Pricing is indicative and is not valid over public or religious holiday periods.
Sensational Sri Lanka
Private Holiday
12 days ex Colombo
Departs daily
Negombo (1) | Sigiriya (2) | Kandy (2) | Nuwara Eliya (1) | Tissamaharama (1) | Galle (3) | Colombo (1)
Explore the incredible richness of Sri Lanka – the island Marco Polo described as a “Pearl in the Indian Ocean” – its ancient kingdoms submerged into lush vegetation, its exceptional wildlife and its palm-fringed golden beaches front azure waters.
Start your discovery with the cultural centre of the island and immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere reigning over this land of rich history and deep Buddhist tradition. Continue your journey to the beautiful Central Highlands and visit its capital Kandy, the island’s most vibrant and colourful city.
Embark on a scenic ride by train through the “Tea Country” and enjoy sights of lavish tea plantations rolling upon hills, dotted by the colourful saris of the leaf picking women. After a safari in search of the elusive leopard at the Yala National Park, explore the colonial gem city of Galle, influenced by successive waves of traders from Portugal, Holland and Britain, before finishing your incredible journey in Colombo.
Highlights:
- Experience the rich heritage of the ancient cities of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla
- Take a scenic train ride to admire the stunning hill scenery of Ceylon’s lush tea plantations
- Explore the Yala National Park on a safari searching for the elusive leopard
- Discover Sri Lanka’s scenic south coast fishing village of Weligama
- Explore the fortified port city of Galle
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Important Information
Day 1: Colombo Airport – Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka. Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport, you will be met and assisted by our local operator who will then transfer you to hotel in Negombo. The remainder of the day is at leisure to unwind. Overnight Negombo.
Day 2: Negombo – Sigiriya (B)
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive from Negombo to Sigiriya, passing through the lush and vibrant countryside of Sri Lanka. The journey offers glimpses of rural life, verdant rice paddies, coconut plantations, and charming villages nestled among rolling hills. Upon arrival in Sigiriya, check in to your accommodation and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 3: Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya (B)
This morning discover the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a towering monolith that dominates the surrounding landscape and is one of Sri Lanka’s celebrated landmarks. Built by King Kashyapa between 477 and 495 AD as a strategic stronghold against his enemies, this ancient citadel is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, often referred to as the “Fortress in the Sky.” The climb to the top is both invigorating and rewarding, offering panoramic views from the summit and a deeper appreciation of the site's historical and architectural significance.
Later, continue your journey to Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and the medieval capital of Sri Lanka. Here, explore the well-preserved ruins of royal palaces, audience halls, and sacred Buddhist shrines, which reflect the grandeur of a bygone era and the spiritual heritage of the island.
Day 4: Sigiriya – Dambulla – Kandy (B)
Today, journey onward to Kandy, making a memorable stop en route at the renowned Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the “Golden Temple.” This sacred pilgrimage site is the largest and best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. Nestled within a massive rock outcrop, the temple houses a remarkable collection of Buddha statues and intricate murals, including a colossal reclining Buddha that captivates visitors with its serene presence.
Continue your drive to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s most vibrant and colourful city. Upon arrival visit the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a site of immense spiritual significance for Buddhists around the world. This beautifully designed temple, with its distinctive octagonal pavilion and gleaming golden roof, dates back to 1687 and also houses ancient palm-leaf manuscripts that chronicle centuries of history and devotion.
In the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture with a traditional Kandyan dance performance, featuring rhythmic drumming, graceful movements, and acrobatic feats that reflect the rich artistic heritage of the region.
Day 5: Kandy (B)
Day at leisure to relax or explore. Overnight Kandy.
Day 6: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya (B)
This morning, drive to Peradeniya and board the scenic train to Nuwara Eliya. Relax in comfort as the journey unfolds through sweeping tea plantations, where the vivid saris of Tamil women stand out against the lush green hillsides. Later, visit a local tea factory to discover the art of Ceylon tea production and savour a freshly brewed cup at its source.
Day 7: Nuwara Eliya – Ella Gap – Tissamaharama (B)
Today, travel to Tissamaharama, pausing at the breathtaking Ella Gap. From this dramatic viewpoint in the southern highlands, the land plunges nearly 3,000 feet, opening to sweeping vistas that stretch all the way to the southern coast. Continue to Tissamaharama, your base for exploring Yala National Park.
Day 8: Yala National Park – Weligama – Galle (B)
This morning, set out on a thrilling jeep safari in Yala National Park, renowned for its sloth bears and for harbouring Asia’s highest concentration of leopards. The park is also home to herds of wild elephants, buffalo, wild boar, deer, crocodiles, and an impressive variety of birdlife. Its landscapes shift from open grasslands to dense jungle, interspersed with waterholes, streams, lakes, and lagoons that sustain the rich wildlife.
Later, travel along Sri Lanka’s scenic south coast visiting the fishing village of Weligama. Here you’ll witness local fishermen at work, including the famous stilt fishermen, who balance on narrow poles planted in the shallow waters—a traditional practice unique to the island’s southern shores. Continue to Galle for a three-night stay.
Day 9: Galle (B)
Morning tour of the fortified port city of Galle. Classified as a UNESCO Word Heritage Site, Galle is a veritable colonial gem – initially built by the Portuguese, expanded by the Dutch and later the British. Visit the Fort and the Old Dutch Church. Afternoon at leisure to walk along the ramparts and soak up the atmosphere of this charming town.
Day 10: Galle (B)
Experience a fascinating walking tour of Galle Fort with a knowledgeable local guide OR take a bike ride in Galle countryside, exploring lagoons, mangroves, villages, temples, a coconut mill, lush green paddy fields. Great for families. You will be provided with a bike at your size, service of a local guide, helmets, water & refreshments. Simply bring sport shoes, hat, sunscreen and your camera!
Optional (surcharge applies): Take a hands-on cooking class followed by lunch or dinner in a coastal village near Galle. All of the proceeds of this cooking class benefit the Foundation of Goodness, a local charity promoting the advancement of rural communities in Northern and Southern Sri Lanka.
Day 11: Galle – Colombo (B)
Drive to Colombo. Sightseeing tour of Sri Lanka’s effervescent capital. Drive through the busy commercial areas as well as the tree-lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens. Visit Fort, the former British administrative centre and military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749. If time permits, you may also see the replica of Avukana Buddha and the Independence Square.
Optional (surcharge applies): This evening, embark on a street food tour of Colombo, sampling the city’s vibrant flavours and local delicacies.
Day 12: Colombo (B)
This morning you will be transferred to Colombo International Airport for your onward flight.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 11 nights’ accommodation in selected hotel category
- Breakfast daily
- Transportation in air-conditioned vehicle with English speaking chauffeur/guide
- Sightseeing as specified in itinerary
- Entrance fees to Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Matale Spice Garden, Kandy Temple and cultural show, Tea plantation in Ella, Ella Gap, Yala National Park, Stilt Fishermen, Galle Fort, Colombo Museum, and Gangaramaya Temple
- Jeep safari in Yala National Park
- Train tickets Kandy / Nuya Oya
- Two bottles of mineral water per person per day
- 24/7 local operator support in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International airfares
- Optional tours and excursions
- Porterage
- Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
- Personal Expenses
- Departure taxes
- Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
- Visas (unless specified)
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
Accommodation based on the following (or similar):
The hotel selection may change – please use this as a guideline only.
Negombo
First Class: Jetwing Sea
Deluxe Class: Jetwing Beach
Sigiriya
First Class: Aliya Resort
Deluxe Class: Heritance Kandalama
Kandy
First Class: Cinamon Citadel
Deluxe Class: Earl's Residence
Nuwara Eliya
First Class: Heritance Tea Factory
Deluxe Class: Heritance Tea Factory
Tissamaharama (Tissa)
First Class: Jetwing Yala
Deluxe Class: Jetwing Yala
Galle
First Class: Radisson Blu
Deluxe Class: Jetwing Lighthouse
Colombo
First Class: Galle Face
Deluxe Class: Shangri-La
Dress Code
Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage is deeply influenced by Buddhism, Hinduism, and its colonial past. When visiting temples, it’s important to dress modestly — covering shoulders and knees — and to remove shoes and hats before entering sacred areas.
Holiday Periods & Cultural Observances in Sri Lanka
Please note: Rates are not valid during public or religious holidays. Availability of services may be limited during these periods. When planning your visit to Sri Lanka, it’s important to be aware of local holidays and cultural practices that may affect travel plans, business hours, and services.
• Dry Days: Sri Lanka observes several religious holidays throughout the year, including Poya Days (full moon days), which are recognized as Public, Bank, and Mercantile Holidays. These are referred to as “dry days”, during which the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in shops, hotels, and restaurants and wine stores, taverns, and bars are closed.
• Poya Days: Occur monthly on the full moon. Many shops and businesses close, and public services may be limited.
• Hindu & Buddhist Festivals: Dates are determined by local astronomical observations, making them difficult to predict in advance. These festivals may affect local transport, business hours, and access to certain sites.
• Muslim Festivals: Dates are based on local moon sightings and may vary. During Ramadan, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night. While business hours may be affected, Sri Lanka’s predominantly non-Muslim population means disruptions for travellers are generally minimal.
Sightseeing
All sightseeing normally requires a moderate amount of walking around historical / cultural sites. A good level of fitness will ensure you get a maximum enjoyment from your visit.
Social Conventions
Sri Lanka’s genuine hospitality to tourists is renowned. Take care to avoid religious offence, however. Respect the Buddhist faith: do not touch a monk, do not pose for photographs on religious statues, be mindful not to turn your back on Buddha statues when taking photos and avoid touching religious artifacts. Always seek permission before photographing individuals, especially monks, as a gesture of respect.
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.
