We Love —
- Admiring UNESCO World Heritage sites like Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, and Kandy, each revealing the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals and their cultural heritage.
- Exploring hidden gems such as the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, and the serene Nalanda Gedige, offering unforgettable encounters with nature and history.
- Indulging in the flavours of Sri Lankan cuisine with the comfort of half board dining, all while staying in charming hotels that ensure a restful and immersive experience.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Your itinerary in brief —
Embark on a captivating 11 night journey through the heart of Sri Lanka, immersing yourself in its diverse landscapes and rich heritage.
Starting in the southern part of the island, explore the Kosgoda Turtle Sanctuary and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed colonial fort of Galle, before venturing into the renowned Udawalawe National Park. You'll have the opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat, creating a truly unique experience. Continue your journey through the lush tea plantations of Nanuoya and Nuwara Eliya, before delving into the vibrant atmosphere of Kandy, the island's final royal capital.
Surrounded by majestic temples and verdant landscapes, this experience will offer a deep immersion into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and natural treasures. Your adventure will conclude with two days of serene beachside relaxation in Passikudah, allowing for a perfect ending to this unforgettable exploration.
Your itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrival at Colombo Airport - Kalutara
- Day 2: Kalutara - Kosgoda - Kalametiya - Udawalawe
- Day 3: Udawalawe National Park - Wellawaya - Bandarawela - Haputale
- Day 4: Haputale - Nanuoya - Nuwara Eliya - Kandy
- Day 5: Kandy
- Day 6: Kandy - Matale - Nalanda Gedige - Dambulla
- Day 7: Dambulla - Sigiriya - Dambulla
- Day 8: Dambulla - Polonnaruwa - Passikudah
- Days 9 - 10: Passikudah
- Day 11: Passikudah - Dambulla - Kurunegala - Negombo
- Day 12: Negombo - Colombo Airport
Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.
Your itinerary in detail —
Day 1: Arrival at Colombo Airport - Kalutara
- Upon arrival at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), you'll be greeted by your driver and immediately transferred to Kalutara.
- The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or, depending on your arrival time, start to explore Kalutara at a leisurely pace.
Overnight stay in Kalutar at Tangerine Beach Hotel 4* or The Palms Beruwela 5*.
Dinner included.
DAY 2: KALUTARA - KOSGODA - KALAMETIYA - UDAWALAWE (APPROX. 4.5 HOURS)
- Begin your day with a delicious breakfast before heading to the southern part of the island.
- Your first stop is the Kosgoda Turtle Sanctuary. The golden beaches of Kosgoda have long attracted visitors, but the sea turtles are perhaps the most famous guests.
- Five species of endangered sea turtles return to these shores to nest, having travelled thousands of miles. This visit offers an educational and awe-inspiring experience, highlighting the conservation efforts aimed at protecting these creatures.
- After the sanctuary visit, continue to Galle, a lively city with a rich colonial history, famed for its 17th-century Dutch Fort, which remains the best-preserved European fort in Asia. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Galle offers a charming blend of tradition and modernity.
- Next, visit the Kalametiya Sanctuary. Located on the southern coast, this nature reserve boasts pristine landscapes. It's a must for birdwatchers and nature lovers, with lush mangrove forests and abundant wildlife.
- Enjoy a boat ride through winding waterways, for a peaceful view of the harmonious coexistence of nature and human activity.
- Continue to Udawalawe, making a brief stop at Hungama, before reaching your destination.
Overnight stay in Udawalawe at Centauria Wild 4* or Centauria Lake Resort.
Breakfast & dinner included.
DAY 3: UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK - WELLAWAYA - BANDARAWELA - HAPUTALE (APPROX. 3.5 HOURS)
- Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, before embarking on a safari in Udawalawe National Park, a dry-zone park established in 1972.
- This park, set between the Udawalawe Reservoir and the Walawe River, is famed for its population of elephants. It's also home to spotted deer, muntjacs, water buffalo, and jackals, all set against a backdrop of majestic mountain ranges.
- After the safari, visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned elephants are rehabilitated before being released back into the wild. This facility operates year-round, with staff feeding baby elephants every three hours.
- Continue your journey to Haputale, a region offering scenic views of plains and valleys.
- En route, stop at the Ravana Falls, one of Sri Lanka’s widest and most famous waterfalls, linked to the epic Ramayana - a demon King who, according to traditional folklore, is believed to have ruled Sri Lanka.
- You'll arrive in Haputale via Bandarawela.
Overnight stay in Haputale at Akway Beragala.
Breakfast & dinner included.
DAY 4: HAPUTALE - NANUOYA - NUWARA ELIYA - KANDY (APPROX. 3 HOURS + 1.5 HOURS BY TRAIN)
- Today you'll board the train at Haputale Station, direction: Nanuoya.
- This train journey is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world, passing through lush tea plantations and small villages, with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- Upon arrival at Nanuoya, your driver will meet you and transfer you to Nuwara Eliya, a picturesque hill station situated some 1,900 metres above sea level. Known for its cool climate and verdant tea plantations, Nuwara Eliya offers a tranquil retreat with colonial-era architecture and stunning natural beauty.
- After checking in, set off on a meander through the lively streets of this charming town.
- Continue towards Kandy, Sri Lanka's hill capital.
- En route, visit a tea plantation and factory to learn about the production of Ceylon tea, one of the country’s most famous exports.
- Arrive in Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its serene setting around Kandy Lake and surrounded by verdant hills.
- Kandy is also home to the famous Temple of the Tooth, a sacred Buddhist site.
Overnight stay in Kandy at Thilanka Hotel 4*, Earl's Regent Hotel 4* or Hotel Topaz Kandy 4*.
Breakfast & dinner included.
DAY 5: KANDY
- Kandy is the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and offers a unique blend of culture, history, and heritage. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa), a significant Buddhist site housing the tooth relic of the Buddha. The temple, which attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988.
- After exploring Kandy, you will be transferred to Peradeniya to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, renowned for its vast collection of tropical plants, including orchids, spices, and medicinal plants.
- In the evening, visit a gem museum, which provides insight into the geological wonders that have shaped the island’s landscape over millions of years.
- Later, attend a traditional Kandyan dance performance. The show includes various dances, such as the cobra dance, mask dance, and fire-walking, culminating in a thrilling display of fire-walking.
Overnight stay in Kandy at Thilanka Hotel 4*, Earl's Regent Hotel 4* or Hotel Topaz Kandy 4*.
Breakfast & dinner included.
DAY 6: KANDY - MATALE - NALANDA GEDIGE - DAMBULLA (APPROX. 3.5 HOURS)
- Breakfast at your hotel, before setting off for Matale, a region famous for its spice cultivation (Sri Lanka is one of the world’s largest spice exporters).
- This morning you'll visit a spice garden, where you will learn about the various spices grown in the area, their properties, and how they are used in local products and cuisine.
- Continue your journey to Dambulla, stopping en route at Nalanda Gedige, an ancient Hindu temple with a unique design, often regarded as the geographic centre of Sri Lanka. This peaceful site offers a serene atmosphere, away from the usual tourist crowds, providing a tranquil experience.
- In the evening, after you have checked into your hotel - and enjoyed some time to rest and relax - visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991. The cave complex houses unique murals and 150 Buddha statues.
- The golden Buddha statue at the entrance stands as a prominent symbol of the site, which has been revered by kings since the 1st century BC. The temple is one of the most significant cultural sites in Sri Lanka.
Overnight stay in Dambulla at Sigiriana Resort by Thilanka 4* or Tropical Life Resort & Spa 5*.
Breakfast & dinner included.
DAY 7: DAMBULLA - SIGIRIYA - DAMBULLA (APPROX. 2 HOURS)
- After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, head to Sigiriya to climb the Lion's Rock. This ancient rock fortress, built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- The ascent to Lion's Rock begins through the giant lion’s paws, which will lead you to the perfect viewpoint, from which to enjoy a panoramic view of the royal gardens below.
- The site is famous for its frescoes and unique architectural elements, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of this ancient stronghold.
- After the fortress, visit a Sri Lankan village nearby for a truly immersive experience.
- Your village excursion includes a visit to rice fields, a tractor ride, a traditional chena cultivation demonstration, and a hands-on cooking demonstration in a rural house, followed by an authentic Sri Lankan lunch (drinks not included). The experience provides a taste of real local life in rural Sri Lanka.
- Return to Dambulla in a tuktuk, guided by your local expert.
- In the late afternoon, explore the Dambulla Market, one of the largest vegetable distribution centres in Sri Lanka, for a glimpse into local commerce and agriculture.
Overnight stay in Dambulla at Sigiriana Resort by Thilanka 4* or Tropical Life Resort & Spa 5*.
Breakfast & dinner included.
DAY 8: DAMBULLA - POLONNARUWA - PASSIKUDAH (APPROX. 3.5 HOURS)
- Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for Polonnaruwa, the second ancient capital of Sri Lanka. The ruins of this magnificent city, dating back to the 10th century, offer a remarkable insight into Sri Lanka’s architectural and cultural heritage. The site is home to well-preserved treasures, including palaces, monasteries, Buddhist and Hindu temples, dagobas, and stunning statues.
- After this cultural exploration, continue your journey onwards to Passikudah, a serene coastal paradise on the east coast of Sri Lanka.
- The area is renowned for its pristine natural bay, crystal-clear waters, exotic coral reefs, and colourful tropical fish.
- Upon arrival at Passikudah, check in to your hotel.
- Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the beach, enjoying the tranquil surroundings, and unwinding by the sea.
Overnight stay in Passikudah at Sunrise Passikudah 5*.
Breakfast & dinner included.
DAY 9 - 10: PASSIKUDAH
- Set at your own pace in Passikudah and enjoy two days totally at leisure.
- The pristine beaches, clear waters, and tranquil atmosphere offer the perfect setting for rest & relaxation.
- Should you wish to explore further, a guest car is available upon request, with a daily limit of 45 miles (75 km). Use it to visit local attractions, nearby towns, and beaches, or simply unwind on the seashore.
Overnight stay in Passikudah at Sunrise Passikudah 5*.
Breakfast & dinner included.
DAY 11: PASSIKUDAH - DAMBULLA - KURUNEGALA - NEGOMBO (APPROX. 5.5 HOURS)
- After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a leisurely morning walk before it's time for your transfer to Negombo. En route to Negombo, you'll pass through the towns of Dambulla and Kurunegala.
- Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner and an evening of relaxation.
Overnight stay in Negombo at Camelot Beach Hotel or Earl's Regent Negombo 4*.
Breakfast & dinner included.
DAY 12: NEGOMBO - DEPARTURE (APPROX. 30 MINUTES DRIVE)
- Your unforgettable Sri Lankan journey concludes today.
- After your final breakfast at the hotel, your driver will transfer you to Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), in time for your departure flight.
Important information about your tour and visits:
The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Your hotels —
Hand-picked just for you
Maximum room capacity
For an exceptional experience, you'll stay at the following establishments (or similar), which have been carefully selected for your comfort and convenience:
- Kalutara: Tangerine Beach Hotel 4* or The Palms Beruwela 5*
- Udawalawe: Centauria Wild 4* or Centauria Lake Resort
- Haputale: Akway Beragala
- Kandy: Thilanka Hotel 4*, Earl's Regent Hotel 4* or Hotel Topaz Kandy 4*
- Dambulla: Sigiriana Resort by Thilanka 5* or Tropical Life Resort & Spa 4*
- Passikudah: Sunrise Passikudah 5*
- Negombo: Camelot Beach Hotel 4* or Earl's Regent Negombo 4*
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Single room occupancy is not available. The maximum room capacity is 3 adults or 2 adults + 1 child.
Your dining choices
Enjoy a half board dining package (excluding drinks) and enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch during the visit to Sigiriya (excluding drinks).
Your included extras & excursions —
English-speaking local guide

Make the very most of your stay and glean the very best of local knowledge and insider information, accompanied by a local, English-speaking guide.
Your journey to Sri Lanka —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destination —
Sri Lanka
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 - south and west coasts are ideal from November to April, while the east coast is prefereable from May to September. Tuk-tuks are great for short trips, while scenic train routes and private drivers offer flexibility for exploring.