Pricing is indicative and is not valid over public or religious holiday periods.
Sri Lanka in Luxury
Private Holiday
11 days ex Colombo
Departs Daily
Negombo (1) | Anuradhapura (2) | Jaffna (2) | Sigiriya (2) | Kandy (2) | Colombo (1)
Journey through Sri Lanka’s cultural heart and natural wonders on this 11-day luxurious private tour. From the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Sigiriya to the vibrant northern capital of Jaffna, you’ll uncover centuries of history, sacred temples, and living traditions. Enjoy thrilling wildlife safaris in Wilpattu and Sigiriya’s national parks, climb the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and explore Kandy’s sacred Temple of the Tooth. Along the way, experience authentic Sri Lankan hospitality through cooking classes, spice gardens, and local encounters, before ending in the bustling capital, Colombo.
Highlights:
- Wilpattu Safari: Spot elephants, leopards, and sloth bears in Sri Lanka’s oldest park
- Ancient Anuradhapura: Explore vast ruins and enjoy a picnic by the Elephant Pond
- Vibrant Jaffna: Discover forts, temples, and northern flavours off the tourist trail
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Climb the iconic UNESCO citadel and join a village cooking class
- Kandy & Temple of the Tooth: Experience sacred rituals and the city’s rich culture
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Important Information
Day 1: Colombo - Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka. Upon arrival into Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, a local operator will be waiting for you the moment you step off the plane. They will assist you through a fast-tracked immigration process and take you to the Silk Route Lounge where a representative will talk you through your itinerary while you have a cup of tea. Once your luggage is delivered to the lounge, you will take a VIP route to your private vehicle for your transfer to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 2: Negombo – Anuradhapura (B)
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Anuradhapura, home to the most ancient of civilisations in Sri Lanka. En route, embark on an unforgettable private safari through Wilpattu National Park, the oldest and most beautiful National Park in Sri Lanka. Here you will have the chance to see elephants, sloth bears, deer, and maybe even the elusive leopard. Late evening, you will check in to your hotel.
Day 3: Anuradhapura (BL)
This morning embark on a fascinating tuk-tuk tour of the vast ruins of the Anuradhapura complex, the ancient capital city which was once home to 10,000 monks. Explore scenic rice paddies, hidden villages, and millennia-old irrigation systems still in use today. Following your morning exploration, a picnic lunch will be served next to the beautiful Elephant Pond.
This afternoon, discover the Mihintale Mountain Monastery. This secluded location is usually devoid of tourists, and the short walk is richly rewarded with a marvellous view, particularly at sunset. You will then be escorted back to your accommodation for an evening at leisure.
Day 4: Anuradhapura – Jaffna (B)
Take time to relax during a leisurely morning today before departing by by private vehicle to Jaffna, Sri Lanka’s northern most city and a melting pot of different cultural influences. After arrival and check in at your accommodation, the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore as you see fit.
Day 5: Jaffna (B)
A full day guided exploration of Jaffna awaits today. This city was for a long time off the main tourist path and today you will have many of its secrets revealed. Highlights include the stunning library, the 17th century Jaffna Fort, and several historic temples. The tour ends in the evening with a favourite of locals and visitors alike – the Rio Ice Cream Parlour. An optional activity (surcharge applies) is to take a boat out to nearby Delft Island to see the herd of horses left behind by the Portuguese in the 16th century.
Day 6: Jaffna – Sigiriya (B)
This morning you will be transferred to Sigiriya, a stunning landscape of jungles and towering rock outcrops. Following check in at your accommodation and some time to freshen up, you will be met and taken on a private wildlife safari to one of the nearby National Parks. These three parks are home to fully wild elephants and your naturalist guide will take you through the one suggested by local wildlife rangers based on current migratory patterns of the elephants. At the conclusion of your jeep safari, you will be returned to your hotel.
Day 7: Sigiriya (BL)
This morning depart for a guided walk up the incredible UNESCO listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Originally surrounded by garrisons of troops and a crocodile-filled moat, the view from the top is much more accessible these days and richly rewarding. Next, you will be taken to a local village for a guided cooking experience before being returned to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Day 8: Sigiriya – Kandy (BL)
This morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to Kandy, stopping en route for an exclusive hosted herbal, spice, and fruit garden experience, followed by a home-cooked meal with locals. Upon arrival into Kandy, you will have time to check in and freshen up before taking a guided walk around Kandy Lake, culminating with a visit to the sacred Temple of the Tooth where you will see local worshippers taking part in the Thevava ritual ceremony
Day 9: Kandy (BL)
You may want to go easy on breakfast at your hotel today as this morning you will be taken on a guided walking tour of Kandy’s culinary experiences. Dictated by what is available on the day, your guide will help you experience Tamil cuisine and local delicacies such as cassava crisps, soy-based snacks, ice cream, and local produce salads. This afternoon you will be taken on a guided tour of a Ceylon tea factory where you will learn about the history and production process of this world-changing plant. You will be returned to your hotel in the evening for a night at leisure.
Day 10: Kandy – Colombo (B)
This morning you will be transferred through beautiful countryside to Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo. Along the way, you will be taken on a guided tour of a Ceylon tea factory where you will learn about the history and production process of this world-changing plant. Upon arrival you will be checked in and have your choice of either an afternoon at leisure to explore in your own style, or to partake in a guided tuk-tuk tour of Colombo’s cultural highlights.
Day 11: Colombo (B)
Following breakfast you will have once last chance to relax and reflect on your time in Sri Lanka before your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight. Alternatively, you have the option to be transferred to the beach for one of our Sri Lanka extensions.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 10 nights’ hotel accommodation
- Breakfast daily, 4 lunches
- VIP Airport arrival service
- Private return airport transfers
- All other transfers in private vehicle
- Local guides
- Sightseeing and meals as per itinerary
- Bottled water
- Complimentary sim card on request
- 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 below or similar
Negombo
Deluxe Class: The Wallawwa
Anaradhapura
Deluxe Class: Ulagalla Resort
Jaffna
Deluxe Class: Jetwing
Sigiriya
Deluxe Class: Water Garden Sigiriya
Kandy
Deluxe Class: Kings Pavilion
Colombo
Deluxe Class: ISHQ Colombo
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.
