Sri Lanka Escorted Tour
This Sri Lanka escorted tour is a comprehensive 13-day exploration of one of the most culturally rich and naturally beautiful islands in the world. Designed for travellers who appreciate a balance of historical discovery and coastal relaxation, the itinerary covers the very best of old Ceylon. Your journey begins with a direct focus on the ‘Cultural Triangle,’ where you will stand in awe of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an immense granite monolith that once housed a royal palace 600 feet above the jungle floor. You will also explore the Dambulla cave temples, where remarkably preserved Buddhist frescoes and statues have been venerated for over two thousand years.
As you move into the heart of the island, the bustling city of Kandy offers a look at the sacred traditions of the nation. Here, you will visit the Temple of the Tooth and walk through the expansive Royal Botanical Gardens, which were once the headquarters for Lord Mountbatten during the Second World War. The tour then climbs into the cooler highlands of Nuwara Eliya. This region, often called ‘Little England,’ is famous for its verdant tea plantations. You will visit a working tea estate to see how the world-famous Ceylon tea is produced and enjoy a tasting of the local harvest.
Wildlife enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy on this Sri Lanka escorted tour, particularly during the visit to the Elephant Transit Home and the 4×4 safari in Yala National Park. Yala is renowned for having one of the highest concentrations of leopards in the world, and the early morning drives offer the best chance to spot these elusive cats alongside wild elephants and crocodiles. The final leg of the journey takes you to the historic fort city of Galle before settling into a five-star resort in Kalutara. With three nights spent on a narrow peninsula surrounded by the Indian Ocean and a calm lagoon, you will have ample time to relax and reflect on your experiences. Accommodation throughout has been carefully organised to ensure you stay in four and five-star hotels that reflect the hospitality and charm of the region, making this an incredible value-for-money way to see this varied destination.
What wildlife can I expect to see in Yala National Park?
Is the climb to the top of Sigiriya Rock difficult?
How many meals are included in this tour?
What's Included+
- Booking advice from your Travel Escapes travel advisor
- Scheduled flights to Colombo from Dublin Airport
- 11 nights in four-star and five-star accommodation
- Return transfers and all transport by air-conditioned coach
- Daily breakfast and eight dinners
- Guided tours of four UNESCO World Heritage sites: Dambulla, Kandy, Sigiriya, and Galle
- 4×4 wildlife safari in Yala National Park
- Visit to the Elephant Transit Home at Udawalawe
- Guided tour of a tea estate in Nuwara Eliya with tea tasting
- Services of a tour manager throughout
- Hotel porterage for one piece of luggage
Itinerary
1Departure+
Your journey begins with a scheduled flight to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka.
2Arrival in Colombo+
Upon landing at lunchtime, you will be transferred to the four-star Arie Lagoon Hotel for a one-night stay, allowing you to settle in and recover from your flight.
3Dambulla Cave Temples+
The adventure starts as you travel into the countryside, passing scenic paddy fields and coconut groves. You will visit the UNESCO-listed cave temples of Dambulla, which house over 150 Buddhist statues and remarkably preserved frescoes dating back to the 1st century. You then check into the Habarana Village Hotel by Cinnamon for two nights.
4Sigiriya Rock Fortress+
Today features a visit to the 'Lion Rock' of Sigiriya, a 600ft granite tower featuring the ruins of a 1,500-year-old royal palace. You can see the famous 'cloud maidens' murals and the colossal lion paws guarding the final ascent. The afternoon is free to enjoy the hotel facilities.
5-6Kandy and the Sri Lanka escorted tour highlights+
Travelling to the royal capital of Kandy, you will visit a spice garden to see nutmeg, pepper, and cinnamon plants. Over two days, you will explore the sacred Temple of the Tooth and the 150-acre Royal Botanical Gardens, home to thousands of plant species and fruit-eating flying foxes. In the evening, witness a traditional Sri Lankan dance performance.
7Tea Estates of Nuwara Eliya+
Journey into the mountains, where the landscape is covered by a green carpet of tea bushes. Visit a premier tea estate for a guided tour and tasting before arriving in Nuwara Eliya, known as 'Little England' for its colonial architecture and cool climate. Stay overnight at the Golden Ridge or Grand Hotel.
8Elephant Transit Home+
Head south to Udawalawe National Park to visit the Elephant Transit Home. This facility, supported by the Born Free Foundation, allows you to observe orphaned young elephants being fed before they return to the wild. Stay for two nights at the Chaarya Resort and Spa.
9Yala National Park Safari+
An early start in 4x4 vehicles takes you into the jungle of Yala National Park. This park has a high concentration of leopards, alongside elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, and wild boar. After the morning drive, enjoy a late breakfast and a relaxing afternoon by the pool.
10Galle Fort and Kalutara+
Travel back to the west coast, stopping for a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Galle, a 16th-century Dutch Fort city. Continue to the five-star Anantara Kalutara Resort, situated on a peninsula between the Kalu Ganga River and the Indian Ocean, for a three-night stay.
11-12Leisure in Kalutara+
Enjoy two full days at leisure. You can take advantage of the resort's spa, relax by the swimming pools, or stroll along the tropical coastline. These days are designed for full relaxation before your journey home.
13Return Home+
After breakfast, transfer to Colombo airport for your return flight home.
| Date | Acc. | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Oct 2026 | Twin | €3,329 | Enquire Now |
| 23 Nov 2026 | Twin | €3,449 | Enquire Now |
- Booking deposit: enquire at time of booking
- Prices are per person based on two sharing.
- Single Supplement applies.
- A non-refundable / non-transferable deposit is required at the time of booking.
- 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.
Ref: RI
