Spend 10 days discovering the essential highlights of Sri Lanka, from ancient cultural sites and UNESCO World Heritage Sites to lush tea plantations, spectacular scenery and exciting wildlife safaris.
This tour is ideal for travellers with limited time who want to experience the best of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka, often known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, is a captivating island with a rich and varied history. From ancient cities and sacred temples to beautiful beaches, dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife, Sri Lanka offers an incredible variety of experiences.
This carefully designed Highlights of Sri Lanka tour gives you a wonderful introduction to the island, combining culture, history, nature, wildlife and scenic beauty.
On arrival in Sri Lanka, our airport representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to Negombo, a journey of approximately 30 minutes.
Negombo is one of Sri Lanka's most popular beach destinations, offering a relaxed coastal atmosphere with a variety of restaurants and bars close to the hotel.
Drive to the heart of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle and visit the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dating back to the 1st century BC, Dambulla is the largest cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, featuring five caves decorated with paintings and around 200 statues of Lord Buddha.
Later, enjoy a game drive in Minneriya National Park, renowned for its elephants and diverse wildlife.
Depending on the location of the elephants, the safari may instead take place in Hurulu Eco Park or Kaudulla National Park, which are located nearby.
Begin the day with a visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising approximately 650 feet above the surrounding landscape, Sigiriya was the capital of Sri Lanka during the 5th century.
Explore its famous water gardens, Mirror Wall, frescoes and Lion's Paw Terrace before enjoying spectacular panoramic views from the summit.
Continue to Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second indigenous capital of ancient Sri Lanka, dating from the 10th century.
Discover important monuments including the Royal Palace, Gal Pota, Vatadage, Rankot Vihara and the impressive Gal Vihara Buddha statues.
Travel to Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the last royal capital of Sri Lanka.
Situated approximately 1,500 feet above sea level and surrounded by hills, Kandy is one of Sri Lanka's most picturesque cities, with beautiful Kandy Lake at its centre.
On the way, visit a spice garden, where you can learn about Sri Lanka's spices and traditional Ayurvedic practices.
In Kandy, visit a gem museum to learn about traditional gem mining methods and discover some of Sri Lanka's famous gemstones, including its renowned blue sapphires.
Later, enjoy a leisurely walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens, renowned for their extensive collection of tropical plants, including the Orchid House, Palm Avenue and bamboo collections.
Visit the Temple of the Tooth, one of Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist temples and home to the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. Experience the atmosphere during a traditional ceremony.
Continue with a guided visit to the Kandy Garrison Cemetery, followed by visits to a Hindu temple and St. Paul's Church.
Later, enjoy a peaceful walk of approximately two hours through Udawattakele Nature Reserve, a forested sanctuary located close to Kandy.
In the evening, attend a traditional Kandy Cultural Show featuring Sri Lankan dances accompanied by traditional music.
Enjoy one of the most scenic drives of the tour through thousands of acres of Sri Lanka's famous tea plantations on the way to Nuwara Eliya.
Along the route, you may see tea pickers working on the hillsides and stop to admire Ramboda Falls.
Visit a tea factory to learn how Sri Lanka's world-famous tea is produced.
Continue with a city tour of Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as “Little England” because of its strong colonial character. See attractions including the racecourse, Hill Club and Gregory's Lake.
Located at more than 6,000 feet above sea level, Nuwara Eliya has a much cooler climate and is surrounded by some of Sri Lanka's finest tea-growing areas.
Continue to Ella Gap, where you can enjoy spectacular views across the valley towards the coastal plains.
Travel to Yala National Park and enjoy an exciting wildlife game drive.
Yala is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, crocodiles, deer, wild boar, monitor lizards and water buffalo.
The park also supports rich birdlife and offers the opportunity to spot leopards and, with some luck, sloth bears.
Drive along Sri Lanka's beautiful palm-fringed southern coast.
Continue along the coast and pass the famous stilt fishermen near Ahangama, one of Sri Lanka's most recognisable traditional coastal sights.
Explore the historic Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally built by the Portuguese and later developed by the Dutch, the fort contains numerous historic landmarks, including the Dutch Church, Lighthouse, Clock Tower, museum, Amangalla Hotel and cricket ground.
After exploring Galle, drive to Insight Hotel in Ahangama, where you can check in, relax and unwind after the day's experiences.
The following day is yours to enjoy at your own pace, with Day 9 reserved as a free day at the beach. Relax by the sea, enjoy the warm tropical waters, explore the coastline or simply take some time to rest and soak up Sri Lanka's laid-back coastal atmosphere.
Spend a relaxing day on Sri Lanka’s beautiful coastline, with plenty of time to unwind on the golden sands and enjoy the warm tropical waters.
Transfer to the airport for your departure.
Weekly departures — minimum two people.
Yes, this itinerary is specially designed for travelers who want to experience the core highlights of Sri Lanka—including cultural heritage, hill country scenery, and wildlife safaris—within a compact 8-day schedule, with the option to extend for a beach stay on the south or west coast.
Wild elephants migrate freely between these connected national parks depending on water and feeding grounds. To give you the best wildlife sighting experience, our guides track herd movements on the day, which may incur an alternative safari supplement (£35 per person).
Modest dress is required at sites such as Dambulla Cave Temple and the Temple of the Tooth. Shoulders and knees must be covered, and shoes and hats must be removed before entering sacred grounds. Light, breathable white or pale clothing is recommended.
