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Experience Sri Lanka’s culture and nature up close

Sri Lanka Hotspots

This compact tour of Sri Lanka takes you to some of the island’s most significant cultural and natural landmarks, including Sigiriya Lion Rock, the ancient royal city of Polonnaruwa and Kandy’s famous Temple of the Tooth. Take in the highlands on scenic train journeys, enjoy safaris in national parks and discover the island’s rich flora and fauna. The tour pairs perfectly with an Ayurvedic programme or a stay by the beach.

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Sri Lanka Highlights – Standard Hotels

5 nights, From 3 People: Double Room, half board
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Sri Lanka Hotspots in detail

Hotel

Day 1: NEGOMBO – SIGIRIYA

(approx. 160 km, 3.5 hours)

Arrive at the airport and continue to Sigiriya to check in, visiting the Dambulla Cave Temple en route. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dambulla Temple is set on a gigantic rock that rises more than 160 m above the surrounding area. The rock itself has a circumference of more than 1.5 km, and its summit is 550 m above sea level. Evening at leisure. (Meals: Dinner)

Day 2: SIGIRIYA – POLONNARUWA – SIGIRIYA

(approx. 160 km, 4 hours)

After breakfast, continue to explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. The second-oldest royal city in Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa is home to a wealth of ruins and religious sites. In the afternoon, enjoy a safari in Minneriya National Park. Covering around 8,889 hectares, Minneriya National Park is best known for its elephants. It is also home to around 160 bird species, 9 amphibian species, 25 reptile species, 26 fish species and more than 78 butterfly species, as well as rare bamboo trees found only in the park. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 3: SIGIRIYA – KANDY

(approx. 90 km, 3 hours)

After breakfast, continue to visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Built in the 5th century AD, Sigiriya is a magnificent fortress set atop a rock. This majestic citadel in the sky was the refuge of King Kasyapa and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After your visit, continue to Kandy for a city tour, including a visit to the Temple of the Tooth. Kandy was the capital of the Sinhalese kings from 1592 to 1815, protected by its mountainous terrain and difficult access. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, partly because of the temple. In the evening, enjoy a cultural show. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4: KANDY – NUWARA ELIYA

(approx. 80 km, 3 hours)

After breakfast, continue to Nuwara Eliya. Optional excursion: visit to Peradeniya Botanical Gardens (approx. £10 per person (€11)). In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour of Nuwara Eliya. Also known as “Little England”, Nuwara Eliya was the British people’s favourite hill station, and they sought to turn it into a typically English village. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 5: NUWARA ELIYA – ELLA

Early in the morning (5.30 am), continue to Horton Plains National Park for a hike. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Horton Plains National Park lies on the southern edge of the central highlands, between Nuwara Eliya and Haputale. It comprises montane forests, with the land rising to 2,300 m above sea level. Horton Plains is home to an exceptional variety of flora and fauna, including several endangered species such as the purple-faced langur and the Horton Plains slender loris. With a little luck, you may also spot highland leopards. Afterwards, board the train to Ella (second class). The train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella in Sri Lanka is widely regarded as one of the world’s most remarkable and visually stunning experiences. This scenic route covers around 25 km, crossing the captivating landscapes of Sri Lanka’s highlands. As the train gradually climbs into the mountains, passengers are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of lush tea plantations, mist-shrouded valleys, mesmerising waterfalls and dense forests teeming with life. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 6: ELLA – NEGOMBO

After breakfast, take a short hike to Little Adam’s Peak. Little Adam’s Peak is named after the sacred Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada, where the Buddha’s footprint is kept), due to the resemblance between the two mountains. It stands 1,141 m above sea level. Then continue to Udawalawe (100 km / 2 hours 15 minutes), where you will enjoy an afternoon safari in Udawalawe National Park. Elephant safaris and the Wildlife Circuit Bungalows are just two of the things that make this national park a popular tourist destination. The park covers 30,821 hectares of wilderness and is known as one of the best places to see elephants up close. (For travel between 01/11/2025 and 31/10/2026, the national park visit is included for bookings made by 06/04/2025. For bookings made after this date, the visit can be added on request at the destination for an additional fee.) Then continue to the south coast for a beach stay, or return to the airport for your departure. Optional excursion: city tour of Galle en route to the airport (approx. £9 per person (€10)). (Meals: Breakfast)

Programme subject to change.

Arrival

Additional information

Hotel rooms at a glance

Location

Sri Lanka Hotspots
Sri Lanka, West Coast Sri Lanka, Negombo
Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (CMB)
approx. 128 km / 160 min

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