Highlights of Sri Lanka

Highlights of Sri Lanka 8 Days / 7 Nights

Highlights of Sri Lanka showcases the very best of this remarkable island, from historic Galle to the wilds of Ella’s hills. Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, discover an abundance of wildlife, and wander along immaculate beaches in a varied tour guaranteed to leave you wanting to return.
  

Highlights

  • Stroll Galle’s historic walls above bustling streets and the Indian Ocean
  • Support orphaned elephants at Uda Walawe National Park
  • Climb Ella Rock for breathtaking views over forests & valleys
  • Ride a scenic train through central Sri Lanka
  • Witness sacred prayers at Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth
  • Wander amongst orchids at Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

Galle, Uda Walawe National Park, Ella, Kandy


Sample Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Colombo, drive to Galle

On arrival in Sri Lanka, you'll be met by your private guide, who will accompany you to your hotel in Galle.

Day 2
Galle Fort tour

After a morning at leisure, enjoy an afternoon with your expert local guide, exploring Galle Old Town and its warren of narrow streets surrounded by ramparts that overlook the ocean. As you stroll around the old walls, see the historic Dutch influence evident in the architecture around every corner. Your guide will point out places of interest, and how the area has transformed over the centuries to incorporate boutique shops, art galleries and cafes which now sit alongside (and within) the historic buildings. At the end of the tour, remain in the Old Town to have dinner at one of the chic restaurants, or return to relax at your hotel.

Day 3
Drive to Uda Walawe National Park, via Elephant Transit Home, dusk safari

After breakfast depart for Uda Walawe National Park, which is home to hundreds of elephants. Make a stop en-route at the Uda Walawe Elephant Transit Home to learn about how orphaned elephants are cared for before being released back into their natural habitat. All efforts are made to minimize human contact with the elephants, but you’ll be able to watch them being fed and bathed. Continue on to the national park where there will be time to freshen up at your lodge before joining your guide & tracker for a dusk safari through the park.

Day 4
Dawn safari, drive to Ella, Tea Factory visit

Rising at dawn, join your naturalist for a morning drive through the park, spotting for wildlife. For many, the morning is the most exhilarating time, watching and listening as the park's inhabitants noisily greet the new day. Return to your lodge for breakfast before departing to Ella. In the afternoon there will be an opportunity to visit a nearby tea factory, where you will learn about the history and modern-day production methods of this region's most valuable commodity.

Day 5
Relax & explore

Your day will be at leisure to make the most of your lodge facilities or get out and explore the surrounding natural beauty on foot.

Day 6
Tea Country train to Kandy

Take the morning train to Kandy through 'tea country', which extends along the route giving you wide views over one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic landscapes from the comfort of your carriage. On arrival in Kandy the remainder of your day will be at leisure to relax or explore.

Day 7
City tour & Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Temple of the Tooth Relic

Your guide will be available to take you wherever you want to go this morning. For an insight into local life, head to Kandy’s lively morning market, then perhaps relax in the tranquillity of the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens (modelled on Britain's Kew Gardens) which house the largest variety of orchids in Sri Lanka. Closer to the centre of town, just behind the Temple of the Tooth Relic, you’ll find the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary; a forest reserve, containing a rich variety of endemic flora and fauna, and a popular place for walking and bird watching. Make a stop at the nearby British Garrison Cemetery, or stroll back into town, where you can escape the heat of the day in one of the many tea shops along Kandy’s main street.

 

 

In the early evening reunite with your guide to visit Kandy’s most famous site; the Dalada Maligawa, or Temple of the Tooth Relic. Within the temple walls, a tooth - which Buddhists believe came from Lord Buddha - is enshrined in a golden casket. Watch as the relic is revealed to the eager eyes of waiting pilgrims, causing a flurry of prayers.

Day 8
Depart Colombo

Transfer to Colombo airport for your onward flight.

Booking Policy

English speaking, local guide
All accommodation listed
Land transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles
Any domestic flights listed (unless marked otherwise)
All admission fees at attractions, temples and activities as mentioned in the itinerary
All meals listed

Entry visas
International airport departure taxes
Any meals not listed in the itinerary
Drinks, other than water on activity days
Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tip...)
Travel insurance
All other services not listed in 'inclusive'

    
Please note: During high season periods (such as Christmas and New Year) hotels often levy a surcharge and these are not included in the above prices. Your consultant will be happy to advise you of these.
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What our clients say about us

Zeev
Dec 2023
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We took a 16-day private tour of Vietnam and Cambodia. The tour company suggested a detailed itinerary, and we accepted it with minor changes. We had three domestic flights, and on every landing were met by our local guide on arrival. All guides spoke fluent English and were very knowledgeable. This was a trip of a lifetime. Dont miss the Red Bridge cooking school class in Hoi An - the chef has created a phenomenal program that starts with the tour of the local market and explanation of the vegetables and spices used in local cuisine. Highly recommended!
Daniel
Oct 2023
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My family and I completed a 12 day cycling trip with Vietnam Private Tours, and we had a blast. Our route started in Saigon, rode along the Mekong river, discovered Mekong delta, and relaxed on the Phu Quoc beaches is southern Vietnam. We loved the adventurous off-road routes, and we were comfortable the whole way thanks to the excellent support staff. We also loved supporting Vietnam Private Tours because of the amazing work they do with many charities, especially the incredible children’s hospital in Mekong delta.
Richard
July 28, 2023
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We just finished a 14-day cycling tour from Saigon to Siem Reap, spending 7 nights on board the Mekong River. We rode bikes 30k to 70 km daily, to the Mekong Delta rice fields. My Way Travel really understood that not everyone would will to ride, so they already made provision for people who didn’t ride with us. The guides were excellent and so was the trip. We really loved the boat, it had everything we needed on it. A group of 16 people were accommodated in 8 cabins, which means there were 2 people in a cabin. The food and drinks were all in abundance. Free Wi-Fi and laundry service were available too. The local people were amazingly friendly, and the environments really gave us a sense of relief. The hotels at either end of the trip were exemplary. Above all, we have made our minds to always use My Travel on every trip occasion, due to the great experience we had with them.
Ani
Dec 2023
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Had an awesome time biking to Mekong Delta from Saigon last week. Beautiful views, peaceful rural paths, and lots of cool stops. The guides took great care of us. Definitely recommend VPT for biking in Mekong Delta and other tours in Vietnam.
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