Your Gateway to Sri Lanka's Hidden Treasures
Discover Sri Lanka

Discover Sri Lanka

Back to Culture and Heritage Tours

Tour Overview

Suitable for: Couples, Families and Groups

Discover Sri Lanka is a thoughtfully curated journey that takes you through the island’s ancient cities, sacred temples, scenic hill country, lush landscapes, wildlife safaris, colonial towns, and tranquil coastlines. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites and iconic train journeys to village experiences and coastal relaxation, this tour offers a rich and authentic introduction to the true essence of Sri Lanka. This tour is suitable for travel throughout the year, offering rewarding experiences in every season.

Tour Theme

🏛️ Cultural Heritage
🏺 Ancient Cities
🛕 Sacred Temples
🐘 Wildlife Safaris
🌿 Nature Exploration
🌄 Hill-Country Landscapes
🚆 Scenic Train Journeys
💧 Waterfalls
🏖️ Coastal Beauty
🌾 Village Life
🗺️ Colonial Towns
📸 Iconic Landscapes

Number of Cities12

Negombo, Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Matale, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Tissamaharama, Galle, Colombo

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your booked hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing on the beach after your long flight and enjoying the calming coastal atmosphere. In the evening, witness a beautiful sunset over the Indian Ocean, creating the perfect start to your Sri Lankan journey. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Activities

Airport pick up, Beach stay at Negombo

Negombo highlight 1
Negombo highlight 2
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Bed & Breakfast

Route

Colombo International Airport > Negombo

Drive

20 minutes

After breakfast, proceed on a city tour of Negombo, including a visit to the vibrant fish market, where you can observe the daily catch brought in by local fishermen. Continue with a relaxing boat ride on the Negombo Lagoon, surrounded by mangroves and traditional fishing villages. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk along Negombo Beach, taking in the coastal atmosphere and sunset views. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Negombo.

Activities

Negombo city tour, Fish market, Boat trip

Negombo highlight 1
Negombo highlight 2
Negombo highlight 3
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Bed & Breakfast

Route

Negombo

Drive

After breakfast, depart for Anuradhapura via Kurunegala, with a stop to visit the Selyn Handloom Factory, renowned for its vibrant, ethically produced handloom textiles that reflect Sri Lanka’s rich craft heritage. Continue to Anuradhapura and check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, embark on a guided exploration of this ancient capital city, dating back over 2,500 years and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit sacred and historic landmarks including the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the serene Samadhi Buddha Statue, Isurumuniya Temple, and the magnificent Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, each deeply rooted in spiritual and historical significance. Admire Anuradhapura’s remarkable ancient irrigation system, featuring vast stone reservoirs and canals that showcase the extraordinary engineering brilliance of early civilizations. Return to the hotel in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Activities

Selyn Handloom Factory, Sightseeing at Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura highlight 1
Anuradhapura highlight 2
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Half Board

Route

Negombo > Kurunegala > Anuradhapura

Drive

04 hours

After an early breakfast at 08:00 hrs, depart for Aukana, an ancient Buddhist site renowned for its magnificent towering stone Buddha statue, a masterpiece of ancient Sri Lankan sculpture. Thereafter, continue the journey to Sigiriya. Upon arrival, enjoy an authentic village experience, featuring a bullock cart ride, canoe ride, a traditional cooking demonstration, and a delicious Sri Lankan village-style lunch, offering a glimpse into rural life and local traditions. After lunch, check in to your booked hotel. In the evening, climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take in breathtaking panoramic views from the summit. Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Activities

Aukana Buddha's Statue, Village tour, Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sigiriya highlight 1
Sigiriya highlight 2
Sigiriya highlight 3
Sigiriya highlight 4
Sigiriya highlight 5
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Half Board

Route

Anuradhapura > Aukana > Sigiriya

Drive

03 hours

Early morning at 05:15 hrs, set out to climb Pidurangala Rock Temple to witness a spectacular sunrise over the surrounding plains. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Thereafter, enjoy time at leisure, relaxing by the swimming pool or opting for a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage (optional). In the afternoon, proceed to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the second ancient capital of Sri Lanka, to explore its well-preserved ruins and archaeological highlights. Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Sigiriya.

Activities

Pidurangala Rock Temple, Ayurvedic massage, Sightseeing at Polonnaruwa

Sigiriya highlight 1
Sigiriya highlight 2
Sigiriya highlight 3
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Half Board

Route

Sigiriya > Polonnaruwa > Sigiriya

Drive

02 hours

After breakfast, begin a scenic journey to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital. En-route, explore the magnificent Dambulla Golden Rock Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient cave paintings and Buddha statues. Continue to Matale, where you will visit a fragrant Spice Garden to learn about Sri Lanka’s world-famous spices, followed by a visit to a Hindu Temple reflecting the island’s rich spiritual diversity. Upon arrival in Kandy, check in to your hotel and relax. In the evening, visit the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) to witness the revered evening ceremony, a deeply spiritual and memorable experience. Conclude the day with a vibrant Kandyan cultural dance performance, showcasing traditional music and dance forms of Sri Lanka. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel in Kandy.

Activities

Dambulla Cave Temple, Spice Garden, Matale Hindu Temple, Temple of the Tooth Relic, Cultural Dance Show

Kandy highlight 1
Kandy highlight 2
Kandy highlight 3
Kandy highlight 4
Kandy highlight 5
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Half Board

Route

Sigiriya > Dambulla > Kandy

Drive

02 hours

After an early breakfast at 08:00 hrs, proceed to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can observe the gentle giants up close and learn about their daily care and conservation efforts. Following the visit, stop at an Elephant Dung Paper Factory, a unique initiative where handcrafted recycled paper products are made from elephant dung, showcasing innovative and sustainable practices. Thereafter, return to Kandy and visit the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, renowned for its lush landscapes and diverse collection of tropical plants. Conclude the afternoon with a shopping tour in Kandy, exploring local markets and souvenir shops, before returning to your booked hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Activities

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Elephant Dung Paper Factory, Royal Botanical Garden, Kandy shopping

Kandy highlight 1
Kandy highlight 2
Kandy highlight 3
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Half Board

Route

Kandy > Pinnawala > Kandy

Drive

02 hours

After breakfast, depart for Nuwara Eliya, with visits to a tea factory and scenic tea plantations en route, where you can learn about the production of world-famous Ceylon tea while enjoying picturesque hill-country views. Often referred to as “Little England,” Nuwara Eliya was developed during the British colonial era as a cool hill-station retreat. Its charming colonial architecture, manicured gardens, and pleasant climate reflect this heritage. Upon arrival, check in to your booked hotel. In the evening, enjoy a city tour of Nuwara Eliya, including a visit to the local marketplace, and admire the town’s colonial-era buildings and scenic surroundings. Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Activities

Tea Factory, Tea Plantation, Nuwara Eliya marketplace and city tour

Nuwara Eliya highlight 1
Nuwara Eliya highlight 2
Nuwara Eliya highlight 3
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Half Board

Route

Kandy > Nuwara Eliya

Drive

02 hours

After breakfast, transfer to Nanu Oya Railway Station to board the train to Ella, embarking on one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic rail journeys. Upon arrival at Ella Railway Station, you will be met by your driver for the onward transfer. This iconic hill-country train ride winds through misty mountains, lush tea plantations, eucalyptus forests, deep valleys, and mountain tunnels, offering breathtaking views along the way, including glimpses of the famous Nine Arch Bridge. Upon arrival in Ella, check in to your booked hotel and enjoy an overnight stay.

Activities

Train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella

Ella highlight 1
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Half Board

Route

Nuwara Eliya > Ella

Drive

03 hours

Begin the day early at 05:15 hrs with a climb to Little Adam’s Peak, where you can witness a breathtaking sunrise over rolling hills and lush tea plantations. Return to the hotel for breakfast, then depart for Tissamaharama, stopping en route to admire the scenic Ravana Ella Falls. Upon arrival in Tissamaharama, check in to your booked hotel. In the afternoon, set out on an exciting jeep safari in Yala National Park, renowned for its rich wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and a wide variety of bird species. Return to the hotel in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Activities

Little Adam's Peak, Ravana Ella Falls, Yala National Park

Tissamaharama highlight 1
Tissamaharama highlight 2
Tissamaharama highlight 3
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Half Board

Route

Ella > Tissamaharama

Drive

03 hours

After breakfast, depart for Galle and check in to your booked hotel upon arrival. In the afternoon, explore the historic Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy a leisurely free walk through the city, discovering the charm of Galle, Sri Lanka’s third-largest commercial city, known for its colonial architecture, cobbled streets, boutique shops, and vibrant local life. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Activities

Galle Dutch Fort

Galle highlight 1
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Bed & Breakfast

Route

Tissamaharama > Galle

Drive

03 hours

After breakfast, depart for Colombo International Airport. En-route, visit a Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda, where conservation efforts to protect endangered sea turtles can be observed. Continue with a brief city tour of Colombo, taking in some of the city’s key highlights that reflect its vibrant blend of modern life and colonial heritage. Thereafter, proceed to the airport to board your departure flight, concluding your Sri Lankan journey with unforgettable memories of this beautiful island.

Activities

Turtle Hatchery, Highlights of Colombo City, Departure Transfer

Departure highlight 1
Departure highlight 2
Departure highlight 3
Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast

Route

Galle > Colombo > Colombo International Airport

Drive

03 hours

What's Included

  • Airport pick up and drop off
  • Accommodation in 2 to 3 star hotels on given meal plan basis
  • Tour guide
  • Tour guide fee, food and lodging
  • A/C transportation
  • Fuel
  • Highway entrance tickets
  • Train tickets from Ella to Nanu Oya
  • Jeep hire charges to Udawalawa National Park
  • Village tour in Sigiriya

What Travelers Say

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Ms. Sara Apolloni and father, Mr. Roberto

Ms. Sara Apolloni and father, Mr. Roberto

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Family13 daysMarch 2026
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Starting from

USD 1775

per person

on double sharing basis

* Prices vary based on travel dates, hotel category, and group size

Duration
12 Days / 11 Nights
Group Size
2 pax and above
Rating
4.5/5

100% customisable

Contact Us

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