Classic Tour of Sri Lanka

The tour entails the best of Sri Lanka in its true essence. From Colombo, the commercial capital to the blue green beaches in the South West Coast and the lush green tea plantations in the Central Hills, you will definitely have the holiday of your life! Kandy – the hill capital, along with the ancient cities of Dambulla and Sigiriya, brings about the richness of culture and history in this small island. There is also a plenty of wildlife and nature included which makes this ‘Classic Tour’ a complete package, not to be missed.

13 Nights 14 Days

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Where Sri Lankan Civilization Began

The Cultural Triangle – Dambulla & Sigiriya
The splendour of Ancient Sri Lanka can be imagined from the ruins and remains of Stupas, hidden monasteries, the vast palaces and fortresses, and the hundreds of man-made lakes that are scattered around.
You will climb the magnificent rock edifice of Sigiriya
Experience a wild elephant jeep safari at the Minneriya National Park

Kandy

Center of Buddhist Culture
The age old and picturesque city which was also the last capital of Sri Lanka’s Royal Kings beautifully set in a depression encompassed by towering forested hills. It is noted to be one of the most beautiful cities in Asia and is the epitome of Buddhist culture.
The extensive Peradeniya Botanical Garden and its amazing collection of orchids at the Orchid Houses
The delightful Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the enigmatic Cultural Dance Show
A cooking demonstration at the Spice Gardens

The Hill Country

The very picturesque train Journey through misty and cloud covered Hill Country
Lush tea carpeted hills and picturesque views
Nuwara Eliya is a quaint old colonial town with Tudor housing from the fading era of the British.
Visit a tea factory to learn what makes Ceylon Tea world famous
Experience a stay at a Colonial Bungalow in a tea estate
Explore the eerie and silent Horton Plains National Park on foot

The South West Coast

Beautiful Beach Resorts, Lagoons and Tropical Beaches
Choose between beach Resorts in Wadduwa, Kalutara, Bentota, Beruwala, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Mirissa or Weligama
Beautiful green and blue seas, sandy beaches, and the gently swaying coconut trees make the South Coast an ideal destination for those who wish to have an idyllic and relaxing holiday in a tropical atmosphere.
The Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery
Explore the Dutch period town within the ramparts of the Galle Fort
Choose between the amazing and happening beaches of Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna and Mirissa
Depart on whale watching expeditions at Mirissa or Galle
Explore the Madu Ganga on a Boat

Highlights

What’s included

Private tour in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking Chauffeur Guide
All entry fees for places of interest as described in itinerary.
Jeep hires at national parks.
Meal plan as stated.
Train tickets from Nanu Oya to Ella. (strictly subjected to availability).

DAY 01

Arrival - Colombo

Upon arrival in the beautiful island of Sri Lanka, you will be met by our George Steuart Chauffeur Guide and will be transferred to Colombo. Upon arrival in Colombo, check in to the hotel and relax.

Being the business capital of the country, Colombo is the ideal location to relax upon arriving in Sri Lanka. Afterwards, engage in a city tour in Colombo to witness a grand collaboration of colonial and modern architecture which makes the city an interesting attraction. You will also have the opportunity to relax with a cocktail and experience the wonderful sunset in Colombo.

Overnight stay in Colombo.

DAY 02

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage – Dambulla Cave Temple

After breakfast, leave for Pinnawela. Depending on your time of arrival in Pinnawela, you may be able to obtain the unforgettable experience of the herd enjoying their river bath.

Afterwards, continue journey to Golden Cave Temple in Dambulla which has been carved out of the gigantic magma plug and host an awe-inspiring collection of sculptures, paintings and frescoes from throughout different periods of Sri Lanka’s history. Afterwards, proceed to your accommodation in Dambulla and stay overnight.

Overnight stay in Dambulla.

DAY 03

Minneriya National Park – Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Leave for a Jeep Safari through the Minneriya National Park (with packed breakfast) hunting for wild elephants. During the months of July and August, you may get to experience “The Gathering” which is the coming together of wild elephants at the banks of the Minneriya Lake. At times, you may see up to 200 elephants near the bank.

Afterwards, visit the magnificent Rock Fortress of Sigiriya. Easily the most impressive of ancient ruins in Sri Lanka, it is set atop a 600-foot rock edifice and entails a climb. Enter through the Royal Pleasure Garden which is an amazing feat itself. Halfway up the rock edifice, are the infamous cloud maidens. These frescos are Sri Lanka’s premier artistic treasure and is a must visit. The views from atop this rock is stunning and enlightening at the same time.

Overnight stay in Dambulla.

DAY 04

Village Trek – Spice Garden

After breakfast, enjoy a village trek in an authentic Sri Lankan village. Cross a lake in a catamaran and ride a bullock cart which the locals use as a mode of transport.

Thereafter, proceed to Kandy, En-route, stop at a Spice Garden. The hills of Matale happen to be ideal for growing spices and herbs. You may be able to experience a cooking demonstration here and learn how to use spices such as pepper, cardamom, vanilla, cloves, nutmeg, etc. Afterwards, proceed to your accommodation in Kandy.

Overnight stay in Kandy.

DAY 05

Kandy City Tour – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Home to graceful colonial buildings, unique music and dance, the island’s most sacred shrine and a refreshing highland location, Kandy is easy to like. Begin with a trip to the Peradeniya Botanical Garden (don’t miss the enormous orchid collection), then explore Kandy’s lake shore, surrounding hills, markets, arts centers and museums.

In the evening, visit to the Temple of the Tooth, home to one of Lord Buddha’s tooth relics. At 06:30 p.m., locals and tourists alike gather to offer flowers and prayers to the sacred relic in the inner sanctum to the backdrop of the temple drummers. This is indeed a magical experience.

Overnight stay in Kandy.

DAY 06

Ramboda Falls – Nuwara Eliya City Tour

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and leave for Nuwara Eliya. En-route, stop at Ramboda Falls to capture a few pictures. Continue journey to Nuwara Eliya and enjoy a city tour in the evening. British Tea Planters of the colonial times recreated a little bit of England’s country life with manor houses, horse racing, high teas and golfing as a reminiscence of their life back in England, giving Nuwara Eliya the name ‘Little England’.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

DAY 07

Horton Plains – Train Ride Nine – Arches Bridges

Obtain packed breakfast and leave for the Horton Plains National Park. A very beautiful yet eerie highland plateau, Horton Plains offers one of the best trekking opportunities in Sri Lanka. It offers amazing sights such as Small World’s End, Big World’s End, Baker’s Falls and Chimney Falls views and runs roughly 09 km taking approximately 3.5 hours to complete. The trail is relatively easy with the exception of the part leading to Bakers Falls and the trek through the Cloud Forest.

After enjoying your trek, take the scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella. Visit Nine Arches Bridge in the evening.

Overnight stay in Ella.

DAY 08

Ella Rock - Yala

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and leave for Yala. En-route, proceed to climb the Ella Rock. Afterwards, continue journey to Yala. Upon arrival in Yala, check in and relax.

Overnight stay in Yala.

DAY 09

Yala National Park – Beach Stay

Obtain packed breakfast and proceed on a jeep safari at the Yala National Park. Afterwards, proceed to your accommodation by the beach in the South West Coast of Sri Lanka.

Check in and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight stay in a preferred beach resort (South West Coast).

DAY 10 - 13

Beach Stay (South West Coast)

Melt into the Sri Lankan beach-life. Dip in the sea and the pool, book a massage, dine on exquisite curries and tamarind martinis. If you’re feeling more energetic, there are water sports aplenty or visit a nearby turtle hatchery where you can see the young rescued turtles and maybe even help release them into the sea.

You will also have the opportunity to enjoy optional excursions to the Galle Dutch Fort, a Turtle Hatchery, a boat ride in Bentota or whale watching in Mirissa.

Overnight stay in a preferred beach resort (South West Coast).

DAY 14

Departure

After a scrumptious breakfast, bid farewell to the sunny south coast and proceed to the airport in time for the connecting flight.

Weligama

Unawatuna

Sigiriya

Nuwara Eliya

Mirissa

Kandy

Temple of the Tooth

The Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a temple in the city of Kandy in Sri Lanka. It was built within the royal palace complex which houses the only surviving relic of Buddha, a tooth, which is venerated by Buddhists.

Kalutara

Requiring a mere hour of a travelling time from the city of Colombo, Kalutara is a popular holiday destination for the native and the non-native traveller.

Induruwa

Horton Plains

The locals refer the plains as Maha Eliya Thenna. However, during the colonial era, the plains were renamed Sir Robert Wilmot-Horton who took the trail through the plains to visit the local administrative officer.