Sri lanka Tour
Trip Facts
Trip Grade
Easy
Overview
Explore Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, sacred temples, green highlands and coastal scenery on this 9-night, 10-day tour. Combining cultural discovery, Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage sites, and a sunrise climb of Adam’s Peak, this journey offers a varied introduction to the island’s landscapes and religious traditions.
Your journey begins with a welcome at Bandaranaike International Airport and a transfer to Negombo, where you can unwind by the beach. Continue through Chilaw, visiting Munneswaram and Manavari temples, before travelling to Anuradhapura. Here, discover ancient Buddhist monuments and visit the revered Sri Maha Bodhi tree. At nearby Mihintale, explore religious sites and historical ruins associated with the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Travel onwards to Sigiriya to admire its remarkable Rock Fortress from below, then explore the cave shrines and Golden Buddha Temple in Dambulla. The journey continues through Matale, with visits to a herbal and spice garden and Aluvihara Temple, before reaching Kandy. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and enjoy an evening performance of traditional cultural dance.
From Kandy, head into Sri Lanka’s tea country. Visit Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple in Ramboda, admire waterfalls, and discover how Ceylon tea is produced during a tea plantation and factory visit. Continue to Nuwara Eliya for views around Gregory Lake, followed by visits to Sita Amman and Gayathri Amman temples.
A memorable part of the tour is the pilgrimage to Adam’s Peak, also known as Sri Pada. From your base in Nallathanniya, begin the ascent before dawn, aiming to reach the summit for sunrise, subject to weather and local conditions. This demanding climb adds an active element to the journey, followed by time to rest at your hotel.
Finish your tour with visits to Kelaniya Temple and Colombo’s religious and city landmarks, including Gangaramaya Temple, Seema Malaka and Galle Face Green. Depending on your departure schedule, enjoy some final shopping before your airport transfer.
Throughout the tour, travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide. Nine nights of hotel accommodation on a twin or double-sharing basis, along with breakfast and dinner according to the itinerary, are included. Most days involve sightseeing and walking, while the Adam’s Peak climb requires a good level of fitness and preparation.
Highlights
- Relax by the beach in Negombo after arrival.
- Visit Munneswaram and Manavari temples in Chilaw.
- Explore Anuradhapurau2019s sacred sites, including Sri Maha Bodhi.
- View Sigiriya Rock Fortress from its surroundings.
- Enjoy a traditional cultural dance performance in Kandy.
- Discover Rambodau2019s waterfalls, tea plantations and tea factory.
- Visit Hindu temples around Ramboda and Nuwara Eliya.
- Make the Adamu2019s Peak sunrise pilgrimage from Nallathanniya.
- Explore Colombou2019s temples, landmarks and shopping areas.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Colombo Airport and Transfer to Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, meet our local representative and your English-speaking driver-guide or guide lecturer. After introductions, board your private air-conditioned vehicle for the transfer to Negombo. A local SIM card and bottled drinking water will be provided as outlined in the package.
Check in to your hotel and take some time to settle in after your flight. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a leisurely visit to the beach and your first views of Sri Lanka’s coastline. The remainder of the day is reserved for relaxation before your sightseeing journey begins.
Meals: Dinner Accommodation: Hotel in Negombo
Day 2: Negombo to Anuradhapura via Chilaw
After breakfast at the hotel, leave Negombo and travel towards Chilaw. Begin your sightseeing at Munneswaram Shiva Temple, an important Hindu religious site. Continue to Manavari Rama Temple, which is associated with Lord Rama in the Ramayana tradition. These visits introduce you to the Hindu pilgrimage sites included in your journey.
Continue inland to Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals. Visit the revered Sri Maha Bodhi tree and discover the city’s historic Buddhist stupas. Your guide will introduce the religious significance of the sites as you explore the remains of this ancient centre of worship.
After sightseeing, transfer to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner Accommodation: Hotel in Anuradhapura
Day 3: Anuradhapura to Sigiriya via Mihintale
Enjoy breakfast before travelling to Mihintale, a sacred site associated with the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Explore its religious monuments and historical ruins, learning about the site’s place in the island’s Buddhist heritage.
The visit includes Aradhana Gala, also known as Invitation Rock. Some areas involve steps and uneven ground, so take your time and follow your guide’s advice while exploring.
Afterwards, continue to Sigiriya. Admire the distinctive Rock Fortress from below and enjoy views of this landmark rising above the surrounding landscape. Today’s programme includes viewing the rock from its surroundings; a climb to the summit is not included in the supplied itinerary.
Check in to your hotel and relax before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner Accommodation: Hotel in Sigiriya
Day 4: Excursion to Dambulla Cave Temple and Golden Buddha Temple
Following breakfast, travel from Sigiriya to Dambulla for a day focused on its religious landmarks. Visit the ancient cave temple complex and explore its shrines, Buddhist statues and painted interiors. Allow time to appreciate the details and atmosphere of this active place of worship.
Continue to the Golden Buddha Temple before returning to Sigiriya. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, and be prepared to remove your shoes where required. Comfortable footwear is recommended for the walking and steps involved in the visit.
Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner Accommodation: Hotel in Sigiriya
Day 5: Sigiriya to Kandy via Matale and Aluvihara
After breakfast, depart Sigiriya and travel towards Kandy through the Matale area. Stop at a herbal and spice garden to learn about locally grown spices and their traditional uses. The visit includes a complimentary short head-and-shoulder massage, as arranged by the supplier.
Continue to Aluvihara Temple for a visit before travelling onwards to Kandy. Here, explore the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the principal religious highlights of the tour. Follow your guide through the permitted visitor areas and observe the customs of this important place of Buddhist worship.
In the evening, attend a traditional cultural dance performance, with admission included in the package. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel for dinner and rest.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner Accommodation: Hotel in Kandy
Day 6: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya via Ramboda
Begin the day with breakfast, followed by a visit to a gemological museum and gem factory. Learn about Sri Lanka’s gemstone industry through the displays and presentation included in the visit.
Continue towards Ramboda, stopping at Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple and the area’s waterfalls. As the journey enters the highlands, enjoy changing views of hillsides and tea-growing landscapes. Visit a tea plantation and tea factory for an introduction to the production of Ceylon tea.
Arrive in Nuwara Eliya and enjoy views around Gregory Lake. A boat ride may be arranged at an additional charge, subject to availability and time. Later, check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner Accommodation: Hotel in Nuwara Eliya
Day 7: Nuwara Eliya Temple Visits and Transfer to Nallathanniya
After breakfast, continue exploring the religious sites around Nuwara Eliya. Visit Sita Amman Temple and the Ashoka Vanam site listed in the programme, both associated with the Ramayana tradition.
Visit Gayathri Amman Temple before departing for Nallathanniya, the base for your Adam’s Peak pilgrimage. Enjoy the journey through the highlands before checking in to your hotel.
Use the evening to prepare for the climb. Keep your walking shoes, warm layers, rain protection, headlamp and drinking water ready. Your guide will explain the departure arrangements according to local conditions. Have dinner and aim for an early rest before the overnight start.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner Accommodation: Hotel in Nallathanniya
Day 8: Adam’s Peak Sunrise Pilgrimage and Return to Nallathanniya
Begin your pilgrimage before dawn, setting out from Nallathanniya towards Adam’s Peak, also known as Sri Pada. The aim is to reach the summit for sunrise, although departure timing and the climb itself depend on weather, trail conditions and local arrangements.
The ascent is the most physically demanding part of the tour, involving a prolonged climb with many steps. Walk at a comfortable pace, take breaks when needed and follow your guide’s instructions. Warm clothing and a headlamp are important for the hours before daylight.
If conditions allow, spend time at the summit appreciating the mountain views and the significance of this sacred pilgrimage destination. Sunrise visibility cannot be guaranteed.
Descend carefully and return to your hotel in Nallathanniya. Breakfast timing will be coordinated with the hotel around the climb. The remainder of the day is reserved for rest and recovery, followed by dinner and another overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner Accommodation: Hotel in Nallathanniya
Day 9: Nallathanniya to Colombo via Kelaniya
Enjoy breakfast before leaving Nallathanniya and travelling towards Colombo. Visit Kelaniya Temple, a Buddhist religious site associated with traditions of the Buddha’s visits to Sri Lanka.
Continue to Colombo for visits to Gangaramaya Temple and Seema Malaka, the lake temple. These stops offer a final opportunity to explore the island’s Buddhist places of worship before the city sightseeing programme.
Discover Colombo’s landmarks, with the planned route including Independence Memorial Hall, BMICH, Lotus Tower, the Old Parliament, Galle Face Green and the Floating Market, as time and traffic permit. Sightseeing does not automatically include paid admission to every landmark; entrance charges apply separately unless specifically included.
After the day’s visits, check in to your hotel and enjoy your final dinner of the tour.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner Accommodation: Hotel in Colombo
Day 10: Colombo Shopping and Airport Departure
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before preparing for departure. Depending on your flight time, take a shopping excursion to ODEL and House of Fashions, with time to browse for clothing, gifts and souvenirs.
Your guide will coordinate the day’s schedule around your airport reporting time. After shopping, transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward flight, bringing your 10-day Sri Lanka journey to a close.
Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Not included
Includes/Excludes
What's Included?
- PRICE INCLUDES
- Airport transfers and itinerary transportation by private air-conditioned vehicle.
- An experienced English-speaking National Guide Lecturer.
- Nine nights of hotel accommodation on a twin/double-sharing basis.
- Breakfast and dinner according to the itinerary.
- Vegetarian or non-vegetarian meals as arranged.
- Government taxes.
- Two 500 ml bottles of drinking water per person per day during vehicle travel.
- A complimentary short herbal head-and-shoulder massage at the spice garden.
- Admission to the traditional cultural dance performance in Kandy.
- Visits to the herbal and spice garden, gemological museum and gem factory.
- PRICE EXCLUDES
- Entrance fees to attractions, except those specifically included.
- Lunches.
- Drinks and beverages other than the included bottled water.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Gregory Lake boat ride and other activities with separate charges.
What's Excluded?
- PRICE INCLUDES
- Airport transfers and itinerary transportation by private air-conditioned vehicle.
- An experienced English-speaking National Guide Lecturer.
- Nine nights of hotel accommodation on a twin/double-sharing basis.
- Breakfast and dinner according to the itinerary.
- Vegetarian or non-vegetarian meals as arranged.
- Government taxes.
- Two 500 ml bottles of drinking water per person per day during vehicle travel.
- A complimentary short herbal head-and-shoulder massage at the spice garden.
- Admission to the traditional cultural dance performance in Kandy.
- Visits to the herbal and spice garden, gemological museum and gem factory.
- PRICE EXCLUDES
- Entrance fees to attractions, except those specifically included.
- Lunches.
- Drinks and beverages other than the included bottled water.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Gregory Lake boat ride and other activities with separate charges.
Packing List
Daily Wear
- u2022 Passport, travel documents and booking details.
- Comfortable clothing for sightseeing.
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits.
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip.
- Warm layers for the Adamu2019s Peak climb.
- Headlamp or torch with spare batteries.
- Lightweight rain jacket.
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Reusable water bottle.
Essential Information
Fitness and Walking
This tour combines sightseeing with temple visits and an Adam’s Peak pilgrimage. The summit climb is strenuous and involves prolonged ascent and descent. Discuss your fitness and any mobility limitations with us before booking.
Temple Visits
Bring clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Follow local instructions regarding footwear, photography and religious customs.
Accommodation and Meals
Accommodation is in twin or double-sharing hotel rooms. Breakfast and dinner are included. Please inform us of dietary requirements before departure.
Check-in and Check-out
Standard hotel check-in is at 2:00 PM and check-out is at 12:00 noon. Early check-in and late check-out depend on availability and may incur additional charges.
Itinerary Arrangements
Sightseeing order and the Adam’s Peak climb may need adjustment according to weather, local conditions and operating arrangements.
