Classic Sri Lanka 7-Night Private Tour

Sri Lanka known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” has a lot to offer-strewn with cultural jewels and natural treasures. Its impressive landscapes host lush tropical forests, expansive dazzling lakes and magnificent mountain ranges. All this is scattered with captivating temples and ancient monuments, yet it remains largely untrodden by the typical tourist.

Detailed Itinerary 

Day 1 - Arrival in Colombo

Ayubowan! On arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be met by your English-Speaking chauffeur guide and transferred to Colombo (transfer time: approximately 1 hour).

Upon arrival in Colombo, check in at the hotel. 

In the evening, you will enjoy a city tour of Colombo, Sri Lanka's largest city. Located on the west coast, Colomobo is the trade and commercial capital that has been the traditional gateway to the orient. This commercial hub is a mix of east, west, past and present drawing together all the cultures, religions and influences of colonialism into a perfect blend of sounds, smells and a kaleidoscope of colour. No longer just a sprawling city, you have to endure its beaches, a worthy destination on its own right, which makes an excellent start or finish to your Sri Lankan holiday. From the local bazaar known as ‘Pettah’ to the popular rendezvous spot ‘Galle Face Green’, where most days it’s dotted with kite flyers, bubble blowers, families and mouth-watering street food, it is Colombo’s vibrant identity coming to life. The city is also home to galleries and shops offering the best shopping opportunities and stylish eateries serving mouth-watering food of all types with fine representation of local and international cuisine. 

Overnight Stay: Superior Tour –The Kingsbury, Colombo (or similar) – Superior Room on Bed & Breakfast Basis  

Day 2 - Sigiriya/Habarana 

After breakfast, you will travel to Dambulla/Habarana (transfer time: approximately 4 ½ hours). 

Commonly referred to as the ‘Cultural Triangle’, the central plains area boasts of temple ruins and ancient cities combined with national parks and glistening reservoirs. UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the striking rock fortress of Sigiriya, Dambulla’s Royal Rock Temple and crumbling archaeological treasures of Polonnaruwa. Habarana is a popular tourist destination for safari lovers as it is the starting point for safaris in the nearby Minneriya sanctuary which is heavily populated by elephants. This makes it an enthralling visit for wildlife and cultural lovers alike. 

Check in at the hotel and spend the rest of your day at leisure. 

Overnight Stay: Superior Tour - Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana (or similar) - Superior Room on Bed & Breakfast Basis. 

Day 3 - Sigiriya/Habarana 

After an early breakfast, you will visit the Lion Rock, one of the seven World Heritage sites of the island. It is recommended to carry a bottle of water. Transfer Time: Approximately 30 minutes. 

Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress and ruins of a castle, which was once the home to King Kasyapa. The entrance to the original fortress was through the mouth of a lion, however the ravages of time have resulted with only a part of the massive paws remaining today. A testament to ancient artistry and architectural ingenuity – Sigiriya has many attractions to its visitors – its gardens (boulder, water & terraced), its artistry (the world-renowned frescos), the mirror wall and the dramatic history linked to the construction of the Lion Rock. An original Lost City, Sigiriya is a must see on any visit to the Cultural Triangle. 

Afternoon, enjoy a game drive at Minneriya National Park / Kaudulla National Park OR Eco Park* (transfer time: Approximately 15 minutes per way). 

Located between Habarana and Polonnaruwa, the 8,890 hectares of Minneriya National Park consists of mixed evergreen forest and scrub areas and is home to favourites such as sambar deer, leopards and elephants. However, the central feature of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank (built in 3rd.  century AD by King Mahasena). During the dry season (June to September), this tank is an incredible place to observe the elephants who come to bathe and graze, as well as the huge flocks of birds (cormorants and painted storks to name but a few) that come to fish in the shallow waters. Depending on the elephant movement, you may visit the nearby Kaudulla National Park or Hurulu Eco Park instead.  

Overnight Stay: Superior Tour - Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana (or similar) - Superior Room on Bed & Breakfast Basis. 

Day 4 - Kandy 

This morning, you will head to “the last kingdom of Sri Lanka” – Kandy (transfer time: approximately 3 hours).

En route you will stop to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple. This is located in the North Central Province. This UNESCO World Heritage Site which dates back to the 1st century BC is an amazing complex of 05 caves, first used as a refuge by an ancient king who on regaining his throne, commissioned magnificent carved images within the living rock. Later kings made further improvements and the caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is a colossal figure spanning 15 meters. Cave inscriptions from the 2nd Century BC are found and on the walls are many paintings most of which belong to the Kandy period (early 19th century). This temple is a perfect location to view evolution of ancient Sri Lankan art and is an important historical site due to the amalgamation of the material from many eras. 

Next you have the option to stop over at Matale Spice Gardens, where you will have the opportunity to dabble in the homeopathic remedies of the East! The pungent aroma of the spice permeates the air as you explore the treasure garden of the Spice Gardens 

Continue your journey to Kandy. This iconic destination is Sri Lanka's hill capital, stronghold of the Sinhala Kings, is our most beautiful town. The focal point of the town is, without doubt, the golden roofed Dalada Maligawa. The highlight of the year is the Esala Perahera, when a replica of the relic casket is taken in procession accompanied by exotically costumed dancers, drummers and elephants during ten glittering nights in July/August. Visit Kalapuraya in the beautiful Dumbara valley. There are many shrines and temples, where you will see rare paintings, frescoes, wood and stone carvings. 

Check in to the hotel and spend the rest of your stay at leisure. 

Overnight Stay: Superior Tour – Amaya Hills, Kandy (or similar) - Deluxe Room on Bed & Breakfast Basis. 

Day 5 - Kandy 

This morning, enjoy a visit to the famed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Light colour clothing with covered sleeves and trousers/skirts below the knee recommended. As it is a religious site, footwear will have to be taken off prior to entrance, socks can be worn if you wish to. The Temple of the Tooth, which is commonly known as "Sri Dalada Maligawa" is situated in the city of hills, Kandy. It is an important shrine for Buddhists as it holds the tooth relic of Lord Buddha. It is famous for its carvings and the beautiful art that is unique to Sri Lanka. The most important part of the Dalada Maligawa is the octagon (Pathirppuwa). The Sri Dalada Maligawa is the most sacred temple in the whole of Sri Lanka. Thousands of people line up each day to get a glimpse of its majesty. 

Late afternoon, your guide will take you on a city tour around Kandy. 

Thereafter, experience an exhilarating show of traditional Kandyan Dance Show in the evening.  

Overnight Stay: Superior Tour – Amaya Hills, Kandy (or similar) - Deluxe Room on Bed & Breakfast Basis. 

Day 6 - Nuwara Eliya 

This morning, enjoy your drive to Nuwara Eliya (transfer time: approximately 3 ½ hours). 

En-route you will visit a Tea Plantation and Tea Factory where one of the best teas in the world is produced. You will be told all about the process of manufacturing tea and gain first-hand experience of the manufacture of some of the best tea in world. If you're lucky you may be invited to taste a cup of pure Ceylon tea which begins its journey as raw green leaves in the hills and ends up as a final golden-brown graded product which we all know too well. 

Thereafter you will proceed to your hotel. Check in and relax the rest of the day. 

Overnight Stay: Superior Tour – The Golden Ridge, Nuwara Eliya (or similar) - Superior Room on Bed & Breakfast Basis. 

Day 7 - Galle 

This morning, you will proceed to Galle (transfer time: Approximately 6 – 6 ½ hours). 

In the evening, you will experience a walking tour of Galle Dutch Fort. 

Galle said to be the famous Tarshish of the Old Testament, where King Solomon obtained gems and spices, this “living” UNESCO World Heritage Site is a fortification first built by the Portuguese on the Southwestern coast of Sri Lanka.  Thereafter the fort went under extensive modifications during the Dutch & British rule, making it one of the most important archaeological and historic monuments to illustrate the European influence in Southeast Asia between the 16th and 19th centuries. Old Dutch churches and monuments with armorial bearings, well preserved fort and ramparts, old Dutch houses and narrow alleys bearing Dutch names are all sites to look out for. Take a stroll around the Fort, where the streets laid in a rectangular grid and the low gabled houses and terraces in the Dutch colonial style, the entire town gives a feeling of quaint but beautiful nostalgia. If you are a lover of history and archaeology, or looking for a peaceful and fun holiday, the Fort of Galle has much to offer you with its ruins and monuments, boutique hotels, art galleries, eateries and pretty little shops. 

Upon completion return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. 

Overnight Stay: Superior Tour – Fort Printers, Galle (or similar)– Standard room on Bed & Breakfast Basis. 

Day 8 - Departure 

Today you will proceed to the Airport for your departure flight (transfer time: Approximately 2 ½ hours via Southern Expressway).