The Best of Sri Lanka Tour
11N~12D | Family Holiday
$ 1765 per person | twin-sharing
Best of Sri Lanka Tour :
The name says it all the Best of Sri Lanka Tour showcases a number of key highlights of the island, including UNESCO preserved historic sites, safaris, nature hikes, walks in the museums and city tours as well as a relaxing beach break at the end. This comprehensive itinerary will keep kids and grown-ups equally happy and engaged.
When to Book Your Best of Sri Lanka Tour
You can enjoy the Best of Sri Lanka Tour almost any time of the year, except during September and the first half of October when Yala National Park closes for its annual break. However, this won’t affect your experience, as Yala can easily be replaced with nearby Bundala or Udawalawe National Parks.
If your trip falls in August, you’re in for a treat it’s when the world’s largest elephant gathering takes place in Minneriya and the vibrant Esala Perahera festival lights up the streets of Kandy.
Best For :
- History buffs and outdoor enthusiasts
- Inquisitive school‑age kids and weary urban souls needing a break
- Toddler‑free families and physically fit seniors
- Travelers comfortable with light adventure: optional 7–9 km hikes and occasional boulder climbs
Strenuousness :
Wheelchair Accessibility :
Highlights:
- Colombo city tour
- Sigiriya Rock - UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Dambulla cave temple - UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Ruins of Anuradhapura - UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Sightseeing in Kandy - UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Tea Plantations of Nuwara Eliya
- Ravana Falls in Ella
- Beach break in Bentota
- Elephant orphanage in Pinnawala
- Ruins of Polonnaruwa - UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Jeep Safari in Minneriya National Park
- Hike in Horton Plains - UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Scenic train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
- Jeep Safari in Yala National Park
- Dutch Fort of Galle - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Includes:
- Accommodation
- Breakfast
- Private transport
- English-speaking chauffeur-guide
- Entrance tickets to mentioned sites
- Separate van transfer to the entrance of Horton Plains & back
- All mentioned activities
Itinerary
Day 01
- Arrive and transfer to your hotel to begin your Best of Sri Lanka Tour.
- Afternoon Colombo city tour: explore the vividly colorful Gangaramaya Temple, brimming with artifacts, and the Colombo National Museum.
- Visit the National Museum of Natural History to see its unique wildlife exhibits, including the “man‑eater of Punani.”
- Accommodation: NH Collection Colombo
- Meals: Breakfast (next morning)
Accommodation : NH Collection Colombo
Day 02
- Begin your Best of Sri Lanka Tour with a visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, renowned as the only institution of its kind in the world.
- Travel northeast to Dambulla to explore the UNESCO‑listed Dambulla Cave Temple, a 2,000‑year‑old complex of five caves with walls and ceilings adorned in centuries‑old murals.
- Conclude the day with a transfer to the Amaya Lake Hotel, set on the tranquil banks of Kandalama Lake.
Accommodation : Sigiriana Resort in Dambulla
Day 03
- Start the morning by climbing Sigiriya Rock, Sri Lanka’s most visited tourist attraction. Pass the iconic gigantic lion paws that guard the stairs to the summit, where the monarch’s palace once stood.
- Continue east to explore the evocative ruins of the ancient Polonnaruwa kingdom.
Accommodation : Sigiriana Resort in Dambulla
Day 04
This morning visit Anuradhapura, the first and the longest lived kingdom of ancient Sri Lanka. Visit the sacred Bo tree – the oldest historically documented flowering tree in the world and the colossal Jetavanarama Stupa – one of the tallest structures of the ancient world. In the afternoon enjoy a thrilling jeep safari in the Minneriya National Park, renowned for the largest seasonal elephant-gathering in the world.
Accommodation : Sigiriana Resort in Dambulla
Day 05
- Begin with an informative guided walk through a spice garden in Matale, including a hands‑on lesson on preparing local dishes with tropical spices.
- Transfer to Kandy and embark on an afternoon city tour perfect for sightseeing and shopping in this bustling hill capital as part of the Best of Sri Lanka Tour.
- In the evening, enjoy a cultural show followed by a visit to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Accommodation : The Golden Crown in Kandy
Day 06
- Board a scenic train to Nuwara Eliya, a memorable highlight of the Best of Sri Lanka Tour.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of tea plantations, waterfalls, reservoirs, and mountain tunnels along the route.
- Visit a tea factory to witness the tea-making process and buy freshly packed Ceylon tea.
- Take a relaxing city tour of Nuwara Eliya before checking in to your hotel.
Accommodation : Araliya Green Hills in Nuwara Eliya
Day 07
Accommodation : Araliya Green Hills in Nuwara Eliya
Day 08
- Enjoy a scenic morning drive to rural Yala, winding through mountain passes and lush valleys.
- Stop by the beautiful Ravana Falls in Ella for a refreshing photo break.
- In the afternoon, embark on an exciting jeep safari in Yala National Park, home to the world’s highest density of leopards and diverse wildlife.
- Experience the wild side of the Best of Sri Lanka Tour before settling in for the night.
Accommodation : Kithala Resort in Yala
Day 09
- Depart for your relaxing beach stay on the golden shores of Bentota, a highlight of the Best of Sri Lanka Tour.
- Enjoy the scenic coastal drive through palm-fringed fishing villages and catamaran-dotted beaches.
- En route, explore the historic Dutch Fort in Galle, one of Asia’s best-preserved colonial sea forts.
- Arrive in Bentota and unwind by the ocean.
Accommodation : Thaala Bentota
Days 10 & 11
Accommodation : Thaala Bentota
Day 12
- Enjoy your final morning in Sri Lanka before your journey home.
- At noon, transfer to the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Best of Sri Lanka Tour.
Suggested
Accommodation
Cinnamon Lakeside is a premium urban 5-star hotel, nestled on the banks of the Beira Lake in the heart of Colombo. Through the years it has won a number of awards such as the ‘Best Five-Star City Hotel’ and the ‘Best Luxury Hotel’. 08 Restaurants and bars serve food and drinks.
Each room comes with a digital safe, minibar, pillow menu, tea-coffee making facilities complimentary daily newspaper and free Wi-Fi.
Nestled on the banks of Kandalama Lake, Amaya Lake boasts 101 luxury rooms; 82 Deluxe, 14 Superior, 4 club lodges and 01 suite. Each guest room offers views of well-manicured gardens.
Among the in-house facilities are a dazzling pool, a holistic Spa, tennis, Amaya Lake Bar, an open-air Yoga pavilion, open-air business meeting location and a boat service.
The hotel is situated on top of a hill and overlooks the picturesque Hanthana Mountains. Each of the 100 rooms is equipped with an in-room digital safe, rain shower, deep soaking tub, satellite TV and provides free WiFi.
Other indoor facilities are 03 restaurants, a fitness centre, swimming pool, 07 spa rooms and a billiards room.
The 130 year old hotel was initially the holiday residence of the then British Governor of Ceylon, when it was first built in 1828. Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka has now declared it a national heritage property.
The hotel features a number of restaurants. Deluxes on the Governors wing overlook the grounds and the hotel premises. Golf wing overlooks the hotel grounds and golf course.
This premium safari lodge is located on the borders of the Yala National Park. Jungle Chalets offer jungle views, while the Beach Chalets have a partial sea-view. 02 jungle chalets are made accessible for the differently-abled tourist. International and local cuisine are served at the main restaurant ‘Tuskers’.
All rooms are fitted with balcony/terrace, air-conditioning, king-size beds, ceiling fans, digital safe, shower cubicles, minibars, tea-coffee facilities and free Wi-Fi.
The coral gardens of Hikkaduwa, which the hotel can boast as a near-by attraction, is one of the 03 marine national parks of Sri Lanka. But the long sandy beach strip of Hikkaduwa is mostly famous for its vivid nightlife and aquatic sports.
Superior rooms come with private balconies with ocean views, king size beds, shower cubicles, safety deposit box, iron and ironing board, cable TV and free WiFi.
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