Starting from:

736 USD

per Adult

Sri Lanka highlights tour | Best of Sri Lanka

Select Month

start planning
Trip crafted by:
Dhanushka
Travel Expert
Sri Lanka flagSri Lanka

Our Sri Lanka highlights tour is created for curious travelers seeking meaningful Sri Lanka trips beyond the ordinary. Discover the island at your own pace through a tailor-made journey shaped around your interests and travel style.

Connect with local hosts, experience authentic culture, and explore with intention. Share your dates and preferences, and we’ll design a personalized trip that blends iconic highlights with responsible, expertly planned travel.

Sri Lanka highlights tour highlights

  • Cultural gems and heritage sites: Explore UNESCO sites like Sigiriya and Kandy, connecting deeply with Sri Lanka’s heritage.
  • Tea Country and scenic train rides: Sip single-estate teas and savor hill-country views on a tailor-made train journey.
  • Wildlife safaris and coastal encounters: Track elephants and leopards in intimate safaris, then unwind on secluded beaches away from the crowds.
  • Culinary trails and home dining: Taste Sri Lanka’s spice-rich cuisine with tailor-made cooking classes and family meals.
  • Custom comfort and local hospitality: Stay in boutique villas and eco-lodges chosen for authentic charm and personalized service.
DayLocationActivityOvernight
1Negombo

• Airport meet and greet with private transfer

• Negombo lagoon and Dutch heritage walk

• Private canal boat ride and seaside dinner

Negombo
2Negombo → Dambulla / Pidurangala

• Pidurangala summit hike

• Ancient monastery site exploration

• Koskale village stop with fresh hot rotti

Sigiriya / Habarana
3Sigiriya / Habarana → Polonnaruwa → Minneriya

• Polonnaruwa UNESCO ancient city tour

• Gal Viharaya and Parakrama Samudra

• Minneriya National Park elephant safari

Sigiriya / Habarana
4Sigiriya → Kandy

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress climb

• Scenic hill country transfer

• Temple of the Tooth and cultural dance show

Kandy
5Kandy → Nuwara Eliya

• Waterfall stops en route to the hill country

• Tea estate visit and tasting

• Nuwara Eliya colonial heritage walk

Nuwara Eliya
6Nuwara Eliya → Kitulgala → Colombo

• Optional white water rafting in Kitulgala

• Colombo city highlights and Galle Face sunset

• Evening rooftop or market visit

Colombo
7Colombo → Airport• Breakfast and private airport transfer

Places you'll visit

Click to activate the map
See all Sri Lanka places
Day01

Arrival in Negombo

Your dedicated Sri Lankan representative will welcome you on arrival and transfer you to Negombo, where you can settle in and relax after your flight.

Begin your Sri Lanka travel experience with a gentle introduction to this coastal town, exploring the tranquil lagoon shores, the historic Dutch Canal, the old Dutch fort gate, charming colonial churches, and the vibrant fishing villages.

Enjoy a tailor-made boat ride along the canal for authentic local encounters, then unwind by the water with a freshly brewed coffee or a seafood dinner overlooking the lagoon.

Negombo, Sri Lanka
Day02

To Pidurangala and Dambulla

After breakfast, travel to Dambulla and climb Pidurangala for sweeping views across the cultural plains. This short, rewarding hike offers panoramic vistas over Sigiriya, ancient rock formations, and quiet moments ideal for photography and reflection.

Once home to a monastery dating back to the third century BC, Pidurangala later expanded under King Kasyapa to house hundreds of monks.

On the way, stop in Koskale to enjoy hot rotti, meet friendly local vendors, and sample authentic street food that adds genuine Sri Lankan flavor to your journey.

Dambulla
Day03

Polonnaruwa and Minneriya

After breakfast, explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. Visit the Royal Palace and the serene Gal Viharaya, with its four rock-carved Buddhas.

See the elegant Lotus Bath and the statue of King Parakramabahu. End at the vast Parakrama Samudra, a masterpiece of ancient irrigation that showcases the island’s engineering brilliance.

In the afternoon, enjoy a safari in Minneriya National Park. Watch herds of wild elephants, diverse birdlife, and rare bamboo groves for unforgettable wildlife encounters and photography.

Royal Kingdom of Polonnaruwa
Minneriya national park
Day04

Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock and transfer to Kandy

Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and explore its frescoes, mirror wall, water gardens, and boulder terraces. A guided ascent leads to sweeping views from the summit and stories of ancient kings and legends. After this UNESCO World Heritage Site, continue to Kandy with scenic stops for photos and tea plantation views.

In Kandy, stroll around the lake, browse local shops and gem museums, and visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic to witness the evening rituals. End the day with a cultural show featuring traditional music, dance, and fire performances that celebrate Sri Lanka’s heritage.

Sigiriya Fortress
Day05

Nuwara Eliya, tea, tranquility, and timeless beauty

Enjoy breakfast before a scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya, a charming hill station surrounded by rolling tea plantations. Along the way, pause at waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints, and enjoy a cup of hot Ceylon tea at a local café.

As part of your Sri Lanka itinerary, check in and embrace the cool mountain climate. Visit nearby tea estates to learn about the production process, admire Pidurutalagala rising above the valleys, and stroll past the historic 18-hole golf course that reflects the timeless charm of the hill country.

Nuwara Eliya
Day06

To Colombo

Drive toward Colombo with a stop in Kitulgala, known for white water rafting and as the filming location of The Bridge on the River Kwai. Adventurous travelers can opt for a rafting session through lush rainforest scenery before continuing toward the capital.

In the evening, explore Colombo’s blend of modern towers and colonial architecture. Stroll along Galle Face Green at sunset for Indian Ocean views, browse the lively Pettah market, then unwind at your hotel or enjoy cocktails at a rooftop bar.

Kithulgala
Day07

Departure

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel before your private transfer to the airport for departure. Take in the last flavors and views of the island as your tailored Sri Lanka trip comes to a close.

Thank you for traveling with us. We look forward to welcoming you back and creating another authentic journey through Sri Lanka, filled with meaningful experiences and thoughtful personal touches.

Departure