Classic Sri Lanka Tour (9 Days)
Tour Itinerary
- Arrive at Colombo International Airport, where you’ll meet your Sri Lanka Vacation Tours representative, who will be your private driver and guide throughout the tour.
- Begin your journey to Sigiriya, with a short break en route to visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Watch elephants bathe and roam in a safe, natural environment.
- Continue to Sigiriya, check in to the hotel and relax after your journey.
- Overnight stay in Sigiriya
- Destination: Sigiriya
- Travel Distance: 150 KM
- Travel Time: 3 Hours
- Transfer Mode: Private Vehicle (AC)
- Early morning, climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks, with 1,200 steps leading to breathtaking summit views and fascinating ancient architecture.
- Later, visit the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second capital from the 11th to 13th century AD, now a beautifully preserved archaeological site rich in history and culture.
- In the afternoon, enjoy a 4×4 Jeep Safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park, where you may witness the largest gathering of Asian elephants in the wild.
- Overnight stay in Sigiriya
- Destination: Polonnaruwa
- Travel Distance: 60 KM
- Travel Time: 1 Hour
- Transfer Mode: Private Vehicle (AC)
- Early morning, visit Pidurangala Rock Temple for panoramic views and spiritual serenity.
Continue your journey to Sri Lanka’s hill country, stopping in Dambulla to visit the Golden Temple and Cave Temple Complex, the largest and most well-preserved in Sri Lanka, featuring colorful Buddhist frescoes and the island’s largest collection of Buddha statues. - En route to Kandy, visit an Ayurveda Herbal & Spice Garden to learn about Sri Lanka’s natural healing traditions.
- Upon arrival in Kandy, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- In the evening, enjoy a Kandyan cultural show, including traditional devil and fire dances.
- Overnight stay in Kandy
- Destination: Kandy
- Travel Distance: 90 KM
- Travel Time: 2 ½ Hours
- Transfer Mode: Private Vehicle (AC)
- In the morning, enjoy a city tour of Kandy and visit the stunning Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya.
- Continue your journey to Nuwara Eliya, also known as “Little England” for its colonial charm and cool climate.
- En route, hike Ambuluwawa Peak and explore the Biodiversity Complex.
- Visit a tea estate and factory to learn about Sri Lanka’s world-renowned Ceylon Tea, and capture scenic photos of tea plantations and tea pluckers.
- Stop at the picturesque Ramboda Waterfall before arriving in Nuwara Eliya.
- Enjoy the fresh, misty air and explore the quaint colonial-style town.
- Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya
- Destination: Nuwara Eliya
- Travel Distance: 76 KM
- Travel Time: 2 Hours
- Transfer Mode: Private Vehicle (AC)
- Early morning, visit Horton Plains National Park, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its misty grasslands, cloud forests, and World’s End cliff viewpoint.
- After breakfast, proceed to Ella and enjoy one of the world’s most scenic train rides from Nanu Oya to Ella, passing tea plantations, waterfalls, and lush mountain landscapes.
- Arrive in Ella, a charming hill-country village with panoramic views of Ella Gap and the surrounding greenery.
- Overnight stay in Ella
- Destination: Ella
- Travel Distance: 60 KM
- Travel Time: 2 Hours
- Transfer Mode: Private Vehicle (AC) + Train
- Early morning, hike to Little Adam’s Peak, an easy and rewarding trail offering panoramic views over Ella’s lush valley.
- Visit the world-famous Nine Arch Bridge, and capture stunning photos, especially as a train passes through the scenic tunnel.
- (Optional) For the more adventurous, hike to Ella Rock for breathtaking vistas.
- Continue your journey to Yala, stopping at the beautiful Ravana Waterfall and optionally visiting the ancient Buduruwagala Temple, known for its rock-carved Buddha statues.
- Overnight stay in Yala
- Destination: Yala
- Travel Distance: 110 KM
- Travel Time: 2 ½ Hours
- Transfer Mode: Private Vehicle (AC)
- Start your day early with a 5:00 AM safari at Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s top wildlife destinations, known for its leopards, elephants, and wide range of native animals and birdlife.
- After the safari, proceed to your beach resort on the southern coast.
- En route, capture amazing photos of the famous stilt fishermen, visit the historic Galle Dutch Fort, originally built by the Portuguese in 1505 and later fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century.
- Stop at a sea turtle hatchery and take memorable pictures with baby turtles.
- Overnight stay in Hikkaduwa
- Destination: Hikkaduwa
- Travel Distance: 185 KM
- Travel Time: 3 Hours
- Transfer Mode: Private Vehicle (AC)
- Enjoy a relaxing beach stay in Hikkaduwa with plenty of ways to spend your time.
- Take leisurely strolls along golden beaches, soak up the sun on a deck with a good book, and sip on a fresh tropical fruit drink — pineapple, mango, or banana.
- (Optional) You can also go on a whale and dolphin watching tour in Mirissa, a popular marine adventure.
- Overnight stay in Hikkaduwa
- Destination: Hikkaduwa
- Transfer Mode: Private Vehicle (AC)
- Early morning, head to Mirissa for an optional whale and dolphin watching tour, an unforgettable marine experience (seasonal).
- Return to the resort and spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach, enjoying the sun, sea, and sand.
- Overnight stay at beach resort in Hikkaduwa
- Destination: Hikkaduwa
- Transfer Mode: Private Vehicle (AC)
What's Included
Accommodations
HANDPICKED, WELL-REPUTED HOTELS & RESORTS
To ensure your stay in Sri Lanka is both comfortable and memorable, we offer three hotel package options:
Standard Package
3-Star Deluxe Package
4-Star Superior Package
All hotels are carefully selected for their quality, location, and service standards. Package prices are clearly outlined in the booking form, allowing you to choose the accommodation level that best suits your preferences and budget.
Below are sample hotels by destination for your reference.
DAY 1–2: SIGIRIYA
Standard: Hotel Sandadiya or similar
Deluxe (3★): Camellia Resort or similar
Superior (4★): Sigiriya Village or similar
DAY 3: KANDY
Standard: Nature Walk Resort or similar
Deluxe (3★): The Topaz Hotel or similar
Superior (4★): Cinnamon Citadel or similar
DAY 4: NUWARA ELIYA
Standard: Blue Moon Resort or similar
Deluxe (3★): The Hill Club or similar
Superior (4★): Galway Heights or similar
DAY 5: ELLA
Standard: Sky Green Resort or similar
Deluxe (3★): Ella Gap Hotel or similar
Superior (4★): Morning Dew or similar
DAY 6: YALA
Standard: Neem Villas or similar
Deluxe (3★): Kithala Resort or similar
Superior (4★): Chaarya Resort or similar
DAY 7–8: HIKKADUWA
Standard: Hotel Lanka Supercorals or similar
Deluxe (3★): Coral Sands or similar
Superior (4★): Cinnamon Bay or similar
Guide
Your journey through Sri Lanka will be guided by a professional, friendly, and multilingual tour leader committed to ensuring the smooth operation of your tour from start to finish. With a deep understanding of the island’s cultural heritage and local customs, your tour leader will be by your side to provide insightful commentary, practical assistance, and seamless coordination of transportation and accommodation throughout your trip.
Should you need any further help, our dedicated customer support team is available 24/7 — during and even after your tour — to assist with any inquiries, concerns, or onward travel arrangements. We’re here to make sure your Sri Lanka experience is not just enjoyable, but truly unforgettable.
Meals
Daily breakfast and dinner are included throughout the tour, with the exception of your arrival and departure days. For all other meals, such as lunch and any additional dinners, your tour leader will be happy to offer recommendations and guide you to trusted local restaurants.
This gives you a wonderful opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s rich culinary heritage at your own pace and according to your taste. The average cost for a meal is approximately USD $12 per person for lunch and USD $15 per person for dinner.
Enjoy the freedom to discover authentic local flavors while we take care of the essentials.
Additional Services
Free airport pick-up and drop-off on the first and last day of your tour
A complimentary bottle of water per person, provided daily
A scenic train journey through Sri Lanka’s breathtaking mountain landscapes
A guided tour of Nuwara Eliya’s vibrant local markets
Kandy city tour, including a visit to a panoramic viewpoint
Colombo city tour, covering key highlights and hidden gems
An immersive visit to a local tea factory, where you can learn about Sri Lanka’s iconic Ceylon tea
All government taxes included – no hidden fees or surprise charges
24-hour emergency contact service, for total peace of mind throughout your trip
Transport
Enjoy the ease of private transportation throughout your entire tour in a modern, fully air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed travel experience as you explore the wonders of Sri Lanka.
To make your journey even smoother, we offer complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off on the first and last day of your tour — so you can start and end your adventure with total peace of mind.
Excluded
Flight & Visa
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
Please note that international flights are not included in this tour package. You are free to book your flights independently with your preferred airline at any time.
To support a smooth arrival and departure, we provide 24/7 complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off on the first and last day of your tour.
SRI LANKA ENTRY VISA
The Sri Lanka Entry Visa is not included in this package. You can easily apply online via the official government portal at: eta.gov.lk/slvisa.
If needed, we are happy to assist with your visa application upon special request — just let us know, and we’ll handle the process for you.
Travel Insurance
Please note that travel insurance is not included in this tour package. However, having valid travel insurance is mandatory for all travelers joining the tour.
We strongly recommend that you arrange comprehensive coverage prior to your departure, ensuring it includes medical emergencies, trip cancellations, personal belongings, and any adventure activities you may undertake during your stay in Sri Lanka.
Optional
Enhance your journey with a range of personalized experiences and flexible options designed to suit your preferences. The following can be arranged upon request or added during booking:
Maldives Extension – Combine your Sri Lanka tour with a tropical escape to the Maldives
Post-Tour Beach Stay – Enjoy a relaxing beach holiday after the tour (available at the time of booking)
Pre and Post-Tour Accommodation – Additional nights can be arranged to fit your travel schedule
Customizable Tours – Personalize your itinerary, hotel choices, or trip duration to match your travel style
Special Celebrations – Let us help you celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or special moments during your trip
Ayurvedic Herbal Treatments – Experience traditional Sri Lankan wellness therapies (available on request)
Additional Services
For full transparency, please note that the following items are not included in the tour package price:
Entrance fees to attractions (unless specifically stated as included)
Excursion/activity fees not listed as part of the tour
Gratuities for the Tour Leader – tipping is customary and appreciated
Personal expenses, such as lunch, dinner (when not included), snacks, and beverages
Early check-in and late check-out at hotels – additional charges may apply if required
Additional Info
Booking Confirmation will be provided at the time of reservation.
Children aged 0–5 years travel free of charge.
Maximum room occupancy: 3 adults per room.
Standard hotel check-in time is after 14:00 hrs, and check-out time is before 12:00 hrs.
Travel times between destinations may vary due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Children aged 5–12 years can share a room with parents (maximum of 2 children per room). If a separate room is needed for children, an additional room must be booked.