Sri Lanka Culture, Wildlife and Beach

Itinerary Highlights

Discover cultural sites and historical landmarks while exploring Colombo by tuk tuk
Visit spectacular UNESCO sites such as Dambulla Cave Temple and Polonnaruwa
Explore the picturesque Tea Country and learn about its intricate tea making process
Jeep safari at Yala National Park in search of leopards, elephants and sloth bears

What's Included

Accommodation Throughout
International Flights

14 nights from £3,690 per person

Nikhil

Travel Specialist

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From the west coast to the south, this incredible tour of Sri Lanka’s cultural sights, wildlife experiences and beach destinations covers Colombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Hatton, Yala and Tangalle.

Discover many of Sri Lanka’s breathtaking highlights. The modern-day capital city of Colombo delights with its historical temples while the ancient capital city of Polunnaruwa is home to the various primate species in the Monkey Kingdom. Not only that, but you’ll also get the opportunity to explore the country’s cultural wonders, such as Dambulla Cave Temple and Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

In addition to seeing the beautiful Tea Country in all its glory, you’ll embark on a game drive at Minneriya National Park in search of the majestic elephants. Yala National Park is similarly teeming with wildlife, including the lords of the jungle – the mighty leopard, which prowl the lush forests.

Discover local life at a typical Sri Lankan village and go on a thrilling white water rafting adventure. Then, at the end of your adventure, spend time relaxing by the beach at Tangalle or choose to experience optional excursions, such as whale watching or exploring UNESCO-listed Galle Fort.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Colombo

Board your flight to Sri Lanka and arrive in Colombo, the capital city. Late in the afternoon, you’ll explore the cultural sites and historical landmarks by tuk tuk. Visit the Sivan Kovil temple, named after a patriot who died fighting for the country’s independence, and see the Red Mosque, once a reliable marker for sailors docking at the port. You’ll even stop by the Infant Jesus Church.

Day 2 | Dambulla

Drive northeast towards the beautiful town of Dambulla. Its well-preserved cave monastery, Dambulla Cave Temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s filled with Buddhist mural paintings and 157 Buddha statues. Admire the stunning religious art on display, with some imagery being thought to have been created over 2000 years ago. Subsequent kings have added to it over time.

Day 3 | Dambulla

Head eastwards to Polonnaruwa and walk around the incredible ruins of the Monkey Kingdom. Purple-faced leaf monkeys, toque macaques and grey langurs roam around the ancient temples and giant Buddha statues, a truly extraordinary sight to behold. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive in Minneriya National Park, where you’ll be unlucky not to see the majestic elephants.

Day 4 | Sigiriya

Wake up early to climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, another remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ruins of the former capital, built by parricidal King Kassapa I, lie in tatters at the foot of the granite peak which stands 180m tall. While walking through the entrance, you’ll discover a series of galleries and staircases that emerge from the gigantic lion-inspired construction of bricks and plaster.

Day 5 | Kandy

Leave south for Kandy, where you’ll get to enjoy the ‘Amazing Race’ family experience. This guided treasure hunt for adults and older children involves you following a map to find the lost ‘Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha’. Along the way, navigate narrow alleyways and street markets to find the correct UNESCO-protected buildings. If you need help, you can always ask the friendly locals for advice.

Day 6 | Kandy

Today, you’ll visit Heeloya – a rural, remote agricultural village where you can explore local Sri Lankan life, from rice cultivation to toddy tapping and traditional dancing. Afterwards, trek to the base of the Knuckles Mountain Range and discover lush grasslands mixed with cascading waterfalls. If you haven’t already, you can enjoy an evening visit to the Temple of the Tooth.

Day 7 | Hatton

Embark on a scenic rail journey aboard a vintage local train from Kandy to Hatton, seeing just how the British used to travel during colonial times in the late 1800s. The gorgeous Tea Country scenery and local life make for one memorable experience. Marvellous tea plantations blend into the high hills and towering mountains rise high into the beautiful blue sky – a fabulous sight for your eyes.

Day 8 | Hatton

Make your way to Kitulgala and enjoy an exhilarating white-water rafting session. The seven high quality, class II and III rapids of the Kelani River are the perfect introduction to the sport. After coming off the slopes of Adam’s Peak, the clear waters of the Kelani wind their way through the Hill Country before emptying out into the Indian Ocean. It’s an excellent way to end your time in Hatton.

Day 9 | Yala

Navigate your way to the southeast coast on a lengthy drive, taking in scenes of local life and landscapes passing you by along the way. Eventually, you’ll stop over at Yala National Park.

Day 10 | Yala

Yala National Park is one of the best places in the world to see leopards. During your morning jeep safari in search of the big cats, you may also spot elephants, sloth bears, wild boar, sambar deer, spotted deer, water buffalo and many bird species. Experience a delicious lunch and relax at your luxury hotel. In the late afternoon, head out on yet another jeep safari to another part of the park.

Day 11 | Tangalle

Hit the road again along the coast towards Tangalle, where you’ll spend your last few days relaxing.

Day 12 | Tangalle

There are plenty of incredible activities you can immerse yourself in at your luxurious resort. Alternatively, take an optional tour of Mirissa for a spot of whale-watching. The crystal blue waters harbour marine life such as sperm whales and spinner dolphins, which you can see from your boat. The magical creatures often breech from the surface, so be quick to capture a picture-perfect photo!

Day 13 | Tangalle

Relax by the pool or at the soothing spa. Throughout the day, you can embark on an optional tour to Galle Fort, a charming heritage city where you’re free to walk around and explore your surroundings. Learn how the Portuguese, Dutch and British have left their mark on Sri Lanka and how their descendants are living inside the Dutch Fort – among visiting charming structures and museums.

Day 14 | Tangalle

Spend your last day in Sri Lanka relaxing at the hotel. Additionally, there’s an optional tour you can take of Mulkirigala Rock Temple. The beautiful frescoes and Buddha statues are a wonderful sight to behold. During the 18th Century, the Dutch who ruled here believed the tombs of Adam and Eve were located here. See if you can discover their final resting place while searching the area.

Day 15 | Flight Home

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Why not ask about adding on our fast-track service? Including a departure lounge and porter service, your experience will be that extra little luxurious.