13 days/12 nights
Guided Small Group Journey
Guide Price €3,819 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
On this immersive journey through the heart of Sri Lanka you’ll discover the rich history and cultural heritage of this spectacular country.
- Learn all about Buddhism with a local monk at Umandawa Buddhist Monastery
- Take a thrilling game drive in Minneriya National Park
- Visit the iconic World Heritage-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Enjoy a Sri Lankan cooking demonstration
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Itinerary
Day 1 Colombo
Arrive in Colombo, greeted with your VIP Meet and Greet service before being transferred to your hotel. Check in to your hotel before meeting your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, is a vibrant and diverse metropolis situated on the west coast of the island nation.
Day 2 Colombo to Habarana
Head towards the Cultural Triangle. En route, enjoy a unique experience at a Buddhist monastery before visiting the iconic World Heritage-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The ancient fortress boasts stunning frescoes, intricate water gardens, and a palace complex, all perched atop a towering granite column. Renowned for its historical significance and breathtaking views, Sigiriya is a must-visit destination for travellers seeking to explore the rich cultural heritage of the island. Arrive at your accommodation and refresh before a memorable dinner with your fellow travellers.
Day 3 Habarana to Anuradhapura
This morning, explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura by tuk tuk, offering a thrilling journey through millennia-old ruins, including towering stupas, ancient monasteries, and sacred Bodhi trees. This evening, a cultural show in Habarana offers a vibrant display of traditional Sri Lankan music, dance, and folklore, captivating audiences with rhythmic drumming, colourful costumes, and mesmerising performances providing a delightful insight into the island nation's rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions.
Day 4 Habarana to Minneriya NP
The Sri Lankan Cuisine Cooking Demonstration provides an immersive culinary experience, where you’ll learn how to prepare traditional dishes, offering a delightful journey into the flavours and aromas of Sri Lanka's diverse gastronomic heritage. This afternoon, embark on a game drive in Minneriya National Park. Soak in the surrounding flora and fauna, and be awestruck as you witness majestic elephants in their natural habitat – an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Day 5 Habarana to Kandy
At the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, enjoy a guided tour led by a knowledgeable botanist storyteller, who will enchant you with fascinating tales of the garden's diverse botanical wonders, offering an educational journey through this lush oasis of tranquillity. Bid farewell to the Cultural Triangle as you journey towards the captivating city of Kandy, where ancient traditions and modern life converge amid scenic landscapes, bustling markets, the serene beauty of the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic and the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya.
Day 6 Kandy
Begin your day with a visit to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, immersing yourself in the spiritual ambiance and rich history of this revered site. In the afternoon, indulge in a guided tour of the Suriyakantha Centre for Art and Culture, where you'll discover an array of captivating art.
Day 7 Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
A visit to the village of Dambana, located in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka, will give you the opportunity to meet the surviving Indigenous population of Sri Lanka. Continue to Nuwara Eliya, where you'll have the opportunity to visit a tea estate and participate in a hands-on tea experience. Immerse yourself in the fascinating process of tea production while enjoying the picturesque beauty of the surrounding highlands.
Day 8 Nuwara Eliya
Today you can embark on a captivating Historical Art and Architectural Walking Tour of Nuwara Eliya, exploring its rich heritage and stunning architecture, while learning about its fascinating history and cultural significance. Alternatively, indulge in a luxurious high tea experience at the iconic Grand Hotel, savouring exquisite teas and delectable treats amid elegant surroundings, promising a delightful taste of colonial-era elegance in the heart of Sri Lanka's scenic highlands.
Day 9 Nuwara Eliya to Udawalawe
Today, bid farewell to the stunning landscapes of Nuwara Eliya and embark on the iconic Scenic Train Ride from Nanu Oya to Demodara. Revel in the breathtaking views of rolling hills, lush tea plantations and misty valleys as the train winds its way through the picturesque countryside. Make a stop to visit the famous Nine Arch Bridge, marvelling at its architectural beauty and capturing unforgettable moments amid the scenic surroundings before reaching Udawalawe.
Day 10 Udawalawe
Today immerse yourself in the heartwarming experience of visiting the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home during feeding time, witnessing the care and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants in their natural habitat. Later in the afternoon, embark on a captivating village walk, where you'll explore the local community, interact with villagers, and gain an insight into their way of life, creating meaningful connections and unforgettable memories amid the serene surroundings of rural Sri Lanka.
Day 11 Udawalawe to Beruwala
Embark on a unique Cinnamon Tapping Experience in Galle, where you'll join a local expert to learn about the traditional art of harvesting cinnamon. Delve into the intricacies of cinnamon cultivation, from selecting the right trees to extracting the prized bark. As you journey towards your final destination of Beruwala, take a delightful detour to uncover the beauty of Galle. Wander through the charming streets of this historic coastal city, where colonial architecture mingles with vibrant local culture. Explore the iconic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and immerse yourself in its rich history.
Day 12 Beruwala
Enjoy the coastal charm of Beruwala at your leisure. Spend your day relaxing on soft sands, soaking up the sun, and taking refreshing dips in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Explore the bustling fish markets and vibrant streets, where you can sample fresh seafood and immerse yourself in local life. Don't miss the chance to visit the iconic Kande Viharaya Temple or take a boat ride along the Bentota River for a serene experience amid lush mangroves. Beruwala promises a delightful blend of relaxation and exploration. Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight, sharing stories of your travels with your new-found friends and raising a glass to your holiday uncovering the stunning beauty of this teardrop island.
Day 13 Beruwala to Colombo
Say farewell to the delights of Sri Lanka and unwind during your transfer back to the airport. If you're tempted to prolong your journey, consider extending to the blue waters of the Maldives for a three-night luxury stay.
Please note: You can choose to join onto the 4 day Maldives extension extensions after this tour.
Departs: Selected departures, Jan – Nov
Price & Inclusions
- 10 nights hotel accommodation & 3 nights lodge
- 12 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 7 dinners
- International flights
We negotiate new offers daily from discounted flights, tours and vehicle hire to free upgrades, added value and unique inclusions. Please call for our latest offers.
The tour itinerary, inclusions and departures are based on travel from 01/07/2024 to 31/12/2025. Guide prices are based on twn/dbl share, are subject to availability and may vary by departure date. For travel outside of these dates, the itinerary and inclusions may vary to that shown above - please ask for details.Offers are subject to availability and restrictions may apply.
Flights
As we can offer you such a flexible choice of flights, we don't include international airfares with our tour prices. The price you pay will be determined by the time of year you travel, your departure airport, airline and availability.
Your Trailfinders Travel Consultant will be able to find the best flights to suit you and your choice of tour. Contact us for our latest flight offers or take a look at our flights pages for a general idea of prices.
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