Tour Package for Sri Lanka: A Long Yet Classic Sri Lanka Tour

Day 1: Colombo

Today your Sri Lanka journey begins as you board your international flight to Colombo.

On reaching Colombo, you’ll meet your private guide who’ll drive you to your hotel located just outside of Colombo. Depending on the time of your flight, you may have some time to relax after check-in. Your hotel has an amazing pool area, as well as an interesting local temple just a short walk away.

Day 2: Sigiriya

This morning, you’ll be driven into the cultural center of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya, where blooming medieval cities once existed and Sinhalese Kings used to rule the lands. Upon arrival, relax and enjoy the splendid views on your drive up with your guide which will take about 4 hours. There are a number of tiny villages to see en route - you might like to stop to sample a street-side snack.

Day 3: Sigiriya

Today, you’ll visit Sigiriya Rock accompanied by your guide early in the morning so as to avoid the crowds and the heat. On reaching the top of Sigiriya, spend time taking in the intoxicating vistas which go on for miles and contemplate the medieval ruins where an ancient civilization once lived. Make sure to bring water with you as once you begin your walk up, it is difficult to find a vendor who sells it. In the afternoon, continue your journey to the medieval city of Polonnaruwa - a captivating scattering of temples and palaces where a flourishing community once lived more than 800 years ago. With much of the site in ruins, your guide will narrate the significance of certain temples and buildings, thus giving you an idea of the collective history and significance of the site.

Day 4: Sigiriya

This morning is free for you to relax at leisure. Your hotel has an amazing pool area with views of the scrubland beyond. In the afternoon, relish a private evening safari to witness herds of wild elephants and if weather permits, you will get to see a beautiful sunset. This surely is going to be the highlight of your trip. Note that in Sri Lanka, there are no restrictions on the number of jeeps entering the National Park and so this can sometimes feel quite busy.

Day 5: Kandy

Today, you’ll be driven for about 3 hours to the city of Kandy. En route, stop by the striking Dambulla Caves that contain hundreds of relics of Buddha statues. You can reach here by climbing a long staircase that is cut into the rock. In case you feel like the climb might be unsuitable, your guide will assist you with an alternative cave temple with fewer steps.

Day 6: Kandy

This morning, you’ll meet your private guide who’ll take you to the wonderful Botanical Gardens. Spend your time meandering around and soaking up the vast variety of plant life. Later, visit the Temple of the Tooth. This astonishing Buddhist Temple is where the relic of Buddha's Tooth is kept. Note that it can get quite busy during the evening ceremony. If you wish to see it at a quieter time, do let your guide know that in advance.

Day 7: Nuwara Eliya

Today, you’ll reach the station early morning to catch your train to Nuwara Eliya. The incredibly picturesque journey through the central hills takes around four and a half hours. Your guide will meet you at your final stop and take you to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit a local tea factory and learn all about the process of tea making.

Day 8: Nuwara Eliya

Enjoy an 8 km walk in Horton Plains National Park accompanied by your guide today. In case the weather allows, you might also snatch a glance of Adam's Peak. Starting off early for the walk is suggested so as to avoid the heat of the midday sun. The afternoon is entirely yours to relax.

Day 9: Yala National Park

You will make your way east today to the Yala National Park. This is going to be a long yet incredibly picturesque journey. Your guide will suggest places to stop en route including some beautiful tea houses and spectacular waterfalls. With many stops, the drive will take almost your entire day, thus arriving into Yala at your hotel in time for dinner.

Day 10: Yala National Park

Enjoy a private morning today and afternoon jeep safari. Hopefully, you will get to witness a range of wildlife, including the elusive leopard. With numerous water holes, you’ll get to spot a variety of bird life too. In between your safaris, you might like to try out the hotel's pool or soak in the view from the hotel's viewing tower.

Day 11: Galle

Today, you’ll be driven around the south coast towards Galle. Depending on the traffic on the picturesque coastal road, this drive will take 3 to 4 hours. You might spot the iconic stilt fishermen plying their trade in the surf.

Day 12: Galle

Your local guide this morning will show you around the colonial heart of Galle and you'll have enough time to walk the rampart walls and relish the views. There are a few tiny museums that you might like to visit as well as a number of impressive Dutch churches.

Day 13: Galle

Today is completely free for you to simply relax on the beach or enjoy the facilities offered by your hotel. The spa offers a selection of treatments that are inspired by Sri Lankan herbs and essential oils, or you can also try out a private yoga class on the beach.

Day 14: Galle

Another free day to relax and simply explore the area on your own. In the evening, embark on a local tuk-tuk into Galle Fort to sample one of the local restaurants for dinner. The fort is lit up at night and a number of small boutiques stay open in the evening.

Day 15: Maldive Island

Today morning, you'll be picked up and transferred to the airport for your flight to the Maldives. Depending on the traffic, the drive usually takes 2 to 3 hours. Your guide will make sure you reach the airport in plenty of time. Upon arrival in the Maldives, you're greeted by another guide at the airport before you catch a short 25-minute speedboat to your island.

Day 16: Maldive Island

Today you have an entirely free day to relax or explore the island at your own pace. With gorgeously clear water you can take a guided snorkeling trip or book a diving lesson at the marine center.

Day 17: Maldive Island

Another free day to enjoy the island. Visit the GLIDE Water Sports Centre which offers a variety of equipment such as catamarans, kayaks, and windsurfing.

Day 18: Maldive Island

Free day to simply relax or explore the clear Maldivian waters around the island.

Day 19: Maldive Island

Enjoy your last day in Sri Lanka before you head back home. In order to make your stay special, consider booking a private dinner on the beach, or cocktails on a private sunset cruise. It’s definitely worth it!

Day 20: Departure Back Home

Today morning, you will be picked up by speedboat and transferred to the international airport for your onward flight back home.