Sri Lanka
8 nights 9 Departures Available
View All Dates & BookExplore the Cultural Triangle, head into the highlands and embark on a jeep safari in search of elephants and leopards on this 8-night tour taking in some of Sri Lanka’s most fascinating spots
Experience the diversity of Sri Lanka as you travel from cosmopolitan Colombo to the charming coastal city of Galle via millennia-old kingdoms, lush, tumbling hills and wildlife-filled plains. Take in UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, whose royal palace ruins perch on a 600ft-rock; the Dambulla Cave Temple, where rock-cut temples have been drawing worshippers for more than 2,000 years; and Kandy’s Temple of the Sacred Tooth, the most revered site in the country.
Venture into the hills past cascading waterfalls and rural villages to reach Bandarawela – a charming hill town known for its English colonial architecture – and catch sunrise from the spot where Scottish tea magnate Sir Thomas Lipton used to come to observe the surrounding tea plantations.
For a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s renowned wildlife, endeavour on a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park – one of the best places in the country to see Asian elephants – and keep your eyes peeled for leopards too. Finish off your trip with an optional extension in Waskaduwa, a laid-back beach town where the blues of the Indian Ocean stretch off into the horizon and striking coral formations scatter the shores.
Fly overnight from London to Colombo.
On arrival, transfer to Habarana. Surrounded by lush scenery, this small, central Sri Lankan town is the gateway to the country’s Cultural Triangle. Check in to the 4-star Habarana Village by Cinnamon, where you’ll stay for three nights. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel, flanked by forest and set by a picturesque lake.
Join an optional early morning hot-air balloon ride for breath-taking views over Kandalama and Dambulla. Experience serenity and beauty as you fly over lush jungles, misty hills, serene lakes and ancient temples bathed in gold as the sun rises (weather permitting and pre-bookable between Nov-Mar only). Head to the iconic, UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Set atop a 600ft-rock, this fortress was the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom during the 5th-century. Climb the steps to see the remnants of the extravagant royal palace – including its intricate frescoes and the paws of a carved lion that once guarded the entrance – then wander the surrounding gardens for an alternative perspective of this awe-inspiring site.
(B)
Continue your cultural explorations with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa this morning. Sri Lanka’s secondmost ancient kingdom and the country’s capital between 1017 and 1235, this impressive complex is scattered with temples, palaces, shrines and other ancient remnants. Visit the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu to see its well-preserved walls and sculptures, and admire Gal Vihara, a giant Buddha statue carved into a slab of granite that dates back to the 12th-century. Also unmissable is the Parakrama Samudra reservoir (or Sea of Parakrama), which covers 2,500 hectares and is considered one of the greatest irrigation feats of its time.
(B)
Drive to Kandy today, stopping en route at the Dambulla Cave Temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose fascinating collection of cave temples, etched into the rock, date to the 3rd-century BC. Admire the cave’s intricate paintings before heading to a Spice Garden for a tour and Sri Lankan curry cooking demonstration with lunch. On arrival in Kandy, visit the Temple of the Tooth; Sri Lanka’s most sacred site, this iconic temple was built in the 16th-century to house the relic of a tooth of the Buddha. Sri Lanka’s tropical climate combined with natural minerals in the soil is perfect for gem-bearing rocks; visit a Gem Factory to view some of Sri Lanka’s extraordinary gems such as the Sri Lankan sapphire. Later, enjoy an enthralling cultural show featuring live drummers, fire dancers and local performers. Overnight at 4-star Cinnamon Citadel in Kandy.
(B, L, D)
Take a scenic train journey today to Nanu Oya and pass lush tea plantations, tumbling hills and cascading waterfalls. Enjoy lunch in Nuwara Eliya before visiting a Tea Factory to learn about tea production. After, travel by road to reach Bandarawela, set in the heart of Sri Lanka’s central highlands for an overnight stay at the Orient Hotel. (B, L, D)
Head out to the nearby Lipton’s Seat early this morning to catch the surrounding hills, valleys and tea plantations bathed in gold at sunrise. This spectacular viewpoint is said to have been a favourite haunt of Sir Thomas Lipton – the Scottish tea magnate who played a key role in the development of Ceylon tea. Later on, travel (3hrs) to Udawalawe National Park whose sprawling landscapes are one of the country’s best places for spotting Asian elephants. Embark on a jeep safari as you explore these lush wilds, keeping an eye out for the park’s famous herds alongside leopards, deer, crocodiles and an array of birdlife. Overnight at the 4-star Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort.
(B, D)
Round off your trip with a visit to the historic coastal city of Galle. At its centre is Galle Fort; founded in the 16th-century by the Portuguese, this walled enclave houses cobbled streets lined with cafes, boutiques and art galleries, alongside colonial buildings including the Dutch Reformed Church and the Galle Lighthouse. Explore with a guide, before checking in to your hotel. Overnight at the 5-star Radisson Blu Resort Galle.
(B)
Transfer to Colombo airport this morning for your flight back to London.
(B)
Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple and Lipton’s seat are sites with many steps and steep inclines. A good general level of fitness is required.
Visit a spice garden to learn about the different spices used in Sri Lankan cooking. Enjoy a curry cooking demonstration followed by a delicious traditional lunch. Take an incredible train journey and marvel at Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and spectacular scenery.
Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.
A 4-star hotel surrounded by acres of lush forest bordering with the serene Habarana Lake. The hotel grounds are incredible to walk amongst nature and for spotting wildlife. Restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, spa and WiFi (free). 108 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
This 4-star property is set against the glorious Knuckles Mountain Range and Mahaweli River. Restaurants, bar, outdoor pool and WiFi (free). 119 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A rustic and charming hotel, in the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country. Encircled by green forests, lush mountains, amazing tea plantations and a tranquil garden. Restaurant, bar, spa, WiFi (free) and 50 rooms with safe, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV (mini-bar on request).
In the midst of nature, this is an eco-friendly 4-star hotel, spread over 7 acres of land and close to Udawalawe National Park. Restaurant, bar, outdoor pool and WiFi (free). 79 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A 5-star hotel located by the sea with lovely amenities and modern rooms. Restaurants, bar, outdoor pool, spa and WiFi (free). 172 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Customize your tour by adding optional excursions or extend your journey with our curated add-on extensions.
Extend your stay and relax at the 5-star Citrus Waskaduwa for 3 nights with half board included. Set on Sri Lanka’s southwestern shores, this laid-back, peaceful spot offers snorkelling, diving and other activities alongside plenty of opportunities to relax, with a golden sand beach lapped by the Indian Ocean.
You can find out more about the county on the travel guide.
Splendours of Sri Lanka
19 Jan 25,25 Jan 25 and 21 more
Delve deep into the heart of Sri Lanka on this all-encompassing, two-week tour taking in the highlights – from ancient palaces to hidden-away hill towns, Buddhist kingdoms to sprawling national parks
From £3425 pp
incl FlightWe need to check availability for this departure date. Please proceed with the reservation, and we will get in touch within 72 hours to confirm and take payment.
The below departures are available - please click into the booking process for a quote and to book.
| Date | Two sharing | Solo traveller | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Jan 25 (8 nights) | Sold Out | £2395pp | £2745pp | Enquire |
| 12 Feb 25 (8 nights) | £2495pp | £2845pp | Book now | |
| 07 Mar 25 (8 nights) | £2445pp | £2795pp | Book now | |
| 12 Oct 25 (8 nights) | Solo Group Departure | £2295pp | £2295pp | Book now |
| 20 Nov 25 (8 nights) | £2425pp | £2775pp | Book now | |
| 15 Jan 26 (8 nights) | £2445pp | £2795pp | Book now | |
| 08 Feb 26 (8 nights) | £2445pp | £2795pp | Book now | |
| 11 Oct 26 (8 nights) | Solo Group Departure | £2245pp | £2245pp | Book now |
| 05 Nov 26 (8 nights) | £2445pp | £2795pp | Book now |
Private Groups Available
Air travel, UK departure taxes, transfers, 7 nights accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 3 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
The following extensions are available to book with this tour. Please click through to the booking process to check your preferred departure date and to make a reservation.
Extend your stay and relax at the 5-star Citrus Waskaduwa for 3 nights with half board included. Set on Sri Lanka’s southwestern shores, this laid-back, peaceful spot offers snorkelling, diving and other activities alongside plenty of opportunities to relax, with a golden sand beach lapped by the Indian Ocean.
Sri Lanka
3 nights
Transfer from Galle to the beach town of Waskaduwa. Enjoy your three-night stay at the 5-star Citrus Waskaduwa.
(B, D)
Day at leisure.
(B, D)
Day at leisure.
(B, D)
Transfer to Colombo airport for the flight back to London.
(B)
Extra nights are priced per person, per night.
Please contact us to check availability and book alongside your tour.
