk to explore bustling Colombo and sample authentic Sri Lankan street food.
Overnight stay in Colombo | 4‑star hotel | Breakfast included
Colombo → Dambulla → Sigiriya
After breakfast, your personal driver‑guide will take you to Dambulla. En route, you may stop at a local market to try fresh fruits and drinks. Explore the Golden Cave Temple complex and museum at Dambulla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening, perhaps with a swim in the hotel’s impressive pool.
Overnight stay in Sigiriya/Dambulla | 4‑star hotel | Breakfast included
Dambulla → Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa
This morning, visit the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Climb this 200‑metre‑high UNESCO‑listed rock citadel dating back to the 5th century AD. Enjoy breathtaking views from the summit and take your time to admire the world‑famous frescoes along the way.
In the afternoon, proceed to Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka. Explore the remarkable ruins, temples, and ancient statues, including the Royal Palace complex from the 11th–12th centuries. Return to Dambulla for an evening at leisure.
Overnight stay in Dambulla | 4‑star hotel | Breakfast included
Sigiriya → Kandy
After breakfast, depart for Kandy. If interested, stop en route to visit the colourful Matale Hindu Temple (Kovil). In Kandy, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), the most revered Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka and part of the former royal palace complex. After checking in to your hotel, enjoy a traditional cultural dance performance at the YMCA in the evening.
Overnight stay in Kandy | 4‑star hotel | Breakfast included
Kandy – Local Sightseeing
This morning, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, one of the oldest and most impressive botanical gardens in the world, home to more than 4,000 plant species. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk around the famous Kandy Lake and explore the local bazaar, gem museum, and other attractions.
Overnight stay in Kandy | 4‑star hotel | Breakfast included
Kandy → Nuwara Eliya (“Little England”)
Today, travel further into Sri Lanka’s scenic hill country. Nuwara Eliya, often called “Little England,” is known for its colonial architecture, cool climate, and lush landscapes. Enjoy the winding roads through endless tea plantations, stopping at viewpoints, waterfalls, and a tea factory to learn about world‑famous Ceylon tea. In the evening, take a city tour of Nuwara Eliya.
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya | 4‑star hotel | Breakfast included
Nuwara Eliya → Ella
This morning, transfer to Nanu Oya Railway Station for one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. Travel through rolling tea plantations, misty mountains, and charming villages on your way to Ella. In the evening, explore Ella town — a lively hub known for its cosy cafés, mountain views, and excellent local cuisine.
Overnight stay in Ella | 3‑star hotel | Breakfast included
Ella → Yala National Park
After breakfast, enjoy panoramic views at Ella Gap before visiting the famous Rawana Falls. Try local sliced fruits from roadside vendors — mango with salt and chilli or pineapple with salt for a refreshing twist. Continue your journey south to Yala.
Overnight stay in Yala | 4‑star hotel | Breakfast included
Yala National Park → Galle
Early this morning, embark on a 6:00 am safari in Yala National Park — Sri Lanka’s most visited wildlife reserve and home to the world’s highest density of leopards, along with elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. After your 3‑hour safari, drive to Galle, enjoying coastal views through Hambantota and Tangalle.
Overnight stay in Galle | 4‑star hotel | Breakfast included
Galle – Local Sightseeing
Today, explore the UNESCO‑listed Galle Dutch Fort, originally built by the Portuguese in 1588 and later expanded by the Dutch in the 17th century. Visit the museum and enjoy a relaxed city tour.
Optional (November–April):
Early morning whale and dolphin watching can be arranged. We will transfer you to the pier and introduce you to a trusted local operator (approx. USD 50 per person, paid locally).
In the evening, visit Hikkaduwa Beach to see the famous giant sea turtle near the shoreline or simply relax on the white sandy beach.
Overnight stay in Galle | 4‑star hotel | Breakfast included
Galle → Bentota
Late this morning, travel to Bentota, one of Sri Lanka’s most popular beach destinations. En route, visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery and release a baby turtle into the ocean. After checking in, enjoy a leisurely evening — walk across Bentota Bridge to Aluthgama town, where you’ll find shops selling handmade leather goods, batik, wood carvings, gems, and souvenirs.
Overnight stay in Bentota | 4‑star hotel | Breakfast included
Bentota – Beach Day
Spend the day relaxing on Bentota’s beautiful white‑sand beach. For those seeking adventure, a variety of water sports are available — windsurfing, jet skiing, kayaking, or a scenic boat ride along the Bentota River to spot crocodiles, monitor lizards, and birdlife. You may also visit the impressive Buddha statue at Kande Vihara Temple.
Overnight stay in Bentota | 4‑star hotel | Breakfast included
Bentota → Colombo
After breakfast, return to Colombo for a guided city tour. Explore the colonial architecture of the Fort area, visit the Pettah Floating Market, and see the impressive Gangaramaya Temple overlooking the lake. Enjoy an ice cream at Galle Face Green or browse the historic Galle Face Hotel’s shopping arcade, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest hotels (est. 1864).
Overnight stay in Colombo | 4‑star hotel | Breakfast included
Colombo → Airport
Sadly, your Sri Lankan holiday comes to an end today. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Colombo International Airport for your departure flight, or to a nearby hotel if you are extending your stay.
We hope you enjoyed your Sri Lankan holiday with us. Thank you for travelling with us!
Sri Lanka Highlights | Wildlife | Culture | Tea Trails | Beaches
BEST OF SRI LANKA | 14 DAY TOUR
FROM: £1440 pp
Tailor-Made Holidays
Explore this beautiful, tropical country with our tailor made holidays for you
We know that when comes to holidays it's a personal choice, that's why with Visit Sri Lanka tours, you can tailor make your holiday based around your needs. Just pick up as much or as little you would like from the above Sri Lanka Highlights list and we will draft an itinerary for you to discuss.
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PRIVATE TOUR: Discover Sri Lanka’s most iconic attractions and unforgettable experiences. Encounter rare wildlife in Yala National Park, where you may spot elusive leopards and herds of Asian elephants. Continue on to the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a remarkable testament to early civilisation, and explore the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa. Visit the awe‑inspiring Dambulla Cave Temple and the cultural capital of the last Sri Lankan kingdom, home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.
Enjoy scenic train rides through lush hill‑country tea plantations, feed a giant turtle at Hikkaduwa Beach, or help release baby turtles back into the ocean. Unwind on the pristine white‑sand beaches of Bentota before rounding off your journey in the vibrant city of Colombo.