13 day Sri Lankan Treasures Small Group Tour - includes flights!

Note: your itinerary will change depending upon the day of the week you depart. The following is based on a Tuesday departure from Australia.

DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Sri Lanka
Welcome to Sri Lanka, an enchanting island with a fascinating heritage known as the “jewel” of the Indian Ocean. Upon arrival at the airport in Colombo, meeting and transfer to the palm-fringed beach town of Negombo. The rest of the day is yours to acclimate to your new time zone and enjoy the relaxing setting and gentle sea breezes
Overnight: Negombo

DAY 2, Wednesday - Negombo City Tour, Beach Walk, Welcome Dinner
Begin the day with a city tour of delightful Negombo, once the most important source of cinnamon during the Dutch era. Visit the port, which was once a major trading port for the Portuguese and later for the Dutch after they took over during the middle of the 17th century. Due to the settlers’ cultural, religious and architectural influences, you will view many colonial style buildings and a large number of elaborate Roman Catholic churches and statues of saints, the reason why Negombo has been nicknamed “Little Rome”. Proceed to the ruins of a Dutch fort dating back to 1678. Nearby, on the green lawn of the Esplanade, perhaps watch children playing cricket – a big favourite in Sri Lanka! Afterwards, return to the hotel for the remainder of the day at leisure. Stop to share coffee, tea and local snacks before returning to the hotel. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager on the memorable journey that lies ahead. Take a delightful walk together on the nearby beach followed by a Welcome Dinner. Try favourite dishes created from a delectable blend of Portuguese, Dutch, Malay and Indian influences accented by fragrant curries
Overnight: Negombo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 3, Thursday - Negombo Fish Market, Habarana, , Ancient Polonnaruwa
The day starts early with a walk through the bustling Negombo Fish Market, where fishing boats arrive with their catch of the day. Watch the fish auctions on the beach before returning to the hotel for breakfast. After, travel to Habarana, centre of the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka and check into your hotel. In the afternoon, drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa, where kings ruled the central plains of Sri Lanka over 800 years ago. The glories of that age can be found in the archaeological park, with hundreds of massive ancient structures. Return to the hotel for dinner
Overnight: Habarana
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Friday - Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Hiriwadunna Village, Safari
Today will be a long and rewarding day. Early departure from the hotel to visit Sigiriya, where thriving ancient cities once existed. At the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, dating back 1500 years, delight in exhilarating views over the surrounding area of covered moats, lily-ponds nestled in water gardens and quiet shrines. Rising from the central plains, this iconic rocky outcrop is surely Sri Lanka's most dramatic sight! Near vertical walls soar to a flat topped summit that contains the ruins of an ancient civilisation, thought to be once the epicentre of the short lived kingdom of Kassapa. Head back towards your hotel to discover what life is like in an authentic Sri Lankan Village! Wander down a dirt lane off the main road to Hiriwadunna, a tiny settlement of less than 2,500 people where they grow their own food and raise cattle. During your walk, keep an eye out for colourful butterflies, birds and native plants. See how coconuts are harvested and try a drink from a freshly cut coconut! Visit a local house for a demonstration on how local products are processed followed by a typical Sri Lankan lunch with rice & curry. After lunch, float by means of a local catamaran on the Habarana reservoir, gliding gently through lotus plants. In the afternoon, a great experience lies ahead with a visit to a National Park*, one of the best places in the country to view wild elephants. The parks are a mixed forest and wetlands that provide shelter for sambar deer, buffalo, and crocodiles. Return in the evening to your hotel in Habarana with time to freshen up before dinner
*Visit will be at either Minneriya, Kaudulla or Eco Park depending on seasonal elephant migration patterns
Overnight: Habarana
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Saturday - Temples of Dambulla, Cooking Demo, Kandy
This morning, depart for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Dambulla to visit the cave temples, filled with Buddha statues and huge wall paintings. This extraordinary rock sanctuary dating back over 2,000 years serves as inspiration for Buddhist pilgrims. Depart and stop at one of many roadside market stands to buy fresh vegetables for the chef-led cooking demonstration at a spice garden. You’ll learn some of the secrets of typical and unique Sri Lankan cooking methods using coconut milk, curry and spices, followed by a delicious lunch of regional favourites After lunch, tour the Euphoria spice garden which displays most of the spices Sri Lanka is famous for and find out the various uses of each plant. Then proceed to Kandy, the last capital of Sri Lankan kings. Tonight is yours to explore the variety of restaurants that Kandy has to offer on your own
Overnight: Kandy
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6, Sunday - Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy Market, Home Hosted Dinner
Morning visit to the gold-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred sites, this Buddhist temple is believed to house a tooth of Buddha. Explore the temple housed in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy visited by both locals and tourists bearing flowers and incense throughout the day in this genuine place of worship. Afterward, visit a family-owned gem lapidary where you learn about the different types of gemstones and how they are mined. In the afternoon, time to stroll through the Kandy Market where every lane reveals colourful treasures. Tonight, you’re invited to the home of a local family for a specially prepared dinner of local favourites. Enjoy a performance by a Kandayan dancer and drummer before you’re welcomed into the home with typical warm Sri Lankan hospitality. Enjoy a cup of tea and learn how to prepare a typical dish before sitting down to enjoy your meal
Overnight: Kandy
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Monday - The Tea Experience in Nuwara Eliya
Today, travel to Nuwara Eliya via Ramboda with a stop at a Tea Estate and factory. Learn about the growing and harvesting of tea as you walk through the working factory to observe the processing of the leaves as well as how they are graded and packed. See how tea is traditionally picked and perhaps climb up into the steep terraced fields to try your hand at plucking tea leaves! End your visit with a sampling of different varieties of “Ceylon” teas. After lunch, proceed to Nuwara Eliya, nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, surrounded by breathtaking views of bright green rolling hills, meadows, mountains and rushing waterfalls. This hill town was a popular 19th century resort and escape for the hard-working English and Scottish pioneers of Sri Lanka’s tea industry. Check into the hotel before a late afternoon walk through the charming centre of the city with its old brick Post Office and country houses that evoke nostalgia of Colonial British Ceylon. A “tuk tuk” ride takes you to the Old Church with its pretty rose garden. After a visit to the church, complete your exploration of Sri Lanka's tea country with a proper cup of evening tea! Tonight is at leisure to explore the restaurants in Nuwara Eliya on your own
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 8, Tuesday - Ella, Yala National Park
Time at leisure this morning before departing to travel through mountains and valleys covered with velvet green tea plantations to the hill town of Ella*. Stop for photos at stunning Ravana Falls, the widest waterfall in the country. Arrive this evening at Yala National Park, a nature reserve that encompasses a vast wilderness of grassy plains, scrub jungle, lakes, and wetlands with the highest density of leopards in Asia. Dinner tonight at the lodge in Yala National Park
*Some departures will travel to Ella by train while others will take a scenic road by coach
Overnight: Yala National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Wednesday - Jeep Safari in Yala National Park
Linger this morning and savour your leisure time in this wildlife paradise or choose to arrange an additional optional tour available locally at the hotel. Please visit this link for tour information. In the afternoon, get ready for the sights and sounds of a Jeep Safari -- you’ll experience the best of the country’s native wildlife and natural landscape. Set out in a 4x4 with an expert guide that will share facts about the wildlife. If you’re lucky, you may catch sight of the distinct Sri Lankan leopards. See crocodiles by the water and spot a variety of bird life at many of the watering holes. Around the lagoons, perhaps see flamingos, pelicans, spoonbills, rare black-necked storks, grey herons, and darters. An astonishing day! At tonight’s dinner at the hotel, compare stories of today’s adventure
Overnight: Yala National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Thursday - Coastal Road to Weligama Bay, Discussion with Buddhist Monks
A gorgeous drive along the winding coastal road takes you to Weligama Bay, whose name means, "sandy village," after its soft pristine sand, rolling surf and endless sunshine. In the afternoon, visit a nearby meditation centre to participate in a discussion with a Buddhist Monk on meditation. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and learn how to apply these principles and teachings. Return to the hotel for dinner
Overnight: Weligama Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Friday - Galle Fort and City Tour
Morning drive to the pretty colonial town of Galle, the “jewel of the south”, bursting with exotic scents of spices and sea air. En route, see the famous stilted fishermen that perch on handmade structures of wood and twine to catch their fish. Arrive at the historic Galle fort, built in the 1500s by the Portuguese and extensively restored after the 2004 tsunami. Admire the sights in town including St. Mary’s Cathedral, the picturesque natural harbour and the Galle International Stadium. Return to the hotel after lunch to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure in picturesque Weligama Bay
Overnight: Weligama Bay
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12, Saturday - Madu River Safari, Cricket Club, Colombo
Depart Weligama this morning to embark on a scenic cruise along the Madu River, passing dozens of islets forested with mangroves. View the 200 year old Kothduwa Buddhist Temple, watch locals cultivating cinnamon on Cinnamon Island and see traditional fishing techniques as small boats glide by. More than 46 species of birds reside in this area, including many aquatic varieties along with huge water lilies. Continue to a Turtle Hatchery, where you learn about the rescue and protection of turtle eggs while seeing newly hatched turtles. On to the capital city of Colombo for a panoramic tour of the city. A late afternoon visit to a cricket club where you may get a glimpse of a cricket match or a practice session. At tonight's Farewell Dinner, share wonderful memories with your newfound friends
Overnight: Colombo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 13, Sunday - Depart Sri Lanka
Transfer to the airport in Colombo for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

Multiple departures are available throughout the year. The below price is based on the 10 Mar 2020 departure

• Twin share - from $4059 per person
• Solo traveller prices available on request

Freecall our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to secure this offer!

Hotels are dependent on day the tour commences.

• Heritance Negombo, Negombo
• Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, Habarana
• OZO Kandy, Kandy
• Araliya Green Hills, Nuwara Eliya
• Cinnamon Wild Yala, Tissamaharama
• Marriott Resort Weligama Bay, Weligama
• Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo Hotel, Colombo
• The Kingsbury Colombo, Colombo

Is This Trip Right for You?

This is an active trip featuring some tours that include uneven, moderate to difficult terrain. Expect from two to three hours walking on some touring days. Safari activities will be conducted in small safari vehicles on roads that are often rough and bumpy, and wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking. This is a Small Group program.

Passports and Visas

It is each traveller's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not Australian citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most regional Australia Post offices. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.

Climate & Clothing

Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka has a tropical climate and two monsoon seasons. The southern and western regions experience the "Yala" monsoon between May and September and the dry season from December to March. The eastern and northern regions experience the "Maha" monsoon between October and January. And the dry season from May to September. Bring comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothes you can layer and a waterproof windbreaker since weather can be unpredictable. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter: No shorts or short skirts, knees must be covered by long pants or a long skirt, shoes must be removed. No sleeveless tops, shoulders must be covered and a shawl or scarf is frequently not accepted as a cover.

†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates