Sri Lanka Encompassed - 15 days

Sri Lanka Encompassed - 15 days

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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:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

310/SLU

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 24

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-

Special diets catered:

Please advise requests

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Safari Tours

Activities:

Walking

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

  • Dambadeniya - Visit the exquisite 13th century city.

  • Anuradhapura - See the archaeological wonders of Sri Lanka's first capital and birthplace of Buddhism.

  • Sigiriya - Climb to the top of the iconic 5th century Lion Rock fortress and see the Heavenly Maidens.

  • Kandy - Take in the highlights including the famous Temple of the Tooth and enjoy a cultural performance.

  • Horton Plains National Park – Trek to the scenic viewpoint at World’s End.

  • Yala and Bundala National Park - Game drive in Yala and spot colorful birds and Asian elephants in Bundala.

  • Galle - Explore the impressive Galle Dutch Fortress.

  • Kalutara - Relax on the beautiful palm-fringed beaches of this resort.

Itinerary

Expand All

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

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

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  • 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.

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