DURATION: 9, 10, 11 or 12 nights

BEST FOR: Cultural immersion

PACE: Active

Explore Sri Lanka

Discover the many faces of Sri Lanka on a captivating journey through ancient kingdoms, misty tea-covered highlands, vibrant Tamil culture and extraordinary wildlife. From the sacred rock fortress of Sigiriya and the temples of Kandy to a scenic hill-country train ride, elephant safaris and relaxing days on the Indian Ocean coast, this itinerary perfectly balances culture, nature and relaxation.

9-night itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Colombo → Anuradhapura
• Day 2: Anuradhapura → Jaffna
• Day 3: Jaffna
• Day 4: Jaffna → Habarana
• Day 5: Habarana → Sigiriya
• Day 6: Habarana → Matale → Kandy
• Day 7: Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
• Day 8: Nuwara Eliya → Haputale → Bandarawela → Ella → Udawalawe
• Day 9: Udawalawe → Wadduwa
• Day 10: Wadduwa → Colombo - Departure

For longer stays, enjoy an additional 1 to 3 nights in Wadduwa to unwind on Sri Lanka's idyllic southwest coast, where golden beaches and the Indian Ocean provide the perfect setting for relaxation.

Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN COLOMBO → ANURADHAPURA

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), meet your driver-guide and begin your journey into Sri Lanka's cultural heart. Travelling north through changing landscapes, arrive in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, where centuries of history and sacred traditions set the tone for the adventure ahead. Depending on your arrival time, settle into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, whether unwinding after your flight or soaking up your first impressions of the island. As evening falls, savour dinner before a restful overnight stay.

Included:

• Dinner
• Private transfer from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
• Night at Rajarata Hotel 4* or The Lake Forest Hotel 4*

DAY 2: ANURADHAPURA → JAFFNA

Breakfast sets the tone for a day immersed in Sri Lanka's remarkable ancient heritage as you explore the sacred city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the island's first royal capital. Discover monumental stupas, peaceful monastery ruins, and the revered Sri Maha Bodhi, grown from a sapling of the tree beneath which Buddha attained enlightenment. Later, continue north to the Jaffna Peninsula, where colourful Hindu temples, colonial influences and vibrant Tamil traditions reveal a fascinating new side of Sri Lanka. Arrive in Jaffna and settle into your hotel for dinner and the evening.

Included:

• Breakfast and dinner
• Guided tour of Anuradhapura, including the Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya and other archaeological highlights
• Private transfer from Anuradhapura to Jaffna with driver-guide
• Night at Thinnai Hotel 4* or Northgate Jaffna 4*

DAY 3: JAFFNA

This morning, board a boat to the peaceful island of Nainativu, where the sacred Naga Deepa temple offers a tranquil setting surrounded by the waters of the Palk Strait. Back in Jaffna, spend time discovering the city's vibrant character, from bustling streets and local delicacies to its rich Tamil heritage. Later, admire the remarkable architecture and spiritual atmosphere of Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, a treasured landmark at the heart of the local community. End the day with dinner at your hotel.

Included:

• Breakfast and dinner
• Boat excursion to Nainativu (Naga Deepa Island)
• Guided visit of Jaffna city
• Guided visit to Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
• Private transfers with driver-guide
• Night at Thinnai Hotel 4* or Northgate Jaffna 4*

Begin the day exploring Jaffna Fort, a remarkable coastal fortress shaped by Portuguese and Dutch rule, where sweeping views accompany centuries of history. Nearby, the lively Jaffna Market reveals the flavours and colours of the region through its stalls of tropical fruit, spices and local delicacies. As your journey continues towards central Sri Lanka, pause at Elephant Pass, a place of both historical significance and peaceful natural beauty surrounded by lagoons and mangroves. Reach Habarana by evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Included:

• Breakfast and dinner
• Guided visit to Jaffna Fort
• Guided visit to Jaffna Market
• Stop at Elephant Pass
• Private transfer from Jaffna to Habarana with driver-guide
• Night at Sungreen Resort & Spa 4*

DAY 5: HABARANA ⇄ SIGIRIYA

Following breakfast, embrace the tranquillity of rural Sri Lanka with a peaceful boat ride across the calm waters of Habarana, surrounded by lush vegetation and abundant birdlife. Continue to a traditional pottery village, where skilled artisans demonstrate techniques passed down through generations and invite you to try shaping clay yourself. Later, travel to the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where landscaped water gardens, ancient frescoes and sweeping views from the summit reveal the brilliance of Sri Lanka's ancient civilisation. Return to Habarana for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Included:

• Breakfast and dinner
• Boat ride on Habarana Lake
• Visit to a traditional pottery village
• Guided visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Private transfers with driver-guide
• Night at Sungreen Resort & Spa 4*

DAY 6: HABARANA → MATALE → KANDY

Begin the day exploring Dambulla Market, where traders gather from across the island to sell an impressive variety of fresh fruit, vegetables and local produce. Nearby, step inside the remarkable Dambulla Cave Temple, whose sacred caves shelter centuries-old murals and magnificent Buddha statues recognised by UNESCO. Later, pause in Matale to wander through a fragrant spice garden before continuing to Kandy, Sri Lanka's last royal capital, where the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic offers a memorable introduction to the city's rich spiritual heritage. Dinner and an overnight stay await at your hotel.

Included:

• Breakfast and dinner
• Visit to Dambulla Market
• Guided visit to Dambulla Cave Temple
• Visit to a spice garden in Matale
• Guided visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
• Private transfer from Habarana to Kandy with driver-guide
• Night at Hotel Topaz 4* or Hotel Thilanka 4*

After breakfast, leave Kandy behind and visit the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, where elegant avenues of towering palms, colourful orchids and exotic tropical plants create a peaceful retreat. Continue along Sri Lanka's famous tea route, stopping at a working tea plantation and factory to discover the craftsmanship behind the island's world-renowned Ceylon tea. Arrive in the cool highlands of Nuwara Eliya, where colonial architecture, emerald tea estates and crisp mountain air have earned the town its nickname, "Little England". Settle into your hotel for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Included:

• Breakfast and dinner
• Guided visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
• Visit to a tea plantation and tea factory
• Orientation tour of Nuwara Eliya
• Private transfer from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya with driver-guide
• Night at The Lynden Grove 4* or Galway Heights 4*

DAY 8: NUWARA ELIYA → HAPUTALE → BANDARAWELA → ELLA → UDAWALAWE

After breakfast, board one of Sri Lanka's most scenic train journeys from Nanu Oya to Haputale, passing emerald tea plantations, cascading waterfalls and mist-covered mountains. On arrival, continue by tuk tuk through the tea estates, meeting local tea pluckers before reaching the spectacular viewpoint at Lipton's Seat, where sweeping panoramas stretch across the surrounding highlands. Later, travel through Ella, stopping at the dramatic Ravana Falls before continuing towards Udawalawe. Arrive at your hotel in time for dinner and a restful evening.

Included:

• Breakfast and dinner
• Scenic train journey from Nanu Oya to Haputale
• Tuk tuk excursion through the tea plantations, including Lipton's Seat
• Stop at Ravana Falls
• Private transfer from Haputale to Udawalawe with driver-guide
• Night at Centauria Wild 4* or Royal Reach Udawalawe 4*

DAY 9: UDAWALAWE → WADDUWA

After breakfast, set off on an exhilarating jeep safari through Udawalawe National Park, one of Sri Lanka's finest wildlife reserves and home to thriving herds of wild Asian elephants. Keep watch for water buffalo, spotted deer, crocodiles and an impressive variety of birdlife as your expert guide leads you through the park's diverse landscapes. Later, journey towards the southwest coast, stopping to explore the UNESCO-listed city of Galle, where the historic Dutch Fort, charming colonial streets and sweeping ocean views invite leisurely discovery. Continue along the coast to Wadduwa, arriving at your beachfront hotel for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Included:

• Breakfast and dinner
• Guided jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park
• Guided visit to Galle Dutch Fort
• Private transfer from Udawalawe to Wadduwa with driver-guide
• Night at The Blue Water 5*

DAY 10: WADDUWA → COLOMBO - DEPARTURE

After breakfast, savour a final peaceful morning on Sri Lanka's southwest coast before beginning your journey to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Sit back and enjoy the drive as the island's diverse landscapes accompany you one last time, bringing a memorable adventure to a fitting close. Depart with lasting impressions of remarkable heritage, spectacular scenery and genuine hospitality.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Private transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

At each of your stops, you will be staying in thoughtfully selected hotels.

Your hotels (or similar):

• Anuradhapura: Rajarata Hotel 4* or The Lake Forest Hotel 4*
• Jaffna: Thinnai Hotel 4* or Northgate Jaffna 4*
• Habarana: Sungreen Resort & Spa 4*
• Kandy: Hotel Topaz 4* or Hotel Thilanka 4*
• Nuwara Eliya: The Lynden Grove 4* or Galway Heights 4*
• Udawalawe: Centauria Wild 4* or Royal Reach Udawalawe 4*
• Wadduwa: The Blue Water 5*

If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.

Benefit from the expertise of an English-speaking guide throughout your journey, ensuring seamless navigation, local insight, and a richer cultural experience.

Every adult traveller receives 3 GB of mobile data via an included eSIM. Once activated, you can enjoy internet access wherever you are and share your connection with your loved ones, without the risk of exceeding your data allowance.

Please note: 3 GB of mobile data is equivalent to approximately 30 hours of web browsing or audio streaming, or 3 to 4 hours of video streaming, social media use or video calls.

Sri Lanka, a small island nation with a 2,000-year-old culture, is a treasure trove of natural beauty and ancient heritage. Home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the country offers a fascinating blend of history, wildlife, and culture. Often overlooked by travellers heading to India or Asia, Sri Lanka remains one of the region's best-kept secrets.

Must-sees:

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress: A UNESCO-listed ancient citadel, offering dramatic views, frescoes, and rich historical significance.
• Ella: A hill town surrounded by lush tea plantations, ideal for scenic hikes like Little Adam’s Peak and Nine Arches Bridge.
• Yala National Park: A wildlife haven, where safaris offer opportunities to see leopards, elephants, and diverse birdlife.

Culinary culture:

Sri Lankan cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of bold flavours and fresh ingredients. Rice and curry, with its spiced vegetable, meat, or fish options, is a staple of the local diet. Hoppers, crispy rice pancakes, are a beloved dish, served with eggs or sweetened. Coastal areas excel in fresh seafood, with delicacies such as fish ambul thiyal (tangy fish curry) and crab curries. Street food like kottu roti, a stir-fry of flatbread with vegetables and meat, is a must-try, while desserts such as watalappam and tropical fruits like Mangosteen offer a refreshing finish.

Dive deeper:

Beyond the famous attractions, Sri Lanka’s charm lies in its lesser-known gems. Galle Fort is a colonial-era city filled with boutiques, cafes, and history. A scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella is considered one of the world’s most picturesque journeys. For a more unique experience, visit Jaffna in the north, where you’ll encounter Tamil culture and peaceful, untouched beaches.

Good to know:

The official currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). The ideal time to visit varies by region - the south and west coasts are ideal from November to April, while the east coast is preferable from May to September. Tuk-tuks are great for short trips, while scenic train routes and private drivers offer flexibility for exploring.