Galle - Hikkaduwa - Welligama - Tissamaharama - Yala National Park - Kataragama - Buduruwagala - Ella - Nuwara Eliya - Peradeniya - Kandy - Matale - Dambulla - Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Habarana - Colombo

Discover Sri Lanka (2027-28), without flights
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8 Days / 7 Nights

Circuit details

  • Airport/hotel/airport transfers with English-speaking driver.
  • Ella-Nanu Oya train ticket (subject to availability).
  • Visits and excursions described in the itinerary, in regular service with English-speaking driver and Spanish-speaking guide (from day 2 to day 8), except for departures with fewer than 7 passengers, which will only have a Spanish-speaking driver-guide.
  • 7 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast.
  • 6 lunches and 6 dinners (drinks not included).
  • Entrance fees to the monuments included in the itinerary: Yala National Park, Peradeniya Botanical Garden, Dambulla Temple, Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Sigiriya Rock, Polonnaruwa Archaeological Complex.
  • Tuk rides in Ella and Kandy.
  • Taxes Accommodation. Plus travel assistance insurance. Welcome gift consisting of a cotton bag with a gift, hand sanitizer, cookies, water, wet wipes, and mosquito repellent.
  • Flights.
  • Sri Lanka Entry Visa.
  • Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), mandatory before entering Sri Lanka, obtained through the official website https://www.eta.gov.lk/. The tourist ETA allows a stay of up to 30 days with double entry and is free for Spanish citizens and other eligible nationalities. Although there is no cost, its processing and approval prior to the trip are mandatory.
  • Tips.
  • Optional insurance.
  • Drinks during lunches and dinners.
  • Camera and video permits at monuments.
  • Tickets to attend the Perahera Festival.
  • Availability of hotel rooms before or after the hours established by each establishment (generally check-in from 3:00 PM and check-out until 10:00 AM).
  • In general, any extra service not specified in the previous section, such as special meals, personal expenses, or anything else not specified as included.

- MANAGEMENT FEES - From the moment the booking is made €30 / booking

- FLIGHTS: 100% penalty from the moment the airline tickets are issued. Date and name changes not permitted.

- LAND SERVICES:

May, June, September, October, November, March, and April:

*Cancellations received up to 32 days prior to the service start date will not incur a penalty.

*Cancellations received between 31 and 22 days prior to the service start date will incur a penalty of 25% of the total service cost.

*Cancellations received between 21 and 16 days prior to the service start date will incur a penalty of 50% of the total service cost.

*Cancellations received from 15 days prior to the service start date will incur a penalty of 10 ... %.

July, August, December, January, and February:

*Cancellations received up to 47 days prior to the start date of services will not incur a penalty.

*Cancellations received between 46 and 32 days prior to the start date of services will incur a penalty of 50% of the total cost of services.

*Cancellations received 31 days or less prior to the start date of services will incur a penalty of 100%.

Guaranteed departures from 2 passengers according to the published schedule for this program. On departures with fewer than 6 passengers, there will be no tour guide but a Spanish-speaking driver-guide.

The deadline for booking requests for this tour or extra services is 21 days prior to arrival in Sri Lanka, except for arrivals between July 19 and August 30, for which the deadline is 30 days prior to arrival. After this deadline, any changes or additional services will incur an emergency booking fee.

Requests for changes or new services cannot be guaranteed after the booking deadline.

- Possible changes to accommodations: If any of the hotels included in this program are unavailable at the time of booking, an alternative will be offered with a corresponding price adjustment.

-This program does not offer triple room accommodations.

- Breakfast included in the hotels has assigned times according to each hotel's policies, generally between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Outside of the hotel's designated hours, the passenger will forfeit this service. Room service or breakfast bags are available at an additional cost.

- Early arrival at the hotel on the first day of travel does not guarantee room availability. Standard check-in times apply unless additional nights are purchased to ensure immediate access to the rooms. Rooms are generally available from 3:00 PM.

-Free time: During free time, clients do not have transportation or a local guide.

-Possible route change: Our representative in Sri Lanka has the right to modify the program for the client's benefit or due to force majeure. If weather conditions or other events beyond our control require it, the order of the itinerary may be affected.

-Photos and videos: In some places in Sri Lanka, taking photos or recording videos is not permitted. Please check with your guide before starting your visit to avoid misunderstandings with local authorities.

-Special diets: Cases of food intolerances (allergies, celiac disease, vegetarian food, etc.) must be communicated before arrival in Sri Lanka, although it is not possible to guarantee any type of special diet or menu.

-Consumer withdrawal: The tour is sold as a fixed package, therefore there will be no refund or discount for services that clients choose not to use or in which they cannot participate due to personal or medical reasons, flight schedules, or other events.

-People with reduced mobility: Many places in Sri Lanka, hotels, and transportation are not wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs: Please inquire and notify us before booking. Any additional assistance costs required during the tour will be the responsibility of the client.

-Luggage: In case of lost luggage by the airlines, it will be the passenger's responsibility to manage the claim and contact the company directly to arrange for delivery or any applicable compensation. Luxotour will not be responsible for any procedures related to lost or damaged luggage.

-Conduct during the trip: If a passenger's behavior jeopardizes the tour's operation and/or causes discomfort to the rest of the group, they will be required to leave the tour without any discount or refund for services they are unable to enjoy.

-Credit card: Hotels generally require a credit card or cash deposit as a guarantee to provide services such as telephone calls, extras in bars and restaurants, minibar, laundry, room service charges, etc.

-Personal documentation and entry requirements in Sri Lanka: It is the client's responsibility to be aware of the current entry and exit regulations for the country they are traveling to, as well as to carry the personal documents required by the authorities. Luxotour assumes no responsibility in this regard. Please note that visa, transit, entry, and health requirements vary from country to country and may be subject to change at short notice.

This program does not have a discount for children.

Day 1: COLOMBO - GALLE - HIKKADUWA

Early morning arrival at Colombo Airport. Baggage claim, reception, and transfer by road to the coastal town of Galle. City tour. Galle reached its peak in the 18th century, before the arrival of the British, who boosted the development of Colombo. The old town of Galle was declared a World Heritage Site in 1988, with the exception of the Dutch fort built in the 17th century. It is believed that the present-day town was the port of ancient Tarshish, to which the Hebrew King Solomon sent ships to obtain the ivory and peacocks mentioned in the Bible. The walk along the city walls, from Utrecht Bastion to Flag Rock Bastion, offers a good overview of the town and a panoramic view of the old port. Visit to the Old Dutch Fortress of Galle. Lunch at a restaurant. In the afternoon, transfer to Hikkaduwa, a seaside town located a short distance from Galle. Dinner and accommodation.

(*) Arrival time on the flight to Colombo must be no later than 10:00 AM. Arrivals after the indicated time will incur an extra charge for the visit to Galle and the transfer to Hikkaduwa.

What will you see today?

Day 2: HIKKADUWA - WELLIGAMA - TISSAMAHARAMA

Breakfast. Departure by road towards Tissamaharama, stopping en route to see the famous stilt fishermen of Weligama, one of Sri Lanka's most iconic sights (stilt fishermen subject to availability). Lunch at the hotel in Tissamaharama, a town located a few kilometers from the main entrance to Yala National Park. Departure by 4x4 vehicles for a visit to Yala National Park. Situated in a semi-arid region with a dry climate and rainy seasons, especially during the monsoon, it contains a variety of ecosystems, including rainforests and marine wetlands. It is one of the 70 most important bird areas in Sri Lanka, home to 215 bird species, including six endemic to the country. The park boasts 44 different mammal species and one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, although they are not easy to spot. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

What will you see today?

Day 3: TISSAMAHARAMA - KATARAGAMA - BUDURUWAGALA - ELLA

Breakfast. Visit to the holy city of Kataragama, one of Sri Lanka's most important and vibrant pilgrimage centers, revered by Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims alike. Continue by road for a day of spectacular beauty. Leaving behind the coastal landscape with its beautiful beaches, we begin the ascent to the hill country, visiting en route the Buduruwagala Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple. It comprises three large statues carved into the rock, built in the 10th century, belonging to the Mahayana school—a place that combines history, spirituality, and natural beauty. We continue towards Ella and on the way, we will visit Ravana Falls, one of Sri Lanka's tallest waterfalls. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will take a tuk-tuk ride, an iconic experience that will take us to the Nine Arches Bridge. This bridge is a masterpiece of colonial-era engineering that rises majestically amidst lush vegetation. After a short walk to the bridge, we can admire the picturesque scene of trains winding through the arches, framed by the mountains. It's an ideal spot for photography and immersing ourselves in the serene atmosphere of this unique architectural gem. Return to Ella to enjoy the sunset in its streets, which take on a special and magical atmosphere, a trendy destination for travelers from all over the world. Optional activities: zip-lining, Little Adam's Peak (not included). Dinner and overnight stay.

What will you see today?

Day 4: ELLA - NUWARA ELIYA - PERADENIYA - KANDY

Breakfast. Early morning departure by train to Nanu Oya for one of Sri Lanka's most scenic journeys. Departing from the charming Ella railway station, the train winds through mist-shrouded mountains and lush tea plantations, offering breathtaking views at every turn. This 3-4 hour journey is a feast for the eyes, with waterfalls cascading down the hillsides and panoramic mountain vistas. Upon arrival at Nanu Oya station, we will continue by road with a short drive to the picturesque town of Nuwara Eliya, known for its cool climate and colonial charm. Established by the British Empire in the 19th century, it was of great value and utility, serving as a holiday retreat from the hottest months. As a result, its traditional architecture blends seamlessly with British-style colonial buildings. Continue by road to Kandy, visiting a tea factory en route where you will learn firsthand about the entire process, from production to final delivery of this prized commodity. Shortly before arriving in Kandy, we will visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, the first botanical garden established by a Sinhalese king and later expanded by the British. Its 147 acres are filled with a wonderful variety of trees, plants, and flowers, primarily orchids (with over 300 varieties), medicinal plants, and palm trees. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. Upon arrival in Kandy, known as the capital of the mountains and the heart of Buddhism in the country, its stunning landscape, architecture, and beauty led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. It was the site of Sri Lanka's last independent kingdom, which survived two centuries of colonial incursions before its eventual fall to the British Empire. We will visit Dalada Maligawa, an architectural complex of pink pavilions with red roofs, where the Temple of the Tooth Relic is located. This is the main religious center for Buddhist followers, where the relic of the Buddha's tooth is venerated.

Note: Second and third class carriages are not air-conditioned, allowing you to move around inside the carriage and take photos during this scenic journey. (Tickets subject to availability).

What will you see today?

Day 5: KANDY - MATALE - DAMBULLA - HABARANA

After breakfast, we depart by road for Matale, where we will make a brief stop to visit the Spice Garden. There, we will be offered a 10-minute Ayurvedic massage (included). We will then continue our journey towards Dambulla Temple, whose complex of caves, transformed into the Golden Temple, is its main attraction due to its uniqueness and the fact that it is the largest cave system in the country. This complex also houses an important and extensive collection of Buddha images, around 153, representing the different stages of his life. These are surrounded by fascinating paintings and murals that extend over an area of 2,100 square kilometers. This entire area of great cultural and religious significance was built by King Walangambahu in the 1st century BC and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1991. Furthermore, the mountains on which it sits constitute the largest rose quartz deposit in South Asia, making the surrounding landscape yet another reason to visit. Lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, we'll explore the rural area of Sevanagama village, taking an excursion where we'll enjoy the preparation of rotti, a traditional dish, accompanied by a herbal tea session. We'll tour the area, admiring its natural beauty, local culture, and traditions. We'll embark on a peaceful boat ride on a nearby lake to contemplate the serenity of the waters and surrounding landscapes. After the boat ride, we'll hop on a tractor for a short rustic tour through the village's agricultural fields to learn about local farming practices and the region's lush, fertile soil. We'll return by tuk-tuk to conclude our experience in this village, guaranteeing a memorable visit. We'll then continue by road to Habarana. We'll attend a cultural performance at the Habarana Cultural Centre, a show featuring a variety of cultural activities, including dance, music, and theater—a fun and interactive way to learn more about Sri Lankan customs and traditions. Dinner and overnight stay.

What will you see today?

Day 6: HABARANA - SIGIRIYA - POLONNARUWA - HABARANA

Breakfast. Visit to the Sigiriya complex, an ancient palace complex built during the reign of King Kasyapa (477-495). It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1982. The palace ruins are situated atop an impressive red rock, 180 meters above the jungle that rises below, in the middle of the complex. In the middle section is the Mirror Wall, where the famous Apsara Maiden paintings are located. Also of note is the Lion Gate, which provides access to the upper section. At the base of the rock are the lower palace and the moats, walls, and gardens that extend for hundreds of meters from the rocky outcrop. It is certainly worth climbing the more than 1,000 steps and narrow walkways to enjoy the extraordinary panoramic views of the surrounding area. This spectacular complex surprises visitors with the creativity of its construction and its magnificent location. Continue by road to Polonnaruwa, one of Sri Lanka's ancient capitals and the seat of the Sinhalese kings from the 11th to the 13th centuries. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. This city, surrounded by the Prakrama Samudra Reservoir, built in the 12th century, covers 122 hectares and boasts numerous well-preserved monuments. Most are statues and religious buildings of Indian influence, although there are also civil buildings such as the Royal Council Chamber. We will visit the famous Gal Vihara Buddhas, three large statues carved into a rock face, remarkable for their detail and impressive size. The first two statues depict a seated Buddha in a meditative position, while the third and largest, measuring 14 meters in length, represents a reclining figure. Lunch at a local restaurant. Return by road to Habarana. Dinner and accommodation.

 Optional Activity: To complete the day, we offer the possibility of a safari in Minneriya National Park. Please inquire about the supplement.

What will you see today?

Day 7: HABARANA - COLOMBO

Breakfast and departure by road to Colombo. In the afternoon, we will take a panoramic tour of the city, which has the largest population in the country. Sri Lanka's commercial capital, located on the island's west coast, is a vibrant city, full of life and with a striking mix of modern architecture, colonial buildings, and some ruins. Due to its large natural harbor and its strategic position on the maritime trade routes linking East and West, traders have been aware of its existence for over 2,000 years. However, it wasn't until 1815, when the island was ceded to the British Empire, that Colombo was designated as the capital. The city is divided into different areas, with the central area encompassing the business district, restaurants, and entertainment. On the tour, we will see the most representative sites of Colombo: the Fort, the residential Petah neighborhood, Cinnamon Gardens, Galle Face Park, and Viharamahadevi Park. Overnight stay.

What will you see today?

Day 8: COLOMBO

Breakfast and free time until your transfer to Colombo International Airport.