Sri Lanka Tours

Discover the best of Sri Lanka, the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean', with this unforgettable tour. From the sights of the city to temples and national parks, you'll see some of the island's greatest highlights.

Colombo – Sigiriya/Habarana – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Galle

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights

To book this tour, call 020 7749 9278 or enquire online.

Day 1
Arrival / Colombo

Ayubowan!

Upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, you will meet your English-speaking guide and be transferred to Colombo.

Transfer Time: Approximately 1 hour. Check in to the hotel.

In the evening, you will enjoy a city tour of Colombo.

Colombo, as Sri Lanka's largest city, is well-known as the trade and commercial capital, and the gateway to the Orient. Located on the West coast, it represents the amalgamation of cultures, religions and influences of the various foreign lands who have had an influence here over the years. Those influences have resulted in a city that is a cornucopia of sounds, smells and vibrant colour, with a diverse range of cultural wonders to enjoy. The original traders and settlers – the British, Arabs, Portuguese and Dutch – have left their mark in both the Sri Lankan dialect and in the unique local charm.

The food, too, shows the diverse origins of the Sri Lankan populace. This city boasts a fantastic variety of high-quality restaurants and eateries, from street food to fine dining. Exceptional shopping opportunities await here as well, with the Pettah bazaar and trading area particularly interesting to explore. Other sites to discover include the Buddhist and Hindu temples, mosques, churches, the Colombo museum, and everything from art galleries to zoos. You'll certainly have plenty to choose from during your tour of the city.

Overnight Stay:
Standard Tour - Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo – Superior Room on Bed & Breakfast Basis
Superior Tour - Cinnamon Grand, Colombo – Superior Room on Bed & Breakfast Basis
Day 2
Sigiriya / Habarana

After breakfast, you will travel to Sigiriya/Habarana.

Transfer Time: Approximately 4 ½ hours.

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

Overnight Stay:
Standard Tour - Habarana Village by Cinnamon - Superior Room on Bed & Breakfast Basis
Superior Tour - Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana - 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.

Transfer Time: Approximately 30 minutes

* It is recommended to take a bottle of water.

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, damaged by the ravages of time until only its paws remain today. A testament to ancient artistry and architectural ingenuity, Sigiriya has many attractions to wow its visitors: gardens, artistry, the mirror wall and the dramatic history linked to the construction of the Lion Rock. An original Lost City, Sigiriya is a must-see in any visit to the Cultural Triangle.

Late afternoon enjoys a game drive at Minneriya National Park.

Transfer Time: Approximately 15-30 minutes

Minneriya National Park - Located between Habarana and Polonnaruwa, the 8,890 hectares of Minneriya National Park consist of mixed evergreen forest and scrub, and is home to wildlife favourites such as sambar deer, leopards and elephants. There's more than just the wildlife to discover, though: within the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank, built in the 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 like cormorants and painted storks that come to fish.

Overnight Stay:
Standard Tour - Habarana Village by Cinnamon - Superior Room on Bed & Breakfast Basis
Superior Tour - Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana - 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.

Dambulla Cave Temple - This is located in the North Central Province. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to the 1st century BC, is an amazing complex of 5 caves, first used as a refuge by an ancient king who commissioned magnificent carved images within the rock. Later kings made their own modifications, and the caves now 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 in evidence, and many paintings from the Kandy period of the early 19th century line the walls.

Next you have the option to stop over at Matale Spice Gardens.

Matale Spice Garden (Optional) - You will have the opportunity to explore the exotic spices of this garden. The pungent aroma of the spice permeates the air as you explore the treasure trove of the Spice Gardens.

Continue your journey to Kandy.

Kandy - Sri Lanka's hill capital, stronghold of the Sinhala Kings, is a truly beautiful town. The greatest attraction is the golden-roofed Dalada Maligawa, a magnificent sight to behold. The highlight of the year is the Esala Perahera in June/July, when a replica of a relic casket is taken in a procession with fantastic accompaniment, dancers and drummers and elephants all presiding over the way. You can also visit Kalapuraya within the stunning Dumbara valley, where there are many shrines and temples to explore.

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

Overnight Stay:
Standard Tour - Amaya Hills, Kandy - Superior Room on Bed & Breakfast Basis
Superior Tour - Cinnamon Citadel, Kandy - Superior Room on Bed & Breakfast Basis
Day 5
Kandy

This morning enjoys a visit to the famed Temple of the Tooth.

* Light colour clothing with covered sleeves and trousers/skirts below the knee recommended.

* As it is a religious site, footwear must be taken off prior to entry; socks can be worn if you wish.

The Temple of the Tooth, 'Sri Dalada Maligawa', is situated in the city of hills, Kandy. It is a highly significant shrine for Buddhists, as it plays host to the tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Famous for its carvings and the beautiful Sri Lankan art, this is a must-see for any culture, history or art lovers. The Sri Dalada Maligawa is the most sacred temple in the whole of Sri Lanka, and thousands of people line up each day to get a glimpse of its majesty.

Next, return to the hotel.

In the afternoon, your guide will take you around Kandy for a City tour.

Next you will view the Cultural Kandyan Dance Show.

Overnight Stay:
Standard Tour - Amaya Hills, Kandy - Superior Room on Bed & Breakfast Basis
Superior Tour - Cinnamon Citadel, Kandy - Superior Room on Bed & Breakfast Basis
Day 6
Nuwara Eliya

Depart Kandy then embark on a journey to Nuwara Eliya, which takes approximately two hours of driving time. On the way, visit one of Sri Lanka’s famous tea plantations and tea factory - home of the best tea in the world. Here, you will learn about the process of manufacturing tea, and perhaps be invited to experience a cup of pure Ceylon tea. Afterwards, proceed to your hotel and relax for the rest of the day.

Guests on the Standard tour will make their way to Blackpool Hotel*, Nuwara Eliya, where they'll stay overnight in a Superior Room on Bed & Breakfast Basis. Superior Tour guests can unwind for a night at Heritance Tea Factory*, Nuwara Eliya, in a Superior Room on Bed & Breakfast Basis.
Day 7
Galle

This morning, you will proceed to Galle.

Transfer Time: Approximately 5 – 5 ½ hours via Southern Expressway. En-route make a stop at Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery.

Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery - Of the eight varieties of turtle known to exist, Sri Lanka has five, and all are endangered. They are the Leathery Turtle, the Clove-Backed Ridly Turtle, the Loggerhead Turtle, the Hawksbill Turtle, and the Green Turtle. Although it is illegal, turtles are still captured, and their flesh sold in the markets, as are their eggs and shells. To help save the turtle, hatcheries have sprung up along the West Coast, particularly between Bentota and Kosgoda. You can visit one such hatchery here, and see the important conservation work in action.

Proceed to Galle and check in at hotel.

In the evening, you will experience a City Tour of Galle.

Galle – This 'living' UNESCO World Heritage Site is said to be the famous Tarshish of the Bible, where King Solomon obtained gems and spices. Galle is where the Portuguese first landed in Sri Lanka in 1505, later to be captured by the Dutch, who fortified it considerably, ruling maritime Sri Lanka throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. This long history has left clear Dutch influences on the architecture. The old Dutch churches remain, as well as a well-known monogrammed gateway and a wide array of old preserved houses and alleys. One particularly good example is the New Oriental Hotel, which was once built for a Dutch governor, now converted into an internationally-renowned hotel.

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

Overnight Stay:
Standard & Superior Tour - Fort Printers, Galle – Standard room on Bed & Breakfast Basis.
Day 8
Departure

Today you will proceed to the Airport for your departure flight. Transfer Time: Approximately 3 hours via Southern Expressway.

To book this tour, call 020 7749 9220 or enquire online, one of our Sri Lanka Experts is waiting to take your call.

The flora, fauna and scenery of Yala National Park give you a gorgeous insight into the diverse life that calls Sri Lanka home. Home to elephant, leopard, bear, crocodile, boar and many others, this tour will show you the best of Yala.

Yala

Duration: 3 days / 2 nights

To book this tour, call 020 7749 9278 or enquire online.

Day 1
Arrival / Yala

Ayubowan!

On arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, you will meet your English-Speaking chauffeur guide and transfer to Yala, which is located on the Southern coastline.

Transfer by Car: from Airport / beach hotel Approximately 5-6 hour.

Optional: Board the Cinnamon Air Scheduled flight (Please enquire regarding rates)

Transfer Cinnamon Air: from Airport to Weerawila - approximately 40 minutes

Please Note- This is subject to operational and weather conditions and change of departure timings and arrival timings from and to each airport.

Checked-in Baggage – The checked-in baggage allowance is 23kg per passenger. Any checked-in baggage exceeding weight allowance will be subject to space availability, and the applicable charges determined by Cinnamon Air from time to time. No one (l) piece of baggage shall be in excess of 23 kg.

Carry-on Baggage – The Passenger may take aboard one carry–on bag with a maximum weight of 5kg. Given the size of the aircraft, carry-on baggage will need to be handed over to the crew prior to or after boarding. The Passenger is solely responsible for ensuring that all personal/valuable belongings such as passports and wallets are with the Passenger before the Passenger boards.

Head towards the Yala National Park.

The best-known of Sri Lanka's National parks, Yala comprises 97,800 hectares and a vast wealth of flora and fauna, home to countless animals. It is most famous for elephant, leopard, bear, crocodile and wild boar. Though it has been famous for the elephants for many years, recent attention via National Geographic and Discovery TV have highlighted the importance of this park for leopard research and conservation. It is now thought that Yala boasts the world's highest concentration of leopard, making this the best place to spot one of these amazing and reclusive animals in the wild.

Check in to your hotel and spend the evening leisure.

Overnight Stay:
Chaarya Resort Deluxe Room on Half Board Basis
Day 2
Yala

An exciting jeep safari awaits. Early this morning, you will start your first journey into the Yala
National Park.

With a packed lunch and light refreshments brought along, your 4-hour excursion here is a great opportunity to spot elusive leopards and magnificent elephants, as well as many other beautiful animals

Return to your hotel for lunch before you start the afternoon safari.

*During Yala block 1 closure, you will be taken to Yala block 3 or 5 instead – this covers September and October.

Overnight Stay:
Chaarya Resort Deluxe Room on Half Board Basis
Day 3
Departure

This morning you will drive back to your beach hotel or Katunayake Airport for the departure.

Transfer by car: Yala to beach hotel / Airport - Approximately 5 - 6 Hours

Optional: Board the Cinnamon Air Scheduled flight (Please enquire regarding rates)
Transfer Cinnamon Air: from Airport to Weerawila - approximately 40 minutes

Please Note - This is subject to operational and weather conditions and change of departure timings and arrival timings from and to each airport.

Checked-in Baggage - The checked-in baggage allowance is 23kg per passenger. Any checked-in baggage exceeding weight allowance will be subject to space availability, and the applicable charges determined by Cinnamon Air from time to time. No one (l) piece of baggage shall be in excess of 23 kg.

Carry-on Baggage - The Passenger may take aboard one carry–on bag with a maximum weight of 5kg. Given the size of the aircraft, carry-on baggage will need to be handed over to the crew prior to or after boarding. The Passenger is solely responsible for ensuring that all personal/valuable belongings such as passports and wallets are with the Passenger before the Passenger boards.

To book this tour, call 020 7749 9220 or enquire online, one of our Sri Lanka Experts is waiting to take your call.

Explore the central plains area of Sri Lanka, commonly referred to as its 'Cultural Triangle', and full to the brim with incredible temples and beautiful sights like the Sigiraya Rock Fortress.

Habarana – Sigiriya – Kandy

Duration: 4 days / 3 nights

To book this tour, call 020 7749 9278 or enquire online.

Day 1
Arrival / Habarana

Welcome to Sri Lanka! A land like no other!

Today you will be transferred to Sigiriya / Habarana which is located in the Cultural Triangle of the Island.

Transfer by Car: from Airport / beach hotel to Cultural triangle - approximately 3.5 - 6 Hours

Commonly referred to as the ‘Cultural Triangle’, the central plains area boasts temple ruins and ancient cities combined with national parks and glistening reservoirs. UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the striking rock fortress of Sigirya, 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 to your hotel and spend the evening leisure.

Overnight Stay:
Habarana Village by Cinnamon, on Half Board Basis (or similar)
Day 2
Habarana / Sigiriya

Set off early morning to climb the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Transfer time: approximately 45 minutes

The Sigiraya Rock Fortress, as one of Sri Lanka's most famous attractions, is an incredible sight to see. As well as its imposing exterior, this site boasts numerous beautiful corners: the Water Gardens, the Mirror Wall and its ancient graffiti, the crumbled stone lion, and the summit of the Rock Fortress itself.

Built by King Kashyapa (477-495 A.D), this fortress rises 200m from the jungle, and was once the stronghold of an an entire fortified town. The moat and ramparts are still visible today, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Upon several walls you may discover 19 world-famous frescoes, the only remnants of the 500 artworks that were once here. Once, a stairway to the top of the fortress led through the mouth of an immense stone lion, but today only its paws remain, giving you a hint of how gargantuan the original lion must have been.

Afterwards, you will drive to the Minneriya National Park*.

Transfer Time: approximately 30 minutes

Sitting amidst 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 elephants and sambar deer. There's more than just the wildlife to discover, though: within the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank, built in the 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 like cormorants and painted storks that come to fish.

*Depending on the elephant movement, you may visit the nearby Kaudulla National Park or Hurulu Eco Park instead.

Overnight Stay:
Habarana Village by Cinnamon, on Half Board Basis (or similar)
Day 3
Kandy

This morning, check out after an early breakfast and drive to Kandy.

Transfer Time: Approximately 3 hours

En route you will stop over at Dambulla Cave Temple.

This is located in the North Central Province. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to the 1st century BC, is an amazing complex of 5 caves, first used as a refuge by an ancient king who commissioned magnificent carved images within the rock. Later kings made their own modifications, and the caves now 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 in evidence, and many paintings from the Kandy period of the early 19th century line the walls.

Next you have the option to stop over at Matale Spice Gardens.

Matale Spice Garden (Optional) - You will have the opportunity to explore the exotic spices of this garden. The pungent aroma of the spice permeates the air as you explore the treasure trove of the Spice Gardens.

Continue your journey to Kandy and check in to your hotel.

In the evening you will visit the Temple of the Tooth in time for the “Pooja” ceremony. Commonly known as ‘Sri Dalada Maligawa’, the temple is famous for its carvings and the beautiful art that is unique to Sri Lanka. The most significant parts of the Dalada Maligawa are the octagon (Pathirppuwa) and the golden roof. 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.

Overnight Stay:
Cinnamon Citadel, Kandy on Half Board Basis (or similar)
Day 4
Departure

This morning you will drive back to your beach hotel or Katunayake Airport for the departure.

Transfer by car: from Airport / beach hotel to Cultural triangle - approximately 3.5 - 6 Hours

To book this tour, call 020 7749 9220 or enquire online, one of our Sri Lanka Experts is waiting to take your call.

Ideal for nature and animal lovers, this tour will give you an incredible experience of some of the incredible wildlife of Sri Lanka, from wild elephants and leopards to the juvenile elephants at the Elephant Transit Home.

Galle – Udawalawa – Yala

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights

To book this tour, call 020 7749 9278 or enquire online.

Day 1
Arrival / Galle

Welcome to Sri Lanka! The land like no other!

On arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be met by your English-Speaking chauffeur guide and transferred to Galle.

Transfer time: approximately 3 hours

This 'living' UNESCO World Heritage Site is said to be the famous Tarshish of the Bible, where King Solomon obtained gems and spices. Galle is where the Portuguese first landed in Sri Lanka in 1505, later to be captured by the Dutch, who fortified it considerably, ruling maritime Sri Lanka throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. This long history has left clear Dutch influences on the architecture. The old Dutch churches remain, as well as a well-known monogrammed gateway and a wide array of old preserved houses and alleys. One particularly good example is the New Oriental Hotel, which was once built for a Dutch governor, now converted into an internationally renowned hotel.

Overnight Stay:
Radisson Blu Resort - Deluxe Sea View Room on Half Board Basis
Day 2
Galle / Udawalawa

This morning you will take a walking tour of the Galle fort.

After this, you'll leave Galle behind and drive towards Udawalawe. It is widely-regarded as one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see elephants, and is famous for its large herds of wild elephants and deer. Crocodiles, wild buffalo, peacock, and a large variety of bird life can also be spotted here.

Transfer Time: Approximately 3 hours.

Check in and the rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight Stay:
Kalu’s Hideaway- Standard Room on Half Board Basis
Day 3
Udawalawa / Yala

This morning you will visit the Elephant Transit Home.

The home caters to juvenile elephants that have been orphaned, raising them until they are ready to be released into the wild at four years of age. At this time, they go into Udawalawe National Park to join the great herds of elephants that live there.

This afternoon you will go on a safari to the Udawalawe National Park, whose vast area covers 31,800 hectares. This park was declared a protected santuary in 1972, falling between two provinces of Sri Lanka and home to a vast wealth of beautiful wildlife.

Surrounded by mountain ranges, the terrain of the park is a mixture of grassland, which calls to mind the Savannah of Africa and the shrub jungle. Teak plantations, water holes and two particularly important factors make this park special: the Udawalawe Reservoir and the Walawe River, which ensure a steady supply of water for the fauna within. While famous for its large herd of elephants, the park is also known for several species of deer, wild boar, wild buffalo, the jackal and very rare sightings of leopard.

Check out of the hotel and continue your journey to the safari capital of Yala.

Transfer Time: Approximately 2 Hours

Overnight Stay:
Chaarya Resort - Deluxe Room on Half Board Basis.
Day 4
Yala

Enjoy an early morning drive around Yala National Park. You will be picked up early at the hotel and proceed in your jeep to the park entrance to collect your tickets prior to the park opening. In busy periods this process may take up to 45 minutes. You may see boar, crocodiles, deer and wild elephants roaming free as well as the magnificent leopard.

Yala National Park is one of the largest national parks in the country, with biomes varying between dry woodland and grassy plains, supporting a wide range of native fauna. It is home to a large number of elephants, spotted deer, sambar, wild buffalo, jackals, mongoose and crocodiles. The park boasts one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, but they are elusive creatures, so any sighting is sure to be exciting. Yala National Park is also home to ancient ruins, marrying the remnants of ancient civilisations to the beauty of the natural world.

This afternoon visit the three largest lakes of Ruhuna, as beautiful as they are vast. Stop at Debarawewa and meet the farmers and fishermen who sustain themselves on the land and sea they call home. Next, move on to Tissa, where the water sprawls for miles, attracting a number of birds to fish and socialise. Finally, arrive at Weerawila, where the local boatmen represent an iconic part of the town's culture.

This journey promises to be filled with a glimpse into rural village life, traditional living and even a visit to the local pottery manufacturer — where you might try your hand at shaping some clay.

Overnight Stay:
Chaarya Resort - Deluxe Room on Half Board Basis.
Day 5
Departure

Today you have the option of either transferring to the airport for your onwards journey, or driving down south or to Negombo for your beach extension.

Transfer Time: to Airport - approximately 6.5 Hours

Transfer Time: to Negombo - approximately 6.5 Hours*

Transfer Time: to Southern beach (Kalutara)- approximately 5 Hours*

*During Yala National Park Closure from September to mid-October, clients can choose to do safaris at Bundala National Park or Yala Bloc 3 or 5.

To book this tour, call 020 7749 9220 or enquire online, one of our Sri Lanka Experts is waiting to take your call.

Reservations

Monday - Friday	09:00 - 20:00
Saturday	09:00 - 16:00
Sunday	10:00 - 17:00
Bank Holidays	10:00 - 16:00

Customer Service

Monday - Friday	09:00 - 17:30
Saturday	09:00 - 16:00
Sunday	10:00 - 17:00
Bank Holidays	10:00 - 16:00

Sri Lanka Tours

Sri Lanka Classic Tour

Yala National Park Safari

Sri Lanka Cultural Triangle

Sri Lanka Wildlife Tour

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Why Kenwood Travel?

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Book now for a last-minute escape or look to the future and plan a getaway for 2024.

Sri Lanka Tours

Why Kenwood Travel?

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Please wait while we find your dream holiday, we are currently searching for live availability and prices.

Book now for a last-minute escape or look to the future and plan a getaway for 2024.

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