Discover Sri Lanka in Style
Explore the many historical, cultural and natural treasures of Sri Lanka including the cave temples of Dambulla, the royal city of Kandy, and the scenic valleys and forests around the hill station of Nuwara Eliya.
Highlights
- See the residents of the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Take in the sights of the famous Cultural Triangle including Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Kandy
- Enjoy the fresh air and tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, a former colonial hill station
- Relax on a beach along Sri Lanka’s idyllic, palm-fringed south coast
- Tour the many landmarks of Colombo, the island’s bustling capital
Sample itinerary
The Enchanted Isle
10 days/9 nights
Day 1
Negombo
Arrival transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free to explore this sleepy coastal town.
Day 2
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Morning departure to the famous Pinnawala elephant orphanage, established in the 1970s and now home to over 10,000 Asian elephants. B
Day 3
Cultural Triangle
Climb the iconic 200m-high Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the World Heritage Site of Polunnaruwa, which was Sri Lanka’s capital in medieval times. B
Day 4
Cultural Triangle
Drive to Kandy, touring the Dambulla Cave Temple and Spice Garden at Matale en route. Rest of the day at leisure. B
Day 5
Kandy
Excursion to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, a paradise for nature lovers. Later, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the world’s most sacred Buddhist sites, and enjoy an evening traditional cultural performance. B
Day 6
Nuwara Eliya
Early drive to the hill station of Nuwara Eliya, stopping en route at a tea plantation. In the afternoon visit Victoria Park and take a guided walk past some of the city’s fine colonial buildings. B
Days 7/8
Tangalle
Depart for Sri Lanka’s idyllic south coast via Kithulgala, one of the wettest places on the island, and where the Academy Award-winning movie The Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed. The following day is entirely free for you to enjoy the beautiful beaches and old-world charm of Tangalle. B
Day 9
Colombo
Tour the many sights of the capital, including the vibrant Pettah bazaar, the clock tower, Buddhist and Hindu temples. B
Day 10
Tour ends Colombo
Transfer to airport in Colombo. Tour ends. B
Sri Lanka Itineraries
Sri Lanka Overview
Why Sri Lanka: This remarkable island off the south eastern coast of India might be small but it is jam packed with spectacular landscapes, a rich cultural heritage and ancient historical sites including 7 World Heritage Sites! Sri Lanka is also still relatively unspoilt by tourism, although there are many unique and wonderful hotels throughout the country.
When to Go: Dec – Mar is considered the best time to visit, being the driest season on the west and south coasts, in the ‘Cultural Triangle’ and up in hill country. The east coast is best from May – Sep when many of the beaches along the west and south coasts are experiencing the monsoon. During the monsoon, it is possible to travel as the rain is not constant – you’ll also enjoy lower prices and less crowds. The temperatures are high throughout the year, averaging around 27°C.
Combine With: Neighbouring India, Bhutan or Nepal.
Getting There: Fly into the international airport north of Colombo, the capital.