This holiday will take you on a journey of discovery of Sri Lanka’s cultural highlights, and along the way you will have exciting encounters with wildlife, visits to historic attractions and plenty of delicious cuisines!
Meet fisherfolk in the town of Negombo and sample the freshest seafood; explore the ancient kingdoms of Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya and unravel their mysteries; visit the northern peninsula and taste the absolutely unique Jaffna Crab Curry; witness sacred rituals in Kandy and explore a world famous botanical garden; pluck fresh tea leaves and learn the art of the perfect brew in the cool hills of Nuwara Eliya; watch safely from a distance as a leopard stalks its prey in the jungle; and experience the multi-cultural smorgasbord of cuisines, arts and architecture at Galle Fort!
Read MoreYour accommodation will consist of handpicked hotels, designed to minimise time spent in travel, so that you can have the maximum time to focus on your Sri Lankan cultural holiday and enjoy your hotel, destinations, and the amazing cuisine in the area.
Ideal for:
Anyone who would want to experience and explore Sri Lanka. Recommended for Solo Travellers / Couples / Friends / Families with kids and teenagers / Small groups consisting of friends and family.
Highlights at glance
- Examine the amazing architecture in the ancient kingdoms of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Yapahuwa.
- Encounter ancient engineering marvels and breath-taking panoramas at the 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
- Witness age-old Buddhist rituals in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Kandy.
- Explore the historic caves in the Dambulla Cave Temple, which contain paintings, statues and relics accumulated over a period of 2,000 years.
- Trek through Horton Plains, a high altitude nature reserve.
- Go on a Boat Safari to see the largest mammal on earth, the Blue Whale* or experience the Ceylon Cinnamon Trail.
- Stroll through the 650-year-old Royal Botanical Gardens, featuring more than 4000 species of plants.
- Journey into the hills, visit a tea plantation, and tour a tea factory.
- Relax on golden sandy beaches and experience the vibrant marine life of the South Coast.
- Stay at a Tented Safari Camp bordering the Yala National Park, experience guided safaris and a delicious BBQ dinner served by a roaring campfire.
- Experience regional culinary specialities and engage in culinary lessons with specialist chefs.
- Explore the eclectic streets of the Galle Fort, a Unesco World Heritage site.
1st Night - Negombo
Ayubowan! Welcome to your cultural holiday to Sri lanka. Your first night will be spent at the coastal fishing town of Negombo which is a short distance away from the airport. Although your time here will be brief, there is much to explore here, either on your own or with your trusty personal chauffeur. With golden beaches, churches and buildings influenced by Portuguese, Dutch and British colonisation, art galleries and a fascinating mix of cuisines, Negombo is a great place to get lost in and make memories.
The first day of your private, cultural tour of Sri Lanka can be enjoyed at your own pace. You will be picked up from the airport by your private chauffeur and taken to your hotel. If you arrive during the day, you can visit the local art galleries to view their amazing collections, explore the town, go on a boat ride along the famous Dutch canal and of course, catch some sun on the wide, golden beaches. At night, the best place to visit is ‘Hotel Road’, which is packed with bars, seafood restaurants and hotels. You can do all of these activities by yourself or accompanied by your chauffeur.
2nd & 3rd Nights - Anuradhapura
Your cultural holiday continues with a visit to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital city. Dating back to the 4th century BCE, Anuradhapura was probably the greatest monastic city of the ancient world and was a proud political capital that dominated the country for over 1,300 years. An intriguing detour awaits you on the way, at the ancient citadel of Yapahuwa. During its 11 short years as a capital city, it flourished and produced some beautiful Sri Lankan architecture. Built upon a 90-metre-tall rock, this stronghold was inspired by the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a location that you will visit later on during this tour.
After an early breakfast we will leave Negombo and head to Yapahuwa. The drive is quite scenic and your chauffeur will make a few stops along the way to enjoy fresh, exotic fruits and refreshing King Coconut. There’s plenty to see at the ancient stronghold of Yapahuwa including moats, ramparts, caves, ancient stupas, Chinese-style lion statues (an indication of the ties with China at the time), and its biggest showpiece, a massive ornamental stairway. You will head to Anuradhapura next, arriving in time for an authentic Sri Lankan lunch. The rest of the day is left free, for you to explore your surroundings at leisure.
This vast city is full of amazing ancient Sri Lankan architecture and you will visit:
Ruwanwelisaya – one of the world’s tallest ancient monuments which houses the Buddha’s relics, Thuparamaya – the first Buddhist temple, Lovamahapaya – a nine storied skyscraper of the ancient world, Isurumuniya – famous for its intriguing carvings, the 4th century CE Samadhi Statue carved out of dolomite marble, Kuttam Pokuna and Eth Pokuna – elaborately constructed bathing ponds, and the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi – the 2,250 year-old sacred Bo tree, grown from the southern branch of the sacred Bo tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment.
4th & 5th Nights - Jaffna
Connected to the rest of the island by a very thin causeway, the peninsula of Jaffna has picturesque islands, a rich culture, amazing food and welcoming, friendly people. Cultural discovery tours to Sri Lanka wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this region, which has many must-see locations like: Nilavarai Bottomless Well, Point Pedro – the northernmost point of Sri Lanka, the historic Dambakola Patuna Temple and Nallur Kandasami Kovil, fabulous beaches, and the spectacular Jaffna Fort. Jaffna will also introduce you to a completely new set of flavours to delight the palate, including the famous Jaffna Crab Curry and the curious ‘Kool’.
With an early morning start, you will partake in a sacred Bodhi Pooja (sacred Buddhist worshipping ritual) at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. After breakfast, you will head to the station to catch the express train to Jaffna. Your chauffeur will pick you up in Jaffna and you will arrive at your hotel in time for an authentic local lunch featuring the famous Jaffna Crab Curry and other signature specialities. After a brief rest, feel free to explore the city at your own pace and experience the colourful culture, and sample street foods, alcoholic palm toddy (made of palm tree sap), and the popular soft drink ‘Nelli Crush’ available across the city.
After breakfast you will head out on a ferry to Nagadeepa, home to many famous temples, and then to Nallur Kandasami Kovil which has a rich history and plays host to the 25-day long Nallur Festival. After that you will head to Dambakola Patuna, the place where the sacred sapling from the Bodhi Tree first arrived in Sri Lanka. After lunch, you will visit more significant sights in Jaffna including the Fort, Nilavarai Bottomless Well, Point Pedro and other locations. In the late afternoon you will head to Jaffna’s most famous beach, Casuarina beach, on Karaitivu island to relax and take a dip in the warm, pool-like waters of the Indian Ocean.
6th & 7th Nights - Sigiriya
Next on your Sri Lankan cultural holiday is the drive to Sigiriya, which is quite scenic. Along the way you are likely to spot many birds and animals, including the iconic Sri Lankan wild elephant. Your destination is the home of the famed Sigiriya Rock Fortress with its water features, landscaped gardens and amazing 360 degree views. The marvels continue at the ancient city of Polonnaruwa which is dotted with palaces, shrines, monasteries, pavilions, parks, ponds and irrigation lakes. Your visit will also include a safari to Minneriya National Park to witness ‘The Gathering’, a seasonally recurring event where hundreds of elephants congregate on a drying lake bed.
You will head to Sigiriya after breakfast. An authentic Sri Lankan lunch awaits you at your hotel and the excursion to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress is set for late afternoon. At the Fortress, you can take your time leisurely exploring the vast boulder gardens and water gardens before heading up. The climb up the rock is quite easy, as it is made up of walkways and steps with guide rails. Halfway up the rock, you will encounter the famous Sigiriya frescoes and you will reach the summit just in time to catch a gorgeous sunset highlighting the panoramic view all around you.
After breakfast, your cultural holiday continues with a scenic drive to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Polonnaruwa. This ancient capital of Sri Lanka is steeped in historical and religious significance, and famed for its well preserved sculptures and architecture. Here you will see strong Indian influences melding with a growing Sri Lankan identity in the architecture, art and sculptures of this sprawling ancient city. At lunch you will be treated to an authentic clay pot meal experience that is packed with delicious Sri Lankan dishes and sweets. After lunch you will take off on a safari to Minneriya National Park to enjoy some wildlife sightings as well as witness ‘The Gathering’.
8th & 9th Nights - Kandy
On the way to Kandy, a short distance from Sigiriya, is the town of Dambulla. Although it is an innocuous looking town, it has enormous economic and religious significance, so there is much to see here. The 2,000 year-old Dambulla Cave Temple, and the massive fresh produce trading hub, are a couple of the major highlights in this area.
Kandy, the hill country capital city of the last Sri Lankan King, is full of legends, mediaeval palaces, and sacred temples. The famous 650-year-old Royal Botanical Gardens, which features more than 4,000 species of plants, is located adjacent to this city.
A short drive after breakfast will bring you to the Dambulla fruit & vegetable market which is a massive hub for fresh produce trading. After touring the market and sampling various produce, you will head over to the Dambulla Cave Temple. You can explore the 5 sacred caves of this World Heritage Site and also climb Dambulla Rock to enjoy the panoramic views. After a delicious lunch you will resume your journey and arrive in Kandy, in time to visit the Temple of the Tooth (the Sri Dalada Maligawa, where the sacred relic of a tooth belonging to Lord Buddha is kept) and also witness a daily sacred ritual known as Thewawa.
A short drive after breakfast will bring you to the impressive 60-hectare Royal Botanical Gardens. With its origins being traced as far back as 1371 BCE, the Gardens boast an extensive list of exotic and rare plants. In the afternoon you will head to Gampola, to embark on a walking tour of 3 ancient temples. The easy walk will take you across fertile paddy fields and colourful villages. The origins of the 3 temples – Gadaladeniya Vihara, Lankathilaka Viharaya and Embekke Devalaya – can be traced back to the 14th century. Each has its own unique features, from stone carvings to paintings to Indian architectural influences.
10th Night - Nuwara Eliya
The chilly little town of Nuwara Eliya, also known as “Little England”, with its colonial architecture and stuck-in-a-time-gone-by feel, is all about a relaxed way of life. Strawberries and cream, lazy treks through lush green tea estates and piping hot meals by Lake Gregory await you in this town! Being at the heart of the tea country, you will also get to know how the finest tea in the world is made. The Horton Plains National Park, a high altitude nature reserve, will also be part of your tour here. This reserve is rich in biodiversity and features the spectacular cliff drop known as ‘World’s End’.
On the way from Kandy you will make a stop for a chat with some members of the tea plucker community. Here you will get to know their way of life and understand the art of plucking the perfect tea leaves. Then you will head to a tea factory, to find out how tea goes from being a leaf on a bush, to a warm cup of golden goodness! Later on you will head out on a walking tour of Nuwara Eliya town which has a great mix of colonial and Tudor architecture, historical sites and temples. A hike in Horton Plains is set for the next morning.
11th Night - Yala
It’s time to head to Leopard Country, all the way in the Deep South. Yala National Park is a great place for exciting sightings and this leg of your journey will introduce you to some amazing wildlife! Apart from Leopards, you will encounter Elephants, Crocodiles, Sambar, Eagles, Cobras, Peacocks and more during your Private Safari in the Park. Your accommodation will be quite unique during this leg of the journey as you will be staying in a tent, glamping style, with all the modern amenities. The secure campsite is situated right on the border of the Park, which means that there will be plenty of safe encounters without even leaving the camp premises.
A pre-dawn start will see you heading up to Horton Plains. The easy circular trek should take you a couple of hours and you will head back to your hotel for breakfast. The drive to the safari camp bordering the Yala National Park is a little long, but is quite scenic. After resting from the long drive, you will head out on an afternoon safari in a private jeep, along with a professional and experienced naturalist and tracker. At night you will be treated to a bbq dinner under the stars, and partake in a night walk along the borders of the Park, to continue your encounters in the wild!
12th & 13th Nights - Galle
It’s time to continue your cultural holiday, and journey to the coastal town of Galle. Undoubtedly, the most prominent feature of this town is the culture-rich Galle Fort which was built by the Portuguese colonists, and modified by the Dutch and British, during their respective colonisations. Today, it is a beautifully eclectic mix of cosy homes, cafes with fusion cuisines, intriguing stores, quirky hotels, and art galleries frequented by travellers, artists, writers, photographers and designers. The best way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage site would be to stay within the Fort, and that is precisely what you will be doing!
On the way to the Galle Fort, we will stop to meet a Buffalo Curd Maker. Here, you can observe the process of making delicious Buffalo Curd and sample the wares too. On your Galle Fort tour, you’ll get an insight into the colonial history, legends and mysteries of the Fort. You’ll also meet members of the local community and enjoy a traditional home cooked meal. You are free to explore and experience the fort thereafter, but we do recommend that you head to the ramparts in the evening to watch the sunset whilst enjoying some street food.
If your cultural tour of Sri Lanka falls between November to March, a Whale Watching tour would be the perfect addition to an encounter filled holiday. The boat excursion to meet the giants of the ocean requires an early morning start and the tour can take around 5 hours to complete. However, it is an incredibly rewarding experience as there are many Blue Whales and multiple pods of Dolphins to be seen. You will return in time for a delicious Sri Lankan lunch and you are free to explore your surroundings at your leisure thereafter.
If your holiday falls outside of the above period, or if there are adverse weather conditions forecasted or if being out at sea is not your most favourite thing to do, an alternative option would be to embark on the Cinnamon Experience. During this tour you will visit a beautiful, working cinnamon estate which produces pure Ceylon Cinnamon. Here you can experience the sequence of events, from planting and caring for the trees to harvesting and processing of the cinnamon bark. It is quite a fascinating experience and will help you to get a deep understanding of why Ceylon Cinnamon is highly valued and sought after.
We’ve reached the end of your 13-night cultural discovery holiday and it is time to depart. Your chauffeur will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you to Colombo Airport in time to catch your departure flight.
What more to add?
- Early Check-ins or late Checkouts (organised upon confirmation of your flight schedules).
- Additional nights in any of the locations.
- Nighttime Loris observation trail in Sigiriya.
- Additional Safaris in Yala National Park (requires an additional night stay).
- Additional nights in Galle (beach stay).
You may see the hotels which we have handpicked for you under each accomadation style. However, there are hundreds of other alternative properties for you to select if you wish to and you may mix and match hotels in different categories as well.
Modest
Accommodation
$ 3,358
1-2 persons
$ 2,717
3-4 persons
$ 2,528
5-6 persons
If you’re looking for a no-frills stay that’s easy on the wallet, and love to spend time with locals and explore the surroundings at your own pace, this is the perfect choice for you. This hotel style is wonderfully cosy, unique, mostly owner-run and provides you with a more personalised service.
Morning Star Guest House
Set in Negombo, this property is a 2-minute walk from the Negombo beach.
Arachchi Heritage
Arachchi Heritage is located overlooking the Tissa Wewa in Anuradhapura.
Jaffna Heritage Hotel
Since 2012, Jaffna Heritage Hotel has led the way in Jaffna as the top hospitality provider for guests.
BOB Pidurangala
This retreat, which the villagers themselves have named "Kurulu Uyana" or Bird Park, is tucked away in 4 acres of forest at the base...
Viyana Boutique Kandy
Overlooking Kandy, Lake Viyana Boutique Hotel is the ideal starting point for excursions to interesting sites in and around Kandy, or simply to unwind...
Hill Club Nuwara Eliya
The Hill Club is an exclusive members only Club, established in 1876, by the British Planters, and continues as a prestigious destination set in...
Big Game Yala by Eco Team
The Big Game Camp site by Eco Team is located close to the Yala National Park and it takes 15 to 20 minutes to...
Mango House Galle Fort
Mango House, a spacious Dutch colonial-style home in the centre of the famed Galle Fort, combines traditional elegance with a modern, edgy vibe.
Plush
Accommodation
$ 4,025
1-2 persons
$ 3,384
3-4 persons
$ 3,195
5-6 persons
Indulgence without breaking the bank? Well, this is the category for you. Personalised and high-quality service, attention to detail, comfort and all modern amenities are hallmarks of this category, whilst being situated in some amazing locations.
Goldi Sands Hotel
Your chance to laze and luxuriate directly on the shore of the Indian Ocean and let balmy ocean rhythms lull you at any time...
Arachchi Heritage
Arachchi Heritage is located overlooking the Tissa Wewa in Anuradhapura.
Fox Resort Jaffna
Fox Resorts Jaffna is a boutique resort nestled among Jaffna's gently swaying palm palms, located near Kokuvil, only 10 minutes outside of Jaffna...
Amaara Forest Sigiriya
Amaara Forest Hotel Sigiriya is ideal for getting away from the city and is nestled in 22 acres of thick forest.
Fox Resort Kandy
Built atop a cliff overlooking the beautiful hill capital of Sri Lanka, Fox Kandy by Fox Resorts offers picturesque views of the verdant hills...
Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya
Situated on Nuwara Eliya Hill, adjacent to the Golf Course and surrounded by cool tropical greenery, akin to an English summer, the Grand Hotel...
Big Game Yala by Eco Team
The Big Game Camp site by Eco Team is located close to the Yala National Park and it takes 15 to 20 minutes to...
The Fort Printers
The Printers building, which dates back to the 18th century, has operated as a college and then as the site of a conventional printing...
Dreamy
Accommodation
$ 7,288
1-2 persons
$ 6,647
3-4 persons
$ 6,457
5-6 persons
The absolute best in comfort and experience, these high-end properties will make your jaw drop! Unique designs, private plunge pools, personal butlers… the list goes on at these boutique properties. Luxury here is not about star ratings and amenities, it’s about being away from crowds and having authentic, personalised experiences.
Walawwa – Teardrop
Wallawwa - Teardrop promises to start or end your Sri Lankan vacation in true elegance.
Ulagalla Anuradhapura
Located off Anuradhapura, Ulagalla has a touch of traditional elegance and royalty.
Mahesha Bawan
Another gem from the Jetwing collection, Mahesa Bawan is the first luxury villa in Jaffna, the island's historic Northern capital.
Water Garden Sigiriya
Explore secret gardens, meditate by a serene lake, or relax in a private plunge pool and take in the breathtaking view of the ancient...
Kandy House
With all of the rooms named after Sri Lankan Butterflies, The Kandy House is a great place, aesthetically pleasing with individually designed rooms adorned...
Langdale Boutique Hotel
Another delightful offering from the boutique collection by Amaya, Langdale Boutique Hotel is a cheerful, laid-back hotel in aon old British colonial-style, 12 kms...
Mahoora Yala by Eco Team
Part of the Mahoora Camp portfolio by Eco Team, Mahoora puts you closer to Katagamuwa, the less-used entrance to Yala National Park, and on...
Galle Fort Hotel
A trip to Sri Lanka isn't complete without spending a few days (or more) in Galle. Galle Fort Hotel is 6 minutes’ walk from...
Everything you need to know about the tour
We’ve taken every possible measure to ensure your safety and comfort during this tour.
The hotels, tours, add-ons, guides and chauffeurs who are part of this programme are carefully vetted, so that you enjoy the highest quality standards and enjoy your tour with peace of mind. At any given point of the tour you will always be within reach of your guide or chauffeur, either physically or via phone (e.g: when you are out exploring on your own), for any assistance.
The important stuff:
Sri Lanka is a nation where religion and culture occupy an important place in the day-to-day lives of the local people. It is important to be aware of the customs and practices that are particular to the location you are visiting, so here are a few general tips to keep in mind during your travels. Your guide / chauffeur will assist you with more detailed information.
- If you plan on visiting any temples, ancient or current, you should wear clothing that covers your body from your shoulders down to your knees. Head coverings such as caps or helmets should be removed and shoes must be taken off at the entrance. White coloured clothing is generally a good choice to go with here.
- Some religious places do not allow photography or videography without prior permission and some may not allow it at all. Refer to signage or ask your chauffeur guide about the policy or protocol. Don’t try to photograph or take videos without permission.
- If you have any tattoos associated with Buddhism, Hinduism or Islamism, it’s best that you cover them completely in public places.
- Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places, workplaces and on public transport.
Included:
- Accommodation for 13 nights (BB), except at Big Game Camp Yala (HB), Langdale Boutique (HB) / Mahoora Camp Yala (All inclusive). All accommodation is on a Double or Twin sharing basis.
- Transportation via air-conditioned car / micro van with an English speaking chauffeur throughout the tour including Airport Transfers.
- Chauffeur’s accommodation, meals and fees.
- Jeep Safari in the Yala National Park in a Private Jeep including private guide, entry permit costs & government tracker fees.
- Cost of the Whale Watching Boat Ride (shared boat).
- Entry Permits to all the sites, temples, museums & monuments mentioned in the itinerary.
- Costs of all experiences, community visits, hikes and village walks mentioned in the itinerary.
- Service charges at the hotels & applicable taxes by the Sri Lankan Government at the time of booking.
Not Included:
- Any International or Domestic flights.
- Any Visa fee or ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) fee.
- Any additional beverage or food.
- Early Check in or Late Checkout Charges at Hotels.
- Cost of optional activities / sites.
- Tips to the staff.
- Any mandatory supplement by the government.
- Any expenses of a personal nature (telephone, laundry, hotel extra bills, etc.).
- Any other expense, other than those mentioned in the inclusions list above.
- Single room supplement.
About pricing:
Although it may sound strange for a tropical country, Sri Lankan hotels operate on seasonal rates. This is simply due to a particular region having attractions or weather that’s best enjoyed during a specific time of the year and also due to the demand coinciding with the European winter season. So it’s not uncommon to have two rates that apply on different dates in the same month.
But to make things less complicated for you, Experiential Journeys does things differently by giving you the lowest season ball-park rate on the website, and follows up with the exact rate upon receiving an inquiry or booking request along with the confirmed travel dates. You will not be charged anything until the final price is agreed upon.
Experiential Journeys is an Australian based company and uses AUD as the main currency. We serve a global community of travellers predominantly from New Zealand, U.K., U.S.A., Canada & U.A.E.
Experience
Possible experience in this tour
Some of these experiences are already included in the tour you are looking at, either as a full length or time limited activity. You have the freedom to pick out the ones you want during your tour and the extent to how you want to experience it.
6 Hours
Jaffna Food & Community Experience with a Local Host
Experience “Yalpanam” : Northern Capital of Sri Lanka & Dive into the Rich Flavours, Culture and History.
Jaffna
Full day
Jaffna Peninsula Discovery
A Full Day Historical and Cultural Adventure Beyond the City Limits.
Jaffna
4 hours
The Human Family Meets The Monkey Family
Experience a unique and remarkable opportunity to meet the primate actors of Disney’s Monkey Kingdom amidst the remains of the mediaeval capital.
Polonnaruwa
Sigiriya
Dambulla
3 hours
The World’s Greatest Leopard Safari – Yala National Park
Yala National Park is synonymous with Leopard-topia– holding the largest leopard population in the world, per kilometer. Globally recognised as being not just the...
Yala
2 - 3 Hours
Galle Fort with a Storyteller
Discover world heritage Galle Fort with a one-of-a-kind host.
Galle
Tangalle & South Coast
Bentota & West Coast
5 - 6 Hours
Whale Watching Mirissa
Experience the kiss of salty air as you journey into the Indian Ocean, to one of the world’s best whale hotspots. See it all...
Galle
Tangalle & South Coast