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This 12-day journey through Sri Lanka takes in history, wildlife, and enchanting landscapes. Wander Colombo’s vibrant streets, marvel at Galle Fort, and unwind on South West Coast beaches. Tick off Yala and Minneriya national parks, Nuwara Eliya’s tea country, and experience cultural performances in Kandy and ascend Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Departs June - December 2026 and January - November 2027.
Fancy a last-minute getaway? Save 15% when departing by 30 June!
*Advertised price is per person, twin share, based on 7 and 28 June 2026 departures. Other departure dates are available and may incur a surcharge and do not include 15% off. Offer ends 31 March 2026. Advertised price is inclusive of savings. Pricing correct as of 3 March 2026.
Inclusions
11 nights in 3 and 5-star hotels
Breakfast daily, 1 cooking demonstration with lunch, 1 dinner
Ride the iconic train from Haputale to Nuwara Eliya
Safari drives in Yala and Minneriya national parks
Dedicated private transportation throughout
Fully escorted by an English-speaking guide throughout
Sightseeing including entry fees as per itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1: Colombo Hotel: Ramada by Wyndham Colombo Welcome to Sri Lanka! On arrival into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), make your own way to your hotel located on the outskirts of Colombo. Airport transfers are not included.
Day 2: Colombo – Kalutara (South West Coast) Hotel: Tangerine Beach Hotel – Kalutara Meals: Breakfast After breakfast, meet your tour leader for a short introduction before exploring Colombo. Discover the city’s colonial heritage shaped by Portuguese, Dutch and British rule, reflected in its architecture. Visit the Colombo National Museum, housed in a striking neo-Baroque building dating back to 1877, showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich history and royal heritage. Later, travel to Kalutara on the South West Coast and enjoy the evening at leisure. Travel time: Approx. 2.5 hours
Day 3: Kalutara – Galle – Kalutara Hotel: Tangerine Beach Hotel – Kalutara Meals: Breakfast Travel to Balapitiya for a scenic boat ride along the Madu River, home to 64 islands including Cinnamon Island, where you’ll learn about Sri Lanka’s cinnamon production. Continue to UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, a beautifully preserved colonial city influenced by Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture. Return to Kalutara in the afternoon. Travel time: Approx. 6 hours
Day 4: Kalutara – Yala National Park Hotel: Mandara Rosen Kataragama Meals: Breakfast After breakfast, travel to Yala National Park. Check in and relax before an afternoon game drive through one of Sri Lanka’s largest and most biodiverse parks, famous for its leopard population. Travel time: Approx. 2.5 hours (excluding safari) Note: Yala may close for maintenance in September/October. An alternative park of equal wildlife opportunity will be visited if required.
Day 5: Yala National Park – Nine Arch Bridge – Haputale Hotel: Olympus Plaza Hotel Meals: Breakfast Depart for Haputale, stopping at Rawana Waterfall. Visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, a remarkable example of colonial-era railway engineering set amidst lush hills. Check in and enjoy the evening at leisure. Travel time: Approx. 3 hours
Day 6: Haputale Hotel: Olympus Plaza Hotel Meals: Breakfast Enjoy a full day at leisure in the cool hill country surrounds of Haputale. If time permits, visit Ella in the afternoon before returning for dinner. Travel time: Approx. 2 hours (if visiting Ella)
Day 7: Haputale – Nuwara Eliya (Ramboda) Hotel: Ramboda Falls Hotel – Nuwara Eliya Meals: Breakfast Travel to Bandarawela Railway Station and board the scenic train journey to Nanuoya through Sri Lanka’s tea country. Visit a tea plantation and factory to learn about the tea-making process from leaf to cup. Evening at leisure. Travel time: Approx. 3.5 hours Note: Train tickets are released 30 days prior and class cannot be guaranteed. Road transport will be arranged if required.
Day 8: Nuwara Eliya – Kandy Hotel: Hotel Topaz Kandy Meals: Breakfast Journey through picturesque tea plantations and waterfalls en route to Kandy, the Hill Capital and UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a city tour including the market and bazaar. Attend a traditional Sri Lankan cultural performance in the evening. Travel time: Approx. 3 hours
Day 9: Kandy – Dambulla Cave – Minneriya National Park – Sigiriya Hotel: SigiriyaJungles Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Travel to Sigiriya, stopping at Dambulla Cave Temple, the world’s largest cave sanctuary featuring over 150 Buddha images. Visit a Spice Garden in Matale before arriving in Sigiriya. In the afternoon, enjoy a private jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, famous for elephant gatherings during the dry season. Evening group dinner included. Travel time: Approx. 3.5 hours (excluding safari) Note: Hurulu Eco Park or Kaudulla National Park may be substituted depending on elephant movement.
Day 10: Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya Hotel: SigiriyaJungles Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Climb the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an extraordinary 5th-century citadel. Later, enjoy a Sri Lankan cooking demonstration and traditional lunch overlooking paddy fields. In the afternoon, tour the medieval city of Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Travel time: Approx. 2.5 hours
Day 11: Sigiriya – Negombo Hotel: Goldi Sands Hotel – Negombo Meals: Breakfast Travel to Negombo and enjoy a free afternoon to relax by the pool or explore the coastal town. Travel time: Approx. 3 hours
Day 12: Negombo Meals: Breakfast Visit Negombo’s Fish Market, known locally as “Lellama.” Make your own way to the airport for your onward flight. Access to your room is available until 8pm if departing later in the evening. Airport transfers are not included.
Itinerary subject to change.
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.
