Classic Island Tour of Sri Lanka






16 days from £7,950 per person
This in-depth tour encompasses all the major sites of the Cultural Triangle before taking a leisurely route through the centre and south visiting temples, tea plantations and a national park to reach one of the glorious beaches that stretches the length of the southwest coast. Highlights of the north include Anuradhapura, 4th century BC cradle of Buddhism, the exquisite carved rock Buddha images at Polonnaruwa and Kandy with its wonderful Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and the Temple of the Tooth.
Carry on up to the High Country to relax on a charming tea plantation before going to the elephant and leopard filled Yala National Park located in the southeast. Follow the coast and explore the fort in Galle, then head north to beautiful beaches of northern Galle where you can relax and soak in the Sri Lankan sun.
This is purely a suggested itinerary, it can be booked as it is or used as a starting point for creating your own luxury tailor-made holiday to Sri Lanka. If you'd like to see similar tours, take a look at our favourite Epic Journeys and Family Holidays, as well as our Beach Holidays, Active Trips, and Wildlife & Safari in Asia collections.
Itinerary details
16 days from £7,950 per person
- Day 1 - Ulagalla - Anuradhapura
On arrival, your driver will take you to Sigiriya in the Cultural Triangle. - Day 2 - Ulagalla - Anuradhapura
Day exploring Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. - Day 3 - Ulagalla - Anuradhapura
Day exploring Anuradhapura and the cave temples at Dambulla. - Day 4 - Heritance Kandalama - Kandalama
Day at leisure. - Day 5 - Stone House Lodge - Kandy
Drive to Kandy. Visit the Temple of the Tooth and Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. - Day 6 - Thotalagala - Haputale
Drive to Haputale. Afternoon visit to Dambatenne bungalow with afternoon tea. - Day 7 - Thotalagala - Haputale
Today explore the Horton Plains. - Day 8 - Leopard Trails, Yala - Yala National Park
Drive to Yala National Park. Afternoon game drive. - Day 9 - Leopard Trails, Yala - Yala National Park
Morning and afternoon game drives. - Day 10 - Cape Weligama - Weligama
Drive to Weligama. Afternoon at leisure. - Day 11 - Cape Weligama - Weligama
Day at leisure. - Day 12 - Cape Weligama - Weligama
Day at leisure. - Day 13 - Amangalla - Galle
Drive to Galle. Afternoon sightseeing in Galle Fort. - Day 14 - Amangalla - Galle
Day at leisure. - Day 15 - Galle Face Hotel - Colombo
Spend the day sightseeing and shopping in Colombo. - Day 16 - In transit.
Transfer to Colombo for flight home.
I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.
Bill Bryson