Sri Lanka Wildlife and Culture (Private Tour)
$2900
per personCheck off Sri Lanka from your bucket list with this tropical island adventure, featuring leopards and other amazing wildlife, ancient ruins, Buddhist culture, and serene highlands and oceans.
Explore Sri Lanka’s rich heritage on this tour, from Anuradhapura’s ancient ruins to Sigiriya’s rock fortress, Kandy’s cultural heart, Dambulla’s cave temples, Hatton’s tea plantations, Yala’s leopard and elephant safaris, Galle’s colonial charm, and Colombo’s vibrant city life.
Each destination offers unique experiences and breathtaking sights.
14 Days, 13 Nights: Negombo, Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Hatton, Yala, Galle, Colombo
ⓘ Thursday Departures Includes hotels, daily breakfast, private driver cum guide and private airport transfer
Tour Highlights
Negombo City Tour, Anuradhapura Sacred City Tour, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Ancient Polonnaruwa Tour, Dambulla Cave Temple, Batik Workshop, Kandy City & Lake Tour, Temple of Tooth Relic of Buddha, Gem Gallery, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, 3 Yala Wildlife Safaris, Galle Walking Tour, Stilt Fishermen, Tea Plantation, Spice Plantation, Colombo City Tour
Premium Tour
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotels, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Deluxe Tour
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotels, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
ⓘ Upgrade to Flex Date
Pick your departure dates with personalizations
Birds Eye view of Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Stunning Buddha statues carved in granite at Polonnaruwa
Yala National Park has one of the highest densities of leopards in the world
This ancient temple complex showcases 150 stunning Buddha statues
Galle is known for stunning beaches, the ancient Galle Fort and Galle Lighthouse
Scenic train ride thru the Tea Plantations
13 Nights Accommodation
🛏️ 1 Night in Negombo
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN SRI LANKA
Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport (CMB) you will be transferred to your hotel in Negombo. The rest of the day is free.
Negombo is a charming coastal town located 25 miles north of Colombo. The town’s rich colonial history is a fascinating blend of influences from the Portuguese, Dutch, and British who ruled the region at different times. This seaside town, strategically located near the mouth of the Negombo Lagoon, was a key center for the spice trade, particularly cinnamon.
🍴 Meals: None
🛏️ 3 Nights in Thirappane
DAY 2: NEGOMBO CITY TOUR, NEGOMBO – THIRAPPANE
Start the tour with a half-day guided tour of Negombo. (4 hours @9am).
Visit St Marys Church (built by the Portuguese in the 1500s). See coral reefs and a shipwreck. Take a boat ride at Hamilton Canal (expanded by the Dutch in 1600s). Experience the diverse wildlife of Muthurajawela Marsh.
Then transfer from Negombo to Thirappane (4 hours @2pm).
Thirappane is close to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has beautiful natural surroundings, including reservoirs and lush landscapes that make it a serene location.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: ANURADHAPURA SACRED CITY TOUR
After breakfast we drive to Anuradhapura (1 hour @9am). Let’s dive into the cradle of Sri Lanka Buddhism today.
A full-day guided tour of the sacred city of Anuradhapura (8 hours @10am). You will visit Mihintale which is the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and is a significant pilgrimage site. See the sacred fig tree (Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi), many ancient stupas and a monastery.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: SIGIRIYA FORTRESS & POLONNARUWA
After breakfast we drive to Sigiriya (1 hour @9am).
A full-day guided tour of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa (8 hours, @10am).
We visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya Rock built by King Kassapa in the 5th century AD. Today Sigiriya Rock is a treasure trove of rare ancient art. In a pocket of the giant rock are the famous frescoes of the heavenly maidens of Sigiriya. It is also called the ‘Rock Fortress’ or ‘the Lion Rock’ because of the huge crouching lion that is carved at the entrance to the fortress. This citadel is more than 1,000 ft above the jungles below.
Visit Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is a well-preserved ancient city. Explore the Royal Palace, a rock temple with stunning Buddha statues carved in granite, stone columns and fascinating ruins.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast
🛏️ 2 Nights in Kandy
DAY 5: THIRAPPANE – KANDY | DAMBULLA CAVE TEMPLE
After breakfast we depart for Kandy (1 hour @9am). Enroute we visit Dambulla Cave Temple (3 hours @10am) and then continue to Kandy. The Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning collection of Buddha statues and intricate murals within five ancient caves.
Visit a local Batik Maker Workshop. Batik is a traditional fabric dyeing technique that showcases cultural identity and artistry.
Arrive Kandy that is nestled amidst misty hills in central Sri Lanka, next to the serene Kandy Lake. It has a rich cultural heritage and lush botanical gardens.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: KANDY CITY TOUR, TEMPLE OF THE TOOTH RELIC
After breakfast we explore Kandy city and the Lake (8 hours @9am).
Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic of Buddha, located in the royal palace complex, which houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha. It is one of Sri Lanka’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit Kandy Lake and a gem gallery (window shopping for precious stones such as blue sapphire, pink sapphire, ruby and more).
🍴 Meals: Breakfast
🛏️ 2 Nights in Hatton
DAY 7: KANDY – HATTON | PERADENIYA BOTANICAL GARDEN
After breakfast we explore Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya which spreads over 160 acres of exquisite beauty with more than 4,000 species of flora (3 hours @9am).
Transfer to Kandy Train Station and board the train to Hatton (2 hours).
This scenic train ride takes you through lush tea plantations, misty hills, and picturesque landscapes. It’s one of the most beautiful train journeys in Sri Lanka.
🍴 Meals: Premium-Breakfast, Deluxe: All-Inclusive
DAY 8: HATTON
Today is free.
Hatton is the Tea Capital of Sri Lanka. The town offers lush tea plantations, misty hills, and cascading waterfalls. We suggest you to consider a spa treatment at the hotel, bicycle ride through the surrounding tea plantations, explore vibrant gardens, or visit a tea estate.
🍴 Meals: Premium-Breakfast, Deluxe: All-Inclusive
🛏️ 2 Nights in Yala
DAY 9: HATTON – YALA | AFTERNOON JUNGLE SAFARIS
After breakfast we take a leisurely drive to Yala (4 hours @8am) the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. Upon arrival, check in for 2 nights stay at the resort.
Enjoy your afternoon jungle safari (4 hours @3pm).
Yala National Park is spread over an area of 979 sq. km (378 sq. miles). It was one of the first two officially designated national parks in Sri Lanka. This game park is famous for having one of the highest densities of leopards in the world. Yala Park has 3 of Sri Lanka’s Big Five: Leopards, Asian Elephants and Sloth Bears. Unfortunately, the remaining 2 of the Big Five (Blue Whales and Sperm Whales) are unavailable on land. 44 other species of mammals and other wildlife are found in the park including wild bears, peacocks, wild buffalo, sambar and spotted deer, in addition to 130 species of birds.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10: MORNING AND AFTERNOON JUNGLE SAFARI
Enjoy a morning jungle safari (4 hours @ 6am) and an afternoon jungle safari (4 hours @3pm) in Yala National Park. On these interesting safaris you are likely to see spotted deer, wild boars and wild elephants in addition to a wide variety of birds. There are also high chances of spotting sloth bears and leopards. With an average 1 leopard per sq. km Yala has the highest density of leopards in Asia!
🍴 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🛏️ 2 Nights in Galle
DAY 11: YALA – GALLE | GALLE CITY TOUR
In the morning, we depart for the coastal town of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a thriving beach destination in Sri Lanka. (2 hours @9am).
This afternoon we enjoy a walking tour of the Heritage City of Galle and explore the Dutch Fortress.
Galle was the most ancient and important harbor of Sri Lanka. Galle Old Town was founded by Portuguese colonists in the 16th century with architecture reflecting Portuguese, Dutch and British rule. The old town is known for its stunning beaches and Galle Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
🍴 Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12: GALLE | STITLT FISHERMEN, TEA & SPICE PLANTATIONS
This morning, follow your guided tour to witness a curious feature – the stilt fishermen on the coast who carefully balance themselves before casting their fishing lines.
Visit a tea plantation and spice plantation. You can learn about the cultivation and processing of tea and spices like cinnamon, clove and more. There are opportunities to taste and purchase fresh tea and spices. A sensory-rich adventure!
🍴 Meals: Breakfast
🛏️ 1 Night in Colombo
DAY 13: GALLE – COLOMBO | COLOMBO TOUR
After breakfast we drive to Colombo (3 hours @ 9am).
This afternoon we take a guided tour to visit –
Pettah Bazaar: A bustling local market.
Old Dutch Museum: A 17th century colonial building showcasing the Dutch influence.
Former home to Count August Carl Van Ranzow: This historic building also served as an orphanage and military hospital
Then transfer to your hotel in Colombo.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14: COLOMBO AIRPORT (CMB)
After breakfast we transfer to Colombo Airport for your flight home.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast
*Hotel check-out time is generally around 11 am. If your flight departs in the evening or past midnight, we suggest you consider adding a post-tour hotel night during booking, to be comfortable and well rested before your flight home.
*The duration and start time of excursions are subject to change without prior notice.
Private Flex Date Tours (Land Only)
| Tour Season |
|
|
| Year 2024 | ||
| Sep 1 – Oct 31 | $2900 + Air | $5110 + Air |
| Nov 1 – Dec 20 | $3130 + Air | $5535 + Air |
| Year 2025 |
|
|
| Jan 11 – Jan 23 | $3250 + Air | $5950 + Air |
| Jan 24- Feb 2 | $3250 + Air | $6300 + Air |
| Feb 3 – Mar 31 | $3250 + Air | $5950 + Air |
| Apr 1 – Apr 30 | $3250 + Air | $5835 + Air |
| May 1 – Oct 31 | $2900 + Air | $5240 + Air |
| Nov 1 – Dec 20 | $3200 + Air | $5720 + Air |
Hotels
We carefully handpick our hotels to ensure they provide you with the best comfort and experience. For Private Tours, you may request a specific hotel as one of the customizable options.
| Destination |
|
|
| Negombo | Regenta Arie Lagoon |
|
| Thirappane | Miridiya Lake Resort |
|
| Kandy |
|
|
| Hatton | The Argyle - Luxury Boutique Hotel | Ceylon Tea Trails (All Inclusive) |
| Yala | Ekho Safari |
|
| Galle |
|
Radisson Blu Resort |
| Colombo | Granbell Hotel |
|
- * Hotels mentioned are subject to availability at the time of reservation.
- * Standard double room is included with your tour. Room upgrade available in the same hotel.
Accommodation Classification
- CLASSIC ⭐⭐⭐- 3-Star Hotels or Equivalent Accommodations
- PREMIUM ⭐⭐⭐⭐- 4-Star Hotels or Equivalent Accommodations
- DELUXE ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐- 5-Star Hotels or Equivalent Accommodations
Hotel Check-in and Check-out
Pre-Tour Hotel Add-on and Post-Tour Hotel Add-on
Overview ▷
- Flex Date Tours (Land Only)
| Tour Season |
|
|
| Year 2024 | ||
| Sep 1 – Oct 31 | $2900 + Air | $5110 + Air |
| Nov 1 – Dec 20 | $3130 + Air | $5535 + Air |
| Year 2025 |
|
|
| Jan 11 - Jan 23 | $3250 + Air | $5950 + Air |
| Jan 24- Feb 2 | $3250 + Air | $6300 + Air |
| Feb 3 - Mar 31 | $3250 + Air | $5950 + Air |
| Apr 1 - Apr 30 | $3250 + Air | $5835 + Air |
| May 1 – Oct 31 | $2900 + Air | $5240 + Air |
| Nov 1 – Dec 20 | $3200 + Air | $5720 + Air |
- Price Details
- ‣ Daily departures.
- ‣ Prices are in USD and are inclusive of all applicable taxes but do not include airfare.
- ‣ Prices are per person based on double occupancy with minimum 2 persons traveling together. Special rates for single travelers or larger groups are available on request - please inquire.
- ‣ Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply during applicable major holidays. 2024 & 2025 surcharge dates: Jan 1-10, Dec 20-31 and major holidays.
- ‣ Note that tour prices vary according to season. If your tour straddles two seasons then each portion will be priced according to that season.
-
Flight Add-On
- ‣ We work with all major airlines for the best routes and competitive pricing.
- ‣ The nearest airport is CBM (Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo).
- ‣ Contact us for more detail and pricing.
-
Inclusions
- ‣ Private English-speaking Driver cum Guide
- ‣ Private Airport Transfers
- ‣ Hotel Accommodations
- ‣ Daily Breakfast and Selected of the Meals (See tour plan for details)
- ‣ Entrance Fees to Monuments & Attractions per Itinerary
-
Optional Add-Ons
- ‣ Pre-tour hotel night
- ‣ Post-tour hotel night
-
Exclusions
- ‣ Air Fare
- ‣ Travel Insurance
- ‣ Medical Expenses
- ‣ Visa Fee
- ‣ Gratuity
- ‣ Personal Expenses
- Deposit
- ‣ A deposit of 45% of the land tour price is due within 3 days of booking confirmation. Full payment to be made 70 days prior to the departure date.
- ‣ The airfare is due upon flight booking. Airfare and flight schedule shown are indicative only. Actual prices and schedule will be available at flight booking. All airfares are subject to change until paid in full at time of ticketing..
- ‣ Credit card fee for non-US issued credit card is 1%. No charge for most other credit cards.
- Suggested Gratuity
- ‣ Local Guide: US $7 per person per day of sightseeing. US $4 per half day of sightseeing.
- ‣ Driver: US $5 per person per day of sightseeing. US $3 per half day of sightseeing.
- ‣ Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollars. You can tip the guides and drivers when they finish their assignment with you e.g. end of day, end of city stay, on departure, etc.
- SUBMIT ENQUIRY