If you are traveling to Sri Lanka and can only stay one week, we have the perfect tour and experience for you! Or you may be traveling somewhere else in Asia and have time for a quick stop in Sri Lanka. Either way, we can arrange a custom tour according to your needs and preferences.
There is so much to see, explore, and experience in the “pearl of the Indian Ocean” that you could easily fill an entire month. However, most travelers cannot commit to that extended time. We want you to get the most out of your time and maximize travel to be able to hit the highlights of Sri Lanka. This tour will give you insight into what makes Sri Lanka the top travel nation in Asia.
You will experience wildlife, nature, culture, and have time to relax in paradise! Do not forget your camera on this tour because there will be an abundance of amazing opportunities for the perfect shot. This tour will provide the full Sri Lankan experience. You will leave with a part of your heart left on this majestic island. You will also leave already planning your next trip back.
This luxury tour includes a private vehicle and English speaking driver that is trained and held to high quality standards. All accommodations, experiences, entrance fees, and breakfast is included. This tour will provide an overall and in depth experience of Sri Lanka and you will depart feeling like you have explored the entire island. Your adventure is waiting!
Day 1 – Arrival and Negombo
Your arrival in Colombo marks the start of your experience on the Isle of Serendib. In the arrival hall of Bandaranayake International Airport you will find your English-speaking experience host and driver. You will be at ease as we take pride in selecting professional and understandable drivers.
Once outside the airport you’ll be enthralled with warm temperatures and the wisp of palm leaves colliding in the gentle breeze. Visually you’ll be pleasantly overwhelmed with color and greenery. Onto Negombo!
Your experience begins in this relaxing beach town located a short distance from the airport. Watch local fisherman pull in their catch for the day. Chill out on the beach with the astonishing views and sounds of the Indian Ocean. You may want to take advantage of a fresh seafood meal before dozing off and dreaming of the upcoming sights.
Day 2 – Dambulla/Sigiriya
Travel to Dambulla in the morning after your breakfast. In the quiet village of Dambulla, you will dive into the history and culture of ancient Sri Lanka. With gorgeous views of wildlife and nature, you will be enveloped in the peaceful scenery. The highlight is Sigiriya which sits 200 meters on top of a flat rock known as the Lion Rock.
Beat the heat and set out early for your ascent 200 meters to the top of this former citadel of Sri Lanka known as Lion Rock. There are beautiful caves and water gardens around the base of this mountain. While hiking and winding up the staircase to the top you’ll see the famous damsel frescoes. Enjoy a short rest and the beautiful view at the top while looking over the footers for the once famous palace.
In Dambulla you’ll see the best-preserved cave temples in Sri Lanka. Cave #2 will impress you with over 150 life sized statues of the Buddha along with extravagant murals. After your full day exploring, rest in the shadow of the fortress mountain you conquered during the day.
Day 3 – Kandy
Today you’ll be winding your way to Kandy by private vehicle. You’ll begin to see agricultural and village life. Your driver may stop on the way for you to taste fresh cashews that are sold along the roadside just before you begin the climb up into the mountains to the largest city in the Central province.
The magic of the former Kandy Kingdom comes alive as you visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhalese kings. This Buddhist temple is a UNESCO world heritage site that is within the royal palace complex. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in the local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic of the Buddha’s tooth holds the governance of the nation. Take a few minutes to visit the Sri Dalada Museum also on the same site and keep an eye out for monkeys who prowl around this area.
Following the temple and museum your private guide will take on a guided tour of the town of Kandy including the famous Kandy Lake. Be sure to make a few stops along the way and enjoy a cold drink or ice cream offered by the many vendors along the paved route. Also, don’t miss the newly renovated Queens’ bathing house situated on the west side of the lake.
After this, you will be transported to your hotel for the evening. Be sure to try a King Coconut water or Elephant House Ginger Beer which are both favorite beverages here.
Day 4 – Nuwara Eliya
After your morning breakfast and Ceylon Tea, you’ll now enjoy the Royal Botanical Gardens which are the largest gardens in Sri Lanka. The climate of Kandy allows for hundreds of species of fauna and flora at about 500 meters above sea level. Imagine being surrounded by nature and clean mountain air that inspires. After this, you are heading into the hills. As you travel deeper into the mountains, you will come to Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as “Little England” where you’ll take in the picturesque Gregory’s Lake. Flower gardens abound in this small town with indicators of the bygone British era. This was a favorite holiday retreat for the British elite. There are many fun excursions available around the lake area such as motor boating, jet skiing and horseback riding in this cooler climate. You may want to explore a famous tea factory and taste the freshness of Ceylon. For golfers you may choose to play a round at the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club.
Day 5 – Train Ride and Yala
In the morning, you will be dropped off at a local Train Station to ride through the breath taking hills and capture some great photos. You will ride the train all the way to the famous village-town of Ella. At the Ella train station you will be picked up by your driver and guide. The relaxing hilltop village of Ella benefits from a more temperate climate than much of the rest of country thanks to its high elevation. The pleasant temperatures make the scenery surrounding Ella particularly lush and diverse, with cloud forests and tea plantations covering the hills. Take lots of walks across this verdant landscape during your holiday in Ella to see many old temples, waterfalls, and popular places to soak up stunning views of the scenery.
In one day, you can take advantage of the many picturesque locations such as the Demodara 9 Arches Bridge and Ravana Falls. Enjoy the eats and sights here before heading into the Wild of Yala National Park.
Day 6 – Yala and Weligama
Wildlife abounds in southern Sri Lanka’s Yala National Parks. Here, open-top jeep safaris bring visitors within close range of members of each park’s resident elephant population — some say it’s the country’s largest, with as many as 400 individuals. The park contains large reservoirs and borders the Indian Ocean. The parks draw wild buffaloes, sambar deer, crocodiles, jackals, macaques, leopards and flocks of water birds. For a unique “glamping” experience, we can offer luxurious tent accommodations for you to enjoy the great outdoors without forfeiting the comforts you love. Imagine waking up in an adventurous wildlife surrounding where you can set out early to see the magnificent wildlife in their natural environment.
This beautiful southern coastal area of Sri Lanka is dotted with quaint Sri Lankan villages, where you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the rich culture. Strolls on the beach, soaking in the sun and whale and dolphin watching in the right season will produce an experience that will not be forgotten. Snorkeling, diving or surfing are all available in this southern coastal area. It might even be possible catch the glimpse of a sea turtle while enjoying the ocean!
Day 7 – Galle Fort, Colombo and Departure
If time permits on your last day check out the Galle fort on your way back to Colombo for your departure flight. A Unesco World Heritage Site, this historic sea-side city is a fascinating experience to explore on foot through the cobble stone streets lined with Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions and museums. Wandering through the historic lanes you’ll pass a beautiful lighthouse, stylish cafes, quirky boutiques and impeccably restored hotels.
After leaving the coast and back in the city of Colombo, If you have a later departure, you will have time for the Colombo city tuk-tuk safari. While touring you will visit the magnificent stone edifice at Independence Square which commemorates Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948 followed by a tour of Gangarama Temple which is the oldest Buddhist temple in Colombo.
If time permits the Red Mosque in the bustling market area known as Pettah is a must see. Nearby the Dutch hospital is considered to be the oldest building in the Colombo Fort area dating back to Dutch colonialism but has now been refurbished to offer the best of dining, shopping and spa. Enjoy high tea at the world-famous Galle Face hotel and to wrap up the city tour you can take a stroll oceanside on the Galle Face Green as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.
Sadly, your time is now over in Sri Lanka but the experience will stay with you the rest of your life!
This tour is made for those who want to get the most out of an exotic location with limited time. We can always work with you and extend or shorten the tour if you need.
We look forward to helping you plan your next holiday in Sri Lanka.