7 Nights 8 Days Classic Sri Lanka Tour Itinerary
8 Days
7 Nights2 Adults
Private TourHalf Board
Meal Basis04 & 05-Star
Hotel CategoryTour Program – 7 Nights 8 Days Classic Sri Lanka Tour Itinerary
Guide: Professional English Speaking update
About Sri Lanka
A Rich Historical Tapestry
Sri Lanka has been continuously inhabited for more than 2 million years, with the original inhabitants descended from Stone Age hunter gatherers. Immigration arrived from northern India around the 5th century BCE, forming the basis of the modern Sinhalese population. Tamils from the south of India arrived approximately two centuries later, settling in Jaffna.
Ancient Greek geographers called it Taprobane. Arabs referred to it as Serendib. Later European mapmakers called it Ceylon, a name still used occasionally for trade purposes. It officially became Sri Lanka in 1972. In 1948, after nearly 150 years of British rule, Sri Lanka became an independent country, and it was admitted to the United Nations seven years later.
Island Geography
Sri Lanka is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located between the Laccadive Sea in the west and the Bay of Bengal in the east. The island is situated about 30 km (19 mi) south east of the southern coast of India.
The nation has a total area of 65,610 km², with 64,740 km² of land and 870 km² of water. Its coastline is 1,340 km (830 mi) long. It is located between latitudes 5°55′ and 9°51′ N and longitudes 79°41′ and 81°53′ E and has a maximum length of 268 miles (432 km) and a maximum width of 139 miles (224 km).
Tropical Climate
Sri Lanka's climate includes tropical monsoons: the northeast monsoon (December to March), and the southwest monsoon (June to October). The climate consists of distinctive dry and wet seasons.
- Average Temperature: 28 – 32°C (Coastal areas)
- Highlands (Nuwara Eliya): Low as 16°C
- Eastern Coast (Batticaloa): High as 32°C
The coldest months are December and January, while the warmest months are April and August.
People & Culture
It has a significant population of ~22 million. The largest minority group is Sinhalese (74%), followed by Tamils (18%) and Moors (7%).
The main religion is Buddhism, which deeply influences the lifestyle and festivals. The mother language is ‘Sinhala’.
Why Visit Sri Lanka?
Known for its enchanting ancient ruins, endless soft-sanded beaches, imposing mountains, colorful festivals, tempting water sports, dense wild-life, diverse ethnical groups, and warm hospitality.
Main Places to Visit
Tour Itinerary
Arrival in Colombo
Warm welcome at Bandaranaike International Airport. Transfer to Colombo for a city tour highlighting the commercial capital's multicultural vibe: National Museum, Parliament, Independence Square, Beira Lake, Colombo Harbor, and shopping at Laksala or Odel. Overnight in Colombo.
Colombo → Sigiriya (via Pinnawala)
Visit the famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to see rescued elephants up close. Continue to Sigiriya in the Cultural Triangle. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Sigiriya & Polonnaruwa
Morning climb to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO site) – a 5th-century citadel with stunning frescoes and views (1,200 steps). Afternoon excursion to Polonnaruwa (UNESCO ancient city) to explore royal ruins, temples like Gal Vihara, and archaeological sites. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Sigiriya → Kandy (via Dambulla & Matale)
Visit the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO), a complex of five caves with ancient Buddha statues and paintings. Stop at a Matale Spice Garden to learn about Sri Lanka's famous spices (cinnamon, cardamom, etc.). Arrive in Kandy. Overnight in Kandy.
Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
Morning visit to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, housing Buddha's tooth. En route, stop at scenic Ramboda Falls. Evening city tour in "Little England" Nuwara Eliya, with its cool climate, colonial architecture, and optional Gregory Lake boat ride. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Nuwara Eliya → Yala
Transfer to Yala with an afternoon jeep safari in Yala National Park – Sri Lanka's premier wildlife spot, known for high leopard density, elephants, and diverse fauna (best Feb-Aug). Overnight in Yala/Tissamaharama area.
Yala → Bentota (via Galle)
Morning transfer to the south coast. Explore UNESCO-listed Galle Fort – a living colonial fortress with Dutch/Portuguese influences, lighthouse, and museums. Optional visits: Turtle hatchery for conservation insights and Madu River boat ride (mangroves, islands, cinnamon). Overnight in Bentota.
Bentota → Airport Departure
Relax on Bentota's golden beaches before transfer to the airport for your evening flight home.
Proposed Hotel Comparison
| Location | 03-Star Category | 04-Star Category | 05-Star Category | Nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relax on Bentota's golden beaches before transfer to the airport for your evening flight home. | N/A | Cinnamon Red | Cinnamon Lakeside | 2 Night |
| Sigiriya | N/A | Habarana Village by Cinnamon | Cinnamon Lodge | 2 Night |
| Kandy | N/A | Kandy Mist by Cinnamon | Cinnamon Citadel | 1 Night |
| Nuwara Eliya | N/A | Araliya Red | Araliya Green Hills | 1 Night |
| Yala | N/A | Chaarya Resort & Spa | Cinnamon Wild Yala | 1 Night |
| Bentota | N/A | The Palms | Cinnamon Bey | 1 Night |
03-Star Package
Bronze04-Star Package
SilverIdeal for comfort and value seekers
$ 815.00 / per person
* Based on 02 Adults sharing DBL
05-Star Package
LuxuryPremium experience with top-tier stays
$ 785.00 / per person
* Based on 04 Adults
What's Included
- 07 nights’ accommodation in above mentioned hotels or similar
- Accommodation in Double rooms
- Meals based on Half Board basis (HB) Breakfast + Dinner at the same hotels
- Transport through an air-conditioned vehicle (KDH flat roof) from arrival till departure on private basis.Services of English-speaking chauffeur guide
- Meetings and Greetings at the airport
- Value Added Services
- Complementary - Highway and parking tickets
- Complementary - Water bottles in the vehicle – 2 bottles per day per person
- Guide / Driver accommodation and meals
Not Included
- Air Fare / Air Tickets
- Sri Lanka Visa
- Entrance Fees
- Lunch
- Any Optional Tours cost not mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals other than specified in the meal plan
- Early check ins & late check outs at the hotels
- Camera & video permits
- Cost of beverages
- Any expenses of a personal nature
- Any other expenses not mentioned above
- Tips & Portages
- Any compulsory room supplements during the tour
Optional Entrance Fees
Note: Entrance fees are not included in the package cost. Below are the current rates per person for the locations in your itinerary.
Important Points to Note
- Check-in: 14:00 | Check-out: 12:00.
- Children under 03 years travel FOC.
- Children 12+ are considered adults.
- Early check-in is subject to availability and extra charge.
- Inform us in advance for medical or accessibility needs.
- Rates are subject to verification at booking.
- Rooms are subject to availability (No holding yet).
Tour Starting From
* Based on 02 Adults sharing DBL
Need Assistance?
Our travel experts are here to help you customize your dream tour.