11-Day Best of Sri Lanka 2026
Price a Trip, Book Now
Highlights
- Explore Colombo, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park and Galle
- Visit Sigiriya Fortress, Polonnaruwa Archaeological Park, Dambulla Cave Temple, Sacred Tooth Relic Temple, Tea plantation in Nuwara Eliya and Galle Fort
- See Kandy Traditional Dance Performance
- Colombo: One of Asia’s oldest hotels, the Galle Face Hotel has been a part of Colombo’s history since 1864. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, it has welcomed royalty, writers and world leaders, with its colonial architecture and timeless traditions reflecting Sri Lanka’s past. From its historic halls to the flag-lowering ceremony at sunset, this hotel offers you more than a stay—it’s a piece of the city’s story.
- Colombo: Explore Colombo on foot, where history and modern life sit side by side. You'll visit Independence Square, a symbol of Sri Lanka’s freedom, before weaving through the lively streets of Pettah. Stop at the Red Mosque, a striking landmark, then step into Gangaramaya Temple, known for its mix of architectural styles. You'll pass the old and new Parliament buildings before viewing the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, a gift from China.
- Sigiriya: Climb to the top of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a royal citadel that towers over the jungle. You'll pass ancient frescoes and the lion’s paws before reaching the summit, panoramic views make the ascent worthwhile.
- Polonnaruwa: This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s medieval capital. Explore the Royal Palace complex, walk through the ancient Quadrangle and see the Gal Vihara, where four massive Buddha statues are carved from a single granite slab, a remarkable example of Sri Lanka’s artistic heritage.
- Dambulla: Step into Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved cave monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 150 Buddha statues and centuries-old murals. Sitting high above the plains, this sacred site has been a place of worship for over 2,000 years.
- Kandy: Visit one of Buddhism’s most important pilgrimage sites, where a tooth believed to belong to the Buddha, Sri Lanka’s most sacred relic, is kept inside a golden casket. Walk through the temple’s halls, see its detailed carvings and take in the atmosphere of this deeply spiritual place.
- Kandy: Watch a vibrant display of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage as Kandyan dancers take the stage. Once performed in royal courts and sacred rituals, this energetic tradition comes to life with rhythmic drumming, acrobatic leaps and striking costumes. Fire-breathers and drummers add to the spectacle, making it an unforgettable experience.
- Nuwara Eliya: Wind through Sri Lanka’s hill country on one of the world’s most scenic train rides. Rolling tea plantations, misty mountains and cascading waterfalls unfold outside your window as the train climbs towards Nuwara Eliya, the heart of the island’s tea industry.
- Nuwara Eliya: Visit a Ceylon tea estate to see firsthand how Sri Lanka’s world-famous tea is made. Walk through the plantations, watch the leaves being processed and learn about the different stages of production, finishing with a freshly brewed cup.
- Nuwara Eliya: Explore Nuwara Eliya, a town shaped by its British colonial past. Stroll past the Tudor-style post office, through the landscaped paths of Victoria Park and to Gregory Lake. Stop by the historic Grand Hotel and the exclusive Hill Club, both echoes of a bygone era.
- Tissamaharama: Stop in Tissamaharama to see how Sri Lanka’s famous buffalo curd is made. Walk through the farm, watch fresh milk strained and boiled before it’s set to ferment in clay pots. Finish with a taste: thick, creamy curd topped with sweet treacle, a simple yet delicious treat.
- Yala National Park: Venture into Yala National Park, home to Sri Lanka’s most diverse wildlife on a guided game drive. Keep your camera ready because this is one of the best places in the world to spot leopards in the wild.
- Galle: Along the shores of Weligama, see one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sights, stilt fishermen balancing on wooden poles, casting their lines into the Indian Ocean. This centuries-old tradition, passed down through generations, is a testament to the island’s deep connection to the sea. Watch as they skillfully fish in the shallows, a unique and timeless practice found only in this region.
- Discover the history of Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along the Dutch-built ramparts, past colonial-era buildings, cafes and boutiques. Visit the famous Galle Lighthouse, the oldest in Sri Lanka and learn how this centuries-old fort has shaped the city and its people.
- Galle: Join Mrs Shahira Mahuroof in her Galle home for a homemade Sri Lankan lunch, filled with flavors and family traditions. As she prepares local dishes, hear stories of her life and the cultural influences that shape her cooking. A warm, welcoming experience that offers a taste of Sri Lankan hospitality.
- Galle: Visit Sri Lanka’s first sea turtle hatchery, founded in 1978, to learn about efforts to protect endangered species. A conservationist or caretaker will guide you through the center’s work, from hatchling care to rehabilitation. Depending on the season, you may witness a hatching or turtle release, a reminder of the impact conservation can have on marine life. Your visit directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
Dates & Prices
Price in USD (per person, based on double occupancy)
Itinerary
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Sigiriya
Sigiriya
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Sigiriya
Sigiriya
Kandy, Sri Lanka
Nuwara eliya, Sri Lanka
Nuwara eliya, Sri Lanka
Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka
Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka
Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka
Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka
Galle, Sri Lanka
Galle, Sri Lanka
Galle, Sri Lanka
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Includes & Excludes
Price Includes
Additional Notes
- DAY 1: Complimentary arrival transfers depart Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (CMB) at 10:00 and 16:30 on the first day of the tour.
- DAY 11: The complimentary one-way group transfer from the end hotel in Galle by motorcoach will arrive at Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (CMB) at approximately 17:00, depending on traffic conditions, so please be aware when booking flights. For guests departing on the last day of the tour, please do not schedule any flights before 20:00.
- TRANSFERS: Chargeable transfers available in Colombo. Guests who have booked their extra hotel nights with Trafalgar, or whose flight times do not coincide with the shuttle coach timings may purchase a chargeable transfer. However, guests booking independent hotel nights should make their own transfer arrangements.
- SRI LANKA: USA passport holders require a visa for Sri Lanka. Visa must be obtained prior to departure and it must be used within 6 months. However, ETA is valid for 30 days from initial entry.
- IMPORTANT: Please see important visa details sent with your invoice.
- LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE: Each guest is permitted one bag with maximum dimensions of 58 linear inches (147 cm), the total of length, width, and height - and a weight not exceeding 44 lbs (20 kg). Guests may also bring one personal item, such as a purse, backpack, or similarly sized item that fits comfortably under the seat in front of them or the overhead compartment weighing no more than 15 lbs (7kg).
*DAY TRAIN : The main luggage will be transported separately by road via motorcoach and delivered to the arrival station, where the driver will meet the group on the same day. Guests may bring carry-on bags on the train if they wish, but space is limited and there is no porterage service. Porterage at the train stations is not included. Guests will be required to take their carry-on luggage on/off the train. - IMPORTANT: Minivans or minibuses may also be used depending on the group size. Motorcoaches without toilet facilities are used; the Tour Director will ensure to arrange regular stops on longer journeys to ensure guests' comfort throughout the tour.
- GROUNG HANDLER: This trip is operated by Jetwing.
Policies
Touring: By air-conditioned / air-ventilated motor coaches. Please note that on some Regional European First Class Tours and London sightseeing, motor coaches without toilet facilities are used. In the Middle East and South America, air-conditioned / air-ventilated motor coaches (or minibuses) without toilet facilities are used. If due to circumstances beyond our control coaches are used otherwise than as advertised, a refund of $10 per person will be made.
- Over 45 days: $US200
- 45 - 22 days: 25%
- 21 - 8 days: 30%
- 7 - 1 days: 50%
- Departure day or later/no show: 100% The refund amount will be credited directly to your TakeTours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.
Tour Prices:Are based on costs, charges, tariffs, rates, prices, taxes, levies and exchange rates as at time brochures went to print. Should these change, the price of your vacation may increase. No surcharges in respect of cost or currency fluctuations will be made once payment for the deposit of your land tour is received. This does not apply to fuel surcharges and any taxes, charges or levies imposed by any government or their agencies. In exchange for these guarantees, no refund will be made if costs are reduced. Please note that if the total tour price increases by more than 10%, passengers will have the right to cancel their tour within 7 days of notification of the surcharge without penalty.
Tour Cancellation: We reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. If cancellation is made any time prior to departure* of the tour, our only liability will be to refund to the passenger the amount it has received for the tour booking.
We are not responsible for any other travel arrangement affected due to our cancellations.
Travel Insurance: We recommend that all passengers purchase comprehensive travel insurance. Certain countries have a requirement for foreign visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry. We cannot be held responsible if a passenger is denied entry for being unable to provide details to the authorities of such insurance. We do not employ staff doctors or nurses. Should you need medical attention, it will be at local facilities, at your expense. We are not responsible for any costs incurred as a result of medical services, or for the quality of medical care or medical services you receive.
Complaints procedure: Should you have a complaint in respect of your vacation, you should inform your Tour Director/Representative immediately. If the matter cannot be resolved after the Tour Director's/Representative's best endeavors to do so during the holiday.
Responsibility
1. The Operators shall be responsible to the passenger for supplying the services and accommodations described on the website, except where such services cannot be supplied or the itinerary used is changed due to delays or other causes of whatever kind or nature beyond the control of the Operators. In such circumstances, the Operators will do their best to supply comparable services, accommodations and itineraries and there shall be no refund in this connection.
2. Where the passenger occupies a motorcoach seat fitted with a safety belt, neither the Operators nor their agents or co-operating organizations or service providers concerned will be liable for any injury, illness or death or for any loss or damages or claims whatsoever arising from any accident or incident, if the safety belt is not being worn at the time of such accident or incident.
3. Transportation companies, are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on transportation or conveyances. We rely on international convention which may apply to the services provided by us, our suppliers or agents with respect to any claim of any nature brought by you against us as a result of the provision of those services. International conventions which apply may include: Warsaw Convention 1929, (as amended by Hague Protocol and Montreal Protocol) in relation to air travel, or Montreal Convention; the Berne Convention for rail travel; Athens Convention 1974 for carriage by sea; the Geneva Convention for carriage by road and the Paris Convention 1962 for Hotels. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of these conventions on limiting our liability in relation to any claim for death, injury, loss, damage and delay to passengers and luggage. Enrollment in and payment for a tour shall constitute agreement and acceptance by the passenger of the terms and conditions set forth in this brochure which cannot be varied except in writing by an officer of the Company.
4. In the case of computer or human billing error we reserve the right to re-invoice passengers with correct billing.
5. We are not responsible for omissions, printing and/or typographical errors, in brochures, on Internet sites correspondence or invoices or in any other media where such information may be presented. We reserve the right to make corrections as required. The terms and conditions listed remain in effect until replaced. These terms and conditions replace all previous versions.
- The Operators shall be responsible to the passenger for supplying the services and accommodations described on the website, except where such services cannot be supplied or the itinerary used is changed due to delays or other causes of whatever kind or nature beyond the control of the Operators. In such circumstances, the Operators will do their best to supply comparable services, accommodations and itineraries and there shall be no refund in this connection.
- Where the passenger occupies a motorcoach seat fitted with a safety belt, neither the Operators nor their agents or co-operating organizations or service providers concerned will be liable for any injury, illness or death or for any loss or damages or claims whatsoever arising from any accident or incident, if the safety belt is not being worn at the time of such accident or incident.
- Transportation companies, are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on transportation or conveyances. We rely on international convention which may apply to the services provided by us, our suppliers or agents with respect to any claim of any nature brought by you against us as a result of the provision of those services. International conventions which apply may include: Warsaw Convention 1929, (as amended by Hague Protocol and Montreal Protocol) in relation to air travel, or Montreal Convention; the Berne Convention for rail travel; Athens Convention 1974 for carriage by sea; the Geneva Convention for carriage by road and the Paris Convention 1962 for Hotels. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of these conventions on limiting our liability in relation to any claim for death, injury, loss, damage and delay to passengers and luggage. Enrollment in and payment for a tour shall constitute agreement and acceptance by the passenger of the terms and conditions set forth in this brochure which cannot be varied except in writing by an officer of the Company.
- In the case of computer or human billing error we reserve the right to re-invoice passengers with correct billing.
- We are not responsible for omissions, printing and/or typographical errors, in brochures, on Internet sites correspondence or invoices or in any other media where such information may be presented. We reserve the right to make corrections as required. The terms and conditions listed remain in effect until replaced. These terms and conditions replace all previous versions.
Q & A
Popular FAQs
Tips are customarily given to your Tour Director, Driver and Local Guides at your discretion. The recommended amounts are: Tour Directors US$4 per day, Drivers US$2.50 per day and Local Guides US$1 per day.
No matching FAQ found.
Customer Q & As
Ask a QuestionNo one has questions about this product. Be the first one to ask questions and we will answer you within 12 to 24 hours.

