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Uncover the magic of Sri Lanka on this 8-day adventure, starting and ending in Colombo. Step back in time at the cave temples of Dambulla and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Climb the striking Sigiriya Rock Fortress and enjoy a village-style cookery demo in Kayanwala. In Kandy, visit the revered Temple of the Tooth and a local tea factory before a scenic train journey winds through lush plantations to Nuwara Eliya. Spot elephants and other wildlife on safari in Udawalawe National Park, then round off the trip with a lively tour of Colombo’s colonial landmarks and colourful city streets.
Scenic train trip from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, canoe ride and tuk tuk trips
Jeep safari/game drive in Udawalawe National Park
Escorted by an English-speaking national guide for groups of 6 or more (professional chauffeur guide for groups of 5 or fewer)
Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 8
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles
Highlights
Colombo – Enjoy a guided tour of the city including the Old Fort area and impressive Gangaramaya Temple
Polonnaruwa - Explore the remarkable ruins of the ancient capital city of Ceylon
Sigiriya - Climb to the top of the iconic 5th century Lion Rock fortress and see the Heavenly Maidens
Dambulla - Discover over 150 images of Buddha in the incredible complex of caves at Dambulla Rock Temple
Kayanwala Village - Canoe to the village and help cook a delicious traditional lunch with a Sri Lankan family
Matale - Learn all about Sri Lanka's herbs and spices at the spice gardens in Matale
Kandy - Take in the highlights of Kandy including the famous Temple of the Tooth, enjoy a tuk tuk ride and watch a cultural performance
Giragama Tea Factory - Take a tour of a working tea factory with a long history
Take a scenic train ride passing waterfalls and tea plantations en route from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and drive though Nuwara Eliya's 'Little England'
Udawalawe National Park - Go in search of wildlife on a game drive in Udawalawe, home to the nation's largest herd of Asian Elephants
Itinerary
Day 1 – Colombo
Upon arrival at Colombo Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to your seafront hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax and settle in.
Optional experience (pre-tour): Join the Backstreets of Colombo tour for an immersive morning adventure. Travel by tuk tuk to Bambalapitiya, catch a local train into the city centre, explore Pettah, visit the Red Mosque, Old Town Hall and Wolvendaal Church, and finish with a mutton roll and iced coffee at the historic Nippon Hotel. Flights must arrive before 5:00am on Day 1. Pre-tour accommodation recommended.
For later arrivals, enjoy free time near Galle Road, relax by the pool or unwind with a sunset cocktail overlooking the Laccadive Sea.
Overnight: Colombo
Day 2 – Dambulla & Polonnaruwa
Colombo → Dambulla → Polonnaruwa → Dambulla Travel inland to Dambulla, stopping at a local fruit and vegetable market in Naramwela. Visit the ancient Dambulla Rock Temple, a 1st-century BC cave complex featuring over 150 Buddha images. Continue to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring the Royal Palace and Gal Vihara before returning to Dambulla for the evening.
Overnight: Dambulla Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 – Sigiriya & Kandy
Dambulla → Sigiriya → Kandy Explore iconic Sigiriya (Lion Rock), a 1,500-year-old rock fortress rising 200 metres above the jungle, including the famous Heavenly Maidens frescoes. Continue with a hand-tractor ride and canoe trip to Kayanwala Village, where a village cookery demonstration is followed by a traditional lunch. En route to Kandy, stop at a spice garden in Matale.
Overnight: Kandy Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 – Kandy & Temple of the Tooth
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Kandy, visiting the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, scenic Kandy Lake, the local bazaar and a gem museum. Take a tuk tuk ride into the surrounding hills before visiting Geragama Tea Factory. This evening, enjoy a cultural performance of traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.
Overnight: Kandy Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 – Scenic train journey & tea plantations
Kandy → Nuwara Eliya Transfer to the railway station for a scenic train journey through rolling tea plantations, waterfalls and hillside villages en route to Nuwara Eliya, the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country. This afternoon enjoy a leisurely drive through “Little England”.
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 – Udawalawe National Park jeep safari
Nuwara Eliya → Udawalawe National Park Travel south to Embilipitiya and enjoy an afternoon jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park, one of the best places to spot Sri Lankan elephants, as well as leopards, sloth bears and deer.
Overnight: Udawalawe National Park Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 – Colombo city tour
Udawalawe → Colombo Visit the Gem Mine and Museum in Ratnapura before continuing to Colombo for a guided city tour, including the Fort area, Gangaramaya Temple and a stroll along Galle Face Green.
Overnight: Colombo Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 – Goodbye Sri Lanka
Enjoy free time to explore Colombo independently before your included transfer to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates/Pricing
Travel Dates
First Guest
Second Guest
4 Apr – 11 Apr 2026
$2,985
FREE
2 May – 9 May 2026
$2,985
FREE
30 May – 6 Jun 2026
$2,985
FREE
27 Jun – 4 Jul 2026
$2,985
FREE
25 Jul – 1 Aug 2026
$3,020
FREE
12 Sep – 19 Sep 2026
$3,020
FREE
3 Oct – 10 Oct 2026
$3,020
FREE
31 Oct – 7 Nov 2026
$3,020
FREE
*Advertised prices are per person for the first guest, twin share. On eligible 2-for-1 departures, the second guest travels free. Alternative departure dates may be available and may incur a surcharge. Advertised prices include all applicable savings. Prices and information are correct as at 12 January 2026.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
