Explore Colombo, Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and largest city. Its array of Buddhist and Hindu temples, mosques, and churches reflect the beliefs practiced throughout the island and the beautiful facades of the old colonial buildings contrast with modern shopping arcades. Also visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, founded to protect the jungle’s many injured and orphaned elephants. Watch an entire herd make its way through the town for bath time in the Maha Oya River. Then journey through rural villages in Habarana and admire the frescoes as you climb the famous Rock Fortress in Sigiriya. Witness prayer offerings at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, go whitewater rafting on the Kelani River and see Asian elephants and Sri Lankan leopards on game drives in Udawalawe and Yala National Parks.
Language
Sinhala, Tamil
Time Zone
GMT+5:30
Currency
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Average Temp
78° F
Sri Lanka Expedition
Smiling Land of Serendipity
Inspire Your Expedition with Our Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – COLOMBO, SRI LANKA
Arrive in Colombo
Private transfer to hotel
Private afternoon tour:
- Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple
- 18th century Wolfendhal Dutch Church
- Old Parliament complex
- Bandaranaike International Memorial Hall
- Nelum Pokuna Theater
- Viharamahadevi Park
- Independence Square
- National Museum
- Pettah Bazaar
- Galle Face Green
Accommodations: Taj Samudra
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 2 – COLOMBO / PINNAWALA / HABARANA
Private transfer to Pinnawala:
- Elephant Orphanage & Breeding ground
- Hiriwadunna Village & Lake
Traditional Sri Lankan lunch
Accommodations: Cinnamon Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – HABARANA – ANURADHAPURA – MIHINTALE – HABARANA
Private full-day tour:
- Anuradhapura – Sri Lanka’s Sinhalese Capital
UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Mihintale – birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
Accommodations: Cinnamon Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – HABARANA – SIGIRIYA – POLONNARUWA – HABARANA
Full-day private tour:
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Polonnaruwa – royal ancient city & second capital
- Gal Viharay or “Rock Temple”
Accommodations: Cinnamon Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – DAMBULLA / MATALE / KANDY
Full-day private tour:
- Dambulla cave complex & Rock Temple
- Matale Spice Garden
- Kandy Temple of the Sacred Tooth
Accommodations: Cinnamon Citadel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – KANDY
Full-day private tour:
- Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya
- Victoria Golf Club
- Gem & Lapidary Lab
- Evening Cultural Dance performance
Accommodations: Cinnamon Citadel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 – KANDY / KITULGALA / NUWARA ELIYA
Kitulgala Whitewater rafting on Kelani River
Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantation & Factory
Accommodations: Grand Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 – NUWARA ELIYA / UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK
Afternoon Game drive
Accommodations: Cinnamon Wild
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 – YALA NATIONAL PARK
Morning & afternoon Game drives
Accommodations: Cinnamon Wild
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 – YALA / TANGALLE
Private transfer – day at leaisure
Accommodations: Rana 212
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 – TANGALLE / MIRISSA / GALLE
Mirissa Harbor Whale & Dolphin watching by boat
Accommodations: Tamarind Hill
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12 – GALLE
Full-day private tour:
- The Fortress
- Galle Fort – Maritime Museum, Old Dutch Reformed Church, Sun & Moon Bastions, Lighthouse
- Stilt Fishermen
Accommodations: Tamarind Hill
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13 – GALLE / HOMEWARD BOUND
Private transfer to airport for flight home
Meals: Breakfast
Starting at $3,650 per person
(two travelers, double occupancy, airfare not included)
Itineraries are customized to travelers’ interests and preferences.
Final prices will vary based on dates of travel and number of travelers.
The words “Thank You” simply cannot convey the perfection of each day and night. Each hotel was better than the last, with amazing amenities, fantastic locations and delightful staff. Italy is a beautiful country already, and somehow you made it even better!
Anne H.
Charlotte, NC
When to go:
Year-round (best times are from December to April)
What to eat:
Fish ambul thiyal (sour fish curry), Hoppers (pancakes), Kukul mas curry (chicken curry)
What to pack:
Conservative clothing, light jacket or sweater; shawl or scarf; swimwear, comfortable walking shoes; sunscreen, sunglasses, hat; insect repellent; camera equipment; universal adapter
