Sri Lanka tour ‘Island of Serendipity’ (April to Oct)
Our 2-week Sri Lanka tour takes you from World Heritage ancient cities, through Kandy and the scenic hill country, with jeep safaris in 2 national parks and a stay on the unspoilt northeast coast
Including 7 of the country's World Heritage sites
Sri Lanka Tour
This fascinating 2-week, small group Sri Lanka tour takes you from our starting point in coastal Negombo, via the walled city and World Heritage site Galle – perched on a rock jutting spectacularly into the Indian Ocean – through the scenic hill country with its tea estates and national parks. Travelling by road and rail, we’ll discover the ancient capital Kandy and the faded colonial splendour of Nuwara Eliya before continuing north to the ancient cities and UNESCO-listed sites of the Central Plains and Cultural Triangle.
Our tour continues to the little-visited old port of Trincomalee and a stay on an unspoilt stretch of northeastern coastline before returning into the interior for a jeep safari in the vast Wilpattu National Park.
Along the way, we’ll discover the flourishing wildlife and stunning landscapes of Horton Plains and Minneriya National Parks as well as visiting no less than 7 of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites while ensuring a leisurely pace and ample time for relaxation and opportunities to ‘do your own thing’.
Some of the exciting and varied activities include a jeep safari to the world-famous ‘elephant gathering’, an early morning ascent of the dramatic rock fortress of Sigiriya with its famous Maidens of the Clouds, a visit to Kandy’s prestigious Temple of the Tooth, tea tasting at highland plantations, a ride through the hills on a local train plus, weather permitting, whale watching options at Mirissa or Trincomalee.
With a wide variety of sites, landscapes, flora and fauna and activities (not forgetting, of course, the wonderful Sri Lankan curries, this tour is a perfect introduction to the magnificent island of Sri Lanka.
Note that this is our ‘summer’ itinerary from May through to October so for our November to April version, please see our Sri Lanka World Heritage tour.
Includes: Meals: B x 13, L x 5, High tea x 1, D x 6
of Serendipity’ (April
to Oct)
Itinerary
Here's an idea of what you can expect to do and see day-to-day.
Day 1 - Arrival at Colombo and transfer to the coast
Arrival at Colombo International Airport and transfer to a beachside resort in nearby Negombo Town. Time to unwind before a late afternoon briefing and your first opportunity to sample the justly celebrated Sri Lankan cuisine with a local-style welcome dinner.
Overnight: Negombo Transport: Walk, Meals: D,
Day 2 - Colombo city tour
A short drive to nearby Colombo and a tour of some of the sights of the capital including the excellent National Museum, a look at some of the city’s colonial architecture and a walk through the hectic but fascinating Pettah Bazaar street market. After lunch, we’ll continue south to the historic town of Galle, in the country’s southwest.
Overnight: Unawatuna Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, L,
Day 3 - Galle
Morning at leisure and an afternoon walking tour of UNESCO-listed Galle – a spectacularly sited walled town jutting into the Indian Ocean on a rocky peninsula. We’ll hike along the ramparts of the Old Dutch Fort with some free time in the late afternoon to continue your exploration of the narrow lanes of the old Moorish Quarter at your own pace. (According to the season, an optional, morning whale-watching tour can be organised.)
Overnight: Unawatuna Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, D,
Day 4 - Elephant Rehabilitation Centre and Into the Interior
Departure into the interior for the cool and picturesque Hill Country. On route we’ll stop at the famous Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe – an elephant orphanage and rehabilitation centre – and the scenic Rawana Falls as well as taking a tuk-tuk ride to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge. We continue to the nearby town of Bandarawela for accommodation in a charming, colonial-period hotel.
Overnight: Bandarawela Transport: Minibus, Walk, Tuk Tuk, Meals: B, L, D,
Day 5 - Horton Plains hike
Early start to the Horton Plains National Park for a morning hike to the aptly named World’s End, where the plains drop abruptly 1,000 metres to lush forests below. We’ll also have opportunities to discover the region’s fantastic flora and fauna and take in the beautiful Baker’s Falls, while in the afternoon we’ll continue to Nuwara Eliya for high tea at the colonial-style Grand Hotel.
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, L,
Day 6 - Train journey through the Hill Country
After a stop at the scenic Edinburgh Plantation, we depart by local train on a picturesque ride through the hills to Kandy, capital of the hill country. In the afternoon we’ll take a stroll around Kandy Lake with sunset at the Arthur’s Seat viewpoint before continuing our discovery of Sri Lankan food with dinner at a local-style, Tamil restaurant and overnight accommodation at a prestigious Victorian-era, lakeside hotel.
Overnight: Kandy Transport: Train, Walk, Meals: B, D,
Day 7 - Explore World Heritage Kandy
Tour of the UNESCO-listed town and surrounding area. Our morning programme begins with a ceremony at the World Heritage Temple of the Tooth, followed by a walk through a bustling local market. After lunch at one of the town’s Muslim restaurants, our afternoon programme takes in the fabulous Peradeniya Botanical Gardens as well as a tour of a local tea factory. An optional, traditional dance display can be arranged for the evening
Overnight: Kandy Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, L,
Day 8 - Dambulla and afternoon jeep safari
Time to head north to discover the UNESCO World Heritage site of Dambulla whose cave temples date to the 1st century BCE. On the way, we’ll stop for a guided tour of the region’s famous spice gardens while our afternoon activity consists of a jeep safari to see the famous Elephant Gathering in one of the nearby national parks. (The guide will decide between Minneriya, or Kaudulla parks depending on the movement of elephant herds at the time.)
Overnight: Sigiriya Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B,
Day 9 - Sigirya and Polonnaruwa
Early morning ascent of the rock fortress of Sigiriya built atop a sheer-sided rock outcrop. We’ll take in the amazing Maidens of the Clouds on our way to the summit with its equally amazing views of the surrounding landscape. Time to relax in our resort before taking a rowing boat across a lake for a home-cooked lunch as guests of a local Sinhalese family. Another World Heritage Site is on the afternoon’s menu with a tour of the temples of the ancient capital, Polonnaruwa.
Overnight: Sigiriya Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, L,
Day 10 - North to Trincomalee
Today we’ll travel north to the coastal town and ancient port of Trincomalee. A morning tour will include Koneswaram Temple, China Bay, the old Dutch Fort Frederik, the Maritime and Naval History Museum and the town’s fresh market, before continuing a short distance up the coast for accommodation in a small resort on the Indian Ocean coast.
Overnight: Nilaveli Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, L,
Day 11 - Day at leisure in Nilaveli
A day at leisure in this charming location; laze on the magnificent beach or explore the local area. More adventurous options include whale watching, (sperm and blue whales are regularly sighted off the coast at certain times of the year), a snorkelling trip on the colourful reef around Pigeon Island, or even scuba diving.
Overnight: Nilaveli Transport: Walk, Meals: B,
Day 12 - Mihintale, Anuradhapura and Wilpattu
Morning departure for Mihintale, a revered pilgrimage site considered to be the birthplace of Buddhism on the island. Along with an array of historic temples, the rocky hill offers spectacular views across the surrounding countryside. In the afternoon we’ll continue, via the 2,000-year-old UNESCO-listed site of Anuradhapura, to nearby Wilpattu – Sri Lanka’s largest, yet one of its least visited national parks. Overnight stay in a comfortable tented camp.
Overnight: Wilpattu Camp Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, L, D,
Day 13 - Wilpattu and return to Negombo
Early morning jeep safari in the national park followed by a return drive south to Negombo. Afternoon at leisure for perhaps a last dip in the Indian Ocean or a stroll along Negombo’s picturesque old Dutch-period canals before a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Negombo Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, D,
Details
Further details, background info and answers to your burning questions.
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Highlights
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Map
Departures
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Hotels
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Visa Info & Notes
Just a few of the many highlights
Wonderful and highly varied scenery, national parks and their abundant wildlife, relaxing at the coast, plus 7 of Sri Lanka's 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Tour the picturesque Hill Country - serene landscapes, waterfalls and of course tea plantations!
- Historic Galle - a walled port town perched dramatically on a headland jutting into the Indian Ocean
- Wildlife spotting jeep safaris through Wilpattu National Park and a hike across Horton Plains
- Visit the charming lakeside town of Kandy nestled in the mountains - home to the famous Temple of the Tooth
- Visit the dramatic Sigiriya rock fortress - truly spectacular and another World Heritage Site
- And last but not least, plenty of opportunities to meet the friendly inhabitants and sample the superb local food
Air Departures (UK) *From
- 26 September 26 2,500 GBP
- 29 May 27 2,500 GBP
- 3 July 27 2,500 GBP
- 7 August 27 2,550 GBP
- 11 September 27 2,500 GBP
Land Departures
- 27 September 26 1,795 GBP
- 30 May 27 1,795 GBP
- 4 July 27 1,795 GBP
- 8 August 27 1,845 GBP
- 12 September 27 1,795 GBP
Guaranteed Places Left Special Price Contact Us Closed
*As fares are fluctuating wildly at present all ‘with flight’ prices are approximate.
*Air departures are from the UK. Land departures start from Negombo.
*Land departure dates correspond to the FIRST day of the itinerary.
We choose our hotels based on a combination of location, comfort and convenience. Here is a *selection of the types of hotel/rooms you can expect to stay at on this tour...
Owl and the Pussycat Hotel view
- Beautifully decorated, boutique style resort
- Beachside location in Thalpe, close to Galle Town
- Well-appointed with great in-house bar and restaurant
Earl’s Regent Negombo view
- Beachside resort in Negombo
- Well appointed rooms with excellent facilities
- Great beach-side location, close to Negombo old town
Tartaruga Beach view
- Comfortable, well-appointed resort with beach front location
- Located in Unawatuna Bay a short distance from Galle Town
- Excellent in-house restaurant and well-stocked beach bar
Bandarawela Hotel Sri Lanka view
- Founded in 1893, colonial charm with modern comfort
- Delightful restaurant with garden seating and great food
- Situated in the Hill Country's Bandarawela Town
Single Tree Mount Hotel view
- Low-key hotel with particularly friendly staff
- Small independently run lodge
- Great views over Nuwara Eliya and surrounding hills
Hotel Suisse Kandy view
- A restored, former British governor’s residence
- Wonderful, central, lake-side location in Kandy
- Pool, garden, spa, bar and restaurant
Pigeon Island Resort Nilaveli view
- A cosy and comfortable, low-key beachside resort in Nilaveli
- Situated just north of the old port of Trincomalee
- Options include snorkelling, fishing and whale watching
Safari Camp Wilpattu view
- Comfortable, 'glamping-style', tented accommodation
- Excellent location on the edge of Wilpattu National Park
- Jungle tents with en-suite bathrooms
Claughton Wild Wilpattu view
- Comfortable eco-friendly chalets
- Garden setting and swimming pool
- Convenient location close to the park itself
*This list should be considered a guide only, hotels/rooms may change (without notice) depending on availability.
Visa Info & Notes
Visas: A free visa on arrival is offered to passport holders of most countries. (You can check the list as well as additional details at this Sri Lanka immigration department site, which also features the electronic arrival form which you are required to complete online within 3 days of arrival.)
Passport: Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Cambodia. You may be refused entry if your passport is damaged, in poor condition or does not have at least 2 blank pages remaining.
Tipping: We recommend a kitty system for smaller, daily tips such as hotel/restaurant staff and local drivers and guides but which could also include minor expenses such as group tea/coffee breaks etc. Amounts inevitably vary with group size but would generally be in the region of £25-35 total per person for the 2-week tour. For your driver and guide/tour-leader tips – both of whom will accompany you for the duration of your 2-week tour – we’d recommend approximately $25 per person total for the latter and $20 for the former though of course, this is always discretionary and performance-related. (Local currency or USD are fine.)
Meals: Breakfasts are generally hotel buffets with lunch and dinners based on local food. Typical traditional meals involve fish or chicken curry with a selection of accompanying vegetable dishes and salads. Dishes are usually only mildly spicy and both vegetarians and vegans are very easily catered for. For any other likes and dislikes, please remind your tour leader at the start of the tour. A number of meals are not included, which allows you to ‘do your own thing’ or take a break if you’re feeling ‘riced out’.
Accommodation: all choices fall into the comfortable 3-4* range and are en-suite and air-conditioned. (Our 1-night camping is en-suite but fan only.) We have posted a selection of sample accommodation on the left-hand hotel tab but please note that as we try and avoid the larger hotels, availability, in high season particularly, means we use several options in each destination.
Activities: Note that no activities are compulsory and that any featured on the itinerary can be tailored for various fitness levels or alternatives suggested.
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