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Take in the classic sights of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, but not before exploring ancient Anuradhapura, the northern city of Jaffna. Village visits, Elephant game viewing, scenic tea plantations and a couple days by the stunning coast in Trincomalee are all included within this incredible 12 day tour.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Duration
12 daysStarts
NegomboEnds
ColomboRange
SignatureTour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guideGroup Size
Min 2 / Max 24Minimum age
15 yrs, accompanied by an adultDeparts
Tuesdays - year roundHotel Rating
3-5 star & heritage hotelsCountries
Sri LankaArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesMeals included
Breakfast: 11, Lunch: 1Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
277 reviews
Tuesday. Colombo - Negombo. Welcome to Sri Lanka! You will be met at Colombo Airport and transferred to your hotel by the beach in Negombo. Our start hotel is located on the seafront and a short walk from Galle Road and many of the city highlights. Choose to head out and explore, take a dip in the pool or enjoy a cocktail whilst you watch the perfect sunset over the Laccodive Sea.
Negombo - Anuradhapura. This morning we make our way to Anuradhapura, the first capital and grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka and home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Upon arrival, we embark on an afternoon sightseeing tour of the city, visiting both historical and archaeological sites of interest. Highlights include the sacred bo-tree which is the oldest documented tree in the world, the 1600 columns of Brazen Palace and Ruwanweliseya, the most famous dagobas in Sri Lanka.
Anuradhapura - Jaffna. Today we journey north to Jaffna, located on the northernmost peninsula of the island. Here, we enjoy a sightseeing tour taking in sights such as the Jaffna Fort, the second largest in Sri Lanka which was built by the Dutch in 1619. Another highlight is the Nallur Hindu Temple, the most important place of Hindu worship in Jaffna. We’ll also take a boat ride to Nagadeepa Buddhist Temple, which is said to be the site where Buddha visited during his second journey to Sri Lanka.
Jaffna - Trincomalee. Departing Jaffna, we head back south to Trincomalee on the north-eastern coast. A sightseeing tour here takes us to Thirukonamalai Konesar Temple, the Temple of the Thousand Pillars and Dakshina-Then Kailasam - a classical medieval Hindu temple complex. Day 5 is free to spend relaxing in Trincomalee. Enjoy this stunning location on the coast, while away the day unwinding on the beach.
Trincomalee - Dambulla - Polonnaruwa - Dambulla. This morning we leave the coast and begin our journey inland to the impressive Dambulla Cave Temple. A spectacular complex of five caves dedicated to the Lord Buddha, within the caves of Dambulla you'll find over 150 images of Buddha, including an impressive 14-metre rock cut statue.
After exploring this ancient site we continue to Polonnaruwa, an intriguing 11th century city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we explore many interesting and famous monuments including the Royal Palace and the Gal Vihara. We then return to Dambulla for an evening at leisure.
Dambulla - Sigiriya - Kandy. This morning we make our way to the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Built over 1500 years ago, this beautiful citadel stands 200 meters high in the middle of verdant jungle and is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sites. A steep staircase up the rock side reaches the summit and on the way up you can stop to see the world-famous paintings of the Heavenly Maidens, which are hidden in a sheltered pocket of rock.
Leaving Sigiriya behind, we take a local hand tractor ride and a short canoe trip to the village of Kayanwala. Here we are welcomed into the home of a local family where we try our hand at preparing a meal of curry, dahl, spiced rice and pickle. After enjoying our homemade lunch we continue onto Kandy, stopping along the way at a spice garden in Matale. Arriving to Kandy, the evening is at leisure.
This morning we embark on a sightseeing tour of Kandy, making our first stop at the Temple of the Tooth. The temple’s name derives from the legend that it houses one of Buddha’s teeth that was taken from him as he lay on his funeral pyre and then smuggled into Sri Lanka. From here we take a drive around Kandy Lake, visiting a local bazaar and gem museum along the way, before hopping on a tuk tuk for a ride up into the surrounding hills. In the afternoon we stop in at a working tea factory at Giragama, which has been manufacturing ‘Low Grown’ and ‘Long Leaf’ tea since 1903. This evening, we attend a cultural performance of traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.
Kandy - Nuwara Eliya. Enjoy some free time this morning before our transfer to the train station for a scenic railway journey. Our journey to Nuwara Eliya will take us past verdant tea plantations, through winding mountain passes, across suspension bridges and much more.
Arriving in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country in the afternoon, we’ll take a drive through an area known locally as ‘Little England’.
Nuwara Eliya - Udawalawe National Park. Today we make our way south to Embilipitiya, which will be our base for exploring Udawalawe National Park. Not only is this national park renowned as one of the best places to see the famous Sri Lankan elephant, it is also home to the elusive leopard, the Sri Lankan sloth bear and varies types of deer. This afternoon we enjoy a game drive through the park before returning to our hotel for the evening.
Udawalawe National Park - Colombo. Today we make our way back to Colombo, but not before paying a visit to the Gem Mine and Museum in Ratnapura. Sri Lanka is famous for its gem industry and is home to 40 out of the 85 types of gems in the world. Arriving to Colombo later today, we embark on a city tour taking in the Fort area in the north of the city, as well as the stunning Gangarama Temple. We’ll end the tour with a stroll along Galle Face Green, a popular spot for kite flying and games of cricket amongst the locals.
Saturday. Today offers free time for you to independently explore the city, before your included departure transfer to the airport.
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Colombo
Double
Twin
Single
Pre Accom Negombo Family
Double
Twin
Single
Pre Accom Northeast Explorer Negombo
Double
Twin
Single
Extend your trip with our multi-day tour extensions, including accommodation, sightseeing and free time.
This add-on can be booked in conjunction with any group tour that ends in Colombo - Sri Lanka's capital city.
Double
Twin
Single
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.
Explore more exciting tours in Sri Lanka to discover even more unforgettable adventures!
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