The highlights of Sri Lanka

When you arrive at Colombo International Airport, your guide will pick you up at the baggage claim gate and take you to the hotel. Recover from your long journey before you’re picked up in the afternoon for a half-day tour of Sri Lanka’s capital.

Colombo has a population of almost three million people, so it’s naturally the country’s political, cultural, and economic center. The city offers insights into its exciting culture and historical highlights. Immerse yourself in the big city flair and get lost in the unique atmosphere. Futuristic glass facades next to historical walls characterize the cityscape. Small houses and stalls line the streets, offering delicacies next to the colonial churches and Buddhist shrines.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Travel time Colombo Airport - hotel: about 45 minutes / approx. 35 km

Overnight stay with breakfast and dinner in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Your replenishing breakfast will set you up for your exciting day to the heart of the country’s Golden Triangle. Today, you will go to Sigiriya, home of the Lion Rock! When you reach your destination in the afternoon, you will get to visit the rock fortress, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. The huge monolith appears out of nowhere - so it’s wild to think about how this was built in the 5th century AD?! From the plateau, relish the landscape's breathtaking views and gain some insights into one of the most important chapters in the country’s history.

After your unforgettable adventure, you will head back to your hotel and let the evening fade away with a delicious meal.

Travel time Colombo - Sigiriya: about 4 hours / approx. 180 km

Overnight stay with breakfast and dinner in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

When you arrive in Kandy, it’s as if you’ve woken up in one of your dreams. The picturesque landscapes dazzle with lush green nature and tea plantations as far as the eye can see. As your journey continues through the central highlands of Sri Lanka, you will pass beautiful sites as you make your way to the holy city. On the way, visit a spice farm and learn where pepper grows!

After your drive through the hilly roads, you have arrived in Kandy! First, you will drop your things off at your accommodation for the next two nights. Your authentic homestay will follow the life of a former aristocratic family.

In the evening, you will drive to the human-made Kandy Lake. With a bit of luck, you may catch a glimpse of the many animals that frolic around the water. In addition to turtles and fish, pelicans and snakes are also native to the surroundings. Continue your adventure to a viewing platform, offering wonderful panoramic views of the city. Snap some photos of and landscape as your eyes relish the breathtaking sceneries.

Next on the itinerary is a traditional dance performance in the city center! In the evening, your guide will take you to the royal palace Raja Wasala and the important Temple of the Tooth, Sri Dalada Maligawa. If you time it right, you’ll be able to witness an exciting ritual: every evening, they unveil the most sacred relic, the tooth of Buddha’s canine. Thousands of devout Buddhists flock from all over, every day, to attend this ceremony.

Once you’ve taken all the photos you need, return to your hotel for a scrumptious dinner.

Travel time Sigiriya - Kandy: about 2 hours 30 minutes / approx. 100 km

Overnight stay with breakfast and dinner in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Another day in and around Kandy is on today’s program! First, you’ll explore the impressive Gadaladeniya Temple, Lankathilaka Temple, and Embekke Temple — all three dedicate themselves to Buddhism. Immerse yourself amongst this religion and learn more from these deeply rooted believers.

Afterward, visit the Botanical Garden in Peradeniya. This stunning paradise spreads across 60 hectares of land and boasts beautiful orchids, cacti, and numerous other tropical plants.

In the evening, head back to your hotel in Kandy for dinner.

Overnight with breakfast and dinner in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Head onto a winding road past evergreen tea plantations, impressive mountain landscapes, and rushing waterfalls until you arrive at today’s destination: Nuwara Eliya. The “city of light” welcomes visitors at its 1800 meters above sea level location, home to the world-famous Ceylon tea. Along the way, you’ll visit a tea plantation and learn the secrets of growing some of the world’s best tea.

In the early afternoon, you’ll arrive in Nuwara Eliya and head to your first hotel. Stroll the shores of the human-made Gregory Lake and through Victoria Park in the evening hours.

For dinner, enjoy a meal at your hotel.

Travel time Kandy - Nuwara Eliya: approx. 3 hours / approx. 80 km

Overnight stay with breakfast and dinner in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Getting up early this morning is worth it! During the beautiful dawn hours, visit the Horton Plains National Park’s dense forests, thundering waterfalls, and vertically sloping cliffs — a landscape that looks like another planet. The barely inhabited, deserted, and stimulating surroundings are best explored on foot. Your destination is the legendary “World’s End,” an approximately 1000 meter deep sloping rock. In good weather, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the ocean 80 kilometers away. Continue through the stunning, lush landscape to Bakers Falls, where the Belihul Oya River shapes breathtaking waterfalls.

Travel time Nuwara Eliya - Ella: approx. 2 hours 30 minutes / approx. 60 km

Overnight stay with breakfast and dinner in Ella, Sri Lanka

Then continue to Ella, a beautiful little village reminiscent of places in Italy with its charming cityscape. You’ll be brought to your hotel and enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the evening.

Before your adventure to Yala National Park begins, you’ll visit the 40 meters high Ravana waterfall and the Buduruwagala Buddhist temple, where you’ll see seven Buddha statues carved in the rocks.

Majestic crocodiles, numerous monkey species, and mighty elephants await you in Yala National Park. The famous Sri Lankan national park has the densest leopard population, which you’ll discover during a guided jeep safari. Other wild animals to keep your eyes peeled for are deer, wild boars, macaques, peacocks, wild buffalos, monkeys, jackals, sloths, sambars, mongooses, and porcupines. Yala National Park is also home to 150 colorful bird species; most are migratory birds that escape the cold temperatures and spend the winter in the national park.

Travel time Ella - Yala National Park: approx. 2 hours 30 minutes / approx. 112 km

Overnight stay with breakfast and dinner in Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka

On the way to Galle, you’ll encounter an unusual sight. Wooden stilts protrude from the water on a 30-kilometer long coastline—the fishermen crouch on the stilts, eager to catch sardines, mackerel, or other small fish. Only a thin wooden slat offers sparse seating.

Finally, you’ll reach Galle, the prettiest town on the island. The old town is on a headland surrounded by an old Dutch fort. The massive fortress walls are more than three kilometers long and were built from granite stones and coral more than 350 years ago. You can take a walk on the well-preserved walls and enjoy the city and ocean views.

Your journey continues to Mount Lavinia where you can look back on the memories from the past days over a final dinner.

Travel time Yala National Park - Mount Lavinia: approx. 5 hours / approx. 270 km

Overnight stay with breakfast and dinner in Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka

Today is already the last day of your trip. After breakfast at your hotel, a transfer will take you to your airport for your return flight. We are happy to extend your stay in another region! Contact us today and we will organize your dream vacation for you.

itravel - for that moment.

Galle Face Hotel**** , Colombo, Sri Lanka

Galle Face Hotel, a colonial-style accommodation built in 1864, nestles in the center of Colombo right by the sea. The 81 rooms have wooden floors, air conditioning, a private bathroom with a bathrobe and hairdryer, a minibar, a safe, a desk, iron, coffee maker, and CD player. In all areas of the hotel, guests have access to free WiFi. Relax at the in-house hammam or on the loungers by the seawater pool. Work out in the fitness studio or take advantage of the other sports offered like squash, billiards, bowling, mini-golf, and volleyball. At the three on-site restaurants, enjoy both regional and international cuisine.

Camellia Resort & Spa**** , Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Camellia Resort & Spa is close to Sigiriya Monolithamid’s lush surroundings. Amenities include an outdoor pool, free WiFi, air-conditioned rooms, a private balcony, satellite TV, iron, and a bathroom with a shower or a bathtub with complimentary toiletries. At the in-house spa and Ayurveda center, sit back and unwind. If you’d like to book laundry and ironing services or various safaris and excursions, talk to the staff at the 24-hour reception. The resort’s restaurant serves local, Indian, Chinese, and European dishes.

Galkanda Walauwa Homestay, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Galkanda Walauwa is a traditional Sri Lankan mansion just a 20-minute drive from Kandy. The spacious rooms have a flat-screen TV, DVD player, kitchenette with microwave and refrigerator, a private bathroom, and free WiFi in all areas. From the large garden, relax with the infinity pool’s breathtaking views or book yoga lessons.

Jetwing St. Andrews Hotel****, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

In the hilly countryside of Nuwara Eliya, the British-style 5-star Jetwing St. Andrews Hotel awaits you. Furnished with delicate woods, the rooms are air-conditioned and have a private bathroom with bathrobes. There’s also a safe, minibar, tea/coffee-making equipment, and free WiFi available in all rooms. If you fancy a walk, the hotel gardens and the adjoining tea plantations are the perfect areas to explore. “Old Course” serves regional, Asian, Indian, and international dishes.

Mountain Heavens***, Ella, Sri Lanka

Mountain Heavens invites you to the Sri Lankan highlands, wonderfully located between tea plantations. Each of the spacious rooms has a large balcony with garden or mountain views and a private bathroom with a shower. Facilities also include a fan, a seating area with a sofa, and a satellite TV. Free WiFi is available in public areas. Head to the outdoor pool for relaxing moments and enjoy the mountain views. The in-house restaurant serves Asian and European cuisine.

Kithala Resort***, Tissamaharama near Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Kithala Resort nestles between picturesque rice fields not far from the Wirawila Tissa Conservation Area. The rooms come equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, a minibar, a private bathroom with a shower or bathtub, a hairdryer, bathrobes, and free WiFi. You can relish stunning garden views and the adjacent rice fields from the balcony. The outdoor pool and the in-house bar invite you to relax. Guests can enjoy Chinese, French, Indian, Italian, and Thai cuisine at the restaurant.

Mount Lavinia Hotel**** , Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka

Originally built as a governor’s villa, the hotel offers all amenities in an atmosphere from another time. The beautiful hotel boasts traditional colonial style and is approximately 15 kilometers from Colombo and offers various shopping opportunities in the immediate vicinity. In addition to the 226 rooms and suites, the hotel offers a reception, business center, lobby with a lounge, several restaurants and bars, swimming pool, and souvenir shops.

The elegantly furnished rooms offer coffee and tea-making facilities, air conditioning, bath/shower, toilet, minibar, map, satellite TV, telephone, hairdryer, and balcony.

Hilton Colombo*****, Colombo, Sri Lanka

This accommodation is in the city’s heart: the sea is easy walking distance, and the airport is 20 minutes away. The panorama windows of the 332 rooms offer impeccable views of the sea and Lake Beira. A unique feature is direct access to the World Trade Center. There’s also a gym, an outdoor pool, a karaoke bar, and four restaurants.

Aliya Resort & Spa**** , Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, the boutique hotel offers a breathtaking view of the Sigiriya rock fortress. Amenities include a large infinity pool in the center of the resort, three restaurants, which spoil you with local and international delicacies, and a bar. The beautifully designed spa area offers soothing massages and traditional treatments. Free WiFi access is available in public spaces throughout the hotel.

The modern and elegant guest rooms offer a bath/shower, toilet, air conditioning, hairdryer, minibar, safe, TV, and coffee/tea maker.

Kirinda Walauwa Homestay, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Kirinda Walauwa is a former mansion and was once the ancestral home of an aristocratic family from Kandy. Idyllically located in a picturesque valley, it has been renovated several times without losing its natural charm. You have a great view of the large garden from the terrace, where all kinds of exotic fruits and spices are grown. Each of the spacious rooms has a bathroom. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property.

Grand Hotel**** Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

As the former residence of the governor of Sri Lanka, the elegant hotel now offers a perfect base from which to explore the sights of the Sri Lankan highlands. The hotel offers 156 rooms and a range of amenities for a comfortable stay, including a restaurant, café, bar, and pub. Shops are also available. Guests can use the hotel’s various recreational facilities for a pleasant stay, including the garden. Other amenities include a safe, a currency exchange desk, and WiFi.

The rooms have an en suite bathroom, air conditioning, heating, a balcony or terrace, hairdryer, TV, coffee/tea making facilities, and a telephone.

98 Acres Resort*****, Ella, Sri Lanka

The beautifully landscaped resort nestles on 98 acres of land surrounded by tea plantations, dense forests, and green mountain ridges. The complex includes, among other things, an open reception desk from which there is a fantastic view of “Little Adams Peak.” There’s also a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool.

The 12 rooms come furnished with natural materials and offer a private balcony, flat-screen TV, telephone, safe, minibar, and tea/coffee equipment.

Cinnamon Wild, Tissamaharama near Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Even getting to the facility on the edge of the Yala National Park is an adventure. With a bit of luck, you will meet elephants or crocodiles on the way. Only five minutes from the park entrance, Cinnamon Wild welcomes you to its prime location. For delicious moments, enjoy the accommodation’s restaurants and bars. Guests can also look forward to relaxing by the swimming pool.

The detached chalets offer spectacular views of the beach or the jungle. Lovingly furnished, they offer air conditioning, cable TV, bath/shower, toilet, and a minibar.

Mount Lavinia Hotel**** , Mt. Lavinia, Sri Lanka

Originally built as a governor’s villa, the hotel offers all amenities in an atmosphere from another time. The beautiful hotel boasts traditional colonial style and is approximately 15 kilometers from Colombo and offers various shopping opportunities in the immediate vicinity. In addition to the 226 rooms and suites, the hotel offers a reception, business center, lobby with a lounge, several restaurants and bars, swimming pool, and souvenir shops.

The elegantly furnished rooms offer coffee and tea-making facilities, air conditioning, bath/shower, toilet, minibar, map, satellite TV, telephone, hairdryer, and balcony.

Duration of the trip: 9 days / 8 nights

Including

• 8 nights in the mentioned accommodations or similar:

  • 1 night at Galle Face Hotel**** with breakfast and dinner in a Superior Room in Colombo

  • 1 night at Camellia Resort & Spa**** with breakfast and dinner in a Deluxe Room in Sigiriya

  • 2 nights at Galkanda Walauwa Homestay with breakfast and dinner in the Standard Room in Kandy

  • 1 night at St. Andrews Hotel**** with breakfast and dinner in the Superior Room in Nuwara Eliya

  • 1 night at Mountain Heavens Guest House*** with breakfast and dinner in the Superior Room in Ella

  • 1 night at Kithala Resort*** with breakfast and dinner in a Deluxe Room in Tissamaharama

  • 1 night at Mount Lavinia Hotel**** with breakfast and dinner in the Ocean View Room in Mount Lavinia

• Transfers and sightseeing in an air-conditioned car with an English-speaking chauffeur guide

Including - Premium Travel Option

• 8 nights in the mentioned accommodations or similar:

  • 1 night at Hilton Colombo***** with breakfast and dinner in the Hilton Guest Room in Colombo

  • 1 night at Aliya Resort & Spa**** with breakfast and dinner in the Deluxe Room in Sigiriya

  • 2 nights at Kirinda Walauwa Homestay with breakfast and dinner in the Standard Room in Kandy

  • 1 night at Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya**** with breakfast and dinner in the Deluxe Room in Nuwara Eliya

  • 1 night at 98 Acres Resort***** with breakfast and dinner in a Premium Deluxe Room in Ella

  • 1 night at Cinnamon Wild**** with breakfast and dinner in the Jungle Chalet in Tissamaharama

  • 1 night at Mount Lavinia Hotel**** with breakfast and dinner in the Direct Ocean View Room in Mount Lavinia

• Transfers and sightseeing in an air-conditioned car with an English-speaking chauffeur guide

Excluding

• International flights

• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the scope of services

• Optional tours and activities

• Early check-in and late check-out

• Personal expenses, such as tips and minibars

• Entrance fees (approx. 140 USD per person, payable on-site)

• Photo and/or video permits during sightseeing tours (if required)

• Visa fees

• Insurance