Tour 1: Wildlife Adventures Tour

As an island thriving with wildlife, this Sri Lankan adventure will be nothing short of exhilarating! Answer the call of the wild as you dive into a world of rugged terrain, vast open spaces and protected national parks, each teeming with a vast variety of species.

Inclusions

Tour 2: History Revisited Tour

Embark on a whirlwind of adventure as you trace the storied history of Sri Lanka. Explore ancient capital cities, dive into treasured cave temples and learn the secrets of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, often named the Eighth Wonder of the World.

Inclusions

• Return flights to Colombo with Sri Lankan Airlines including 30kg of checked luggage*
• Return airport transfers
• 7 Nights accommodation at 4 or 5 star hotels & resorts
• 7 Breakfasts
• 5 Dinners
• Transportation in an air-conditioned tour vehicle
• Personalised service of your own English-speaking, licensed, private chauffeur guide
• 24/7 Tour Manager support for all your needs
• Entrance & activity fees to:
  • Anuradhapura ancient city sightseeing
  • Ritigala Monastery visit
  • Polonnaruwa ancient city
  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress
  • Nalanda Gedige
  • Lankathilaka Temple
  • Ambekke Temple
  • Gadaladeniya Temple
  • Temple of the Tooth Relic
  • Tea plantation visit
  • Colombo city sightseeing tour

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, travel to Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport. Be greeted by your very own dedicated My Holiday guide and drive just 45 minutes to your hotel in Negombo. Once a small fishing town, Negombo is now a modern tourist hotspot, located on the west coast of Sri Lanka. Head to Sea Street, where you’ll find many seafood restaurants, serving delicious local dishes.

Accommodation: Deluxe Room at Suriya Resort

Day 2: Negombo to Anuradhapura (B, D)
Today, travel five hours to Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka. Here, you’ll find the Anuradhapura Ruins, one of the most evocative sights in South Asia. This sprawling complex boasts a rich collection of archaeological and architectural wonders, including enormous dagoba brick stupas, ancient pools and crumbling temples, all built throughout Anuradhapura’s rule over Sri Lanka. Today, several of the sites remain in use as holy places and temples. A few famous visits include the Ruwanveli Maha Seya, Sri Maha Bodhi tree, Abhayagiriya and Isurumuniya.

Accommodation: Deluxe Room at Lake Forest Hotel

Day 3: Anuradhapura to Ritigala to Dambulla (B, D)
En route to Dambulla, stop by Ritigala to explore the ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery. These centuries-old ruins are said to contain proof that Sri Lankan monks once practised various forms of nature-based medicine. Hear of the legends that claim Ritigala forest area as the only place on earth where certain powerful medicinal herbs are found, believed to have the power of granting long life and curing all human pain.

Accommodation: Standard Room at Amaya Lake

Day 4: Dambulla to Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya to Dambulla (B, D)
Get ready for a full day of exploration. First, head to Polonnaruwa, the second capital of ancient Sri Lanka. Here, check out the impressive and intricately designed Gal Vihara Temple Complex, which boasts three colossal granite statues of Buddha. Afterwards, visit Parakrama Samudra, a 2,500-hectare reservoir constructed under King Parakramabahu’s reign in the 12th century.

Later, travel to one hour to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Rising out of the lush jungle, this rocky monolith is home to the remains of an ancient fortress built in the late fifth century. Sigiriya translates to ‘Lion Rock’, a reference to the way visitors traditionally began their final ascent to the top of the fortress: passing through the open jaw of a lion. Today, the only remains of this lion figure are the gigantic paws sculpted into the side of the rock.

Accommodation: Standard Room at Amaya Lake

Day 5: Dambulla to Kandy (B, D)
As you travel four hours towards Kandy, stop by the ancient and mysterious Nalanda Gedige. Located in the geographical centre of Sri Lanka, little is known about the origins of this stone temple. Upon arrival in Kandy, check out various intriguing temple complexes, including Gadaladeniya Temple, Embekka Temple and Lankatilaka Temple.

Accommodation: Deluxe Room at Amaya Hills

Day 6: Kandy (B, D)
This morning, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Dating back to the 16th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of numerous buildings, each decorated with paintings and carvings depicting Buddha. As the name suggests, this temple complex houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha, which is carefully guarded by security night and day.

Sri Lanka is famous for its Ceylon Tea, and today you’ll also visit the country’s first-ever tea plantation, the James Taylor Tea Estate. Check out the few acres of the original plantation that still remain to this day and learn more about the history of tea in Sri Lanka.

Accommodation: Deluxe Room at Amaya Hills

Day 7: Wellawaya to Colombo (B)
Drive four hours to Colombo, the largest city in Sri Lanka. From the initial Arab traders to the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonists who later occupied the city, Colombo is defined by its history and boasts a melting pot of international influences. Explore the city on a locally-guided tour, checking out attractions like Colombo Independence Square, Colombo National Museum and the Galle Face Green. Enjoy a final night in Sri Lanka at the Fairway Hotel.

Accommodation: Standard Room at Fairway Hotel

Day 8: Depart Colombo (B)
Enjoy a final Sri Lankan breakfast before heading to Colombo International Airport to catch your flight home.

Tour 3: Culture Lovers Tour

Get ready to immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s fascinating culture, history and heritage. Explore UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, visit the iconic tea plantations that dot the country’s central highlands and catch a glimpse of local Sri Lankan life.

Inclusions

• Return flights to Colombo with Sri Lankan Airlines including 30kg of checked luggage*
• Return airport transfers
• 7 Nights accommodation at 4 or 5 star hotels & resorts
• 7 Breakfasts
• 5 Dinners
• 1 Lunch
• Transportation in an air-conditioned tour vehicle
• Personalised service of your own English-speaking, licensed, private chauffeur guide
• 24/7 Tour Manager support for all your needs
• Entrance & activity fees to:
  • Negombo Sightseeing Tour
  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress visit
  • Cooking demonstration and lunch
  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
  • Cultural dance show
  • Dinner with a local family
  • Train ride in the Hill Country
  • Tea plantation visit & High Tea Experience
  • Cycling experience at Wellawaya Village
  • Colombo city sightseeing tour

Itinerary

Download Full Itinerary >

Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, travel to Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport. Be greeted by your very own dedicated My Holiday guide and drive just 45 minutes to your hotel in Negombo. Once a small fishing town, Negombo is now a modern tourist hotspot, located on the west coast of Sri Lanka. Head to Sea Street, where you’ll find many seafood restaurants, serving delicious local dishes.

Accommodation: Deluxe Room at Suriya Resort

Day 2: Negombo to Matale (B, L, D) 
Today, leave for Matale, a five-hour drive, where you’ll visit one of Sri Lanka’s famed spice gardens. This offers a great chance to learn more about the spices grown in Sri Lanka and their many uses in both food and medicine. Later, engage in a cooking demonstration to gain firsthand experience in how to add spices to your own meals at home.

Accommodation: Deluxe Room at Arangala Forest Lodge

Day 3: Matale to Sigiriya to Matale (B, D)
Head to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Rising out of the lush jungle, this rocky monolith is home to the remains of an ancient fortress built in the late fifth century. Sigiriya translates to ‘Lion Rock’, a reference to the way visitors traditionally began their final ascent to the top of the fortress: passing through the open jaw of a lion. Today, the only remains of this lion figure are the gigantic paws sculpted into the side of the rock. Later, return to Matale and participate in another traditional Sri Lankan cooking experience.

Accommodation: Deluxe Room at Arangala Forest Lodge

Day 4: Matale to Kandy (B, D)
Travel one hour to Kandy and head to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Dating back to the 16th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of numerous buildings, each decorated with paintings and carvings depicting Buddha. As the name suggests, this temple complex houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha, which is carefully guarded by security night and day. This evening, be entertained by traditional Kandyan dancers during a cultural show and visit a local family at their house for a homemade dinner.

Accommodation: Deluxe Room at Amaya Hills

Day 5: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (B, D)
Today, embark on one of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys. Built by British colonists in 1864 to transport Ceylon Tea to the capital city, the four-hour railway from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya offers unending views of lush tea estates and the surrounding hills. This train journey is a must-do on any trip to Sri Lanka.

Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, head to a working tea plantation to watch as the tea pickers collect leaves, deliver sacks to the factory and process the leaves to create the final product. By visiting a plantation, you’ll gain a new perspective on daily life in Sri Lanka and how much effort goes into every cup of tea. This evening, enjoy a delicious high tea at a colonial hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Accommodation: Deluxe Room at Araliya Green Hills

Day 6: Nuwara Eliya to Wellawaya (B, D)
Travel to Wellawaya to learn more about what life is like in rural Sri Lanka. Explore this small town on bicycles or by foot, likely witnessing local villagers as they engage in typical daily chores like farming, cooking, cleaning and gardening – all without the interference of tourists.

Accommodation: Deluxe Dwelling at Jetwing Kaduruketha

Day 7: Wellawaya to Colombo (B)
Drive seven hours to Colombo, the largest city in Sri Lanka. From the initial Arab traders to the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonists who later occupied the city, Colombo is defined by its history and boasts a melting pot of international influences. Explore the city on a locally-guided tour, checking out attractions like Colombo Independence Square, Colombo National Museum and the Galle Face Green. Enjoy a final night in Sri Lanka at the Fairway Hotel.

Accommodation: Standard Room at Fairway Hotel

Day 8: Depart Colombo (B)
Enjoy a final Sri Lankan breakfast before heading to Colombo International Airport to catch your flight home.