Sri Lanka Highlights Explorer
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Discover the very best of Sri Lanka on this 6-day journey through the Cultural Triangle, scenic hill country and southern wilderness. Explore ancient UNESCO World Heritage Sites, enjoy a spectacular train journey to Ella, visit a tea plantation and experience an exciting safari in Yala National Park.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
6 daysHotel Rating
4 star hotelsStarts
ColomboEnds
ColomboMinimum Age
5 years oldMaximum 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 - for included sightseeingCountry
Sri LankaMeals Included
Breakfast: 5, Lunch: 1Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private tour
Min 1 / Max Private tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Travel Style
Private Tours
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
Partially Guided
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.
These ratings are a general guide and may vary from tour to tour.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeingGroup Size
Min 1 / Max Private tourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
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
Private ToursPassengers
R 18 725,00
R 5 618,00
Free eSIM included
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Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you'll be met and transferred to Sigiriya. Check in your hotel before enjoying the rest of the day at leisure to relax and settle into your surroundings.
Day 2 - Sigiriya Rock & Polonnaruwa
Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya. After breakfast, visit the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 5th century by King Kashyapa. Climb the famous Lion Rock, rising 200 metres above the surrounding jungle, and admire its ancient gardens, impressive water features and the renowned frescoes of the Heavenly Maidens.
Continue with a traditional village experience, travelling by tractor through the countryside before crossing a tranquil lake by canoe. Take part in a local cooking demonstration, enjoy a freshly prepared Sri Lankan lunch, and return by tuk-tuk through the village.
Later, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's ancient second capital. Discover the Royal Palace, the magnificent Buddha statues of Gal Viharaya, the Audience Hall, Lotus Bath and other remarkable temples and monuments before returning to Sigiriya for an overnight stay.
Day 3 - Dambulla Rock Cave & Kandy Sightseeing
Sigiriya - Dambulla - Kandy. Today, visit the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, home to five remarkable cave shrines adorned with ancient murals and more than 150 Buddha statues. Continue to Kandy, stopping en route at an agro village in Matale to discover Sri Lanka's famous spices and learn about their cultivation and traditional uses.
Upon arrival in Kandy, check in to your hotel before enjoying a sightseeing tour of the city. Visit Kandy Lake, the bustling town and bazaar, an arts and crafts centre and gem museum, then end the day at the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, followed by a colourful Kandyan cultural dance performance.
Day 4 - Tea Plantation and Train to Ella
Kandy - Nuwara Eliya - Ella. Depart Kandy and travel through Sri Lanka’s scenic hill country, stopping at a tea plantation and factory in Nuwara Eliya. Learn about the fascinating process of producing world-famous Ceylon tea, discover how it is graded, and enjoy a freshly brewed tea tasting.
Continue to Nanu Oya railway station and board the scenic train journey to Ella, one of the world’s most beautiful rail routes. On arrival, transfer to your hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 5 - Yala National Park
Ella - Tissamaharama. After breakfast, depart Ella and travel to Tissamaharama via Wellawaya, taking in the beautiful scenery of Sri Lanka’s southern landscapes. Check in to the hotel before heading out on a private jeep safari through Yala National Park.
Renowned for its high density of leopards, Yala is also home to elephants, sloth bears, wild buffalo, deer, crocodiles and an incredible variety of birdlife. Explore the park’s diverse habitats, from dense jungle and open plains to lagoons and coastal areas, before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 6 - Goodbye
After breakfast, the tour ends. Depart Tissamaharama, with an included departure transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport. Safe travels!
Tour Reviews
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.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
'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, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. If travelling solo, an additional ‘1-person’ supplement will apply, contact us for details.
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