Colombo – Habarana – Sigiriya – Anuradhapura – Kandy – Ella – Galle – Colombo
This journey through Sri Lanka weaves together centuries of history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking scenery. Explore UNESCO World Heritage cities, majestic fortresses, and serene temples; wander through bustling markets and tranquil botanical gardens. Experience the warmth of local hospitality, sample aromatic spices during hands-on cooking classes, and relax in luxury hotels. From lush tea plantations and rainforests to golden coasts, each day offers rich encounters with friendly people, distinctive traditions, and some of the island’s finest cuisine.
Important Features
- Small group size – maximum 20.
- Experienced guides carefully selected by company owners.
- Premium hotel accommodations.
- Daily three meals featuring quality local & Western cuisines (no cheap tourist food).
- Carefully curated cultural activities.
- No shopping stops.
TOUR ITINERARY
Meal Code: B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner
Day 1: Departing for Colombo
Depart from a city of your choice. Ask us for the best airfare deal.
Day 2: Arriving in Colombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Meet the driver on arrival for your private transfer to the hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.
Day 3: Colombo (B/L/D)
Colombo is the executive and judicial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka by population. With a history shaped by ancient trade routes and colonial eras under Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule, Colombo boasts a rich architectural and cultural heritage.
Our sightseeing today includes Colombo Fort (the historic and financial heart of the city), Pettah Market, National Museum, Gangaramaya Temple, and Lotus Tower (Sri Lanka’s tallest building at 351.5 metres) for a balance of culture, history, and contemporary attractions.
Day 4: Colombo – Polonnaruwa – Habarana (B/L/D)
The morning drive to Habarana takes about 3 ½ hours (180 km).
After dropping off luggage at the hotel in Habarana, we drive one hour (50 km) to the well-preserved ancient city of Polonnaruwa – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. It encompasses the monumental ruins of the garden-city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century as well as the Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas.
Day 5: Habarana – Anuradhapura – Habarana (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we set off for an excursion to Anuradhapura.
Established in the 5th century BC, Anuradhapura is the capital of North Central Province and the first capital of Sri Lanka. Inscribed in 1982 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this sacred city was established around a cutting from the ‘tree of enlightenment’: the Buddha’s fig tree, brought there in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns. Anuradhapura flourished as a Ceylonese political and religious capital for 1,300 years until it was abandoned in 993 following an invasion by the South Indian Chola Dynasty.
Today, Anuradhapura is revered for being a well-preserved relic of the ancient Sinhalese civilization. Hidden away in dense jungles for many years, the site with its splendid palaces, monasteries and monuments is now accessible once again.
After lunch at The Lakeside Hotel at Nuwarawewa, we take part in a meditation session presided over by a local Buddhist monk atop Mihintale. This is a mountain peak believed to be the location where King Devanampiya Tissa met with the Buddhist monk Mahinda in the 3rd century, thus marking the birth of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Day 6: Habarana – Sigiriya – Habarana (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we depart for Sigiriya.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, the Ancient City of Sigiriya is a rock fortress notable for the “Lion Rock”- a granite column approximately 180 metres high. The base of the rock is surrounded by a moat, rampart, and lavish gardens.
The surface of the rock summit, where the ancient palace of King Kashyapa I (473-495) once stood, covers an area of approximately 4 acres (1.5 hectares). This vast plateau atop the rock once housed the entire royal complex, though today only foundations, a rock-cut seat, and a royal pool remain.
After returning to the hotel, we spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 7: Habarana – Dambulla – Kandy (B/L/D)
The morning drive to Kandy (115 km) includes a stop at the Golden Temple of Dambulla. This is the largest and best-preserved Sri Lankan cave temple complex, containing 153 Buddha statues, three statues of kings, and four statues of deities, as well as numerous murals depicting the life of the Buddha. The temple was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
Upon arrival in Kandy, we tour Sri Dalada Maligawa, commonly known in English as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The “Sacred Tooth Relic” refers to a tooth that belonged to the Buddha, which is currently encased within seven caskets. The temple is one of the most sacred places of Buddhist worship and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
Day 8: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Ella (B/L/D)
This morning, we visit the Royal Botanic Gardens located in the suburb of Peradeniya. The garden is the largest of its kind in Sri Lanka, spanning 147 acres or 0.59 square kilometres, and receives hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It contains more than 4,000 species of plants and is particularly famous for its orchid collection. Formally established in 1843, the origins of the garden date back to the 14th century.
Afterwards, we travel to the village of Nanu Oya by train (3 to 4 hours). Nanu Oya, which derives its name from the Nanu Oya river, is situated 8 km away from Nuwara Eliya. The train ride is an incredibly picturesque one, passing by verdant hills and spectacular waterfalls. We get back to our private vehicle upon arrival in Nanu Oya and continue on to Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya, meaning “city of light”, is famous for its production of orange pekoe tea.
The scenic drive from Nuwara Eliya to Ella in late afternoon takes approximately two hours.
Day 9: Ella – Galle (B/L/D)
Morning sightseeing includes the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak and a tea plantation. We then go for a cooking class where our lunch is served.
The afternoon drive to Galle takes 3 ½ hours (200 km).
Located on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, Galle is a captivating city renowned for its rich history, colonial architecture, and stunning coastal scenery. The highlight here is Galle Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This well-preserved 16th-century fortress was originally built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch.
Day 10: Galle (B/L/D)
We start the day with a tour of Galle Fort. Walk through its charming cobblestone streets and visit the Dutch Reformed Church, Maritime Museum, and Galle Lighthouse.
Afternoon sightseeing takes in the Japanese Peace Pagoda on Rumassala Hill for panoramic views and peaceful surroundings.
Day 11: Galle – Sinharaja Forest Reserve – Colombo (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we drive 90 km (2 ½ hours) to visit Sinharaja Forest Reserve.
This is Sri Lanka’s last remaining virgin tropical rainforest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned as a biodiversity hotspot due to its high number of endemic and threatened species of plants and animals. We’ll hike through the ancient evergreen forest for a couple of hours before lunch.
Afterwards, we continue the overland journey to Colombo, arriving in 3 ½ hours (120 km).
Day 12: Colombo – Home City (B)
Your Sri Lanka Discovery tour comes to an end this morning. Your airport transfer is included.
HOTEL LIST
| City/Location | Night | Hotel | Category |
| Colombo – 1st stay | 2 | Shangri-La Colombo | Luxury |
| Habarana | 3 | Habarana Village by Cinnamon | Luxury |
| Kandy | 1 | Cinnamon Citadel | Luxury |
| Ella | 1 | 98 Acres Resort & Spa | Luxury |
| Galle | 2 | Radisson Blu Resort, Galle | Luxury |
| Colombo – 2nd stay | 1 | Shangri-La Colombo | Luxury |
Dates & Prices
Prices are based on double occupancy. See Terms & Conditions for cancellation penalty. Scroll down for price inclusions & exclusions.
| Depart (Sun) |
Return (Thu) |
Land Only CA$/US$ |
Single Supplement CA$/US$ |
| 2026 | |||
| 22-Nov | 03-Dec | $5475/$3995 | $2191/$1599 |
| 29-Nov | 10-Dec | $5475/$3995 | $2191/$1599 |
| 2027 | |||
| 10-Jan | 21-Jan | $5475/$3995 | $2191/$1599 |
| 17-Jan | 28-Jan | $5475/$3995 | $2191/$1599 |
| 24-Jan | 04-Feb | $5475/$3995 | $2191/$1599 |
| 31-Jan | 11-Feb | $5475/$3995 | $2191/$1599 |
| 08-Feb | 18-Feb | $5475/$3995 | $2191/$1599 |
| 15-Feb | 25-Feb | $5475/$3995 | $2191/$1599 |
| 10-Mar (Wed) | 21-Mar (Sun) | $5475/$3995 | $2191/$1599 |
Know Before You Go
Passport
Your passport needs to have at least one blank visa page and must remain valid while you are in Sri Lanka.
Visa
You are required to apply for Sri Lanka’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the country. Please wait till within 30 days of travel to apply. Applying on arrival is permitted and costs a little more. For full details, please visit the official website (https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/) of the Department of Immigration & Emigration (DI&E) of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
The website https://eta.gov.lk/ is the official portal for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for entering Sri Lanka and is recognized by the Sri Lankan government as the correct site to use for visa applications. It is not a scam and is specifically recommended to avoid third-party or unofficial sites that may charge higher fees or engage in fraudulent behavior.
However, while the site is legitimate and considered trustworthy, there are frequent complaints about the interface being outdated, frequent payment issues, and occasional confirmation delays. Some users report not receiving immediate feedback or email confirmations, but applications can typically be checked using the online status feature on the site. Despite these usability shortcomings, this site is still the only official channel endorsed by Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration for ETA.
For a secure and smooth experience, ensure payments and applications are made only through https://eta.gov.lk/ and avoid all similar-looking or higher-charging third-party sites.
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
The best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on the region and interests. Generally, the finest weather is from December to March, especially on the south and west coasts and in the central highlands. For those wishing to explore the north and east coasts, the best months are April to September, when those regions are sunnier and drier.
The southwest monsoon (May to September) brings rain mainly to the south and west, while the northeast monsoon (October to January) affects the north and east.
Festivals
Major Sri Lankan festivals include Duruthu Perahera (January), Sinhalese and Tamil New Year (April), Vesak Festival (May), and Kandy Esala Perahera (July/August).
Wildlife Highlights
These include whale watching (November-April), elephant gathering in Minneriya National Park (August-September), birdwatching (December-March), and leopard spotting in Yala National Park (December-March).
