With this amazing holiday experience in Sri Lanka, you will cover most of the cultural, historical and entertaining highlights that Sri Lanka has to offer in a relatively short time – in just 10 days.
You will get to: meet the local fisher folk in Negombo, climb Sigiriya also called the Lion Rock at sunset and Pidurangala at dawn for the sunrise, and visit Polonnaruwa, the city with ancient ruins. In between, witness the evening worship at the Kandy Temple, a ritual that has been carried out for thousands of years, then enjoy plucking some tea leaves with the locals in the picturesque Tea Capital, Nuwara Eliya.Then it is time for you to go ‘wild’! Taking you on an adventure, to encounter the elusive leopard in Yala and magnificent blue whales in Galle.
Read MoreWe have handpicked an assortment of Hotels, with the minimum transfer time to get to them from the city & to reach attractions – giving you more time to enjoy the hotels, the attractions & cities.
Ideal for:
Solo travellers/ couples/ friends / families with kids and teenagers / small groups consisting of friends and family.
As this journey is available throughout the year, it is ideal for those who have busy schedules and are uncertain about the period of their holidays.
Highlights at glance
- Local street food, spices & meeting the fisher folk in Negombo; fondly known as Little Rome.
- Take in the ancient engineering marvels of the 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress at sunset & then bravely climb the Pidurangala Rock to witness a glorious sunrise.
- You will walk through the 13th century mediaeval capital of Polonnaruwa and discover the ruins of palaces and temples, where the award winning movie “Monkey Kingdom” was also filmed.
- Witness age-old buddhist rituals, try your hand in traditional arts & crafts in the suburbs of Kandy; the island’s hill capital.
- A journey to the tea country of Nuwara Eliya with a visit to a Tea Plantation & a Factory. Visit a Hindu Shrine and get blessings bestowed by the local priest.
- Travel in a train to Ella with the locals and visit the magnificent 9 arch stone bridge.
- Stay at a Tented Camp in Yala bordering the national park and experience the guided safaris and enjoy a candlelight dinner under the stars, around the campfire followed by a night walk.
- Go on a boat safari to see the largest mammal on earth, the Blue Whale or discover the trail of Ceylon Cinnamon.
- Walk through the streets of UNESCO World Heritage – Galle Dutch Fort – which is one of the few living forts in the world. At the same time, you will discover the legacy of Portuguese, Dutch and the British.
1st Night - Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka! This is where your tour in Sri Lanka will unravel at your own pace. On arrival, you will be picked up by your own private chauffeur who will be with you throughout your stay.
Your first destination – Negombo. This will take about 25 minutes and depending on your arrival time, you can decide how you want to spend the rest of the day.
This coastal city is a bustling place, with historical buildings and churches reflecting colonial influences. Negombo has a canal system that weaves an interesting route around the city and a lively fisherfolk community with a daily bustling fish market that attracts people from near and far. And of course its enchanting beach that will always beckon you.
The start of your adventurous holiday in Sri Lanka, so just ease into it. Depending on what time you arrive, it really is up to you to decide what you would like to do on your brief stop here. You may fancy a boat ride on Negombo’s Dutch Canal which weaves an interesting route around the city, or you may just like to linger on the beach. If you choose to venture out, Hotel Road teems with bars and seafood restaurants to check out. Your chauffeur will happily take you to a location of your choice, and even accompany you.
2nd & 3rd Nights - Sigiriya
After enjoying your breakfast, today you will travel to the Cultural Triangle, a notable feature of things to do in Sri Lanka. Sigiriya, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa form the epicentre of Sri Lanka’s golden era, in the fields of: engineering, agriculture, literature, politics and social development. When you leave Negombo, you will first stop to visit a community which crafts traditional fans by hand and which are still widely used. We will reach Sigiriya, a World Heritage Site, by evening and you will get to climb the famous Lion Rock or Sigiriya Fortress, once home and safe haven to an ancient king Kashyapa. But you will be awed by the comprehensive planning of a palace and quarters for subjects and even landscaped gardens – executed in the 5th century BC!
Today will be your day to climb the Sigiriya Rock by early evening – a highlight of Sri Lankan tourism. The remains of gigantic sculptured lion paws will greet you at the start of the climb. You will ascend 600 metres to reach the zenith of the Lion Rock where you will be struck by the panoramic view and vantage point for a king. The foundations of what once housed a gathering hall, sleeping quarters – remain to be admired. There is the Mirror Wall which features the Sigiriya frescoes that are unfortunately fading. On descending, you will enjoy walking by once landscaped gardens with their own irrigation systems.
Veiled in the early morning chill and mist, you will head out to climb the Pidurangala Rock. At its zenith, you will be drawn by the unique view of Sigiriya’s ‘Lion Rock’ and the surrounding pristine splendour of the forest. Another treat for you to explore here: the remains of a monastery dating back to 2 BC. After this, we will take you to explore Polonnaruwa by foot or bicycle. On your holiday in Sri Lanka, enjoy the ruins of a once prosperous capital city: palaces, shrines, pavilions, parks and irrigation lakes. You will be amazed by the ingenuity of its community when you see the sculptures at Gal Vihara (The Rock Temple).
4th Night - Kandy
We will set off to take you to Kandy, a city 500m above sea level, protected by majestic mountain ranges. On the way, we will stop briefly in Dambulla and see some historical sites. Then after lunch, you will continue your onward journey to Kandy. On reaching this picturesque city, we will take you to enjoy seeing the making of a traditional fan, called a sesath. This will be followed by a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. You will get to witness pilgrims participating in various rituals.
Leaving the Cultural Triangle, the Cave Temple of Dambulla is an epic site, housing impressive mural paintings and 157 statues including a 47 foot long statue of the recumbent Buddha. The UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts of the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Then to Kandy, a gem to see on a tour to Sri Lanka: home to Sri Dalada Maligawa which dates back to the 16th century, The complex is made up of numerous buildings, decorated with paintings and carvings depicting Buddha. We will go to the temple right in time to see the most important evening ritual done as an offering to the sacred tooth relic.
5th Night - Nuwara Eliya
We will take you to the cool capital of the island: Nuwara Eliya. A rather winding drive, you will go past lush green tea plantations and make stops to meet the tea pluckers and try what they are best at doing – plucking tea leaves fresh off tea bushes! Then you will enjoy a cuppa from a local tea boutique and visit a Hindu temple. En route to Nuwara Eliya, you will also stop at two traditional craft communities that make drums & brassware, skills passed down generations, from many decades back. While witnessing the process, you may well try your hand on making one for yourself too! In the evening, we will get a chance to see how world renowned Ceylon Tea is made in a factory and continue your exploration.
Sightseeing this quaint town will be peaked by your visit to a tea factory. With incredible dexterity and speed, versatile women pluck tea leaves filling up their tea sacks every day. At the tea factory, you will see the entire process of how tea is made from scratch, from tea bush to teapot.
In the factory, with an expert tea maker, you will go through the entire tea-making process: from withering to grading. Similar to wine tasting, tea tasting is an art and at the end of the process, you will be guided to attempt tasting some of the tea varieties.
In the factory, with an expert tea maker, you will go through the entire tea-making process: from withering to grading. Similar to wine tasting, tea tasting is an art and at the end of the process, you will be guided to attempt tasting some of the tea varieties.
6th & 7th Nights - Yala National Park
Travelling by train sounds quite mundane, right? It is not only a fascinating social experience travelling with the locals but also a great adventure, when you choose the Nuwara Eliya [ Nanu Oya Station ] to Badulla train ride. It is one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. To visit Sri Lanka without taking on this ride, would make it incomplete. So we picked the best stretch out of this journey: Nanuoya to Demodara. After that your chauffeur will pick you up from Demodara and drive you to the overnight stay in a tented safari campsite bordering Yala National Park, a Park designated a sanctuary in 1900, where you can look forward to your wildlife tour: a guided full day safari and a night walk.
You will have about 3 hours of non-stop wanderlust when taking the Nanuoya to Demodara train journey. Regardless of the ticket you opt for, do walk through the carriages and meet the locals and other fellow travellers – you will be pleasantly surprised by the interaction you have. Like a film reel, you will seemingly transition through wondrous hills where tea pickers will be at work on the tea plantations, wave back to the school kids at railway crossings waiting for the train to pass. After passing Ella Station, the train will traverse the famous nine arch bridge built entirely with stones, before you get down at the Demodara Railway Station.
It’s Safari Time! Brace yourself for a full day guided safari in Yala National Park with a picnic breakfast. Your lunch will be brought in by our support vehicle. Yala National Park, situated in the southeast region of the country, covers almost 1000 sq km – a landscape blessed with Leopards & the Sloth Bears – the stars here. Also the Park is also home to the large herds of majestic elephants as well as to the spotted deer, sambar, wild boar, wild buffalo,jackal and mongoose. Watch out for the fantastic birdlife too. Over 215 species of birds have been recorded in Yala, with six being endemic to Sri Lanka. A night walk after dinner in the vicinity of the campsite will give you a chance to see and hear the nocturnal life, in the wilderness of Yala.
8th & 09th Nights - Galle
Depending what time you arrive in Galle, you will enjoy a guided walk in the UNESCO World Heritage site, Galle Dutch Fort. There are various activities we have planned for you, besides enjoying the novelty and quaintness of this Fort…with cobblestone roads and villas retaining the architecture of a bygone era. Depending on your tour in Sri Lanka, you may get to go whale watching or venture down history, tracing the story of the spice: cinnamon.
Galle is a picture book UNESCO heritage city that will mesmerise you with its many charms. Depending on what time you reach your hotel, you can relax here with the sea breeze, or venture on a walk into the city. Galle Fort itself spans 90 acres overlooking the ocean. Your guide will be happy to accompany you and show you the Meeran Mosque, the Fort Lighthouse, the Dutch Reformed Church, restaurants, live music bars and quaint houses on cobblestone streets. Galle boasts of a museum you may like to visit, that offers an interesting historical insight of its past. There is also the Dutch Market and numerous spice shops to see.
Depending on when you tour in Sri Lanka, you will leave early by 6-6:30am to go whale watching from the Mirissa harbour. This is an exciting adventure when you may sight Blue whales and Bottle-nosed dolphins. Or, you will go on the
Galle Cinnamon Experience; an interactive tour which gives you a sense of a cinnamon farmer’s life – visiting a beautiful, working cinnamon estate. Another option: you will take a walk in historical Galle Fort during your stay in Sri Lanka. Your guide will take you to local restaurants and craft shops where you’ll find batiks, brassware and jewellery.
Galle Cinnamon Experience; an interactive tour which gives you a sense of a cinnamon farmer’s life – visiting a beautiful, working cinnamon estate. Another option: you will take a walk in historical Galle Fort during your stay in Sri Lanka. Your guide will take you to local restaurants and craft shops where you’ll find batiks, brassware and jewellery.
Here, you may like to take a tuk tuk ride, walk around Galle Face or do some last-minute gift shopping at a mall, as your holiday in Sri Lanka ends. There’s plenty of local and international cuisine to try: local hoppers, rotis, biriyani, dosai to street food and seasonal fruits. Yet, if you are still in adventure-mode, then visit the Colombo Museum, Independence Square, kovils, mosques, the colourful and noisy markets of Pettah – can all be explored. It is perhaps Sri Lanka’s most multicultural city to visit. Finally, we will safely transfer you to the Airport, bidding you a safe onward journey.
What more to add?
- Early Check-ins or late Check-outs could be organised upon confirmation of your flight schedules.
- Loris observation trail on one of the nights you are in Sigiriya.
- Additional nights in any of the locations could be included.
- Additional Safaris in Yala National Park could be arranged on request with another additional day there.
- A Whale Watching boat ride in the sea off Mirissa could be arranged as a private boat charter as well.
- Additional nights in Galle (beach stay) could be arranged upon your request.
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
$ 2,326
1-2 persons
$ 1,877
3-4 persons
$ 1,738
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.
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
$ 2,748
1-2 persons
$ 2,300
3-4 persons
$ 2,161
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...
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
$ 4,819
1-2 persons
$ 4,371
3-4 persons
$ 4,231
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.
Villa Hundira Negombo
Villa Hundira is a private and unique lagoon side villa nestled in the back roads of the Negombo lagoon, located just 20 minutes from...
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...
Radh Hotel
A haven of serenity and unrivalled elegance, the Radh Hotel is magnificently set in Kandy's old hill capital and centrally located, making it an...
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:
- 9 nights accommodation. BB at all hotels except Langdale & Big Game Camp Yala (HB)/ Mahoora Camp Yala (AI), Double or Twin sharing basis.
- Transportation in an Air-conditioned Car / Micro Van with an English Speaking Chauffeur throughout the tour including Airport Transfers.
- Chauffeur accommodation inclusive of his meals and fees.
- Jeep Safari in the Yala National Parks in a Private Jeep including the private guide, entry permit costs & government tracker fees.
- 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 fee. (Electronic Travel Authorization)
- Any additional beverage or food.
- Early Check-in or Late Check-out charges at hotels.
- Cost of optional activities/sites.
- Any tips to the staff.
- Any expense of a personal nature (telephone, laundry, hotel extra bills, etc..)
- Any other expense, other than 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.
5 - 6 Hours
Explore Negombo
Engage in an exciting series of activities in the fishing town Negombo, famous for its golden sandy beaches and lagoon, located just a few...
Negombo
Colombo
3 Hours
Climb The Ancient Rock Mountain – Pidurangala
Experience a mesmerising sunrise and view of Sigiriya Rock , at a mountain top peppered with caves and cells used by 3rd-century monks.
Sigiriya
Dambulla
Polonnaruwa
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 - 4 Hours
Ceylon Tea Experience at a Working Tea Plantation
Experience the art of renowned Ceylon tea-making by visiting a beautiful tea garden and an award-winning factory.
Kandy
Nuwara Eliya
Ella
Knuckles
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
3 hours
Colombo Street Food Experience
Experience Colombo through its colourful, aromatic, multicultural cuisines on this 3-hour evening walking tour.
Colombo
Negombo
3 - 4 hours
Colombo City Walk… From the Fort to the Crocodile Gate
Colombo, a city with a soul, is the heart of Sri Lanka’s capital city. Experience its warmth and grandeur through a fascinating day tour...
Colombo
Negombo