From stunning scenery to amazing architecture, Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise. Marvel at magnificent temples, see the Rock Fortress at Sigiriya, see elephants at Yala National Park and explore the ruined cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.
Our Highlights of Sri Lanka tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.
Wander through this UNESCO ancient kingdom
Visit this 1st century BC Dambulla Rock Temple
See these lovable Asian elephants at the Udawale Elephant Orphange
Tour the multi-religious city of Sri Lanka's capital
Tour the wonderful conservation project at Kosgada, where a specialist turtle hatchery works tirelessly to protect Sri Lanka's native sea turtle species, and meet its residents.
In the island's cultural capital, Kandy, enjoy a fun and fascinating cultural performance of traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.
A journey to remember as you travel through misty pine forests and lush tea plantations, over the nine arch bridge on one of the world's most scenic train routes.
Fly to Colombo. On arrival you will be met by your expert tour guide and transferred to your hotel in the coastal town of Negombo, a short drive from Colombo.
This morning travel to Dambulla, and in the afternoon visit Sigiriya, home to the 5th-century UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock Fortress, 'Lion Rock'. Built by King Kassapa as the centre of his short-lived kingdom, pass between a pair of colossal lion’s paws and climb to the top for panoramic views. Explore the surrounding gardens as well as admiring the world-renowned Heavenly Maidens frescoes.
Visit the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. The capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 12th-century, it is a well-preserved city of stupas, frescoes and statues. While here, explore the Gal Viharaya, a magnificent group of rock temples and the Vatadage, an ancient structure with elaborate stone carvings. Return to Dambulla.
Drive to celebrated Anuradhapura. The city's greatest treasures are its dagobas; domes enshrining sacred relics. The most notable is the Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba, dating back to the 2nd-century BC, which you will visit today along with the Thuparamaya, said to contain the collarbone of Buddha. Discover the city's most renowned relic, the 2,250-year-old sacred Bo Tree. Emperor Asoka's daughter brought to Anuradhapura a branch of this tree, under which Buddha is said to have gained enlightenment.
After breakfast, travel to visit Dambulla Rock Temple. Dating back to the 1st-century BC, the temple is made up of five cave sanctuaries where you'll find some of Sri Lanka's most important Buddha images. Visit a spice garden in Matale where you can see cinnamon, cardamom, pepper creepers and other spice trees growing and watch a cooking demonstration. Continue through majestic hill country to the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka's cultural hub.
This morning, visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. Later, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most revered Buddhist sites in the world. Stolen at Buddha's funeral, the tooth was smuggled into Sri Lanka hidden in the hair of a princess who fled from India. Explore the remains of the Royal Palace, now a museum. This evening you will watch a colourful cultural dance performance.
After breakfast travel by train to Nuwara Eliya, the 'Little England' of Sri Lanka. Situated at 2,000m above sea level, Nuwara Eliya is the main hill station of Sri Lanka and is known for its excellent tea production due to the cool climate which creates tea with a unique flavour.
This morning visit a tea plantation and tea factory, learning how the tea is graded. This afternoon explore the city center to see the colonial buildings, race course, Hill Club Hotel, Gregory Lake and Sita Amman Kovil.
Travel to the Elephant Transit Home located near Udawalawe National Park, where abandoned baby elephants are cared for before they are released into the park. Continue to Yala, Sri Lanka's premiere national park.
Enjoy morning and afternoon jeep safaris around the park. It is home to elephants, deer and the elusive leopards, of which one of the world's largest populations can be found.
Depart Yala and drive to Galle. On the way, stop and visit the Hummanaya Blow Hole, Mulkirigala Rock Temple and Dikwella Wewurukannala Temple. After lunch stop to view the stilt fisherman at Welligama. Upon arrival in Galle, check into your hotel for a two night stay.
Explore the Southern capital city of Galle, Sri Lanka's finest colonial treasure, and once the greatest port in Ceylon. See the lighthouse, the Old Town and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dutch Fort, before wandering narrow streets dotted with Dutch colonial villas, museums and antique shops.
Travel to Colombo, stopping at Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery en route. The hatchery is home to Sri Lanka's pioneering sea turtle conservation project, established in 1981 to protect the local turtle population.
Tour the vibrant city of Colombo today. Discover the Fort District, stroll Pettah Market and visit the Dutch Church of Wolvendaal. Also, explore the Kelaniya Buddhist Temple and the Colombo and Natural History Museums. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner. Depending on the time of your flight tomorrow, you may be transferred to the airport after dinner in time for your flight scheduled to depart very early tomorrow morning.
Fly to New Zealand arriving home later today or tomorrow.
All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price unless a land only option is selected
We have a selection of dedicated departures for solo travellers. These departures feature a maximum group size of 18 and exclusive benefits including a single room throughout your tour, complimentary return airport transfers (within 50km radius of major Australian airports) and a cocktail on arrival at your destination. Travellers from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne also receive a complimentary Australian airport lounge pass for use prior to departure.
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All of our tours offer a single room supplement, which means you’ll have a room to yourself throughout your chosen tour. Continue the check-out process for the applicable supplement.
On most tours, you can choose our 'Happy to Share' option, which may enable you to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance.
If you are booking on a Dedicated Solo departure, a single room is already included in the price and there are no additional single supplements to pay.
With our flight inclusive option, we'll do the planning for you and meet you on arrival.
We include airport pickup upon arrival at your destination and drop off at the end of your tour (on the scheduled tour arrival and departure days) and when booking pre or post tour accommodation with us.
We partner with established and reputable airlines for your international flights.
We can assist with upgrading your seat to premium or business class for an additional cost.
Our team will work with you to choose your ideal routing and if we make changes to your tour itinerary that impact flights, we’ll rebook them for you.
Our On-Tour Support Team is available to provide advice about how to handle flight changes.
