PRIVATE TOUR Explore Sri Lanka's cultural triangle and go wild on safari in Udawalawe National Park before relaxing on an idyllic palm-fringed beach. Dambulla Rock Temple and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Iconic Sigiriya Rock and Kandy's famous Temple of the Tooth. Lush tea plantations, incredible wildlife and idyllic beaches. Discover the best of Sri Lanka in 12 days.
Trip Highlights
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Itinerary
Dambulla & Polonnaruwa
Colombo - Dambulla - Polonnaruwa - Dambulla. Drive inland from Colombo to Dambulla this morning, stopping en route at a fruit and vegetable market in Naramwela Town. Explore the incredible complex of caves at Dambulla Rock Temple. Dating back to the 1st Century BC, the five caves contain over 150 images of Buddha.
Next stop today is Polonnaruwa, an ancient 11th century city which was once the capital of Sri Lanka. Roam around the incredible ruins, including the famous Royal Palace and the Gal Vihara. After exploring this ancient site, return to Dambulla for an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Dambulla | Breakfast
Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress
Dambulla - Sigiriya - Kandy. This morning visit Sigiriya, where you can climb to the top of the famous ‘Lion Rock’ fortress. Built over 1500 years ago, this iconic citadel can be viewed from miles around, standing 200 meters high in the middle of verdant jungle. As you climb the spiral staircase to take in the incredible views from the top of the fortress, stop to see the famous paintings of the Heavenly Maidens, in a sheltered pocket of the rock.
Next stop today is a spice garden in Matale where you will learn about the different herbs and spices Sri Lanka is famous for. Then travel on to Kandy, where you will spend the next two nights.
Overnight: Kandy | Breakfast
Kandy & the Temple of the Tooth
This morning embark on a sightseeing tour of Kandy - the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings. First stop is the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic. Legend has it that one of Buddha's teeth was taken from him as he lay on his funeral pyre. It was then smuggled into Sri Lanka in 313AD. It now attracts daily pilgrims who come bearing lotus flowers and frangipani. After exploring the temple, enjoy a scenic drive around Kandy Lake before visiting a local bazaar and a gem museum. Then take Tuk Tuk ride up into the surrounding hills to take in views of the city. In the afternoon visit the Geragama Tea Factory, which manufactures 'Low Grown' and 'Long Leaf' tea. End the day watching a cultural performance of traditional Sri Lankan music and dance this evening.
Overnight: Kandy | Breakfast
Nuwara Eliya
Kandy - Nuwara Eliya. Spend the morning at leisure in Kandy before transferring to the railway station for a scenic train ride. Passing mile upon mile of verdant tea plantations that hug the winding mountain passes, see tea pickers, waterfalls and suspension bridges on your journey up to Nuwara Eliya - Sri Lanka’s most popular hill resort. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country producing a significant share of the world’s best tea. Upon arrival enjoy a sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya - locally as 'Little England'.
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya | Breakfast
Udawalawe National Park safari
Nuwara Eliya - Udawalawe National Park. Today head south to Embilipitiya, your base for exploring Udawalawe National Park. Udawalawe is probably one of the best places to spot the famous Sri Lankan elephant, the biggest of all the Asian elephants in the wild. It is thought that there are around 400 elephants here. The park is also home to the elusive leopard, the Sri Lankan sloth bear, the cheeky langur monkey and varies types of deer. Go in search of wildlife on an afternoon game drive.
Overnight: Udawalawe National Park | Breakfast
Gem mine & Colombo city tour
Udawalawe National Park - Colombo. Return to Colombo this morning with a visit to the Gem Mine and Museum at Ratnapura en route. Sri Lanka is famous for its gem industry and is home to 40 out of the 85 types of gems that exist in the world.
Arriving into Colombo, enjoy a guided tour of the capital. Take in the Fort area in the north of the city which is famous for its government buildings and interesting shops. See the unique Gangarama Temple and take a stroll along Galle Face Green, a popular spot for kite flying and games of cricket.
Overnight: Colombo | Breakfast
Lazy days by the beach
Colombo - Beruwala/Bentota. After breakfast, it's a short drive south along Sri Lanka's idyllic West Coast to the popular holiday resorts of Beruwala and neighboring Bentota.
Spend the final days of your holiday relaxing by the beach.
Overnight: Beruwala/Bentota | Breakfast
Beach, pool & sunset cocktails
Sri Lanka's beautiful palm fringed beaches are without a doubt its biggest draw card, and once you set eyes on them you’ll understand why. Nestled on the Indian Ocean coast with warm crystal clear waters and golden sands, Beruwela and Bentota offer travelers a whole host of water sports from snorkelling and scuba diving, to water skiing and surfing – the choice if yours. Indulge in a glass of Toddy – a local coconut flavored tipple, head to the spa and opt for an Ayurveda treatment which the area is famous for, or simply while away the days on the beach with a cocktail in hand.
Overnight: Beruwala/Bentota | Breakfast x 3
Colombo
Beruwala/Bentota - Colombo. Today your tropical island adventure comes to an end. Departure transfer to Colombo Airport for your onward international flight.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The 'Single Room' price is applicable when a single room is required, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Radisson Hotel Colombo, Colombo
The Radisson Hotel Colombo (formerly OZO Colombo) is a modern and stylish hotel, with sweeping Indian Ocean views from its rooftop infinity pool and many of its rooms. There's free WIFI access throughout the hotel and the guestrooms are bright and airy with all modern amenities. To top it off, there's also a fantastic fitness centre and a restaurant serving delicious, authentic Sri Lankan cusine. The hotel is centrally located on Marine Drive, near Galle Road and just a 10 minute drive from the city centre.
Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo
Voted one of the best 5 star hotels in Colombo, the Cinnamon Lakeside is the perfect urban getawary with elegant and spacious rooms and excellent facilities. All guestrooms have a spectacular view of either the city's skyline or the tranquil waters of the Beira Lake and feature a pillow menu for the ultimate night's sleep and WiFi. The Azmaara Spa offers a tantalizing range of treatments administered by Balinese therapists. The resort also houses ten different restaurants, considered the best in Colombo, including the specialty lounge bar, 7 Degrees North.
Jetwing Lake, Dambulla
The Jetwing Lake hotel is a brand new property with spacious and comfortable rooms that enjoy a contemporary design blended with splashes of Eastern influenced decor. The ensuite facilities are magnificent and in keeping with the luxurious feel of the property as a whole. Each room also comes with a balcony, from which guests can get some fresh air and enjoy the spectacular views. Within the complex there is a pool, spa and fitness centre, where guests can while away their free time. There is also a restaurant, which serves sumptuous meals.
Radisson Hotel Kandy, Kandy
The stylish Radisson Hotel Kandy (formerly OZO Kandy), prides itself on its smart facilities and stunning mountain surrounds. Its highlight being the rooftop pool where you can soak up panoramic views over Kandy whilst enjoying a cocktail or two. The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant serves a tasty array of Asian and international cuisine using only fresh and handpicked produce. Other amenities include a fitness centre and complimentary WiFi, with guestrooms boasting signature soft beds and rain showers.
Jetwing St Andrew's, Nuwara Eliya
Jetwing St. Andrew's is a unique colonial retreat set in a former country house and surrounded by landscaped gardens. All the spacious rooms are classically furnished with elegant wood and offer free WiFi and flat-screen TVs. The grounds of the hotel give a great feel of colonial splendour and guests can wake up to a typical English breakfast and enjoy a stiff brandy at the bar later in the day. Fine dining is offered at the Old Course Restaurant and the hotel also boasts an antique snooker table, which is the oldest in Sri Lanka.
Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort, Udawalawe National Park
Situated on 7 acres of land, the Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort is the only hotel of its class in the area. Rooms are spacious with beautiful hard wood flooring and artwork depicting the wildlife of Udawalawe. Food here is delicious and plentiful with an extensive breakfast menu. The outdoor pool is a great place to relax by and enjoy a refreshing splash in after a good day on safari. Well located just a few minutes drive from Udawalawe National Park.
Occidental Eden Beruwala , Bentota and Beruwala
Set along the shore of the Indian Ocean, in the popular holiday resort of Beruwla, this luxury hotel offers an oasis of tranquility. Comfort is guaranteed in the spacious, elegantly appointed rooms and the Ayurvedic Spa is the perfect place for a spot of pampering. There's also a beauty centre, hair salon and fitness centre onsite. Relax on a sun lounger beachside or by the large outdoor pool, which is surrounded by palm trees and features a hot tub and swim-up bar. Enjoy sunset walks along the long stretch of golden sandy beach, sip cocktails at 7th Heaven Lounge Bar and head out to explore Beruwala and neighbouring Bentota. When it comes to dining there's no shortage of options, with a range of eateries on site, ranging from a 24 hour cafe and buffet restaurant, to seafood restaurants and fine dining.
At a Glance
