Best of Sri Lanka
Operated by Trafalgar

Best of Sri Lanka

From
CAD 3,866
Duration
11 days
Countries
Sri Lanka
Activity
easy

The adventure

This 11-days Sri Lanka tour takes you through the island’s ancient cities, breathtaking landscapes and deep cultural traditions. Book now!

At a glance

Duration
11 days
Route
Colombo → Galle
Countries
Sri Lanka
Activity level
easy
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Ask an agent

Day by day

Panoramic view of lush green mountains under a clear blue sky in Sri Lanka.
Your journey through

Sri Lanka

Day 1Arrival ColomboTouch down in Colombo and transfer to your Stays with Stories hotel, the Galle Face Hotel, a landmark with a rich colonial past and a storied guest list that includes royalty and world leaders. After settling in, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring Sri Lankan-style hoppers, a type of bowl-shaped pancakes made from rice flour, an opportunity to toast to the journey ahead.
Stunning aerial view of Colombo's skyline featuring the iconic Lotus Tower and surrounding architecture.Arrival Colombo
Touch down in Colombo and transfer to your Stays with Stories hotel, the Galle Face Hotel, a landmark with a rich colonial past and a storied guest list that includes royalty and world leaders. After settling in, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring Sri Lankan-style hoppers, a type of bowl-shaped pancakes made from rice flour, an opportunity to toast to the journey ahead.
Day 2Colombo SightseeingWalk through Colombo’s colonial streets, bustling markets and peaceful temples like Pettah and Gangarama Temple, uncovering the layers of Sri Lanka’s capital. The afternoon is yours, you can relax at the hotel, explore more of the city or join an Optional Experience to sample Sri Lanka’s street food or discover the architectural legacy of Geoffrey Bawa. As evening falls, you could choose to see Colombo illuminated from the top of the Lotus Tower on another Optional Experience.
Explore the unique red and white Islamic architecture in the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka.Colombo Sightseeing
Walk through Colombo’s colonial streets, bustling markets and peaceful temples like Pettah and Gangarama Temple, uncovering the layers of Sri Lanka’s capital. The afternoon is yours, you can relax at the hotel, explore more of the city or join an Optional Experience to sample Sri Lanka’s street food or discover the architectural legacy of Geoffrey Bawa. As evening falls, you could choose to see Colombo illuminated from the top of the Lotus Tower on another Optional Experience.
Map showing Colombo Sightseeing
Day 3Kurunegala and on to SigiriyaColomboLeaving Colombo behind, you'll travel towards Sigiriya, watching the landscape shift from city streets to rolling countryside. Stop in Kurunegala to see the hilltop Buddha statue that looks out over the town. You'll have time to slow down and tuck into traditional Sri Lankan flavors at a local restaurant, with views stretching over lush paddy fields. Arriving at your hotel in Sigiriya, unwind or join an Optional Experience on a game drive in Minneriya National Park, home to Sri Lanka’s Asian elephants.
Scenic view of a coastal city with tall buildings and waves crashing against the shore.Colombo
Leaving Colombo behind, you'll travel towards Sigiriya, watching the landscape shift from city streets to rolling countryside. Stop in Kurunegala to see the hilltop Buddha statue that looks out over the town. You'll have time to slow down and tuck into traditional Sri Lankan flavors at a local restaurant, with views stretching over lush paddy fields. Arriving at your hotel in Sigiriya, unwind or join an Optional Experience on a game drive in Minneriya National Park, home to Sri Lanka’s Asian elephants.
Map showing Colombo
Day 4Journey to PolonnaruwaSigiriya Rock Fortress rises above the jungle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. You'll have the option to climb past ancient frescoes and through the lion’s paws before reaching the summit, where you're rewarded with panoramic views. The afternoon is yours to relax at the hotel or explore at your own pace. Later, step into Sri Lanka’s past at Polonnaruwa, walking through the Royal Palace complex, the Quadrangle and the Gal Vihara Buddhas, carved from a single granite slab. After a day of ancient cities and lost kingdoms, you’ll be ready to unwind back at the hotel.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress rises above the jungle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. You'll have the option to climb past ancient frescoes and through the lion’s paws before reaching the summit, where you're rewarded with panoramic views. The afternoon is yours to relax at the hotel or explore at your own pace. Later, step into Sri Lanka’s past at Polonnaruwa, walking through the Royal Palace complex, the Quadrangle and the Gal Vihara Buddhas, carved from a single granite slab. After a day of ancient cities and lost kingdoms, you’ll be ready to unwind back at the hotel.
Day 5Dambulla Cave Temple and KandyHigh above the plains, the Dambulla Cave Temple has been a place of worship for over 2,000 years. Walk through its rock-hewn chambers, where over 150 Buddha statues and centuries-old murals fill the sacred space. From here, visit a mountaintop farm with views of the Aluvihare Mountains, where a guided walk through gardens of pepper, papaya and cocoa ends with a traditional lunch. Arriving in Kandy, visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, said to house a sacred fragment of the Buddha. Walk through its richly decorated halls, soaking in the spiritual atmosphere. As the evening unfolds, take your seat for a Kandyan Cultural Dance Performance, where drumming, fire acts and acrobatic dancers bring Sri Lanka’s traditions to life.
High above the plains, the Dambulla Cave Temple has been a place of worship for over 2,000 years. Walk through its rock-hewn chambers, where over 150 Buddha statues and centuries-old murals fill the sacred space. From here, visit a mountaintop farm with views of the Aluvihare Mountains, where a guided walk through gardens of pepper, papaya and cocoa ends with a traditional lunch. Arriving in Kandy, visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, said to house a sacred fragment of the Buddha. Walk through its richly decorated halls, soaking in the spiritual atmosphere. As the evening unfolds, take your seat for a Kandyan Cultural Dance Performance, where drumming, fire acts and acrobatic dancers bring Sri Lanka’s traditions to life.
Day 6Tea Country HillsJourney into Sri Lanka’s hill country aboard the train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, where rolling tea plantations and misty peaks showcase the country’s natural beauty. Arriving in the heart of tea country, visit a working tea estate and factory to see the craft behind Ceylon’s finest export and enjoy a freshly brewed cup. Later, explore Nuwara Eliya, a town rich in colonial charm. Walk past the Tudor-style post office, unwind by Gregory Lake and soak in the atmosphere of the Grand Hotel and Hill Club, reminders of a bygone era.
Captivating view of Mandaramnuwara in Sri Lanka with lush hills and distant misty mountains.Tea Country Hills
Journey into Sri Lanka’s hill country aboard the train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, where rolling tea plantations and misty peaks showcase the country’s natural beauty. Arriving in the heart of tea country, visit a working tea estate and factory to see the craft behind Ceylon’s finest export and enjoy a freshly brewed cup. Later, explore Nuwara Eliya, a town rich in colonial charm. Walk past the Tudor-style post office, unwind by Gregory Lake and soak in the atmosphere of the Grand Hotel and Hill Club, reminders of a bygone era.
Day 7Onward to TissamaharamaTravel from Nuwara Eliya to Tissamaharama, winding down from the highlands to Sri Lanka’s southern plains. Along the way, Dive into Culture with a stop at a traditional buffalo curd farm, where you’ll see the process firsthand and enjoy a treacle-topped serving. Arriving in Tissamaharama, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing or exploring at your own pace.
Tranquil lakeside scene with ancient tree and calm waters in Tissamaharama, Southern Province, Sri Lanka.Onward to Tissamaharama
Travel from Nuwara Eliya to Tissamaharama, winding down from the highlands to Sri Lanka’s southern plains. Along the way, Dive into Culture with a stop at a traditional buffalo curd farm, where you’ll see the process firsthand and enjoy a treacle-topped serving. Arriving in Tissamaharama, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing or exploring at your own pace.
Day 8Yala National ParkWake before dawn for a game drive in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife reserve. As the sun rises, venture through the park’s diverse landscapes, watching for elephants, crocodiles and the elusive leopard. After returning to the hotel, the afternoon is yours to relax by the pool, read a book or simply unwind. For those keen to explore more, an optional afternoon game drive offers another chance to spot Yala’s wildlife as the day cools.
A serene view of elephants roaming in Yala National Park's lush greenery.Yala National Park
Wake before dawn for a game drive in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife reserve. As the sun rises, venture through the park’s diverse landscapes, watching for elephants, crocodiles and the elusive leopard. After returning to the hotel, the afternoon is yours to relax by the pool, read a book or simply unwind. For those keen to explore more, an optional afternoon game drive offers another chance to spot Yala’s wildlife as the day cools.
Map showing Yala National Park
Day 9Travel to GalleTravel south to Galle, stopping along the way to see the stilt fishermen of Weligama, a tradition unique to Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Arriving in Galle, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day as you please to relax by the beach, explore the town, or soak in the colonial charm. For those looking to explore further, an Optional Experience boat trip through the Ahangama backwaters offers a peaceful journey through mangrove-lined waterways.
Picturesque seaside view of the historic Galle Fort in Sri Lanka, featuring the coastal wall and ocean under a cloudy sky.Galle
Travel south to Galle, stopping along the way to see the stilt fishermen of Weligama, a tradition unique to Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Arriving in Galle, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day as you please to relax by the beach, explore the town, or soak in the colonial charm. For those looking to explore further, an Optional Experience boat trip through the Ahangama backwaters offers a peaceful journey through mangrove-lined waterways.
Map showing Galle
Day 10Galle SightseeingThe morning is yours to enjoy, you could relax at the hotel, take a stroll through Galle, or choose from two Optional Experiences. Set out early on a whale watching cruise (seasonal) to spot blue whales and dolphins off Sri Lanka’s southern coast, or join a mask painting workshop in Galle Fort, learning from a renowned artist about this unique tradition. A warm welcome awaits at the home of Mrs Shahira Mahuroof, for a Be My Guest experience of home-cooked Sri Lankan flavors and family stories. Later, explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort with a Local Specialist, walking along its ramparts and past the iconic Galle Lighthouse. As your journey comes to an end, gather for a final dinner, sharing memories and toasting to the adventure.
Charming view of a historic street in Galle Fort, Sri Lanka, showcasing colonial architecture and a serene urban environment.Galle Sightseeing
The morning is yours to enjoy, you could relax at the hotel, take a stroll through Galle, or choose from two Optional Experiences. Set out early on a whale watching cruise (seasonal) to spot blue whales and dolphins off Sri Lanka’s southern coast, or join a mask painting workshop in Galle Fort, learning from a renowned artist about this unique tradition. A warm welcome awaits at the home of Mrs Shahira Mahuroof, for a Be My Guest experience of home-cooked Sri Lankan flavors and family stories. Later, explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort with a Local Specialist, walking along its ramparts and past the iconic Galle Lighthouse. As your journey comes to an end, gather for a final dinner, sharing memories and toasting to the adventure.
Map showing Galle Sightseeing
Day 11Farewell Sri LankaEnjoy your final morning in Sri Lanka with time to relax or explore as you choose. In the afternoon, visit the Victor Hasselblad Sea Turtle Research & Conservation Center for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Learn about the efforts to protect endangered sea turtles and the challenges facing marine life along Sri Lanka’s coast. Afterwards, transfer to the airport where you’ll say goodbye to your Travel Director and fellow travelers, taking with you lasting memories of Sri Lanka’s landscapes, wildlife and culture. Flights should be booked for departure after 20:00, bringing your journey through Sri Lanka to a close.
Colonial-style house surrounded by lush tropical garden in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka.Farewell Sri Lanka
Enjoy your final morning in Sri Lanka with time to relax or explore as you choose. In the afternoon, visit the Victor Hasselblad Sea Turtle Research & Conservation Center for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Learn about the efforts to protect endangered sea turtles and the challenges facing marine life along Sri Lanka’s coast. Afterwards, transfer to the airport where you’ll say goodbye to your Travel Director and fellow travelers, taking with you lasting memories of Sri Lanka’s landscapes, wildlife and culture. Flights should be booked for departure after 20:00, bringing your journey through Sri Lanka to a close.

Discover Sri Lanka

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Breathtaking view of Ella's lush mountains and foliage under a serene twilight sky.
Captivating view of Mandaramnuwara in Sri Lanka with lush hills and distant misty mountains.
Breathtaking view of lush hills with clear blue skies, perfect for travel and nature enthusiasts.
Breathtaking aerial view of lush green hills and valleys in Ella, Sri Lanka under a clear blue sky.
A misty morning view of lush green tea plantations in Dambulla, Sri Lanka.

Upcoming departures

DatesPrice / personAvailability
28 Aug 20267 Sep 2026CAD 4,295AvailableBook my trip
Operated by Trafalgar

A TripFinder-trusted operator. We compare the trip and handle your booking with a real advisor — you travel under the operator's terms.

Book my trip →

More Asia adventures

Epic Southeast Asia: River Cruises & Karst Mountains image
G Adventures
Save 20%

Epic Southeast Asia: River Cruises & Karst Mountains

Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand · 40 days · Moderate

fromCAD 3,935
Next: 21 Jun
Total Southeast Asia: Tasty Street Eats & Chill Island Vibes image
G Adventures
Save 15%

Total Southeast Asia: Tasty Street Eats & Chill Island Vibes

Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand · 39 days · Moderate

fromCAD 3,329
Next: 22 Jun
India to Sri Lanka: The Taj Mahal & Beach Bar Crawls image
G Adventures
Save 20%

India to Sri Lanka: The Taj Mahal & Beach Bar Crawls

India · 39 days · Moderate

fromCAD 3,552
Next: 07 Jul