- Overview
- Itinerary
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
Sri Lanka 12-day tour, cocktail tour with a blend of Nature, Culture and Wildlife
The Sri Lanka 12-day tour covers the entire circuit, including the tea region, beaches on the west coast, and the south coast. You can customise this 10-day tour itinerary to include the main UNESCO World Heritage sites. These sites include the Golden Temple of Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the ancient city of Anuradhapura, and Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) in Kandy.
The itinerary also includes a walking tour of the mediaeval Fort of Galle, a wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park, leisure on the palm-fringed beaches of the west coast, tea gardens, spice gardens, Sri Lanka's hill country, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and much more. You can unwind on Sri Lanka's immaculate west coast beaches as your journey comes to a close. The excursion begins and ends at Bandaranaike International Airport or your hotel in Colombo and includes a round-trip ride in an air-conditioned luxury car with a personal driver/guide.
Highlights of the Sri Lanka 12-day tour
- Exploring the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka
- Visit a village in Sigiriya to witness the everyday lives of Sri Lankans (bullock cart ride, TUK TUK ride, etc.).
- With the help of a local housewife, learn how to prepare a delectable Sri Lankan lunch.
- Explore the historical and cultural legacy of Sri Lanka by touring monuments that date back thousands of years.
- A tour of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa is hop-on, hop-off.
- Enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view from the top of the Sigiriya rock castle.
- Climb up to the Ramboda plateau for a better view of the massive Ramboda waterfall.
- Taking a stroll through the Spice Garden while being educated about the many herbs, plants, and spices
- Take a stroll across Gregory Lake, Vitoria Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya, and many other places.
- From your beach resort, explore the stunning beaches of southern Sri Lanka, including Hikkaduwa.
- Discover the stunning landscape of Sri Lanka's hill country.
- Visit Minneriya National Park for a wildlife safari to view wild creatures.
- Rafting on Kitulgala's white water with our knowledgeable guides
- Two hours of guided birdwatching and hiking in the rainforest
- Tour the Galle Rock Fortress on foot.
- Take a boat trip to the Madu River Estuary to see the old temple, cinnamon island, and mangrove lagoon.
- Relax on the West Coast beaches surrounded by palm trees.
Is this trip right for you?
- This 12-day Sri Lanka tour covers a lot. Our original-style tour is one of Sri Lanka's most popular and is perfect for those wanting a week-long vacation. Please look at our other tour itineraries if you're looking for a shorter or more relaxed trip to Sri Lanka.
- It can get scorching in Sri Lanka throughout the summer. Although we try to conduct our walking tours and city visits in the early morning or late afternoon when the weather is milder, don't forget to stay hydrated and pack sun protection gear, like a hat, sunscreen, a long-sleeve shirt, and anything else that will shield you from the sun.
- "Travel with serendipity" means honouring the customs and sensibilities of the places you visit. In this way, you maximise the benefits of your interactions with locals and their settings. During this trip, we visit several temples, all of which need clothing that covers the wrists and below the knee. Sometimes entering a temple requires taking off your shoes and head coverings.
Choose your payment method.
We offer you mainly three payment options: credit card payments, bank transfers, or payment on arrival. You can choose whatever payment option is most convenient for you. Once we confirm your booking, we will collect a 25% advance payment as a guarantee if you choose to pay on arrival.
The best price guaranteed
We guarantee the best price. If you find the same tour package at a cheaper price elsewhere, we do match the price of other tour packages and, furthermore, add a 10% discount to it.
Additional information on the Sri Lanka 12-day tour
- You will receive confirmation for the Sri Lanka 10-day tour at the time of booking.
- A current, valid passport is required on the day of travel.
- The Sri Lanka 10-day tour is wheelchair accessible.
- We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes for this tour.
- All visitors to Buddhist and Hindu temples are expected to remove footwear and hats upon entering .
- Dress Code: Cover your shoulders and knees.
- The duration of transfers is approximate; the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions.
- A current, valid passport is required on the day of travel.
- Subject to favorable weather conditions
- If adverse weather cancels, you'll have the choice of a different date.
- Infants must sit on laps.
- Travellers with back problems should avoid it.
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- This product is not suitable for travellers who have heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level.
- You can reach us 24 hours a day through our hotline, 0094-77-4440977.
Sri Lanka Cocktail Tour: Sri Lanka 12-day tour
Itineraries
Day 1
Time : 7:00 am
Colombo / Anuradhapura
After breakfast, you will depart from Colombo and stop at the Negombo Fish Markets in route. You pass through the small town of Chilaw on your way to ancient Anuradhapura in your private vehicle. A suggested extra excursion for those with an interest in history and archeology is a visit to Mihintale, the holy birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism.
A guided bicycle tour of the city will take place in the afternoon. Among the ruins, you'll see the sacred old Bo Tree, a spiritual reminder of the beginnings of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the inspiration for Anuradhapura's great buildings. The ruins themselves are spread over quite an area, some in woodland settings and others appearing park-like with columns and ponds dotted about.
Activities
Anuradhapura city tour.
Optional activities
Mihintale temple ($10 P.P.)
Accommodation
Hotel in Anuradhapura (1 night)
Things to Know
You will need about five hours to complete your travels today.
On Sundays and on Catholic holidays, the Negombo Fish Markets are closed.
Day 2
Time : 7:00 am
Anuradhapura / Plonnaruwa / Sigiriya
After Anuradhapura was subjugated in the late tenth century, go to Polonnaruwa via Maradankawala by public bus and private automobile. Polonnaruwa served as the capital of the Indian Chola Dynasty. Compared to the ruins you just saw, these are closer together and generally in much better shape. Once again, the easiest way to get around is by bicycle amidst the remnants of the 1000-year-old Polonnaruwa. More palaces, temples, and stupas will be visited as the heat of the day subsides. The enormous stone Buddhas, which are 14-meter-tall granite sculptures of the well-known reclining Buddha and the pinnacle of Sinhalese rock carving, are probably going to be the main attraction. You will also tour the well-designed museum, which features scale replicas of several of the structures to depict their original construction.
In the afternoon, optional safari at Immeriya, Kaudulla, Eco-Park, or rural village tour.
Activities
Polonnaruwa city tour
Optional activates
Village tour ($20 P.P.), Safari ($50 P.P.)
Accommodation
Hotel in Sigiriya (1 night)
Things to know
You must take off your shoes for temple visits here and on other days (though it's okay to wear socks on hot days) and make sure your legs and shoulders are covered.
Your travel time today will be about 3.5 hours.
Day 3
Time : 7:00 am
Sigiriya / Kandy
Early this morning, before the heat is too intense, head to Sigiriya. This ruined fortress is one of Sri Lanka's premier sights. Those who make it to the top are rewarded with astounding views. Make sure you are wearing sturdy footwear, as this is a very steep climb with some uneven slopes. Those unable to climb to the top can explore the gardens at the base of the rock and still get some fantastic shots of the fortress from below. Return to the hotel to freshen up before heading to Kandy. On the way, there's the option of stopping at one of the region's wonderful spice gardens for lunch and to learn about the medicinal properties of ingredients used in cooking and treatments. In beautifully located Kandy, visit the Dalada Maligawa (aka Temple of the Tooth), Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist site, and mingle with the white-clad pilgrims who come here to worship. Time permitting, you'll have the option of visiting the National Museum or the world-class Botanical Gardens.
Activities
Sigiriya Rock Hike, Dambulla Temple, Spice/Herbal Garden, Tooth Relic Temple
Optional activates
Kandyan cultural show ($10 P.P.)
Accommodation
Hotel in Kandy (2 nights)
Things to know
You will be on the road for about 3.5 hours today.
A trip to Lion Rock takes about three and a half hours. Set out at about 7 am and get to the lion paw at about 8.30 am. See the mirror wall, Sigiriya frescoes, boulder garden, and water garden along the route. It's a hard climb with many steps and walkways along the rock face following the Lion Paw. The ascent takes about thirty minutes at this point. If someone chooses not to climb to the summit, they can relax at the Lion Paw until the others join them.
If you wish to see the sunrise from the top of the rock, please inform your guide. He will take you early morning to the rock, enabling you to witness the sunrise. The breakfast is served after the Sigiriay rock tour.
Day 4
Time : 9:00 am
Kandy
Today you will visit nearby tourist attractions such as the tooth relic temple, Peradeniya Garden, and tea factory and take a guided tour to learn about the production of Sri Lanka's best-known beverage. Of course, you will also sample some of the delicious varieties while you're here.
Your hotel in Kandy, located far from the noise and bustle of the city, is a great place to unwind with lovely views over the town.
Activities
Tea factory, Kandy city tour, tooth relic temple
Optional activities
Royal Botanical Garden ($10 P.P.)
Kandyan cultural show ($10 P.P.)
Accommodation
Hotel in Kandy
Thins to Know
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour..
Day 5
Time : 8:00 am
Kandy / bandarawela
Start your day with a scenic train journey to Bandarawela, passing through tea plantations and winding along mountains into the highlands. Once in Bandarawela, you will visit a local home for a cooking demonstration to learn some secrets of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. Enjoy the delicious meal afterward.
Activities
Cooking demonstration, scenic hill country train trip
Accommodation
Hotel in Bandarawela (1 night)
Things to know
You will need about seven hours to complete your travels today.
There is a great demand for train tickets. Although we make every effort to obtain tickets, in the unlikely event that we are unable to do so, you will proceed on your trip in a private vehicle.
Day 6
Time : 9:00 am
Bandarawela / Haputale
Drive to the starting point for our walk today. This hike takes you through picturesque tea plantations and small Tamil villages. Lunch will be arranged at the Tamil tea worker’s house. Tonight's accommodation is in a comfortable local lodge.
Total walk distance: 12 km Time: 4-5 hours
Activities
Hill country trek
Accommodation
Lodge in Haputale (1 night)
Things to Know
Good walking shoes are required for this journey because there are some rocky and vegetated areas, and the "track" can become extremely muddy and treacherous after recent rain. Even though the trip is not too strenuous, it can be challenging to walk on the uneven terrain, so you do need to be in good physical shape. Our typical journey is roughly 12 kilometers long. You can be driven to our resort in Haputale and wait for the group to arrive if you don't think you can finish the hike.
Day 7
Haputale / Udawalawe
Take the train to Idalgashinna this morning and embrace an early start. To see more of the stunning surroundings of Sri Lanka's Hill Country, go for a stroll (the tour will take about 4.5 hours). Savor the opportunity to interact with the tea pickers while traveling and make a halt in Haldummulla for a lunch break. Drive to your jungle camp lodging for the night in Udawalawe after dinner, stopping along the way at Diyaluma Falls. This evening, you will be staying in a camp on a lake that borders a forest reserve, home to numerous herbs utilized in traditional Ayurvedic therapy. Upon arrival, you have the option to take a quick tour of the nearby
Activities
No activities planned for today.
Accommodation
Jungle camp (1 night)
Things to know
You will need about three hours to complete your travels today.
You can be driven to Haldummulla to wait for the group if you don't think you can finish the hike today.
I walked a total of 10 kilometers. Duration: 4-4.5 hours
Day 8
Udawalawe / South Coast
You have the opportunity to go on an optional elephant-spotting expedition this morning at Udawalawe National Park, but please note that participation will necessitate an early wake-up time of approximately 4.30 am. As an alternative, you can decide to go to a local facility that manufactures ayurvedic medicines after sleeping in. Talk to your guide beforehand about these optional activities for more details. Later, take a private bus to Mirissa. With your cosy lodging only a few metres from the ocean, this is your dream location for two days of leisure.
Optional Activities
Udawalawe National Park Safari ($50 per person)
Accommodation
Hotel in Mirissa (2 nights)
Day 9,10,11
South Coast
Enjoy your leisure time at the beach resort. The beach has a white sand curve with beautiful, clean turquoise waters; it's a terrific place to watch the sun set.
Optional Activities
Whale watching ($ 50 P.P)
Accommodation
Hotel in Mirissa
Day 12
Mirissa / Galle / Colombo
Proceed a little farther along the coast. Reach Galle, which has a remarkable Dutch fort with long walls and a number of intriguing old structures that is classified as part of the World Heritage Site. Later venture on a slow boat ride along the Bentoat river while exploring the mangrove lagoon. This is an ideal chance to observe wild crocs, monkeys, lizards, and numerous other bird species.
Activities
Guided Galle Fort walking tour
Optional Activities
URiver safari ($ 20 per person)
Accommodation
No Accommodation for today
Things to know
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
- 11 nights' accommodation, as mentioned above
- Meal plan: H/B basis (daily breakfast and dinner included at hotel)
- Entire ground transportation in an air-conditioned, luxury vehicle
- Pickup and drop-off at the airport or local hotels
- Guided walking tour of Nuwara Eliya
- Service of an English-speaking chauffeur/guide for the entire tour (please inquire about other languages)
- Ceylon tea trail
- Guided walking tour at Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Guided walking tour of Dambulla Golden Temple
- Guided hop-on, hop-off Anuradhapura ancient city tour
- Guided hop-on, hop-off Polonnaruwa ancient city tour
- Guided tour of the Temple of the Tooth Relic
- Guided rainforest trek in Kitulgala with a nature guide
- Entrance fees for the below sites
- Anuradhapura is a historical city.
- Sigiriya rock fortress, Sigiriya paintings, Sigiriya museum
- Dambulla Golden Cave Temple
- Polonnaruwa historical city and historical museum
- Tooth Relic Temple and Kandy Museum
- Kandyan cultural show
- Spice garden with a serving of herbal drink
- Tea factory and tea tasting
- Take part in a cooking class and later sample a delicious local lunch.
- All-inclusive Minneriya National Park Safari (with Jeep Hire)
- All current taxes
- Sri Lanka visa-related fees
- Any change in tax structure resulting from the hike in published tariff
- Any video / still camera fee to the monuments and places of visit
- Any others expense not mentioned in Price Includes section
- Flight tickets
- Gratuities
