Best of Sri Lanka

See how bright the Gem Island sparkles on this compact adventure packed with authentic experiences

Best of Sri Lanka

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Trip Fee

$ 1.800

Single Room Difference

$ 593

Date

11 - 18 January 2026

Trip Information

In Sanskrit, Sri Lanka was nicknamed Ratna-Dweepa, the Gem Island, for its abundance of precious stones and sparkling jewels. But our expert tour leaders want to share its true treasures with you. Join them on this highlight-packed adventure to enjoy priceless experiences: climbing the ancient Sigiriya rock fortress in the early morning, spotting elephants on safari, cycling through rural villages as the people wave to you, and tucking into the flavoursome cuisine. The adventure ends in seaside Negombo – the perfect opportunity to extend your stay and enjoy a few days relaxing on the beach.

Activity Areas

Cultural Wonders
Culture
New Cultural Holidays

Region & Country & City

Asia: Indian Ocean, Kandy, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Included in the Price

— All breakfasts, one lunch, one dinner — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout — Group arrival and departure transfers available

Not Included In The Price

— Travel insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation Information

— Accommodation: 7 Superior nights (hotels) — Travel by private bus/minibus and train — Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16

Map

Itinerary

Day 1 Adventure starts in Colombo • Sunset, cocktails and dinner

Begin your adventure in Colombo, the energetic capital of Sri Lanka. At 3.30pm, say ayubowan to your tour leader and fellow travellers at our hotel, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. That’s followed by an orientation tour around the city. Your tour leader then ensures a big Sri Lankan welcome by arranging dinner and cocktails at the historic Galle Face Hotel, where we can watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean. Want to explore Colombo further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative. Accommodation: Ramada Colombo (or similar)

Day 2 To Sigiriya • Elephant spotting on a safari game drive

Bid farewell to Colombo and transfer (4hr 20min) to Sigiriya this morning, an essential stop on any tour of Sri Lanka. After dropping off our bags at the hotel, head into Minneriya National Park this afternoon. Riding in open-sided 4x4s, we search for the park’s large elephant herds, while also keeping an eye out for sambar deer, wild buffalo, sloth bears and more. Alternatively, if your tour leader’s intel reveals the safari is better in Hurulu Eco Park or Kaudulla National Park, we go there instead – ensuring the best safari possible based on where the elephants are gathered. End the day at Hotel Sigiriya, which has an excellent view of the ancient Sigiriya rock fortress from the pool area. Overnight: Hotel Sigiriya (or similar)

Day 3 Experience village life on a leisurely bike ride

We’re off to the small city of Girithale this morning, a 55-minute drive away, where we hop on bikes for a leisurely cycle through small villages and past lakes, which should take around two hours. If you’d prefer not to cycle, you can hire a tuk tuk (approximately 6,000 rupees/US$20) and follow the group. Along the way, we see the local people going about their daily routine – expect smiles and waves as we go! We should also spot plenty of bird life, including egrets, brahminy kites, kingfishers and bulbuls. Breaking up the journey, we stop for lunch in a traditional village before returning to our hotel in Sigiriya by late afternoon with time to enjoy a post-ride dip in the pool. Overnight: Hotel Sigiriya (or similar)

Day 4 Climb the rock fortress of Sigiriya • Dambulla Cave Temple • To Kandy

Rise early this morning to climb the rock fortress of Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, before the strongest heat of the day. Probably the standout attraction in Sri Lanka, Sigiriya comprises the ruins of a fifth-century palace, which crowns an imposing granite peak. We drive to the base, where a moat surrounds impressive water gardens. We then take the route to the top, via a series of steep steps and gangways, ascending 655ft (200m) and passing an overhanging rock, under which portraits of native maidens holding flowers and temple offerings still adorn the rock wall. On the flat-topped summit are extensive remains of the King’s Summer Palace. Returning to the hotel for breakfast, we then set off to Dambulla, where we visit the magnificent Cave Temple, taking the back entrance, where there are fewer steps. Among the most impressive sights in Sri Lanka, it is home to colourful, well-preserved paintings and Buddha statues, which date to the first century BCE. Finally, we transfer (2hr 40min) to Kandy, where we stay for the next two nights. Overnight: Hotel Suisse (or similar)

Day 5 Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth • Leisurely stroll around Kandy Lake

We visit the Temple of the Tooth, which houses the most important Buddhist relic in Sri Lanka. The Tooth of Buddha was taken from his funeral pyre in 543 BCE and only found its way to Sri Lanka in the fourth century CE. Hundreds of worshippers visit the temple each day and in August the most spectacular ceremony takes place. Some of our August trips should coincide with the Kandy festival, but the exact dates, decided by priests, are not known until five months before the event. Later, we take a leisurely stroll around Kandy Lake, enjoying the peaceful surroundings, and taking in views of the city and hills. Overnight: Hotel Suisse (or similar)

Day 6 To the hill station of Nuwara Eliya • Immersive tea factory tour

After breakfast, we leave Kandy and transfer (approximately 2hr 30min to 3hr) to Nuwara Eliya, a popular hill station during the British era, situated in the cool highland air. Known locally as Little England, it is dotted with British-style houses and parks and features a golf club and racecourse. Here, we visit a tea factory to discover the fascinating process of tea production, from plucking fresh tea leaves to processing and packaging. Enjoy the aroma of freshly brewed tea and enjoy a tasting session to experience the rich flavours of Ceylon tea. After, we enjoy a scenic drive through Nuwara Eliya, admiring the lush tea plantations, beautifully manicured gardens and rolling hills. Overnight: Galway Heights (or similar)

Day 7 To Negombo • Optional white-water rafting at Kitulgala

Leave the tea hills and transfer (4hr 50min) to the coastal city of Negombo, a short drive north of Colombo. There, you can relax at our beachside hotel, either in the pool or on the sands. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Kitulgala for a white-water rafting adventure (see the Optional Excursions section of the Trip Notes for more details). In the evening, our tour leader will arrange a group dinner, where we can share our favourite moments from the trip. Overnight: Jetwing Blue Negombo (or similar)

Day 8 Adventure ends in Negombo

The adventure ends in Negombo today, and we begin our return journeys home. Alternatively,speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Negombo and enjoying some downtime by the beach.

Travel Dates

11 - 18 January 2026 $ 1.800

08 - 15 February 2026 $ 1.800

01 - 08 March 2026 $ 1.725

05 - 12 April 2026 $ 1.725

17 - 24 May 2026 $ 1.725

28 June - 05 July 2026 $ 1.725

09 - 16 August 2026 $ 1.725

06 - 13 September 2026 $ 1.725

04 - 11 October 2026 $ 1.725

25 October - 01 November 2026 $ 1.725

15 - 22 November 2026 $ 1.800

29 November - 06 December 2026 $ 1.800

13 - 20 December 2026 $ 1.800

20 - 27 December 2026 $ 1.950

10 - 17 January 2027 $ 1.950

17 - 24 January 2027 $ 1.950

31 January - 07 February 2027 $ 1.950

07 - 14 February 2027 $ 1.950

14 - 21 February 2027 $ 1.950

28 February - 07 March 2027 $ 1.950

14 - 21 March 2027 $ 1.875

04 - 11 April 2027 $ 1.875

16 - 23 May 2027 $ 1.800

27 June - 04 July 2027 $ 1.800

08 - 15 August 2027 $ 1.875

05 - 12 September 2027 $ 1.800

03 - 10 October 2027 $ 1.800

24 - 31 October 2027 $ 1.800

14 - 21 November 2027 $ 1.875

28 November - 05 December 2027 $ 1.875

12 - 19 December 2027 $ 1.875

19 - 26 December 2027 $ 2.100

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