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The Best of Sri Lanka
Tours/The Best of Sri Lanka

The Best of Sri Lanka

Tour Overview

Suitable for: Couples, Families and Groups

The Best of Sri Lanka is a 14-day adventure through the island’s most iconic destinations, blending cultural heritage, scenic hill country, wildlife safaris, authentic village experiences, and pristine beaches. From exploring the colonial charm of Galle, spotting elephants at Udawalawe National Park, and enjoying breathtaking views in Ella, to climbing Adam’s Peak, visiting ancient treasures like Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, and ending with relaxing beach days and snorkeling by Nilaveli, this tour beautifully captures the diversity and wonders of Sri Lanka. This tour is ideally suited for travel from June to September, offering the best weather conditions for both inland and east-coast experiences.

Tour Theme

🏛️ Cultural Heritage
🏺 Historical Sites
🐘 Wildlife Safaris
🌿 Nature Encounters
🌄 Scenic Hill Country
🚆 Train Journeys
🏖️ Beach Escapes
🐠 Marine Adventures
🗺️ Iconic Landscapes
👁️ Scenic Views
👣 Authentic Village Life
🤝 Local Experiences
📸 Photography Moments
✨ Unforgettable Memories

Number of Cities15

Negombo, Colombo, Galle, Udawalawa, Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Adam's Peak, Kandy, Pinnawala, Matale, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee, Dambulla, Kurunegala

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your pre-booked hotel to rest and relax after your long flight. Proceed on a city tour of Negombo, including a visit to the vibrant fish market, where you can observe the daily catch brought in by local fishermen. Continue with a relaxing boat ride on the Negombo Lagoon, surrounded by mangroves and traditional fishing villages. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk along Negombo Beach, taking in the coastal atmosphere and sunset views. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Negombo.

Activities

Airport pick up, Negombo city tour, Fish market, Boat trip

Negombo highlight 1
Negombo highlight 2
Negombo highlight 3
Negombo highlight 4
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Bed & Breakfast

Route

Colombo International Airport > Negombo

Drive

20 minutes

After breakfast leave for Galle. En-route, enjoy a guided introduction to Sri Lanka with visits to key attractions, including Colombo city highlights, the Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda, and the golden shores of Hikkaduwa Beach. Upon arrival in Galle, check in to your hotel and take time to relax. In the afternoon, proceed to explore the iconic Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and ocean views offer a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich history. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Galle.

Activities

Colombo city tour, Turtle hatchery, Galle Dutch Fort

Galle highlight 1
Galle highlight 2
Galle highlight 3
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Bed & Breakfast

Route

Negombo > Colombo > Galle

Drive

03 hours

After breakfast, depart from Galle and travel to Udawalawe, renowned for its rich wildlife and scenic landscapes. Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked hotel and enjoy time to relax. In the afternoon, embark on an exciting jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park, home to large herds of elephants, as well as deer, buffalo, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birdlife. After the safari, return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Udawalawe.

Activities

Safari at Udawalawa National Park

Udawalawa highlight 1
Udawalawa highlight 2
Udawalawa highlight 3
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Half Board

Route

Galle > Udawalawa

Drive

03 hours

After breakfast, depart from Udawalawa and travel towards the picturesque hill town of Ella, with a stop en route at the stunning Ravana Ella Falls, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic waterfalls. Upon arrival in Ella, check in to your pre-booked hotel and take time to relax. In the early evening, visit the famous Nine Arch Bridge, an impressive colonial-era railway bridge set amidst lush greenery, followed by time to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the Ella Gap. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Ella.

Activities

Rawana Ella Falls, Nine Arch Bridge

Ella highlight 1
Ella highlight 2
Ella highlight 3
Accommodation

2-star hotel

Meal Plan

Bed & Breakfast

Route

Udawalawa > Ella

Drive

03 hours

After breakfast, transfer to Ella Railway Station to board the train at 09:15 hrs for a scenic journey to Nanu Oya. This iconic hill-country train ride offers breathtaking views of misty mountains, lush tea plantations, valleys, and rolling green landscapes. Upon arrival at Nanu Oya Railway Station, you will be met by your driver and transferred to Nuwara Eliya. Enjoy visits to the local marketplace, a tea factory, and surrounding tea plantations, gaining insight into the region’s colonial charm and world-famous Ceylon tea heritage. In the evening, proceed to Adam’s Peak via Hatton. Check in to your booked hotel and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Activities

Train ride from Ella to Nanu Oya, Nuwara Eliya marketplace, Tea factory, Tea plantations

Adam's Peak highlight 1
Adam's Peak highlight 2
Adam's Peak highlight 3
Adam's Peak highlight 4
Accommodation

2-star hotel

Meal Plan

Half Board

Route

Ella > Nuwara Eliya > Adam’s Peak

Drive

04 hours

Begin the experience early at 02:30 hrs, starting the ascent of Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) to witness a breathtaking sunrise from the summit. Rising to 2,243 metres, Adam’s Peak is one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred and iconic mountains, revered by multiple faiths for the Sacred Footprint at its summit—believed to be the footprint of the Buddha in Buddhist tradition, Lord Shiva in Hindu belief, and Adam or St. Thomas in Islamic and Christian traditions. After descending, return to the hotel for rest and refreshment. Thereafter, depart for Kandy via Ginigathhena, enjoying scenic views along the way. Upon arrival in Kandy, check in to your booked hotel and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Activities

Adam’s Peak

Kandy highlight 1
Kandy highlight 2
Kandy highlight 3
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Half Board

Route

Adam's Peak > Kandy

Drive

03 hours

After an early breakfast at 08:00 hrs, proceed to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can observe elephants up close in a natural setting. Continue with a visit to the Maximus Elephant Dung Paper Factory, a unique initiative showcasing eco-friendly paper production. Return to Kandy and visit the beautifully landscaped Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, renowned for its extensive collection of tropical flora and orchids. In the evening, enjoy a guided city tour of Kandy, followed by a vibrant cultural dance performance. Conclude the day with a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to witness the revered evening ceremony, an important spiritual highlight of Sri Lanka. Return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Kandy.

Activities

Elephant Orphanage, Elephant Dung Paper Factory, Botanical Garden, Temple of the Tooth, Cultural Dance Show

Kandy highlight 1
Kandy highlight 2
Kandy highlight 3
Kandy highlight 4
Kandy highlight 5
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Half Board

Route

Kandy > Pinnawala > Kandy

Drive

02 hours

After breakfast, depart from Kandy and travel towards Sigiriya, with en-route visits to a Hindu temple and a Spice Garden in Matale, where you will gain insight into Sri Lanka’s rich spice heritage and traditional uses. Upon arrival in Sigiriya, enjoy an immersive village experience, including a bullock cart ride, canoe ride, traditional cooking demonstration, and a local lunch served in a village hut, offering an authentic glimpse into rural Sri Lankan life. Thereafter, check in to your pre-booked hotel. In the afternoon, visit and climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its ancient frescoes, landscaped gardens, and panoramic views from the summit. Return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Sigiriya.

Activities

Matale Hindu Temple, Spice Garden, Village Tour, Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sigiriya highlight 1
Sigiriya highlight 2
Sigiriya highlight 3
Sigiriya highlight 4
Sigiriya highlight 5
Sigiriya highlight 6
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Half Board

Route

Kandy > Sigiriya

Drive

02 hours

Early in the morning at 05:15 hrs, set out to climb Pidurangala Rock, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Thereafter, depart for Polonnaruwa followed by an optional Ayurvedic massage in Habarana for relaxation and rejuvenation. Proceed to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second medieval capital, renowned for its well-preserved ancient ruins and archaeological heritage. Continue the journey to Nilaveli and check in to your hotel for a relaxing beach stay. Enjoy an overnight stay at the booked hotel.

Activities

Pidurangala Rock, Ayurvedic Massage, Polonnaruwa

Nilaveli highlight 1
Nilaveli highlight 2
Nilaveli highlight 3
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Bed & Breakfast

Route

Sigiriya > Polonnaruwa > Nilaveli

Drive

04 hours

Spend the day at leisure, resting and relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Nilaveli. Enjoy the tranquil coastal atmosphere, soft sands, and gentle ocean breeze.

Activities

Beach stay

Nilaveli highlight 1
Nilaveli highlight 2
Nilaveli highlight 3
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Bed & Breakfast

Route

Nilaveli

Drive

After breakfast, visit the beautiful Pigeon Island National Park, one of only two marine national parks in Sri Lanka, located just 1 km off the Nilaveli coast. Enjoy an unforgettable snorkeling experience among vibrant coral reefs and tropical marine life. After the excursion, return to your booked hotel for an overnight stay.

Activities

Snorkeling at Pigeon Island National Park, Beach stay

Nilaveli highlight 1
Nilaveli highlight 2
Nilaveli highlight 3
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Bed & Breakfast

Route

Nilaveli

Drive

Spend the morning at leisure, enjoying your final day at the beach on this tour, relaxing by the shore and taking in the serene coastal atmosphere. In the afternoon, depart for Trincomalee to visit the sacred Koneswaram Hindu Temple, beautifully located atop Swami Rock with panoramic ocean views. Continue with a city tour of Trincomalee, followed by free time to explore the commercial area, experiencing the town’s vibrant local life. Enjoy a visit to Deer Park, where you will have the opportunity to feed the friendly deer in a serene natural setting. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Activities

Beach stay, Koneswaram Hindu Temple, City tour

Nilaveli highlight 1
Nilaveli highlight 2
Nilaveli highlight 3
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Bed & Breakfast

Route

Nilaveli > Trincomalee > Nilaveli

Drive

01 hour

After breakfast, depart for Negombo. En-route, visit the Dambulla Golden Rock Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient cave paintings and Buddha statues. Continue to Kurunegala to visit the Selyn Handloom Factory, famous for producing traditional Sri Lankan handloom textiles, and enjoy a scenic drive to Elephant Rock, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. Proceed to Negombo. Check in to hotel and enjoy an overnight stay in Negombo.

Activities

Dambulla Cave Temple, Elephant Rock, Handloom Factory

Negombo highlight 1
Negombo highlight 2
Negombo highlight 3
Accommodation

3-star hotel

Meal Plan

Bed & Breakfast

Route

Nilaveli > Dambulla > Kurunegala > Negombo

Drive

05 hours

After breakfast, depart for Colombo International Airport concluding your Sri Lankan journey with wonderful memories.

Activities

Departure Transfer

Departure highlight 1
Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast

Route

Negombo > Colombo International Airport

Drive

20 minutes

The Best of Sri Lanka - Tour Route Map

What's Included

  • Airport pick up and drop off
  • Accommodation in 2 to 3 star hotels on given meal plan basis
  • Tour guide
  • Tour guide fee, food and lodging
  • A/C transportation
  • Fuel
  • Highway entrance tickets
  • Train tickets from Ella to Nanu Oya
  • Jeep hire charges to Udawalawa National Park
  • Village tour in Sigiriya

Starting from

1990

per person

* Prices vary based on travel dates, hotel category, and group size

Duration
14 Days / 13 Nights
Group Size
2 pax and above
Rating
4.9/5

100% customisable

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