Black Friday Sale, Get 2-for-1 on this tour - Sale ends in 18 hours 32 minutes 29 seconds
24/7 support
No card fees

Excellent

Colombo, Caves & Kandy

Save up to 50% today

Best Seller

8 days

Discover Sri Lanka's famous cultural triangle and visit the rock fortress of Sigiriya, the exquisite Dambulla cave temple and the historic Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Add a scenic train journey through the verdant tea plantations and go in search of Sri Lanka’s abundant wildlife at Udawalawe National Park, all this and more in an exciting one week holiday.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Travelling with children or prefer being on your own, see our private version of this tour.

Tour Overview

Duration

8 days

Starts

Colombo

Ends

Colombo

Range

Signature

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour guide

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 24

Minimum age

15 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Saturdays

Hotel Rating

4-5 star & heritage hotels

Countries

Sri Lanka

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 7, Lunch: 1
Save 50% today
Per Person From
£1,195.00
£597.50
Deposit From
Final payment
£600.00
£595.00

Tour Highlights

Colombo – Enjoy a guided tour of the city including the Old Fort area and impressive Gangaramaya Temple
Polonnaruwa - Explore the remarkable ruins of the ancient capital city of Ceylon
Sigiriya - Climb to the top of the iconic 5th century Lion Rock fortress and see the Heavenly Maidens
Dambulla - Discover over 150 images of Buddha in the incredible complex of caves at Dambulla Rock Temple
Kayanwala Village - Canoe to the village and help cook a delicious traditional lunch with a Sri Lankan family
Matale - Learn all about Sri Lanka's herbs and spices at the spice gardens in Matale
Kandy - Take in the highlights of Kandy including the famous Temple of the Tooth, enjoy a tuk tuk ride and watch a cultural performance
Giragama Tea Factory - Take a tour of a working tea factory with a long history
Take a scenic train ride passing waterfalls and tea plantations en route from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and drive though Nuwara Eliya's 'Little England'
Udawalawe National Park - Go in search of wildlife on a game drive in Udawalawe, home to the nation's largest herd of Asian Elephants

Included

Breakfast daily and 1 lunch
7 nights 4-5 star hotels and heritage properties
Guided sightseeing - Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe and Colombo
Scenic train trip from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, canoe ride and tuk tuk trips
Jeep safari/game drive in Udawalawe National Park
Escorted by an English-speaking national guide for groups of 6 or more (professional chauffeur guide for groups of 5 or fewer)
Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 8
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles

Not Included

International flights and visa
Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$3-7 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
Entrance Fees: USD$150-$170pp, paid in USD
Tipping Kitty: USD$50-$60pp, paid in local currency
Tipping is not a natural part of many Western cultures and many of us feel uncomfortable, or unsure, about when, or how much, to tip. However, in the places you will visit, tipping makes up a significant part of many people's wages so it's important that we get it right. For this reason we've developed a very simple system to take all the hassle out of tipping. With our 'tipping made easy' policy, a nominal pre-determined amount is collected from all group tour participants to cover tips en route. This then saves you the hassle of when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, local guides and other support staff through the tour. Our 'tipping made easy' doesn't include a tip to your group tour leader. Naturally, though, the amount is up to you as tipping is an entirely personal gesture.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Colombo - your way

Saturday. Welcome to Sri Lanka! Airport arrival transfer and remainder of the day at leisure. Our start hotel located on the seafront is 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.

Overnight: Colombo

Day 2 - Dambulla & Polonnaruwa

Colombo - Dambulla - Polonnaruwa - Dambulla. Bidding farewell to Colombo this morning we drive inland to Dambulla, stopping en route at a fruit and vegetable market in Naramwela Town. Dambulla Rock Temple is an incredible ancient complex of caves which date back to the 1st Century BC. The five caves contain over 150 images of Buddha including an impressive 14 metre carved statue.

After exploring this ancient site, we continue to Polonnaruwa. This fascinating 11th century city is home to many interesting ruins and famous monuments including the Royal Palace and the Gal Vihara. Polonnaruwa was once the capital and is also the second most ancient city in Sri Lanka. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This evening we return to Dambulla for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Dambulla
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Sigiriya & Kandy

Dambulla - Sigiriya - Kandy. This morning we explore Sigiriya and the famous ‘Lion Rock’ fortress. Built over 1500 years ago, this beautiful citadel stands 200 meters high in the middle of verdant jungle and was an important stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. It can be viewed from miles around and is definitely one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic and famous sites. You’ll be able to view the world famous paintings of the Heavenly Maidens which stand in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway.

From Sigiriya we take a local hand tractor ride and short canoe trip to the village of Kayanwala. Here, at Kayanwala Village we take part in a cookery demonstration in a mud brick home of a local woman and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch of curry, dahl, spiced rice, pickle and more. En route to Kandy we stop off a spice garden in Matale, to see the different herbs and spices, which Sri Lanka is famous for. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed.

Overnight: Kandy
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 - Kandy Temple of the Tooth

This morning we take a sightseeing tour of Kandy - the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings. Our first stop will be the 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 driving around Kandy Lake - built by the last Sinhala king, we visit the local bazaar and a gem museum, we then enjoy a Tuk Tuk ride up into the surrounding hills.
This afternoon, we stop at a working tea factory at Geragama. Geragama Tea Factory is located in close proximity to the city of Kandy and was established in the year 1903, manufacturing 'Low Grown' and 'Long Leaf' tea. This evening, we watch a cultural performance of traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.

Overnight: Kandy
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Scenic train trip & tea plantations

Kandy - Nuwara Eliya. This morning offers free time before transferring to the railway station for our scenic train trip. Passing kilometre upon kilometre of verdant tea plantations that hug the winding mountain passes, we'll see waterfalls, suspension bridges and tea pickers on our 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.

This afternoon we take a beautiful drive through Nuwara Eliya - an area known locally as 'Little England'.

Overnight: Nuwara Eliya
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Udawalawe National Park jeep safari

Nuwara Eliya - Udawalawe National Park. Today we head south to Embilipitiya, our base for exploring Udawalawe National Park. This national park is probably one of the best places to spot the famous Sri Lankan Elephant, the biggest of all the Asian Elephants. It is thought that there are around 400 elephants here. The park is also home to the elusive leopard, the Sri Lankan sloth bear and varies types of deer. We take an afternoon game drive here before returning to our hotel for the night.

Overnight: Udawalawe National Park
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Colombo city tour

Udawalawe National Park - Colombo. This morning we visit the Gem Mine and Museum at Ratnapura. Sri Lanka is famous for its gem industry and is home to 40 out of the 85 types of gems in the world.

Arrival Colombo and commence a city tour, seeing the Fort area in the north of the city famous for its government buildings and interesting shops. We'll see the stunning Gangarama Temple and take a stroll along Galle Face Green, a popular spot for kite flying and games of cricket.

Overnight: Colombo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Goodbye Sri Lanka

Saturday. Today offers free time for you to independently explore the city, before your included departure transfer to the airport.

Meals: Breakfast

Tour Reviews

A really great trip. The guide Aktar was excellent and had a great knowledge of the country. The people of Sri Lanka are so welcoming. The itinerary was also excellent although i would suggest adding Yala national park as I think this should be included in any trip to this amazing country.

No email or info about the welcome gathering. We had a 2 hour late start last day due to weather so we didn't drive the scenic route and our city tour was cancelled. Guide said that we had already been to the city on our own so no need. Arrived at hotel at 2;30. Very short day

Great time. Aktar was amazing.Whole tour felt a little bit rushed lots of travelling.,but saw lots.Driver and bus boy were great. Well organized.

Impressive tour ... covered the heart of Sri Lanka Guide was excellent at start of tour but started slacking and changing itinerary fof the last 2 days .... also left abruptly and did not answer his phone on last day of tour ...

Overall this was a good tour that delivered what it promised. The guide was good & adapted the planned program to take account of unscheduled national holiday caused by the general election. We went to Galle - this should really be on the standard tour as it's such a lovely place to go by the sea, especially if they are playing cricket! You should consider using the train more for transport as it's cheap, comfy with spectacular views.

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.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Pre-Tour Accommodation - Colombo

Double

£55per passenger

Twin

£55per passenger

Single

£95per passenger

Post-Tour Accommodation - Colombo

Double

£55per passenger

Twin

£55per passenger

Single

£95per passenger

Tour Extensions

Extend your trip with our multi-day tour extensions, including accommodation, sightseeing and free time.

Amari Galle Hotel Deluxe Ocean View Room | Sri Lanka
Galle Beach Break

This add-on can be booked in conjunction with any group tour that ends in Colombo - Sri Lanka's capital city.

Double

£435per passenger

Twin

£435per passenger

Single

£675per passenger

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.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Sofia Colombo City Hotel
Colombo

Sofia Colombo City Hotel is located near Kollupitiya Beach and offers modern accommodation with excellent amenities. The hotel features an outdoor pool, a rooftop terrace with a restaurant and bar, and free WiFi throughout. At Sofia Colombo’s Seascape Restaurant, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean alongside delicious meals. Additionally, guests have access to a fully equipped fitness centre, as well as 24-hour front desk and room service, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable stay for all.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
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.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Araliya Green Hills
Nuwara Eliya

Recently opened, the Araliya Green Hills is a modern property with beautiful mountain views. Rooms are spacious and well appointed with slightly garish carpets. Sumptuous buffets are served in the restaurant - look out for the hoppers - perfect to have your eggs in! Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and there is even a pool table for you to challenge your friends on. Perfectly located close to the centre of Nuwara Eliyah.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

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.

2024
Twin/Double
Single
7 Dec - 14 Dec
Save 20%
£1,265£1,012
£1,715£1,372
14 Dec - 21 Dec
Save 20%
£1,265£1,012
£1,715£1,372
21 Dec - 28 Dec
Save 20%
£1,425£1,140
£1,925£1,540
28 Dec - 4 Jan
Save 20%
£1,425£1,140
£1,925£1,540
2025
Twin/Double
Single
4 Jan - 11 Jan
Save 20%
£1,195£956
£1,665£1,332
11 Jan - 18 Jan
2-for-1
£1,195£598
£1,665£833
18 Jan - 25 Jan
2-for-1
£1,195£598
£1,665£833
25 Jan - 1 Feb
2-for-1
£1,195£598
£1,665£833
1 Feb - 8 Feb
2-for-1
£1,195£598
£1,665£833
8 Feb - 15 Feb
2-for-1
£1,195£598
£1,665£833
15 Feb - 22 Feb
2-for-1
£1,195£598
£1,665£833
22 Feb - 1 Mar
2-for-1
£1,195£598
£1,665£833

Similar Tours

Explore more exciting tours in Sri Lanka to discover even more unforgettable adventures!

4.4 out of 5 based on 275 reviews