Discover Sri Lanka
Join us on this holiday of a lifetime to discover the beautiful landscapes, ancient temples, amazing wildlife and relaxing beaches of Sri Lanka. We’ll immerse ourselves in this rich culture with wonders at every turn; from the walled city of Galle, to the spectacular Lion’s Rock fortress in Sigiriya. An excursion to the ancient city of Anuradhapura will be a particular highlight, with its temples, landscaped gardens, ceremonial baths and the sacred ‘Bo Tree’, the oldest human-planted tree in the world. We’ll also get to experience local life as we visit traditional villages, take a ride in a tuk tuk and enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan cultural performance. Fall in love with the beauty of of Sri Lanka on a scenic train journey from Kandy to Nurwara Eliya. We’ll embark on a safari in Yala National Park, home to the highest concentration of leopards, offering a unique opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat and numerous other wildlife and bird species. And to top it all off, we’ll have time to soak up the sun on this tropical island’s gorgeous white sand beaches.
What’s Included:
- Booking advice from your Travel Escapes travel advisor
- Return flights from Dublin to Colombo
- 20kg checked-in bag per person
- 12 nights in 4* & 5* Hotels
- Half Board
- Tour the ancient city of Anuradhapura & its sacred ‘Bo Tree’, one of the oldest in the world.
- Discover Kandy City by Tuk Tuk visiting the markets, Lake, Aniwatta Residencial area and Kandy View Point
- Savour the flavours of the region on a day trip to an authentic tea plantation & factory.
- Take a safari drive through Yala National Park to see native water buffalo, leopards & crocodiles.
- Travel from Kandy to Nurwara Eliya by train & experience stunning scenery.
- Enjoy plenty of free time to take advantage of the Island’s stunning, sandy beaches.
- Services of our tour leader
- Services of local tour guide
Visas are required for this tour
More On Escorted Tours
Our full range of Escorted Tours
Prices
| Dates | pps | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Oct 2025 | Twin | €3469 | Enquire Now |
| 22 Nov 2026 | Twin | €3899 | Enquire Now |
| 04 Apr 2026 | Twin | €3599 | Enquire Now |
| 26 Sep 2026 | Twin | €3399 | Enquire Now |
| 17 Oct 2026 | Twin | €3359 | Enquire Now |
Agent
Booking Remarks
A non-refundable / non-transferable deposit €500 ppPrices are per person based on two sharing.
Single Supplement on request
Balance due 16 weeks before departure
Optional insurance available (terms & conditions apply)
Taxes, prices & itinerary subject to change
Booking terms & conditions apply
Travel Insurance is not included
TD
Good to Know
Although the itinerary is planned, some slight changes may occur due to circumstances outside of our control.All of our tours include some level of walking activity and may include ascending/descending steps. Guests should be in relatively good health and have adequate mobility.
Itinerary
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Depart for Colombo
EveningWe begin our Sri Lanka holiday as we fly to Colombo.
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Guided Tour of Negombo Village
MorningThis morning, accompanied by our expert guide, we discover Negombo, formerly a cinnamon trading centre and now a thriving fishing village. We explore this village very early in the morning before breakfast, as it is the best time to witness the locals selling their fresh catch. After breakfast at our hotel, we will discover more of Negombo on a guided tour, before departing for Habarana on a journey that will take approximately four hours (150km). Along the way, we take in views of the lush tropical countryside from our coach. Our Sri Lanka adventure has begun!
At Leisure in Habarana
EveningWe arrive at Habarana and check into our hotel, which will be our home for the next three nights. Let’s enjoy a leisurely evening to relax, unwind and discover our surroundings.
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Guided Excursion to Sigiriya ‘Lion’s Rock’
MorningWe begin to uncover more of Sri Lanka on a full-day guided excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya, built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The spectacular ‘Lion’s Rock’ fortress is a large ancient rock palace surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens. The climb up has over 1,200 steps, with a narrow staircase. There are several platforms where we can take a break along the way and admire the views. Marvel at the beautiful collection of Water Gardens, painted frescoes and ancient graffiti, all on show at what is one of Sri Lanka’s crowning glories.
Guided Tour of Polonnaruwa
AfternoonIn the afternoon we discover more, on an excursion to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka. This UNESCO World Heritage site includes the Royal Palace complex and Gal Vihara rock temple of the Buddha. The entire landscape of the region is punctuated by huge man-made reservoirs and veritable inland seas, the most famous of which is the Prakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama.
Later we return to our hotel, where we can spend the evening relaxing after our day of exploration.
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
The Ancient City of Anuradhapura and the Sacred Bo Tree
Full DayAfter breakfast, we leave Habarana for the day and set off on an excursion to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, famous for its temples, landscaped gardens, and the sacred ‘Bo Tree’ which dates from around 245BC and is the world’s oldest known tree. Anuradhapura was the ancient capital of Sri Lanka for more than a thousand years from the 5th century BC and hosts many Buddhist monuments dating back over 2000 years.
Experience the Rural Life in Sri Lanka
AfternoonLet’s see more of Sri Lankan traditions and discover another lifestyle, as we visit a local village. We’ll savour the tranquil rural setting as we embark on a bullock cart ride past lush paddy fields, shops and mud thatched houses. After our adventure, we make our way back to our hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Kandy, Sri Lanka
Guided Tour of Dambulla Cave Temple
MorningThis morning we say farewell to Habarana and transfer by coach to Kandy, an attractive bustling city that is encircled by hills and has a tranquil lake at its centre. En-route we experience more of Sri Lanka’s treasures with a visit to Dambulla Cave Temple, which has been a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries and contains a fascinating array of Buddhist mural paintings and statues of Buddha. The drive will take approximately three hours (96km).
The Temple of The Sacred Tooth Relic
AfternoonOn arrival in Kandy, we uncover more history and culture with a visit to The Temple of The Sacred Tooth Relic, a centre for the Buddhist faith. This 16th-century temple houses the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, which was brought to Sri Lanka from ancient India in the 4th century. After the visit we depart for our hotel, which will be our base for the next two nights.
Kandy, Sri Lanka
Tour of Peradeniya and Tuk Tuk ride in Kandy
Full DayOn today’s tour, we revel in the beauty of The Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya, home to exotic plants such as coffee, tea, nutmeg, rubber and Cinchona. The gardens feature an arboretum, an Orchid House and a colony of flying foxes.
After we visit the gardens, we uncover more delights with a Tuk-Tuk ride around Kandy, one of the best ways to discover this city! During our adventure, we pass the British Garrison Cemetry, Aniwatta Residencial area, Kandy Market, Kandy Lake and finish with picturesque scenes from the Kandy viewpoint. The Tuk Tuk ride will take around two hours, after which we return to our hotel to relax and reflect on our day of sightseeing and discovery.
Xian, China
Kandy, Sri Lanka
Guided Tour of Nuwara Eliya
MorningAll aboard! This morning we depart our hotel for Kandy railway station. We embark on a scenic colonial era vintage train journey through sub-tropical forests, to lush green tea plantations, and mountainous backdrops, passing shops and local life along our journey to Nuwara Eliya. The train journey will take approximately 3.30 hours (subject to availability).
On arrival in Nuwara Eliya we set off in our coach to visit a tea plantation and tea factory, we’ll also have a guided tour of the town before checking in to our hotel. The town’s name translates as “City of Light”, but it is also known as “Little England” as it was a popular destination for 19th century British colonialists who indulged in pastimes such as fox, deer and elephant hunting, polo, golf, and cricket. The colonial history of the town can still be seen in buildings such as the Queen’s Cottage, General’s House, Grand Hotel, Hill Club, and Town Post Office.
At Leisure
EveningLet’s relax more, as we settle into our hotel and admire our magnificent surroundings. Nuwara Eliya lies in the heart of Sri Lankan hill country and is the home of the famous Ceylon Tea. Situated at an altitude of 1868m, the city is overlooked by Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka, and enjoys a temperate highland climate. The rolling mountains are a carpet of velvety green tea plantations, and beautiful waterfalls dot the landscape.
Xian, China
Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Visit Ella Waterfalls
MorningThis morning we transfer onwards to Yala and en route we stop at Ella Waterfalls for a refreshing break. Today’s journey will take approximately five hours (185km).
Safari Game Drive in Yala National Park
AfternoonLet’s experience more, on a jeep safari drive in Yala National Park, the second largest national park in Sri Lanka and home to elephants, leopards, bear, water buffalo, crocodiles, as well as countless other animals and birds. The park has also been featured on Discovery and National Geographic documentaries, which focused on leopard research and conservation. After our adventure, we continue to our hotel for an overnight stay and evening at leisure.
Xian, China
Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Yala National Park safari, and Galle – Full Day
MorningAfter breakfast, we experience one more game drive in Yala National Park and a second chance to spot the elusive Leopard! Cameras ready for action!
After our exhilarating safari, we depart for Galle. The drive will take approximately four and a half hours (205km). En route, we will experience more with a guided tour of Galle, and explore the 17th century Portuguese and Dutch Fort in which the central city is contained. We stroll through the streets to admire the Dutch-influenced architecture, old British residences, and mosques with their Arabic flourishes before proceeding to our hotel in Galle.
At Leisure
AfternoonWe can take it easy for the rest of the day and evening, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the ocean air.
Galle, Sri Lanka
At Leisure in Galle
Full DayRelax more! We have two full days at leisure in the delightful setting of Galle. Enjoy the fresh sea air, sit back and chill out as we near the end of our unforgettable visit to Sri Lanka.
Our expert guide will be happy to tell us about local attractions and activities. Depending on the time of year and weather permitting it may be possible to do whale watching, this can be organised locally.
Optional – Madu River Boat excursion – sold locally
For those wanting to explore more, there may be the possibility of an optional excursion to a turtle hatchery and then experience the mangrove forests of Madu River home to 300 species of fauna, birds and more, and end your day with a visit to a tea plantation.
Today set out on our excursion to discover more of Sri Lanka. Enjoy a gentle cruise down the river by boat, in search for crocodiles, water monitors and colourful birds. Enroute, visit a small island called Koth Duwa with its beautiful temple and statue of the Buddha. After enjoy a stroll through a tea plantation, and end the day with a visit to an antique tea factory, before sampling a cup of Ceylon tea, a delightful way to end this excursion.
Return to our hotel after your 3 hour excursion.
Minimum numbers apply for this tour to run and is sold locally.
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Depart for Colombo
MorningAfter a leisurely breakfast, we transfer by coach to our hotel in Colombo where we’ll spend our last night in Sri Lanka. The drive will take approximately three hours (147km) travelling from Weligama or Galle . The rest of our day is at leisure.
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Farewell Sri Lanka
Departing Colombo, we will reflect on a treasure trove of memorable moments from our Discover Sri Lanka tour.
Also Recommended
5* Japan & South Korea
Discover the delights of Japan, and Busan in Korea, on this fabulous 5 star cruise onboard Diamond Princess.…
€3219
Highlights of Vietnam
Visit Vietnam with us on this 14-night holiday of a lifetime. On this incredible trip, we’ll visit the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, gaze…
€3399
India’s Golden Triangle
Travel with us to the cities of India’s Golden Triangle – Delhi, Agra and Jaipur – and explore some of the country’s most famed landmarks and architectural…
€2229
Beijing, Xi’an & Shanghai
Travel with us on the trip of a lifetime to China. Combining ancient traditions, fascinating culture and centuries of history, this guided holiday will…