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Christmas in Sri Lanka

  • Duration
    16 days
  • Tour Type
    Group Tour
  • Tour Style
    Classic
  • Price From
    £4,690pp
  • Read Reviews
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Marvel at magnificent temples, see the World Heritage Rock Fortress at Sigiriya, search for elephants and other wild animals at Yala National Park, discover the fascinating caves at Dambulla and explore the ruined cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.

Spend Christmas Day in Sri Lanka's gorgeous tea country, Nuwara Eliya, where you'll take part in an exclusive tea plantation experience wearing a traditional, handmade silk saree dress which you'll get to take home as a memento. After a delicious Christmas lunch, you'll head to the colonial era Grand Hotel for High Tea in their beautiful gardens - the perfect way to spend Christmas Day.

  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 14 , Lunches: 13 , Dinners: 14
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    14 nights in 3+/4 star accommodation
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 28
  • Physical Rating 2Learn More
    X A reasonable level of fitness is required, as you'll be spending time on your feet and doing a bit of walking to cover short distances during your daily sightseeing. There will also be some climbing of steps and climbing on and off of coaches and boats. Download the detailed tour dossier for details of your chosen tour. Learn More
    Walking, some steps and extended time on your feet.
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Tour Highlights

Our Christmas in Sri Lanka tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.

Tour Experiences

Tour Itinerary

This tour is suitable for those who have a reasonable amount of time to travel and are interested in seeing the main cities and scenic areas of Sri Lanka. This tour incorporates travelling on land throughout which will give you beautiful scenes of the Sri Lankan countryside.

  • Days 1-2
    Arrive Colombo
    Days 1-2: Arrive Colombo

    On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where you have the day at leisure to settle-in, relax and enjoy your surroundings.

    • Dinner
  • Day 3
    Sigiriya
    Day 3: Sigiriya

    After breakfast you will travel to Dambulla, visiting Sigiriya rock fortress late this afternoon. This impressive rock, the landmark of Sri Lanka, is thought of as the eighth wonder of the world, amongst the locals. Enjoy magnificent views, rock decorated in colourful frescos and beautiful gardens when you summit.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 4
    Polonnaruwa
    Day 4: Polonnaruwa

    Today you visit Hiriwaduna for a local village experience, from a catamaran ride on the lake, a tuk tuk trip to a local home, learning to prepare an authentic dish. Next is Polonnaruwa an ancient city, where the impressive stone culture recalls an inspired past.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 5
    Anuradhapura
    Day 5: Anuradhapura

    Set off for Anuradhapura, exploring this magnificent ancient city on foot. Visit the massive Buddhist shrines, splendid palaces, parks and pavilions of this sacred city, dating back to the 5th century BC.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 6
    Dambulla
    Day 6: Dambulla

    This morning you will be taken to visit the most popular religious cultural site, Dambulla Cave Temple. En-route to Kandy stop at the spice garden in Matale, boasting incredible views of the Aluvihare Mountains. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic followed by an amazing cultural dance show in the evening.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 7
    Kandy
    Day 7: Kandy

    After breakfast take a boat ride on Kandy Lake, giving you breathtaking views of the picturesque city, and from where you can observe a variety of bird species such as the Indian cormorants, wood storks and pelicans. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your hotel before heading out this evening for a walk in Udawattekele rainforest.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Christmas Eve - Nuwara Eliya
    Day 8: Christmas Eve - Nuwara Eliya

    Today after breakfast you will be taken to Nuwara Eliya by train, travelling along what is known as one of the most picturesque journeys in the world. Travel through tea plantations, lush forests as you ascend into the mist of the hillside. Relax in the afternoon before the Christmas Eve festivities begin.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 9
    Christmas Day - Nuwara Eliya
    Day 9: Christmas Day - Nuwara Eliya

    Merry Christmas! Start the day with a visit to a tea plantation dressed in handmade, traditional silk sarees amongst the locals. Return to the hotel for the Christmas celebrations with a scrumptious Christmas lunch and lots of celebrations, followed later with High Tea in the beautiful gardens of the Grand Hotel, the perfect way to end off this magical Christmas Day.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 10
    Udawalawe
    Day 10: Udawalawe

    After breakfast proceed to Yala, with a stop at Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home before participate in the process of curd making. Though buffalo curd is a quintessential favourite in the Sri Lankan pantry, its arduous journey, from teat to table, is often unheeded. Enjoy a fresh sip of milk after trying your hand milking a buffalo and end this experience by relishing a fresh pot of curd sweetened with treacle.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 11
    Yala National Park
    Day 11: Yala National Park

    Early morning, and later this afternoon, you will be taken for a jeep safari at Yala National park, where you will embark on an adventure safari through the park.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 12
    Hikkaduwa
    Day 12: Hikkaduwa

    Heading towards Hikkaduwa, you visit a cinnamon plantation, Learn all there is to know about the uses and benefits of cinnamon, before enjoying the breathe-taking view, and the chance to try your hand with the tools of the trade in an Ambalama.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 13
    Galle Fort
    Day 13: Galle Fort

    After breakfast you will be visiting Galle Fort, set on the peninsula within the walled remains of a fortress. Walk to the lighthouse on its perimeter and visit the Old Dutch Church with its tombstone covered floor before a stroll along the Rampart.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 14
    Kosgoda Turtle Sanctuary
    Day 14: Kosgoda Turtle Sanctuary

    A visit to the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery is a must. Witness the exceptional sight of the eggs hatching or the turtles being returned to the sea, moving towards the water as they flap their tiny flippers.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 15
    Travel to Colombo
    Day 15: Travel to Colombo

    After breakfast return to Colombo for a tour around this amazing city. Enjoy the celebrations of New Year's Eve with a dinner at the hotel.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 16
    Depart Colombo
    Day 16: Depart Colombo

    Any time before your flight is free to further explore the vibrant city of Colombo independently. Later, transfer to the airport to board your onward flight home.

    • Breakfast

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

  • Nights 2
    Cinnamon Lakeside
    Cinnamon Lakeside
    Overlooking the tranquil Beira Lake, the 4* Cinnamon Lakeside hotel offers modern rooms with a blend of equipped with a safety deposit box, complimentary toiletries, minibar and coffee/ tea making facilities. Enjoy the wide range of hotel amenities at your leisure, whether it be the hotel swimming pool, tennis and squash courts or gym.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Swiming Pool
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
    • Bar
  • Nights 3
    Jetwing Lakeside
    Wijaya Kumaratunga Mawatha Yapagama
    Jetwing Lakeside
    The 4* Jetwing Lakeside in Dambulla, where modernity and history meet, offers guests the perfect accommodation surrounded by lush greenery and completed with a panoramic balcony. Each rooms also offers air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and minibar. Hotel facilities include a Suwa Arana Spa, swimming pool as well as a gym.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Swiming Pool
    • Restaurant
    • Bar
  • Nights 2
    Cinnamon Citadel
    Srimath Kudarathwatta Mawatha
    Cinnamon Citadel
    Located just a short drive from the centre of Kandy and its famous sights, such as the Temple of the Tooth and the botanical gardens, the 4* Cinnamon Citadel hotel is the perfect place to escape after an adventure filled day. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi and minibar, where guests will be able to enjoy views of the gardens of river. Hotel facilities include a lounge bar, café and panoramic restaurant.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Swiming Pool
    • Restaurant
    • Bar
  • Nights 2
    Jetwing St. Andrew's
    10 St Andrew's Road
    Jetwing St. Andrew's
    Nestled in the midst of the lush green hills of Nuwara Eliya, the 4* Jetwing St. Andrew's hotel is a beautiful location rich in history and charm. Each room is equipped with heating, television and tea/ coffee making facilities. Leisure time can be spent enjoying a round of golf or two at the nearby Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, or delighting in the extensive menu available at one of the many eateries available.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Swiming Pool
    • Restaurant
    • Bar
  • Nights 2
    Cinnamon Wild
    Cinnamon Wild
    Located in the heart of the jungle, the 4* Cinnamon Wild Resort is an extension of the Yala National Park and proudly boasts minimalistic interiors furnished with old vintage furniture. Enjoy a bird's eye view of the wilderness beneath you at the resort's rooftop bar all before delighting at a buffet restaurant.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Swiming Pool
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
    • Bar
  • Nights 3
    Hikka Tranz
    Hikka Tranz
    Located on the Southern shoreline of Sri Lanka, 4* Hikka Tranz offers true Southern Sri Lankan hospitality where guests can stay in spacious rooms and enjoy views of the Golden Belt of the South Coast. Each room also has air conditioning, a minibar and complimentary tea and coffee making facilities. The resort also houses a pool bar, serving delicious snacks and beverages as well as a 24-hour restaurant offering a delightful buffet experience.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Swiming Pool
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
    • Bar
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Colombo
  • 27°c
  • 58mm
  • Kandy
  • 22°c
  • 79mm
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 15°c
  • 101mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Colombo
  • 27°c
  • 73mm
  • Kandy
  • 23°c
  • 74mm
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 15°c
  • 78mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Colombo
  • 28°c
  • 128mm
  • Kandy
  • 24°c
  • 71mm
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 16°c
  • 72mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Colombo
  • 28°c
  • 246mm
  • Kandy
  • 25°c
  • 188mm
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 17°c
  • 158mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Colombo
  • 28°c
  • 392mm
  • Kandy
  • 24°c
  • 144mm
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 17°c
  • 176mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Colombo
  • 28°c
  • 185mm
  • Kandy
  • 24°c
  • 132mm
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 16°c
  • 172mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Colombo
  • 28°c
  • 122mm
  • Kandy
  • 24°c
  • 128mm
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 16°c
  • 165mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Colombo
  • 28°c
  • 120mm
  • Kandy
  • 24°c
  • 113mm
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 16°c
  • 161mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Colombo
  • 28°c
  • 245mm
  • Kandy
  • 24°c
  • 155mm
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 16°c
  • 179mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Colombo
  • 27°c
  • 365mm
  • Kandy
  • 24°c
  • 264mm
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 16°c
  • 227mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Colombo
  • 27°c
  • 414mm
  • Kandy
  • 23°c
  • 296mm
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 16°c
  • 222mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Colombo
  • 27°c
  • 175mm
  • Kandy
  • 22°c
  • 196mm
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 15°c
  • 196mm
+ -
Christmas in Sri Lanka map

Places Visited: UK - Colombo (1N) - Dambulla (3N) - Kandy (2N) - Nuwara Eliya (2N) - Yala National Park (2N) - Hikkaduwa (3N) - Colombo (1N) - UK

Download Detailed Itinerary

Tour Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Tour would be more ideal. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.

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Depart UK
Return Date
Price
Offer
Booking Options

Departures for Solo travellers only are available for this tour on selected dates.
In addition to being for solos only these departures feature smaller group sizes, free airport lounge access and complimentary cocktails on arrival.

Depart UK
Return Date
Price
Offer
Booking Options

There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.

Group Tour includes

Additional Price Information

What our Customers Say

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