Sri Lanka Escorted Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Departure
Begin your journey to Colombo.
Day 2 – Arrival in Colombo
Land in Colombo at lunchtime and stay for one night at the four-star Arie Lagoon Hotel.
Upon your midday arrival, settle in for a relaxing overnight stay at the four-star Arie Lagoon Hotel, a tranquil retreat perfectly positioned between the serene Negombo Lagoon and the Indian Ocean.
Day 3 – Dambulla
Your Sri Lankan adventure begins as you journey through lush countryside, passing paddy fields, coconut palms, pineapple plantations and shimmering lakes, with the chance to spot elephants along the way. Visit the remarkable Dambulla Cave Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 1st century, home to five caves filled with beautifully preserved frescoes and over 150 Buddha statues.
Relax at Habarana Village by Cinnamon, a four-star retreat surrounded by lush gardens and tranquil lakes. Enjoy a refreshing poolside drink as you take in a beautiful Sri Lankan sunset before dinner.
Day 4 – Sigiriya Rock
Visit Sigiriya, Sri Lanka’s iconic ‘Lion Rock’, a 600-foot-high ancient fortress crowned by the ruins of a royal palace. Discover its famous ‘Cloud Maidens’ frescoes, historic lion’s paws and beautifully landscaped gardens, with the option to climb to the summit for spectacular jungle views. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the hotel.
Day 5 – Kandy
Travel from Sigiriya to Kandy, stopping at a traditional spice garden to discover the scents and traditions of Sri Lanka’s famous pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon. Arrive in Kandy and settle into the elegant Cinnamon Citadel Hotel, set beside the tranquil Mahaweli River and surrounded by lush hills.
Day 6 – Kandy
Explore Kandy, visiting the sacred Temple of the Tooth and discovering the city’s vibrant streets. Enjoy a peaceful boat cruise along the Mahaweli River, looking out for kingfishers, water monitors and other wildlife, before exploring the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens. In the evening, experience a captivating performance of traditional Sri Lankan dance, with rhythmic drums, colourful costumes and acrobatic movements.
Day 7 – Journey to Nuwara Eliya
Travel from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya through spectacular mountain scenery and endless tea plantations. Arrive in this charming hill station, known as ‘Little England’ for its cool climate and colonial character. Stay overnight at either the Golden Ridge Hotel or Grand Hotel, both offering comfort and old-world charm.
Day 8 – Elephant Transit Home
Journey from Sri Lanka’s tea country to the Elephant Transit Home near Udawalawe National Park, where you can watch young orphaned elephants being bottle-fed as part of a wildlife conservation programme. Continue to Chaarya Resort & Spa for a relaxing two-night stay surrounded by lush greenery.
Day 9 – Yala National Park
Enjoy an early morning safari through Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s best wildlife reserves and renowned for its leopard population. Travel by 4×4 through the jungle, looking out for elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, wild boar and diverse birdlife. After breakfast, relax at the hotel or opt for a second safari in the early evening.
Day 10 – Kalutara
Travel to the west coast with a guided tour of UNESCO-listed Galle, exploring its historic Dutch Fort, cobbled streets and colonial architecture. Continue to the luxurious five-star Anantara Kalutara Resort, beautifully set between the Kalu Ganga River and the Indian Ocean.
Day 11 & 12 – Free Day
Enjoy free time to relax and spend as you wish; perhaps unwind at your hotel, indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment, or simply soak up the sun by the pool, letting the tranquil surroundings wash over you.
Day 13 – Return Home
Say goodbye and start your journey home.
Highlights of Sri Lanka Escorted Tour
- Explore four UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Dambulla, Kandy, Sigiriya Rock and Galle Fort.
- Discover Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth and Royal Botanical Gardens, followed by relaxing days on a tropical beach.
- Cruise the Mahaweli River with a naturalist and discover Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife.
- Enjoy Ceylon tea and a classic high tea in the charming hill station of Nuwara Eliya.
- Visit the Elephant Transit Home and embark on a thrilling Yala National Park safari.
- Explore the lush tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya and experience an authentic tea tasting.
- Admire Sri Lanka’s spectacular landscapes, from rice paddies and spice plantations to tea-covered hills and coconut groves.
- Enjoy a memorable sunset drink at Cinnamon Habarana Village before dinner.
