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Highlights of Sri Lanka

  • Duration
    16 days
  • Tour Type
    Group Tour
  • Tour Style
    Classic
  • Price From
    £3,765pp
  • Read Reviews
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From stunning scenery to amazing architecture, Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise. Marvel at magnificent temples, see the Rock Fortress at Sigiriya, see elephants at Yala National Park and explore the ruined cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.

  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 14 , Lunches: 13 , Dinners: 14
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    13 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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For advice on where to go, what to do and how to choose your perfect tour, talk to our Travel Experts.

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Tour Highlights

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

Authentic Experiences

Our Highlights of Sri Lanka Tour has been thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

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
    Fly to Colombo
    Days 1-2: Fly to Colombo

    Fly overnight to Colombo. On arrival you will be met by your expert tour guide and transferred to your hotel in the coastal town of Negombo, a short drive from Colombo. The rest of the day is yours to explore.

    • Dinner
  • Day 3
    Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress
    Day 3: Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress

    Journey to Sigiriya and explore the magnificent Lion Rock Fortress, built by King Kasyapa. Later visit the world-renowned Heavenly Maiden frescoes.

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

    Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa, which was the former capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to 12th century and is home to well preserved stupas, frescoes and statues. While here, explore the rock temples at Gal Vihara and the Vatadage, an ancient structure with elaborate stone carvings, before returning to Sigiriya.

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

    Travel to the World Heritage city of Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka's most celebrated ancient cities. Whilst here, visit the Sri Mada Bodhi Bo tree, over 2000 years old; the Ruwanweliseya dagoba and the Samadhi Buddha statue. Visit the Isurumuniya rock temple to visit its rock carvings dating back to the 3rd century BC.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 6
    Spice Gardens & Kandy
    Day 6: Spice Gardens & Kandy

    Travel to the Buddhist city of Kandy visiting the Dambulla Rock Temple, which dates back to the 1st Century BC. Visit a spice garden and witness a cookery demonstration in Matale. Continue to Kandy.

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

    Visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens before continuing to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. We also explore the remains of the Royal Palace which is now the National Museum. Later, witness a cultural dance show with dinner in the evening.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Nuwara Eliya
    Day 8: Nuwara Eliya

    Travel to Nuwara Eliya by train, through the world's most picturesque scenery to the city known as Sri Lanka's little England. On arrival, visit a tea plantation and factory learning all about the manufacturing process, before exploring the town centre as you take in the race course, the interesting history of Hill Club Hotel, Gregory Lake and the Hindu Temple of Seetha Amman Kovil.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 9
    Yala National Park
    Day 10: Yala National Park

    Drive to Yala National Park, home to a large number of elephants, leopards, sambhur, wild buffalo and over 130 bird species. Enroute visit Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, established by the Department of Wildlife Conservation for orphaned elephants.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 10
    Explore Yala National Park
    Day 11: Explore Yala National Park

    Enjoy a morning and evening jeep safari in Yala National Park.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 11
    Hikkaduwa
    Day 12: Ahungalla

    Depart Yala and drive to Hikkaduwa. On the way, stop and visit the Hummanaya Blow Hole, Mulkirigala Rock Temple and Dikwella Wewurukannala Temple. After lunch stop to view the stilt fisherman at Welligama. Upon arrival in Hikkaduwa, check into your hotel for a two night stay.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 12
    Discover Galle
    Day 13: Discover Galle

    Drive to Galle for a tour of the city. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Dutch Fort, Galle Lighthouse and Dutch Reformed Church. Also known as Galle Fort, the Dutch Fort is one of the best preserved examples of 17th Century colonial fortifications in the world. Return to Ahungalla in the evening.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 13
    Colombo
    Day 14: Colombo

    Travel to Colombo, stopping at Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery en route. The hatchery is home to Sri Lanka's pioneering sea turtle conservation project.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 14
    Explore Colombo
    Day 15: Explore Colombo

    Embark on a city tour of Colombo this morning. Explore Fort District, the historic centre of the city. Wander through Pettah Market and visit the Dutch Church of Wolvendhall, dating back to 1749, Kelaniya Buddhist Temple, a major pilgrimage site for Buddhist devotees, and Colombo's finest museums.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 15
    Fly Colombo to UK
    Day 16: Fly Colombo to UK

    Fly to the UK, arriving home later the same day.

    • Breakfast

  • Days 1-2
    Fly to Colombo
    Days 1-2: Fly to Colombo

    Fly overnight to Colombo. On arrival you will be met by your expert tour guide and transferred to your hotel in the coastal town of Negombo, a short drive from Colombo. The rest of the day is yours to explore.

    • Dinner
  • Day 3
    Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress
    Day 3: Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress

    Journey to Sigiriya and explore the magnificent Lion Rock Fortress, built by King Kasyapa. Later visit the world-renowned Heavenly Maiden frescoes.

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

    Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa, which was the former capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to 12th century and is home to well preserved stupas, frescoes and statues. While here, explore the rock temples at Gal Vihara and the Vatadage, an ancient structure with elaborate stone carvings, before returning to Sigiriya.

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

    Travel to the World Heritage city of Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka's most celebrated ancient cities. Whilst here, visit the Sri Mada Bodhi Bo tree, over 2000 years old; the Ruwanweliseya dagoba and the Samadhi Buddha statue. Visit the Isurumuniya rock temple to visit its rock carvings dating back to the 3rd century BC.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 6
    Spice Gardens & Kandy
    Day 6: Spice Gardens & Kandy

    Travel to the Buddhist city of Kandy visiting the Dambulla Rock Temple, which dates back to the 1st Century BC. Visit a spice garden and witness a cookery demonstration in Matale. Continue to Kandy.

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

    Visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens before continuing to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. We also explore the remains of the Royal Palace which is now the National Museum. Later, witness a cultural dance show with dinner in the evening.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Nuwara Eliya
    Day 8: Nuwara Eliya

    Travel to Nuwara Eliya by train, through the world's most picturesque scenery to the city known as Sri Lanka's little England. On arrival you will check-in and relax for the rest of the afternoon.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 9
    City Tour of Nuwara Eliya
    Day 9: City Tour of Nuwara Eliya

    This morning visit a tea plantation and factory learning all about the manufacturing process. Later this afternoon explore the town centre as you take in the race course, the interesting history of Hill Club Hotel, Gregory Lake and the Hindu Temple of Seetha Amman Kovil.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 10
    Yala National Park
    Day 10: Yala National Park

    Drive to Yala National Park, home to a large number of elephants, leopards, sambhur, wild buffalo and over 130 bird species. Enroute visit Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, established by the Department of Wildlife Conservation for orphaned elephants.

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

    Enjoy a morning and evening jeep safari in Yala National Park.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 12
    Ahungalla
    Day 12: Ahungalla

    Depart Yala and drive to Ahungalla. On the way, stop and visit the Hummanaya Blow Hole, Mulkirigala Rock Temple and Dikwella Wewurukannala Temple. After lunch stop to view the stilt fisherman at Welligama. Upon arrival in Ahungalla, check into your hotel for a two night stay.

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

    Drive to Galle for a tour of the city. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Dutch Fort, Galle Lighthouse and Dutch Reformed Church. Also known as Galle Fort, the Dutch Fort is one of the best preserved examples of 17th Century colonial fortifications in the world. Return to Ahungalla in the evening.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 14
    Colombo
    Day 14: Colombo

    Travel to Colombo, stopping at Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery en route. The hatchery is home to Sri Lanka's pioneering sea turtle conservation project.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 15
    Explore Colombo
    Day 15: Explore Colombo

    Embark on a city tour of Colombo this morning. Explore Fort District, the historic centre of the city. Wander through Pettah Market and visit the Dutch Church of Wolvendhall, dating back to 1749, Kelaniya Buddhist Temple, a major pilgrimage site for Buddhist devotees, and Colombo's finest museums.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 16
    Fly Colombo to UK
    Day 16: Fly Colombo to UK

    Fly to the UK, arriving home later the same day.

    • Breakfast

Broadly speaking the best time to visit Sri Lanka for touring is from October to April in the Cultural Triangle and July to August in the north of the country.

City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Colombo
  • 27°c
  • 58mm
  • Galle
  • 26°c
  • 102mm
  • Kandy
  • 22°c
  • 79mm
  • Negombo
  • 26°c
  • 89mm
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 15°c
  • 101mm
  • Sigiriya
  • 24°c
  • 109mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Colombo
  • 27°c
  • 73mm
  • Galle
  • 26°c
  • 86mm
  • Kandy
  • 23°c
  • 74mm
  • Negombo
  • 26°c
  • 69mm
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 15°c
  • 78mm
  • Sigiriya
  • 26°c
  • 87mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Colombo
  • 28°c
  • 128mm
  • Galle
  • 27°c
  • 117mm
  • Kandy
  • 24°c
  • 71mm
  • Negombo
  • 27°c
  • 147mm
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 16°c
  • 72mm
  • Sigiriya
  • 27°c
  • 84mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Colombo
  • 28°c
  • 246mm
  • Galle
  • 28°c
  • 241mm
  • Kandy
  • 25°c
  • 188mm
  • Negombo
  • 28°c
  • 231mm
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 17°c
  • 158mm
  • Sigiriya
  • 28°c
  • 169mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Colombo
  • 28°c
  • 392mm
  • Galle
  • 28°c
  • 297mm
  • Kandy
  • 24°c
  • 144mm
  • Negombo
  • 28°c
  • 371mm
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 17°c
  • 176mm
  • Sigiriya
  • 28°c
  • 97mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Colombo
  • 28°c
  • 185mm
  • Galle
  • 26°c
  • 206mm
  • Kandy
  • 24°c
  • 132mm
  • Negombo
  • 27°c
  • 224mm
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 16°c
  • 172mm
  • Sigiriya
  • 28°c
  • 55mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Colombo
  • 28°c
  • 122mm
  • Galle
  • 26°c
  • 165mm
  • Kandy
  • 24°c
  • 128mm
  • Negombo
  • 27°c
  • 135mm
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 16°c
  • 165mm
  • Sigiriya
  • 27°c
  • 70mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Colombo
  • 28°c
  • 120mm
  • Galle
  • 26°c
  • 155mm
  • Kandy
  • 24°c
  • 113mm
  • Negombo
  • 27°c
  • 109mm
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 16°c
  • 161mm
  • Sigiriya
  • 27°c
  • 71mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Colombo
  • 28°c
  • 245mm
  • Galle
  • 26°c
  • 213mm
  • Kandy
  • 24°c
  • 155mm
  • Negombo
  • 27°c
  • 160mm
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 16°c
  • 179mm
  • Sigiriya
  • 27°c
  • 99mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Colombo
  • 27°c
  • 365mm
  • Galle
  • 26°c
  • 340mm
  • Kandy
  • 24°c
  • 264mm
  • Negombo
  • 26°c
  • 348mm
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 16°c
  • 227mm
  • Sigiriya
  • 26°c
  • 267mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Colombo
  • 27°c
  • 414mm
  • Galle
  • 26°c
  • 302mm
  • Kandy
  • 23°c
  • 296mm
  • Negombo
  • 26°c
  • 315mm
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 16°c
  • 222mm
  • Sigiriya
  • 26°c
  • 298mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Colombo
  • 27°c
  • 175mm
  • Galle
  • 26°c
  • 178mm
  • Kandy
  • 22°c
  • 196mm
  • Negombo
  • 26°c
  • 147mm
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 15°c
  • 196mm
  • Sigiriya
  • 24°c
  • 258mm
+ -
Highlights of Sri Lanka map

Places Visited: UK - Negombo (1N) - Sigiriya (3N) - Kandy (2N) - Nuwara Eliya (2N) - Yala National Park (2N) - Galle (2N) - Colombo (2N) - UK

Download itinerary 2023 - March 2024 Download itinerary April 2024

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.

Offers
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Autumn Sale

Save up to £500 per person on 2024 tours worldwide.

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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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Extensions and Stopovers

Extend your holiday or break up your journey with one of our extensions and stopovers. Choose from city breaks or some beach time, or spend more time in your chosen destination.

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Call us on 0800 1445 282 to book this tour