Sri Lanka Tour Package 16 Days
Tour Summary
This immersive tour offers a taste of Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture, rich history, and mouthwatering cuisine. Begin your journey in Dambulla, where you can unwind and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Start by exploring a traditional village during the Hiriwadunna Village Walk, complete with a local cookery demonstration, allowing you to master authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. Later, visit the famous Sigiriya Rock to marvel at its ancient grandeur and lush landscapes.
Continue your journey with a trip to Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, followed by a Jeep Safari in Minneriya National Park, famous for its elephant gatherings. Afterward, visit the iconic Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Travel to Kandy and enjoy a culinary adventure with a Kandy food walk, savoring local street food. Don't miss the Cultural Dance Show and a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred sites in Sri Lanka.
Venture into the wilderness of Gal Oya, one of the most remote areas in Sri Lanka. Embark on a Veddha Village Walk to learn about indigenous traditions, followed by a cookery demo to explore forest-to-table cuisine. Enjoy a serene boat safari in Senanayaka Samudra and a jungle drive through Gal Oya National Park.
After a scenic journey, relax in Koslanda, where you can hike to hidden waterfalls or meditate amid nature. End your tour with coastal charm in Thalpe and Galle, where you will learn about tea and cinnamon production, experience a cycle tour of a rural village, and explore Galle Fort in a classic car.
Conclude the tour in Colombo with a food walk, experiencing the diverse flavors that make up the island’s unique culinary heritage before your departure.
DAY 1
Destination: Dambulla
Upon arrival in Sri Lanka you will be met and assisted by your very own Chauffeur. Then transfer to your hotel in Dambulla, a small village and a central location in Cultural Triangle. The central plains area boasts ruined temples and ancient cities combined with national parks and glistening reservoirs.
Once you check in at your hotel relax and recover from any jet lag.
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Dambulla
DAY 2
Destination: Hiriwadunna Village Walk & Cookery Demo
Later in the morning head into the country side to experience a traditional Sri Lankan village. Enjoy a traditional cooking session at a local house. Sri Lankan traditional cooking techniques take their best form in the villages. The cuisine relies heavily on the core ingredients of coconut, vegetables, rice, fresh chillis, spices, and curry leaves, all of which grow in abundance on several parts of the island. Spend the morning, learning how to cook a traditional Sri Lankan meal and enjoy lunch.
After the lunch take a short walk around a nearby village where your guide will talk to you about the daily lives of the local people. Meet one of the local villagers continue along a scenic trail past crop fields and a boat ride in an ancient reservoir where you can spot many birds, butterflies and perhaps other wildlife.
Destination: Sigiriya Rock
Later in the afternoon set off for Sigiriya, also known as the ‘Lion Rock’, one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. This 5th Century "Fortress in the Sky" is a UNESCO World Heritage built by King Kassapa which was a Royal Citadel for more than 18 years. The spectacular pillar of rock rise 200 meters from the scrub jungle and the base of the rock is ringed by a moat and rampart and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens. The majestic Lion’s Paw picturesquely guards the stairway of the palace on the summit.
You might like to start with a visit to the Sigiriya Museum to learn more about the site before wandering through the vast landscaped gardens to the base of the rock. The climb to the top is steep with many steps and there are some sections where the path or staircase is very narrow with steep drops protected by fences. You will pass the famous frescoes of the “Heavenly maidens” of Sigiriya in a sheltered pocket of the rock and the 10 foot high Mirror Wall before arriving at the massive stone lion’s paws. The old stairway to the top led through the mouth of a crouching lion but today only the huge paws remain giving an indication of the massive proportions of the head. The summit, covering an area of 1.6 hectares, was originally completely covered by buildings, but only remains of the royal citadel can be seen today.
(We do not recommend this for those without a head for heights or the less mobile. The hike up and down again will take 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on your fitness.)
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Dambulla
DAY 3
Destination: Polonnaruwa Ruins
Today after breakfast leave for the second ancient capital Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage and a well-planned medieval city defended by enclosing walls, graced by palaces, shrines, monasteries, pavilions, parks, ponds and irrigation lakes. Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 AD to reunite the country once more under a local leader. Over the following three centuries Polonnaruwa became a thriving commercial and religious centre, reaching its zenith under King Parakramabahu I in the 12th Century.
Polonnaruwa is strewn with ruins in a resplendent state of preservation. Start with a visit to the Polonnaruwa Museum where you can learn about the site in more detail, before heading out to the ‘Gal Vihara’ which consists of statues of the recumbent, standing and seated Buddha have been cut from a single granite wall and rank among the true masterpieces of Sri Lankan Art. Other stops include Nissanka Latha Mandapaya which boasts well-preserved stone columns, the impressive Lankathilaka Temple and the ruined stone walls of the Royal Palace.
(Please dress appropriately when visiting Polonnaruwa ruins, with shoulders and knees covered. Have an extra pair of socks to wear to prevent from the ground heat since you have to walk barefoot.)
Optional Activities: You can explore the ruins by cycle
Destination: Minneriya National Park
Later afternoon leave for Minneriya for a Jeep Safari. Minneriya National Park is about 8889 hectares in extent and is an ideal eco-tourism location in Sri Lanka. It is home to Sri Lanka’s favorites such as spotted deer, Sambar and wild Asian elephants, particularly numerous in August and September when they migrate along a corridor from neighboring parks to feed on the fresh grass on the lake bed - an annual event known as "The Gathering".
(Please be prepared for some rough and dusty road. National park can be crowded especially over weekends and festivals. Depending on the movement of the elephants you may visit the nearby Kaudulla National Park or Eco Park instead.)
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Dambulla
DAY 4
Destination: Dambulla Cave Temple
Today after breakfast check out from the hotel and explore the famous Golden Rock cave temple; date back to the 1st Century BC which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery, a vast isolated rock mass with its five caverns is the largest best preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist mural paintings (covering an area of 2,100 sq. meters) are of particular importance as are the 157 statues including a 47 foot long statue of the recumbent Buddha. This amazing complex was first used as a refuge by an ancient king who upon regaining his throne, commissioned magnificent images to be carved from the rock. Later kings made further improvements and the caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha painted upon the walls of which the largest is a colossal figure spanning 15 meters. The hike up to the caves is short but steep. At the top you can explore the caves and enjoy spectacular far-reaching views over the surrounding countryside.
(Please dress appropriately when visiting Dambulla temple, with shoulders and knees covered. It is a steep uphill walk to the temple approx. 15-40 mins depending on route taken and on your fitness. Have an extra pair of socks to wear to prevent from the ground heat since you have to walk barefoot.)
Destination: Matale Spice Garden
Afterwards proceed to Kandy. En route you will stop in a rural village in Matale and explore a spice garden. You will be greeted by your host with farm sourced fresh juice and taken on a guided walk as he teaches you about the trees, crops and local-style of cooking as you journey around the farm. He has had a colourful life in Sri Lanka over the last 40 years and is well-informed on the central hills, its geography and farming. His home is the Matale area, where he used to work as a planter, apart from during the war when he was a liaison officer in Trincomalee. This was predominantly due to his racial impartiality as he is originally from Germany, but speaks Sinhala fluently and has even acted in a few local movies!
The Sri Lankan garden is actually a particularly picturesque farm spreadover 15 and a half acres towards the top of a mountain so that it boasts incredible views of the Aluvihare Mountains. You can learn about the garden’s collection of Sri Lankan produce, from pepper to papaya, cocoa to coconut and mango to mahogany. After observing these crops growing, enjoy the fruits of the planters’ labour with a traditionally prepared rice and curry lunch.
Destination: Kandy
On completion continue to Kandy; the bustling hill country capital is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for the Temple and the Kandy Lake built in 1807 which is an attractive centerpiece to the town. On arrival check in to the hotel.
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Kandy
DAY 5
Destination: Kandy
After breakfast Spend the morning at leisure.
Destination: Kandy Food Walk
Later in the afternoon explore the city of Kandy and the culinary journey. Walk the streets of Kandy and catch a glimpse of its colonial elegance blended within the natural beauty. The city is dotted with impeccably restored colonial buildings and historic landmarks. Along the way stop at a local eatery to enjoy freshly prepared vegan dishes. Back on the road, based on availability look for street food galore to get a taste of the island’s delectable flavours. Crispy, salty, spicy and sugary, Sri Lankan street food comes in all shapes and sizes. Stroll along the famous Kandy Lake, built in 1807 and forms an attractive center-piece for the town. Return to the city center, a stroll along the famous shopping streets and to points of interest such as the central market, local church, garrison cemetery, clock tower and the historic railway station. End of the day treat yourself to a range of soya- based food items including snacks, milk and even ice-cream.
Destination: Cultural Dance Show
Afterwards enjoy the Kandyan Cultural show at the Kandyan Arts & Cultural Centre. The show features the graceful and rhythmic dancers and drummers culminating in an impressive fire walking display.
Destination: Temple of the Tooth
Thereafter visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, locally known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, the most sacred temple in the whole of Sri Lanka. It is the prime monument, the supreme edifice not only of the Sinhalese Buddhist populace of Sri Lanka but also of the Buddhists all over the world. It is within this magnificent temple that the sacred Tooth relic of Buddha (Danta Dhatu), the palladium of the Sinhalese nation & Buddhist faith is enshrined. This important shrine boasts intricate carvings and beautiful Sri Lankan art. During the evening ‘puja’ throngs of pilgrims visit the temple to line up to glimpse the golden casket said to hold the sacred relic and to make offerings of flowers.
(Please dress appropriately when visiting The Temple of the Tooth Relic, with shoulders and knees covered.)
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Kandy
DAY 6
Destination: Gal Oya
After breakfast leave for Gal Oya, one of Sri Lanka’s most remote and least visited wilderness areas. On arrival check in to the hotel.
You are free to relax at the lodge, and partake in one of the many activities. You might like to relax around the pool, potter around the 20-acre private forest, or learn more about local culture.
Optional Activities: Enjoy a short or long Cycle Tour / Enjoy a bid walk & hike through the local area with the naturalist
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Gal Oya
DAY 7
Destination: Veddha Village Walk
Gal Oya Lodge neighbors one of the last remaining communities of the Veddha – the forest-dwelling, indigenous people of Sri Lanka. The village chief will take you on a walk through the jungles of his ancestors. Discover and learn about local nature as he brings the forest alive, explaining his tribe’s use of medicinal plants, ancient hunting grounds and cave dwellings. It’s a fascinating insight into how the hunter-gatherers lived in the jungles of Gal Oya.
Destination: Cookery Demo
Afterwards join the resident chef in our outdoor jungle kitchen hut just a short walk away from the Lodge for an introduction to traditional Sri Lankan cookery. Forage through the forest for some of the key ingredients for your meal on the way to the hut where the rest of the ingredients await you. Cook with the chef as he demonstrates how to prepare traditional local meals such as Thalapa, Thumba, river fish curry, spiced yams, forest salads and Kankun.
Destination: Gal Oya National Park – Jungle Drive
Later in the afternoon you will be taken on a jeep ride into the forgotten Nilgala section of the Gal Oya National park, once the protectorate of ancient royalty for the abundant medicinal plants and endemic birdlife unique to this ecosystem. Although shy and sometimes hard to spot, the park hosts most of the animals found on the island, some of the more likely species to look out for include herds of elephants, four species of deer as well as many bird species. You may also opt for the hike to the makara river mouth with one of the expert naturalists, to further experience the jungle and for the chance of seeing wildlife on foot.
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Gal Oya
DAY 8
Destination: Boat Ride in Senanayaka Samudra
This morning enjoy the only experience in Sri Lanka that allows you to spot wildlife from the water. It’s a unique way to immerse yourself in the animals’ habitats. With a little luck you could spot elephants swimming between islands or bathing at the lake’s edge. A 2-3 hour safari by boat, and a scenic 40 minute drive from the lodge to the lake is perfect to explore the national park and surrounding villages.
On completion return to the hotel and check out.
Destination: Koslanda
Afterwards leave for Koslanda, a picturesque village nestled in the heart of the island's hill country and renowned for its serene landscapes and lush greenery. Enveloped by rolling tea plantations, dense forests and several natural waterfalls, the area offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and makes it ideal for trekking and nature walks, allowing visitors to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region. On arrival check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Koslanda
DAY 9
Destination: Koslanda
Today you have a full day at the Lodge to relax, explore, or join in some activities.
Optional Activities: Trek to a hidden waterfall and take a refreshing dip / Enjoy a nature walk or a hike / Meditate or practice yoga
Dinner and Overnight Stay: Hotel in Koslanda
DAY 10
Destination: Thalpe
After breakfast check out from the hotel and leave for Thalpe; a quiet town nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the major towns situated in the southern coastal belt. On arrival check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Thalpe
DAY 11
Destination: Tea Factory & Plantation
Later in the morning proceed to Handunugoda Estate, the only tea estate situated in the coastal belt of Sri Lanka to explore a lesser-known tea plantation and factory. Hadunugoda is specializing in the artisanal manufacturing of ‘virgin white tea’ (a tea completely untouched by hand and follows an ancient Chinese tea making Ritual) and is one of the handful of estates in Sri Lanka exporting high-quality luxury teas to global markets. You will be taken to a guided tea plantation visit followed by a tea appreciation program.
Destination: Cinnamon Plantation Walk
Afterwards leave for Kurundu Villa for a cinnamon experience. Walk in the trails of a Cinnamon Planter. The Cinnamon Experience isn't just informative; it is also a hands-on experience, encouraging guests to get their hands a little dirty and strip down some Cinnamon sticks for themselves. Experience the chain of events from the growing of the trees, harvesting, piling and finally processing of the cinnamon in the aroma filled factory, just as it happened 400 years ago. You can indulge in enjoying a cinnamon infused tea while understanding the history behind this precious spice and where it is headed in the realm of Sri Lanka’s export priorities.
Thereafter indulge in a carefully curated 4-course Cinnamon infused lunch that lets you experience the true potential of the spice applied to food.
On completion return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Thalpe
DAY 12
Destination: Rural Village Cycle Tour
This morning hop on a cycle and explore lesser-known parts of rural Galle by bicycle. Led by your guide, discover local life from your saddle. Ride through flourishing paddy and cinnamon plantations in the charming southern countryside. Take a break for Thambili (King Coconut) in an jungle garden then continue trough rice paddies, villages, bird sanctuary, tea gardens. End the tour at a local house and enjoy a homemade rice and curry.
(The standard distance of the ride is 10km - 15km. Helmets and all gears are available. Vehicle support on standby / Fruits & cold towels + Vegetarian lunch is included)
Destination: Galle in a Classic Car
Later in the afternoon witness the timeless beauty of Galle in style in a classic car with a local resident. Galle is remarkable due to its extensive maritime history and colonial influence. Today, the city is a melting pot of culture, cuisine and craft. First, stop by a local vegetable and fruit market where piles and piles of colourful but nonetheless delicious and extremely nutritious local veggies and fruits are on sale in make-shift stalls or simply laid out on mats for passer-by. Find out about these exotic vegetables used in local cuisine, which add a fusion of fresh flavours to a plate of rice and curry. Then you will make a stop at a must-visit Galle fish market where local fishermen bring ashore their catch and sell it fresh. Fish of every kind lay waiting to be sold as mongers call for prices. Watch fishing boats bobbing in the shallow waters of the fishing harbour.
Afterwards, drive past the Galle International Stadium, an integral part of the island’s cricket loving culture which has hosted hundreds of matches since 1927. The iconic Galle Fort as well as the mighty Ocean in the backdrop make watching matches all the more interesting. Finally, drive through the arched gate of the thick rampart of Galle Fort to explore the history and mystery of this fortified city. Get to know about the history of this remarkable fortification, the Indian Ocean beyond as your host regales you with intriguing tales about the port city.
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Thalpe
DAY 13
Destination: Thalpe
Blissfully spend your day as you wish whether it be indulging in fine spa treatment or relaxing by the beautiful Indian Ocean.
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Thalpe
DAY 14
Destination: Bentota
Today after breakfast check out from the hotel and leave for Colombo. En route stop in Bentota and explore the Lunuganga Estate, a stunning creation by the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. Nestled amidst lush gardens and unique landscapes, this tranquil oasis showcases Sri Lanka’s diverse flora and fauna, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its enchanting beauty. Bawa transformed the former rubber and cinnamon plantation into a vibrant ecosystem, replacing colonial practices with a rich tapestry of endemic plants and serene pathways that beckon exploration. Thereafter indulge in a traditional rice and curry meal, savoring the rich flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine in this picturesque setting.
Destination: Colombo
On completion continue to Colombo, the commercial and city center known as the “Fort”, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century where grand colonial era buildings stand alongside modern office structures. On arrival check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Colombo
DAY 15
Destination: Colombo
Spend the morning at leisure.
Destination: Colombo Food Walk
Later in the evening enjoy a foodie walk in Colombo. This tour will take hungry souls across the globe on a gastronomic delight of cross cultural influences from authentic Sri Lankan to a fusion of Indian- Malay, Dutch and Portuguese. Try street foods at the Galle face green carts following a sugary stop at Pettah. Then make your way through a maze of once ferry lanes to reach a block dedicated to the most authentic street food on the Island. Lastly atop at a dodgy pub once served alcoholic concoctions for her Majesty's service during WW2.
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Colombo
DAY 16
Destination: Airport
Now that you are at the end of your journey with us, your chauffeur will comfortably take you to the international airport in time for your departure flight.
End of the Tour
Cost of the Tour – Sri Lanka
Using the Hotels mentioned below.
City |
Hotel |
Room Category |
Meal Plan |
Night |
Dambulla |
Sigiriya Kings Resort |
Deluxe Mountain View |
BB |
03 |
Kandy |
Clove Villa |
Superior |
BB |
02 |
Gal Oya |
Gal Oya Lodge |
Bungalow |
BB |
02 |
Koslanda |
Living Heritage |
Pepper Garden Cottage |
BB |
02 |
Thalpe |
Owl & The Pussycat |
Suite Little Treats |
BB |
04 |
Colombo |
Aathma House |
Deluxe |
BB |
02 |
Validity Period |
Based on 02 Pax travelling |
01.11.2024 – 19.12.202411.01.2025 – 30.04.2025 |
US $ 3875/- per person sharing a double room X 2 |
The rates given herein include currently applicable service charges & government taxes. Without prior notice it is possible that there could be further levies, fuel surcharges, changes in the government tax structure or any new supplements introduce by hotels in which situation the rates given herein will be subject to change. This will also be applicable to all supplements mention herein.
Please note the above is only a quote and we have not blocked any accommodation so far. Once you give us a go ahead with the booking we will initiate reservation and advise you of the status accordingly.
Above rates include
- Meet and assist on arrival & assist on departure
- Accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the mentioned hotels or hotels with similar standards.
- Transportation using an A/C car with an English speaking chauffeur guide as per the itinerary
- Porterage at the airport and at all hotels.
- Entrance fees at visiting sites as per the given itinerary.
- Applicable jeep hires
Not included
- Visa processing
- International or domestic airfares
- Lunches & Dinners not mentioned above
- Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages at all hotels & Mini-bars in hotel rooms
- Gratuities
- Items of personal nature such as, laundry, telephone calls, tipping etc.
- Any other special supplement introduce by the government or hotel due to various reasons ex: cricket etc…
Cancellation Policy
- If cancelled within 45 days = 25% cancellation charges will apply
- If cancelled within 30 days = 50% cancellation charges will apply
- If cancelled within 21 days = 75% cancellation charges will apply
- If cancelled within 14 days = 100% cancellation charges will apply
