Upon arrival at Colombo Airport you will be met by your chauffeur guide, who will accompany you throughout your tour of Sri Lanka. Your journey begins with a transfer to Sigiriya, where you will spend your first three nights.
Check into your first hotel. You can either spend the rest of the day relaxing, or experience a Cultural Show at Habarana in the evening. The Habarana cultural dance show is an electrifying live cultural show that showcases traditional dance and musical performances. During the show, local performers dressed in traditional costumes will showcase a range of cultural activities, including dances, music and theatre. The performances will depict various aspects of Sri Lankan culture, including folktales, legends and mythology.
This morning, visit the Sigiriya Rock Palace (we recommend an early morning visit as the site is less crowded and the temperature is more pleasant). The Sigiriya Rock palace is a remarkable feat of engineering and a fascinating example of artistic craftsmanship. The fortress was the stronghold of King Kashyapa and is famous for its frescoes painted on the rock surface itself. From halfway up the rock, you can see the elaborately landscaped water gardens and from the top you have stunning views over the landscape.
In the afternoon, visit the Ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Polonnaruwa was established as the capital city after the fall of Anuradhapura and is known as the mediaeval capital of Sri Lanka. Polonnaruwa contains the ruins of some of the masterpieces of Buddhist sculpture and remarkable architecture that was well ahead of its time.
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning at Aliya Resort & Spa. If you wish, you may book a complimentary head, neck, shoulder and back massage at Ayurvie Spa.
Experience a Traditional Sri Lankan cooking demonstration and lunch. Start with an optional vegetable picking session where you can tour the garden and pick your vegetables before bringing them back to the kitchen. A lady from the local village will show you how they prepare their traditional curries on a woodfire.
In the evening, explore Thalkote Lake. Cycle along quiet roads through the countryside to Thalkote lake. Glide across the serene waters on a peaceful boat ride, enjoying the tranquil ambiance and taking in stunning views of Sigiriya and Pidurangala.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, which was founded in the 1st century by King Valagamba. Ancient sculptures and paintings of the Buddha and various Hindu deities and are located in five central caves. The original sculptures and paintings have gained additions throughout the centuries and stand monument to the evolving artistic styles of the ancient Ceylonese.
You will then head to Kandy (approx. 3 hours drive). En route, explore the Authentic Spice Experience. Spices have always been a famous and important export of Sri Lanka. Visit a spice garden to learn about spices such as cinnamon, ginger, pepper, vanilla and cardamon just to name a few, followed by a refreshment in the café.
When you arrive in Kandy, visit the Temple of the Tooth and take a City Tour & Kandy Bazaar Tour by Tuk Tuk. Sri Lanka's second largest city is Kandy, a beautiful historical city in the citadel of the country. It is not only known for its great kings who ruled the city for almost 225 years independently until the British took over in 1815, but it is also the place where the Sacred Tooth of Lord Buddha is laid in a magnificent temple. The temple holds daily ceremonies called Puja’s every morning and night to honour the relic.
After breakfast, walk the first stage of the Pekoe Trail. This stage of the trail goes through tea estates and gentle countryside with panoramic views. Immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of this pristine setting and discover vibrant flora and diverse fauna.
In the afternoon, visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden. The garden was established in 1821 and now covers 140 acres. Today the Gardens have one of the largest collections of flora from sub-tropical climates around the world.
In the evening, enjoy a Pool Deck Scenic Dinner at Mountbatten Bungalow. Set against the tranquil backdrop of misty hills and the softly illuminated pool, this private dining experience offers an elegant and romantic atmosphere. Savour a curated gourmet menu crafted with the freshest local ingredients, complemented by warm hospitality and impeccable service.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and drive from Kandy to Mandaram Nuwara (approx. 3 hours).
Once you have checked into your next hotel, walk to the Pichchamal Ella Falls. Meandering through tea plantations, charming villages and offering picturesque views of Piduruthalagala Forest Reserve, this walk unveils the region's natural beauty. After approximately 3.5km, arrive at the falls and savour the cool water and mist, before following the tea estate pathway back to the hotel.
After breakfast, take part in a Leaf to Cup Tea Experience at your hotel. Join the factory manager to venture into the lush tea plantations and learn the art of plucking tea leaves alongside experienced tea Pluckers. Back at the factory, embark on an interactive tour with the manager, delving into the intricate processes of withering, rolling, fermenting, drying, grading, and packing. Guests are encouraged to actively participate in the tea- making process. To culminate the experience, the factory manager hosts a delightful tea-tasting session.
Enjoy Afternoon High-Tea in the Garden of Tea & Experience Factory. Enjoy a selection of freshly brewed Ceylon teas paired with an assortment of savory bites, delicate pastries and traditional sweets. Surrounded by serene greenery and the soothing aroma of tea, this experience perfectly blends elegance, relaxation, and the rich heritage of Sri Lanka’s tea culture.
Check out from your hotel and drive to Ella, where you will visit Nine Arch Bridge. The Nine Arch Bridge, also called the Bridge in the Sky, is a viaduct and is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in Sri Lanka. Built entirely of stone and brick during the British colonial era, the bridge gracefully spans a lush valley surrounded by dense jungle and rolling tea plantations. As the famous blue train passes over its nine majestic arches, it creates a picture-perfect moment that captures the charm and beauty of Sri Lanka’s hill country.
Your driver will suggest somewhere to stop for lunch (not included in the cost of the tour) and afterwards you will continue your journey to Udawalawe National Park.
After breakfast, visit the Elephant Transit Home. This is a sanctuary for orphaned baby elephants, where they are cared for and prepared for release back into the wild. The sanctuary is open to visitors at feeding times. Experience the heart-warming sight of these resilient creatures thriving in a safe environment, and learn about the vital conservation efforts that make this possible.
After lunch experience a Jeep Safari in Udawalawe National Park. An evergreen forest that harbours one of Asia’s largest elephant populations, it is the ideal location to spot herds of these majestic animals. The park is also home to other animals like the jungle cat, sloth bear and macaque as well as a variety of birds including the endemic Sri Lankan spur fowl and jungle fowl.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and drive to Galle (approx. 2 hours and 15 minutes drive). In the afternoon, visit Galle Fort. Galle is the south coast’s major city. Its oldest landmark is the 17th century Portuguese and Dutch Fort in which the central city is contained. The fort is perhaps the best example of colonial architecture in the country, and as you walk through the streets you can see strong Dutch influences in the architecture, along with some old British residences and various mosques with Arabic touches. Most of these old buildings have been restored to their former glory with many being home to a vibrant culinary scene.
After exploring Galle Fort, check in to your hotel for a beach stay.
After a busy tour, you have a couple of days at leisure to enjoy some time by the beach.
Enjoy your last morning at on the beach before you are picked up from your hotel for your transfer back to Colombo Airport.
Deluxe Room on a half board basis (3 nights)
Bungalow Room on a half board basis (2 nights)
Sinna Dorei Room on a half board basis (2 nights)
Deluxe Room on a half board basis (2 nights)
Ocean Room on a half board basis (3 nights)
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Departure Date: |
Price: |
| 1st - 30th November 2026 | From £2530 per person |
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1st - 19th December 2026 |
From £2770 per person |
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20th December 2026 - 10th January 2027 |
Price on request |
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11th January - 30th April 2027 |
From £2770 per person |
Prices are inclusive of accommodation in the hotels mentioned above, private air-conditioned vehicle and chauffeur guide for the duration of the tour, meals mentioned in the itinerary, excursions mentioned in the itinerary and flights in economy class.