Sri Lanka Encompassed - 15 days
Sri Lanka Encompassed - 15 days
This tour is no longer available, here are some similar tours:
Sri Lanka Encompassed - 15 days
15 Days Starting and ending in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Visiting: Colombo, Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Bundala National Park, Kalutara
Tour operator:
Tour code:
310/SLU
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
5-
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 15-day journey through Sri Lanka, exploring its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. Begin in Colombo with a guided city tour, then venture to ancient cities like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, where archaeological wonders await. Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock fortress and visit the Dambulla Rock Temples. Experience the vibrant culture of Kandy, including a tuk-tuk ride and a visit to the Temple of the Tooth. Discover the lush tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya and trek through Horton Plains National Park. Enjoy thrilling safaris in Yala and Bundala National Parks, spotting elephants and colorful birds. Relax on the palm-fringed beaches of Kalutara, and explore the historic Galle Dutch Fortress. With comfortable accommodations, expert guides, and seamless transfers, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Sri Lanka's diverse attractions.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Colombo
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Sri Lanka and the start of your holiday! On arrival in Colombo there's an included transfer to the hotel. Tonight, we enjoy a Sri Lankan dinner.
Day 2: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Accommodation Name: Colombo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Colombo including the Fort which was once a colonial stronghold, and Galle Face Green, a seaside expanse popular for informal cricket games. We will also visit the noisy oriental Pettah bazaar, Gangaramaya Temple, the Cinnamon Gardens and Independence Square. End the day with a tour of the National Museum (closed Friday).
Day 3: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Accommodation Name: Colombo
Meals Included: Breakfast
At Kelaniya, we explore the Raja Maha Vihara, a temple graced by Buddha on one of his three visits to Sri Lanka. The day continues with a visit to the beautiful zoological gardens at Dehiwela.
Day 4: Anuradhapura
Location: Anuradhapura
Accommodation Name: Anuradhapura
Meals Included: Breakfast
Colombo - Dambadeniya - Anuradhapura. En route to Anuradhapura, we pay a visit 13th century Dambadeniya, once a royal capital. Its principal surviving ruins are the Dalada Maligawa Temple and the Dagoba, locally revered thanks to some corporeal relics of Buddha it is said to contain. Explore Panduvas Nuwara which features a well-preserved walled citadel, Padeniya, Arankele and the rock fortress of Yapahuwa.
Day 5: Anuradhapura
Location: Anuradhapura
Accommodation Name: Anuradhapura
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we take in the site of Anuradhapura, the fascinating ancient city and one of Sri Lanka’s most important archaeological sites. It contains vast artificial lakes, temples and statues including the Samadhi Buddha, dagobas (solid hemispheres topped with spires), royal baths and museums. Gaze at the holy Sri Maha Bodhi tree under which Prince Siddharta attained enlightenment, and it is also the oldest historically documented tree on earth. Later, we take a trip to Mihintale.
Day 6: Dambulla
Location: Dambulla
Accommodation Name: Dambulla
Meals Included: Breakfast
Anuradhapura - Polonnaruwa - Dambulla. Today we make a stop to see the stunning Aukana Buddha statue and the impressive Dambulla cave temple, which contains beautiful images and statues of Buddha. We then explore ancient Polonnaruwa, an 11th century city of compact size. Here we discover the ruins of the Royal Palace and Gal Vihara, which boasts four enormous Buddha figures.
Day 7: Sigiriya
Location: Sigiriya
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dambulla - Sigiriya - Kandy. Today sees you exploring the mighty Sigiriya, an elevated and mysterious 5th century fortress. The ‘Lion Rock’ is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 metres from the scrub jungle, it can be seen for miles. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the ‘Heavenly Maidens’ of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway. At Matale, we visit an exotic spice garden before arriving in Kandy for the evening.
Day 8: Polonnaruwa
Location: Kandy
Accommodation Name: Kandy
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we see the ruined temples of Embekke, Gadaladeniya, Lankatilleke and the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Back in Kandy, a scenic lakeside city, we visit the lake, bazaar, gem museum and lapidary. There'll also be a stop made at the Ceylon Tea Museum, housed in a beautifully refurbished old building with lots of vintage tea-processing machinery. Tonight, we enjoy a tour to the Temple of the Tooth and later take in a traditional cultural dance show
Day 9-10: Nuwara Eliya
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kandy - Nuwara Eliya. Departing Kandy, we head further into Sri Lanka’s hill country, surrounded by tea plantations. Situated at 1,990m, Nuwara Eliya is one of the highest towns in the region, here we take a sightseeing tour and wander through Hakgala Gardens. On day 10, we take a jeep ride to scenic Horton Plains National Park. Located on a high windswept saddle, Horton Plains offers hikers stunning panoramic views. We hike to Bakers Fall passing the Gem Pit Pool, the Chimney Pool, and the Leg of Mutton Pool before returning to Nuwara Eliya.
Day 11: Yala National Park
Location: Yala National Park
Accommodation Name: Yala National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Nuwara Eliya - Yala National Park. Continuing to famous Yala National Park, stopping en route at Mahayana Buddhist rock sculptures, Buduruwagala. This evening, we enjoy a jeep safari in Yala National Park, the largest national park in Sri Lanka. The reserve is home to many rare species including elephants, wild boar, buffalo, leopard, crocodile and diverse bird life.
Note: Yala NP is usually closed sometime between Sept - early Oct due to drought. The length of this closure varies from year to year.
Day 12: Bundala National Park
Location: Bundala National Park
Accommodation Name: Kalutara
Meals Included: Breakfast
Yala National Park - Kalutara. This morning, we sightsee Bundala National Park - a bird sanctuary. Explore 17th century Galle Fort and stroll down its narrow streets filled with churches and colonial buildings. Continue to Kalutara, an ideal tropical beach location with its sparkling blue seas and lush fringe of palm trees, all bathed in warm golden sunshine.
Day 13-14: Beach time in Kalutara
Location: Kalutara
Accommodation Name: Kalutara
Meals Included: Breakfast
With two days at leisure on Sri Lanka’s tropical palm-fringed coast – soak up the sun, splash in the ocean or join an optional excursion to Ratnapura, home of Sri Lanka’s famous gem trade. There are around 200 gem pits in Ratnapura and many lapidaries where the mined stones are dressed, cut and polished (you’ll tour some pits, a lapidary and the museum).
Day 15: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kalutara - Colombo. Today you'll travel via the coast road to Colombo and there's an included onward transfer to the airport to meet your onward flight.
Consider spending some more time exploring Sri Lanka's beautiful tropical coastline or simply relax and soak up the sun with a good book. Extend your stay by a day, a week or even two! We offer a variety of properties for you to choose from. Browse our best places to visit, [[Sri Lanka's best beaches|126428]] or [[wildlife in Sri Lanka|126552]] pages for suggestions on what to see and do. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please let us know so we can accommodate your request.
For information about visas, top travel tips, best time to travel and much more, take a look through our [[travel guide|126595]].
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Our rating: Standard -
Breakfast daily and 1 dinner
Enjoy daily breakfast and one dinner during the tour.
-
14 nights 3-5 star hotels
Stay in 3 to 5-star hotels for 14 nights.
-
Tea Plantation and tasting - Nuwara Eliya region
Visit a tea plantation and enjoy a tea tasting in the Nuwara Eliya region.
-
4x4 Jeep safari to Horton Plains. Game drives in Yala NP and Bundala NP
Experience a 4x4 Jeep safari to Horton Plains and game drives in Yala and Bundala National Parks.
-
Touring - Dambulla, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Matale, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe NP, Yala NP, Bundala NP Galle and Colombo
Tour various locations including Dambulla, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Matale, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe NP, Yala NP, Bundala NP, Galle, and Colombo.
-
Entrance and park fees to all included sites
All entrance and park fees for included sites are covered.
-
Escorted by a licensed English speaking chauffeur guide
Be escorted by a licensed English-speaking chauffeur guide throughout the tour.
-
Specialist local guides at some sites
Specialist local guides will be available at some sites.
-
An airport arrival transfer day 1 and a departure transfer day 15
Receive an airport arrival transfer on day 1 and a departure transfer on day 15.
-
All transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles
All transfers and transportation will be in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles.
What's Not Included
-
International flights and visa
International flights and visa are not included.
-
Tipping
Tipping is an entirely personal gesture and is not included.
Age Policy
Not recommended for under 5yrs.
Mode of Transport
Travel in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles with all transfers included, ensuring a comfortable journey throughout Sri Lanka. Airport arrival and departure transfers are also provided.
Accommodation
Enjoy 14 nights in 3-5 star hotels, providing comfort and relaxation after each day's adventure across Sri Lanka.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 14 nights in 3-5 star hotels.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, breakfast is provided daily and there is one included dinner.
-
What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
All transfers and transportation are in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles.
-
Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, the tour is escorted by a licensed English speaking chauffeur guide, and there are specialist local guides at some sites.
-
Are entrance and park fees included in the tour price?
Yes, entrance and park fees to all included sites are covered.
-
What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a tea plantation visit and tasting in the Nuwara Eliya region, a 4x4 Jeep safari to Horton Plains, and game drives in Yala and Bundala National Parks.
-
Is airport transfer included in the tour package?
Yes, an airport arrival transfer on day 1 and a departure transfer on day 15 are included.
-
What is the policy on tipping during the tour?
Tipping is not included in the tour price and is considered an entirely personal gesture.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
-
Terms and Conditions