Highlights of Sri Lanka

20 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Map not provided by operator
View all 5 photos
Video not provided by operator
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
97%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Private Guided
An incredibly diverse but relatively small island nation, Sri Lanka offers magnificent wildlife, world-class cultural attractions and glorious beaches. With no long distances to cover, even a short trip can include a wide range of experiences and activities such as spotting leopards and elephants on safari, observing whales and dolphins off the south coast or...
From$5,814
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

What's this trip about?

    An incredibly diverse but relatively small island nation, Sri Lanka offers magnificent wildlife, world-class cultural attractions and glorious beaches. With no long distances to cover, even a short trip can include a wide range of experiences and activities such as spotting leopards and elephants on safari, observing whales and dolphins off the south coast or marvelling at the wonders of the Golden Triangle. Step back in time with a visit to the ancient capitals of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa or the Dambulla cave temples. Visit colonial Galle or simply relax beneath swaying palms on the golden beaches of the southwest or less-visited northeast.

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityColombo
End CityMaldive Island

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • 50 Plus
  • National Parks

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic Sightseeing
  • History
  • Nature
  • Rafting
  • Trains & Rail
  • Whale Watching

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Colombo.

Day 2 : Kotugoda

On arrival in Colombo you're met by your private chauffeur-guide and driven to your hotel just outside of Colombo. Your chauffeur guide will stay with you for the rest of your trip, acting as your private driver and guide.Depending on your flight time you may have some time to relax this afternoon - your hotel has a wonderful pool area, as well as a fascinating local temple a short walk away.

Day 3 : Sigiriya

This morning drive into the cultural centre of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya, where thriving ancient cities once existed and Sinhalese Kings used to rule the lands. Relax and enjoy the beautiful views on your drive up with your chauffeur-guide which will take about four hours. There are plenty of small villages to see along the way - you might like to stop to try a street-side snack.

Day 4 : Sigiriya

We recommend visiting Sigiriya Rock with your chauffeur-guide early in order to avoid the crowds and the heat. Upon reaching the top of Sigirya, spend time taking in the exhilarating vistas which go on for miles and ponder the ancient ruins where an ancient civilisati...

Day 5 : Sigiriya

This morning is free to relax. Your hotel has a wonderful pool area with views of the scrubland beyond.In the afternoon enjoy a private evening safari to see herds of wild elephants and hopefully, weather permitting, you will see a beautiful sunset. This is sure to be...

Day 6 : Kandy

Drive about three hours to the city of Kandy today. On your way to Kandy stop by the imposing Dambulla Caves containing hundreds of relics of Buddha statues. This is accessed by climbing a long staircase cut into the rock - if you think the climb might be unsuitable, we can suggest an alternative cave temple with fewer steps.

Day 7 : Kandy

This morning meet with your Chauffer-guide to drive to the beautiful Botanical Gardens. Take your time to walk around and soak up the huge variety of plant life. Afterwards visit the Temple of the Tooth. This remarkable Buddhist Temple is where the relic of Buddha's T...

Day 8 : Nuwara Eliya

This morning drive to the station to catch your train to Nuwara Eliya, an incredibly scenic journey through the central hills which takes around four and a half hours. Your chauffeur-guide is there to meet you at your final stop to take you to your hotel. This afterno...

Day 9 : Nuwara Eliya

Enjoy an 8 km (5 miles) walk in Horton Plains National Park with your chauffeur-guide today. You might catch a glimpse of Adam's Peak if the weather allows. We would suggest starting off early for the walk to avoid the heat of the midday sun.This afternoon is free to relax.

Day 10 : Yala National Park

Head east today to visit the Yala National Park. This is a long but incredibly scenic journey - your chauffeur-guide can suggest places to stop along the way including some wonderful tea houses and dramatic waterfalls. With stops, the drive will take most of your day, arriving into Yala in time for dinner at your hotel.

Day 11 : Yala National Park

Today enjoy a private morning and afternoon jeep safari. Hopefully you can see a range of wildlife, including the elusive leopard. With a number of water holes, there is a variety of bird life to spot too. In between your safaris, you might like to test out the hotel's pool or take in the view from the hotel's viewing tower.

Day 12 : Galle

Drive around the south coast towards Galle today. Depending on the traffic on the scenic coastal road, this drive will take three to four hours. You may see the iconic stilt fishermen plying their trade in the surf.

Day 13 : Galle

Your local guide will show you around the colonial heart of Galle today and you'll have time to wander the rampart walls and enjoy the views. There are a few small museums you might like to visit as well as a number of imposing Dutch churches.

Day 14 : Galle

Today is free to simply relax on the beach or enjoy the facilities at your hotel. The spa offers a selection of treatments inspired by Sri Lankan herbs and essential oils, or try a private yoga class on the beach.

Day 15 : Galle

Another day free to relax and explore the area. You might like to take a local tuk-tuk into Galle Fort this evening to try one of the local restaurants for dinner. The fort is lit up at night and many of the small boutiques stay open into the evening.

Day 16 : Maldive Island

This morning you're picked up and taken to the airport for your flight to the Maldives. The drive takes two to three hours depending on traffic - your private driver will be able to make sure you arrive at the airport in plenty of time.On arrival in the Maldives you're greeted at the airport by an Audley representative before catching a short 25 minute speedboat to your island.

Day 17 : Maldive Island

Today you have the day free to relax, or explore the island. With beautifully clear water you might like to book a guided snorkeling trip or take a diving lesson at the marine centre.

Day 18 : Maldive Island

Another day free to enjoy the island. Your might like to visit the GLIDE Water Sports Centre which offers a variety of equipment to hire including catamarans, kayaks and wind surfing.

Day 19 : Maldive Island

Your last free day before heading home. To make your stay special, it's worth considering booking a private dinner on the beach, or cocktails on a private sunset cruise.

Day 20 : International return flight

This morning you will be picked up by speedboat and taken to the airport for your onwards flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $5,814
Price per day$291
Last Updated: 1/12/2022

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Audley Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Audley Travel Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
Excellent
3,942
Great
119
Average
34
Disappointing
37
Terrible
90
Write a Review

Other Audley Travel Reviews

T

Tara Belcher

Feb 2025

Written on

Trip of a lifetime to Mexico!

Absolutely amazing two week trip to Mexico. Phoebe was very knowledgeable and helped us plan a fabulous itinerary. The hotels she'd recommended were perfect and in e...

S

Sally Hayden

Feb 2025

Written on

10/10 to Audley travel

10/10 to Audley travel. Louise and Robyn put together a trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar for us. The whole experience was amazing from start to finish. We did an 8 day ...

M

Mary Jenkins

Feb 2025

Written on

Exceptional company that listened…

Exceptional company that listened carefully to our ideas and formulated an amazing itinerary as a result. Every detail was thought of resulting in an extraordinary t...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
audley-audley-travel-39981

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save