Sri Lanka Island Journey
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This 8-day tour starts in Colombo and finishes back there, offering a rich taste of Sri Lanka�s diverse charms. You�ll explore bustling Colombo�s historic Pettah District and vibrant street food scene, then head inland to Kandy�s sacred Temple of the Tooth and a lively cultural show. Discover authentic village life and ancient temples near Kandy before venturing to the misty tea plantations and colonial charm of Nuwara Eliya. Wildlife lovers will enjoy a thrilling jeep safari in Yala National Park, spotting leopards and elephants. The journey ends with a stroll through the colonial streets and fortifications of Galle, blending history and seaside vibes.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
8 daysHotel Rating
4-5 star hotelsStarts
ColomboEnds
ColomboMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Sri Lanka that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guide.Country
Sri LankaPassengers
$3,960.00
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 15
Trip Type
Group Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guide.Group Size
Min 2 / Max 15Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Group ToursAccommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Itinerary
Day 1 - Colombo
Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Colombo. After checking in, you will have some free time to relax and refresh following your flight. Later, you may choose to explore Colombo at your own pace. Discover the historic Pettah District, one of the city�s oldest areas, where once ox carts carried key exports like tea, cinnamon and rubber. Alternatively, visit Colombo�s cosmopolitan quarters, known for stylish eateries, galleries and shops, or take a stroll along the seafront to admire views over the Indian Ocean. Overnight in Colombo.
Day 2 - Colombo
After breakfast at the hotel, we invite you to join a traditional Sri Lankan cookery session. Discover the vibrant flavours, spices and techniques that define this colourful cuisine. You will learn everything from cracking open a coconut to frying spices and poppadums, before sitting down to enjoy the meal you have prepared together. In the evening, we take a walking tour of Colombo, often called the �City of Everything�. This dynamic capital blends history and commerce, offering a rich experience for visitors. We visit Gangaramaya Temple, one of Colombo�s oldest Buddhist temples, then make our way to one of the city�s best-known street food spots. Exploring the lively streets of Slave Island and Pettah, you will gain an authentic sense of local life. We stop at a Sri Lankan bar to sample arrack and a variety of street foods, including the traditional Kottu Roti. When the evening winds down, we hop into a tuk-tuk for a fun ride back to the hotel.
Day 3 - Colombo - Peradeniya - Kandy - Kurunegala
After breakfast, we travel to Peradeniya to explore the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Sri Lanka�s largest and most impressive gardens. Once reserved for Kandyan royalty, the 147-acre gardens feature well-maintained lawns, vibrant orchids, elegant pavilions, an octagonal conservatory and a giant Javan fig tree, offering a peaceful retreat from the city. Afterwards, we continue to Kandy to visit the Temple of the Tooth, a golden-roofed shrine housing the country�s most sacred Buddhist relic � a tooth of the Buddha. In the afternoon, we explore Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Sacred City rich in culture and history. Stroll around the lakeside city framed by misty hills and visit the bustling Kandy market with its fresh fruit and vegetable stalls. In the evening, join a cultural show to experience traditional Sri Lankan music and drumming. Overnight in Kandy.
Day 4 - Kandy
After breakfast, we head to Kiriwaula Village, nestled in the outskirts of Kadugannawa. This little-known village offers a genuine insight into traditional Sri Lankan life and craftsmanship. We spend the day engaging with locals and exploring their daily routines, including the village�s long-standing brass industry, where skills have been handed down through generations. We also visit the village�s last traditional optician to see how lenses are still crafted by hand. Our tour continues along a scenic footpath to three ancient Buddhist temples�Gadaladeniya, Lankathilake and Ambekka�each dating back to the 13th century during the pre-Kandyan Kingdom of Gampola. After this immersive cultural experience, we return to Kandy for the evening.
Day 5 - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, we visit a tea plantation to explore the heart of Sri Lanka�s tea industry. The rolling, mist-covered hills and vibrant saris of the tea pickers create a striking scene. We tour a tea factory where Ceylon tea is carefully processed, experiencing the sights and sounds of the machinery and the fresh aroma of the leaves. The visit concludes with a tasting of a perfectly brewed cup of pure Ceylon tea. In the afternoon, we continue to Nuwara Eliya, often called �Little England� for its colonial architecture, Tudor-style hotels, manicured gardens and hedgerows. You can stroll among the red-brick buildings and lush greenery or hire a bike for a gentle ride along the shores of Lake Gregory, taking in the stunning hill country views. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 6 - Nuwaraeliya - Tissamaharama
After breakfast, we set off for a jeep safari in Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka�s largest and oldest protected areas, spanning 1,259 square kilometres. This park is rich in history, with remnants of ancient civilisations such as the Indo-Aryans and evidence of sophisticated agricultural systems visible in the form of ancient tanks. Yala is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including endangered species like the Sri Lankan sloth bear and elephant, as well as spotted deer, jackals and a wide variety of birds. It is also one of the best places to see the elusive Sri Lankan leopard, which roams the park confidently, even during daylight hours. After the safari, we continue to Tissamaharama for your overnight stay.
Day 7 - Tissamaharama - Galle
After breakfast, we transfer to the fortified town of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage site on Sri Lanka�s southern coast. Once a key trading hub connecting East and West, Galle�s history is reflected in its blend of colonial architecture and South Asian influences. We explore the Dutch-style streets lined with colonial verandas, visit the well-preserved fort with its original bastions and ramparts, and see the old gate bearing the British coat of arms. The tour includes a stop at the lighthouse beside Point Utrecht Bastion. You will also have time to browse the many boutiques and souvenir shops within the fort�s walls. We stay overnight in Galle.
Day 8 - Galle - Colombo
After breakfast, we will transfer you to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward or return flight. Please allow at least three hours for check-in and security, so we recommend scheduling afternoon or evening departures. Although your journey through Sri Lanka concludes today, the memories and images of this vibrant island will stay with you long after you leave.
Accommodation Standard
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Tour Reviews
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Extras and add-ons
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.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Prices & Dates
'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices (if available) are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room.
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