Sri Lanka: Golden Journey of Wonders
12 Days | 11 Nights | Colombo – Sigiriya – Kandy – Hill Country – Yala – Galle
Tour Overview
Uncover the many layers of Sri Lanka on this immersive private journey through ancient kingdoms, lush tea plantations, dramatic wildlife reserves and colonial coastal towns. From the iconic rock fortress of Sigiriya and sacred temples of Kandy to scenic hill-country rail journeys, thrilling safaris in Yala National Park and the historic streets of Galle Fort, this itinerary showcases Sri Lanka’s cultural, natural and spiritual highlights in depth.
This tour is ideal for travellers seeking a rich cultural experience with varied landscapes, wildlife encounters and a relaxed pace, all supported by private guiding throughout.
Tour Highlights
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Sigiriya Rock Fortress UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Dambulla Cave Temple & ancient city of Polonnaruwa
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Traditional village walk and catamaran crossing in Hiriwadunna
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Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic & Kandy cultural show
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Scenic hill-country train journey
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Tea plantation visit in Nuwara Eliya
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4×4 safari in Yala National Park
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Stilt fishermen experience & Galle Fort UNESCO site
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Colombo city tour by tuk-tuk
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – UK / Ireland → Colombo
Depart from the UK or Ireland on an overnight flight to Sri Lanka.
Overnight: Night on board
Day 2 – Arrive Colombo → Negombo
Arrive in Colombo and meet your private chauffeur-guide. Transfer to the coastal town of Negombo and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure after your journey.
Overnight: Negombo
Day 3 – Negombo → Sigiriya (Matale District)
Travel inland to the cultural heart of Sri Lanka. Arrive in the Sigiriya / Dambulla area and spend the afternoon at leisure, with the option to visit Pidurangala Rock for panoramic views across the plains.
Overnight: Matale District
Day 4 – Sigiriya Rock & Surroundings
Visit the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, rising dramatically above the surrounding jungle. Climb to the summit to explore the ancient palace ruins, water gardens and famous frescoes.
Later, enjoy a village trek in Habarana and explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a former royal capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight: Matale District
Day 5 – Hiriwadunna Village & Polonnaruwa
Enjoy a guided village walk in Hiriwadunna, including a catamaran crossing of a man-made reservoir and a visit to a local farm to learn about traditional Sri Lankan agriculture.
Continue exploring Polonnaruwa’s archaeological treasures, including the Royal Palace and the Gal Vihara Buddha statues.
Overnight: Matale District
Day 6 – Dambulla Cave Temple → Kandy
Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, home to over 150 Buddha images across five caves. Continue to a spice garden to learn about Sri Lanka’s famous spices, including a head and shoulder massage.
Arrive in Kandy and enjoy visits to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a gem museum and batik factory, followed by an evening cultural dance show.
Overnight: Kandy
Day 7 – Kandy at Leisure
Day at leisure in Kandy. Optional experiences include a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens or a hands-on Sri Lankan cooking demonstration.
Overnight: Kandy
Day 8 – Kandy → Nuwara Eliya (Hill Country Train)
Board a scenic train journey through Sri Lanka’s hill country, passing tea plantations, misty valleys and waterfalls.
Visit a tea plantation to learn about the island’s most famous export before arriving in Nuwara Eliya. Enjoy a walking tour of this charming colonial-era town.
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya
Day 9 – Nuwara Eliya → Yala
Travel south towards Yala, stopping to admire Ravana Waterfall en route.
In the afternoon, enjoy a thrilling 4×4 jeep safari in Yala National Park, home to leopards, elephants, crocodiles and a wide range of birdlife.
Overnight: Yala
Day 10 – Yala → Galle
Depart Yala and travel towards the south coast, stopping at Kataragama Temple and witnessing the traditional stilt fishermen along the shoreline.
Arrive in Galle and explore Galle Fort, a beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in colonial history.
Overnight: Galle
Day 11 – Galle → Colombo → Negombo
Travel to Colombo and enjoy a guided city tour by tuk-tuk, exploring historic churches, temples, colonial buildings and lively districts.
Continue to Negombo for your final evening, reflecting on your Sri Lankan journey.
Overnight: Negombo
Day 12 – Colombo → UK / Ireland
Transfer to Colombo International Airport for your return flight to the UK or Ireland.
Depending on flight schedules, arrival may be the same day or following day.
What’s Included
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Return international flights from selected UK / Ireland airports
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Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking chauffeur-guide
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10 nights accommodation in Superior category hotels
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10 breakfasts
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Scenic hill-country train journey
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All sightseeing, visits and entrance fees as per itinerary
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Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Dambulla Cave Temple
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Polonnaruwa ancient city & village experiences
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Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic & Kandy cultural show
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Tea plantation visit & Nuwara Eliya tour
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4×4 safari in Yala National Park
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Galle Fort & Colombo tuk-tuk city tour
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All air taxes and fuel surcharges
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ATOL protection
What’s Not Included
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Sri Lankan visa
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Meals and drinks not stated
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Optional excursions and upgrades
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Tips and personal expenses
Accommodation
Stay in carefully selected Superior category hotels, ideally located in:
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Negombo
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Sigiriya / Dambulla (Matale District)
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Kandy
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Nuwara Eliya
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Yala
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Galle
(All accommodation is confirmed closer to departure and will be of the same or higher standard.)
Pricing
From £2,149 per person
(based on two adults sharing)
Prices are subject to availability and flight pricing at time of booking