Wild About Sri Lanka – A Cultural & Wildlife Odyssey

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure through Sri Lanka on the Colombo, Caves & Kandy tour—a journey filled with rich culture, breathtaking scenery, and up-close encounters with wildlife. Over eight immersive days, you’ll scale the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya , explore the peaceful cave temples of Dambulla , and walk among the timeworn ruins of Polonnaruwa . Along the way, connect with local life as you paddle to Kayanwala Village for a hands-on cooking experience, and breathe in the earthy scents of Matale’s spice gardens .

In Kandy , witness spiritual traditions at the sacred Temple of the Tooth , then hop aboard one of the world’s most scenic train rides—gliding past tea plantations and waterfalls on your way to the cool hills of Nuwara Eliya . Your wild side gets its moment too, with thrilling safaris in Udawalawe , Yala , and Bundala , where you might spot elephants, leopards, and a rainbow of birdlife. Depending on the season, head out to sea from Mirissa to spot whales, or wander the charming streets of colonial Galle . Ending in vibrant Colombo , this tour is more than a holiday—it’s a journey into the heart and soul of Sri Lanka.

Tour Overview

Duration: 09 Nights/ 10 Days

Start: Colombo

End: Colombo

Arival and Departure Transfers: Provided

Tour Guide: Provided

Meals Included: All 3 Meals

Hotel Rating: 4 Star or Above

Featured Transport Options

Tour Highlights

Udawalawe National Park – Safari among the island’s largest wild elephant herds
Yala National Park – Spot leopards, crocodiles & other exotic wildlife
Bundala National Park – Birdwatching haven by the coast, with elephant sightings too
Mirissa (Nov–Apr) – Whale & dolphin watching on the open sea
Galle (May–Oct) – Explore the iconic colonial-era Galle Fort
Colombo – Discover the capital’s colonial charm and Gangaramaya Temple
Polonnaruwa – Roam the ancient ruins of Sri Lanka’s royal past
Sigiriya – Climb the legendary Lion Rock fortress for sweeping views
Dambulla – Marvel at 150+ Buddha images in sacred cave temples
Kayanwala Village – Canoe to a rural village & cook a traditional Sri Lankan meal
Matale – Visit fragrant spice gardens and learn about herbal traditions
Kandy – See the Temple of the Tooth, enjoy a tuk tuk ride & cultural show
Nuwara Eliya – Unwind in Sri Lanka’s cool highlands, aka ‘Little England’
Scenic Train Ride – Ride past waterfalls & tea fields from Kandy to the hills

Included

All Meals
9 nights 4-5 star hotels and heritage properties
Guided sightseeing - Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe, Kandy, Yala, Bundala and Colombo
3 Jeep safari/game drives in Udawalawe NP, Yala NP and Bundala NP
Scenic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, canoe and Tuk Tuk trips
Escorted by an English-speaking national guide for groups of 6 or more (professional chauffeur guide for groups of 5 or less)
Whale and dolphin watching boat cruise in Mirissa (01 Nov-30 April, approx $35pp to pay locally). Visit to the Dutch Fort at Galle (01 May-31 Oct)
Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 10
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles
Highway Tolls
Parking Fees on sites

Not Included

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo

Activities: Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, transfer to your hotel in Colombo. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the city's vibrant streets or relaxing at the hotel.

Day 2: Colombo – Dambulla – Polonnaruwa

Activities: Travel inland to Dambulla, stopping en route at a local market in Naramwela Town. Visit the Dambulla Rock Temple, renowned for its ancient Buddhist murals and statues. Continue to Polonnaruwa to explore the impressive ruins of this ancient capital, including the Royal Palace and Gal Vihara.

Day 3: Sigiriya – Matale – Kandy

Activities: Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to witness panoramic views and ancient frescoes. Proceed to Matale to visit a spice garden and learn about Sri Lanka's rich spice heritage. Continue to Kandy, the cultural heart of Sri Lanka.

Day 4: Kandy Exploration

Activities: Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a significant Buddhist site. Enjoy a scenic drive around Kandy Lake, explore a local bazaar, and visit a gem museum. Experience a traditional cultural performance in the evening.

Day 5: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya

Activities: Embark on a picturesque train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, passing lush tea plantations and waterfalls. Upon arrival, take a sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as 'Little England' for its colonial architecture and cool climate.

Day 6: Nuwara Eliya – Udawalawe National Park

Activities: Drive to Udawalawe, home to a significant population of wild elephants. In the afternoon, enjoy a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park, where you may also spot leopards, sloth bears, and various bird species.

Day 7: Udawalawe – Yala National Park

Activities: Travel to Yala National Park, renowned for its high density of leopards. In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling jeep safari to observe diverse wildlife, including elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife.

Day 8: Yala – Bundala – Mirissa

Activities: Visit Bundala National Park in the morning, a haven for bird enthusiasts with over 200 species recorded. After a safari, proceed to the coastal town of Mirissa, known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere.

Day 9: Mirissa – Galle – Colombo

Activities: Depending on the season, embark on a whale and dolphin watching cruise from Mirissa (November to April). Alternatively, visit the historic city of Galle to explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort. In the afternoon, return to Colombo for a guided city tour, including the Fort area and Gangaramaya Temple.

Day 10: Departure from Colombo

Hotels

Marino Beach Colombo

A 5-star hotel offering 300 luxurious rooms with sea or partial sea views, featuring a rooftop infinity pool, lush gardens, and modern amenities, making it an ideal base for both business and leisure travelers. (I Prefer, marinobeach.com)

Mandarina Colombo

Located in the heart of Colombo, this contemporary hotel offers modern accommodations with sea views, a rooftop infinity pool, and easy access to urban attractions. (Tripadvisor)

Amaya Lake Dambulla

Nestled along the shores of Kandalama Lake, this eco-friendly resort spans 50 acres, offering luxurious chalets, an outdoor pool, Ayurvedic spa treatments, and proximity to cultural sites. (Travel Weekly)

Fort Bazaar

A stylishly restored 18-room boutique hotel within the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, blending Moorish and colonial heritage with modern luxury, featuring a central courtyard, spa, and the Church Street Social restaurant. (The Times)

The Lady Hill Hotel

Perched atop the highest point in Galle, this historic hotel offers panoramic views of the city and ocean, blending Dutch colonial architecture with modern amenities. (ladyhill.lk)

Earl's Regency Hotel

A luxurious hotel nestled in the hills of Kandy, offering elegant rooms, a large outdoor pool, fine dining, and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

The Grand Kandyan Hotel

An opulent hotel located near the Temple of the Tooth, featuring spacious rooms, multiple dining options, a rooftop pool, and modern conference facilities.

Mandara Resort

A beachfront resort providing comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, spa services, and a restaurant with ocean views, ideal for a relaxing seaside getaway.

Paradise Beach Club

Located on Mirissa Beach, this resort offers cozy accommodations, a beachfront pool, seafood dining, and opportunities for whale watching and surfing.

Grand Hotel

A colonial-era hotel set amidst lush gardens, offering elegant rooms, high tea service, and a blend of old-world charm with modern amenities in the "Little England" of Sri Lanka.

Heritance Tea Factory

A unique hotel converted from a former tea factory, providing guests with an immersive experience into Sri Lanka's tea heritage, complete with vintage decor and scenic views.

Cinnamon Wild Yala

A wilderness resort nestled in the jungle, featuring rustic-chic chalets, a rooftop bar, and close proximity to wildlife sightings in Yala National Park.

Laya Safari

A beachfront resort offering comfortable accommodations, an outdoor pool, and safari experiences in the nearby Yala National Park.

Ekho Lake House

A heritage hotel overlooking the Parakrama Samudra reservoir, providing elegant rooms, serene surroundings, and easy access to ancient city ruins.

The Lake Hotel

Situated by the lake, this hotel offers tranquil accommodations, an outdoor pool, and convenient access to the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa.

Jetwing Vil Uyana

An eco-luxury resort featuring thatched dwellings set amidst paddy fields and wetlands, offering a unique blend of nature and comfort near the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Sigiriya Jungles

A resort nestled in lush greenery, providing spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and easy access to the cultural sites of Sigiriya and Dambulla.

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