Holiday Overview
A fantastic itinerary discovering the highlights of this diverse country for those with limited time. Marvel at the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO sight in the “Cultural Triangle”. Continue onwards to Kandy and the beautiful hill station of Nuwara Eliya, with its cool breezes and tea plantations. Animal lovers will enjoy the wildlife of Yala, home to many different species of Flora and Fauna. Continue the circle back to Colombo via the historic town of Galle and the beaches of Beruwala.
Start / Finish Colombo
7 days / 6 nights
Snapshot of Sri Lanka includes:
- Transfers and Sightseeing as listed
- 1 nights accommodation Colombo
- 1 nights accommodation Sigiriya
- 1 nights accommodation Kandy
- 1 nights accommodation Nuwara Eliya
- 1 night accommodation Yala
- 1 nights accommodation Beruwala
Day 1 - Colombo
On arrival after the immigration process and claiming your luggage, a representative along with the designated chauffeur guide will take you through to the exit and will escort you to your vehicle, where you will be transferred to Colombo.
Commence a panoramic city tour in Colombo. Colombo is the business and commercial center and the new capital is Sri Jayawardhanapura Kotte, only a few miles away. Colombo was only a small seaport, which came into prominence in the 16th Century with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1505 and the development of it as a major Harbour took place during the British period. Colombo became the capital of Sri Lanka in 1815 after Kandyan Kingdom was ceded to the British. The remains of the buildings during the period of the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule are found in every area of the city. None of the Portuguese & Dutch fortifications are found today but some of their buildings and churches could be seen in the Fort & Pettah areas.
Accommodation - Cinnamon Lakeside
Meals Included - Dinner
Featured accommodation
Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo
Day 02 - Colombo – Sigiriya
After breakfast at the hotel’s main restaurant check-out and leave for Sigiriya. After an ancient prince killed his father to claim the throne, he was forced to flee to his pleasure palace and convert it into a fortress to guard against his opposition. The spectacular citadel of Sigiriya built on a giant rock rises sheer and impregnable out of the plains below. This remarkable 5th century archaeological site is made unforgettable by its dramatic setting. A moat, rampart, extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock and the frescoes of the 'Heavenly Maidens' of Sigiriya. Note: Please note that to reach the top of Sigiriya Rock, there are nearly 1,200 stone steps up and then down. Anybody in reasonably good condition will be able to venture to the top of Sigiriya Rock and it's certainly worth the effort.
Accommodation - Habarana Village by Cinnamon
Meals Included - Breakfast & Dinner
Featured accommodation
Habarana Village by Cinnamon
Day 3 - Sigiriya - Kandy
After breakfast at the hotel and drive to Kandy. You will also visit a spice garden in Matale.
Visit the temple of the tooth relic and enjoy a brief tour of the beautiful Kandy town. Unconquered for centuries, this capital city held the Sinhalese culture and sacred Buddhist Relics safe against the unsuccessful onslaught of Dutch and Portuguese invasions, before finally falling to British political tricks at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Amongst other fascinating sights, Kandy is the home of The Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. You will also visit an Arts & crafts workshop and a gem lapidary during your sightseeing tour. Thereafter witness the traditional cultural dance show starting at 1700hrs.
Accommodation - Cinnamon Citadel
Meals Included - Breakfast & Dinner
Featured accommodation
Cinnamon Citadel
Day 4 - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, check out from the hotel. Visit the Peradeniya botanical garden. Royal botanical gardens of Peradeniya is 147 acres in extent; Started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the Kings of Gampola and Kandy. There are more than 4,000 species of trees, plants and creepers. Some rare and endemic as well as flora from the tropical world are found in the gardens. Spice Garden and Orchid House are popular with tourists. There are 5 Palm Avenues beautifying the gardens, the earliest and tallest Palm Avenue (Royal Palm Avenue) was planted in 1905 and the Double Coconuts from the Seashells Island, with the largest seed of all plants in the world is one such avenue. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to visit a Tea plantation and a Tea factory. (Closed on Sundays and on public holidays) The stunning drive to Nuwara Eliya is a photographer’s paradise. Pause every now and again to admire the waterfalls, tea estates and the vegetable fields along the way. Once you arrive in Nuwara Eliya, you will notice the sudden drop in temperature. With log fires and blankets in the Victorian-style bungalows and the beautifully kept lawns and flower gardens, it is no wonder this part of the country has become known as ‘Little England’. Wander through the fruit and vegetable markets and strike a bargain at the night ‘bale’ market to understand the local community on this part of the world. Return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation – Blackpool Hotel
Meals Included - Breakfast & Dinner
Featured accommodation
Blackpool Hotel
Day 5 - Nuwara Eliya - Yala
After breakfast, you will check out from the hotel and will be transferred to Yala. Arrive in the afternoon and commence safari in the Yala national park. Yala National Park covers 126,786 hectares including the Strict Natural Reserve (Block II). The most familiar is Block I (14,101 hectares) and this were established in 1938.Yala is famous for its big herds and large number of Elephants, Leopards, Spotted Deer, Sambhur, Crocodiles, Mongoose, Wild Boar, Wild Buffalo, and many other animals. More than 130 bird species are recorded which includes the resident and winter visitors. Spend the rest of the day at leisure enjoying the hotel’s amenities
Accommodation – Cinnamon Wild
Meals Included - Breakfast
Featured accommodation
Cinnamon Wild Yala
Day 6 - Yala - Beruwala, via Galle
The South Coast’s major city is Galle, whose oldest landmark is the massive Portuguese and Dutch Fort which is a “World Heritage Site” in which the central city is contained. But the city may be much older. Some scholars believe it to be the “Tarshish” of the Old Testament, to which King Solomon sent his merchant vessels, and to which Jonah fled from the Lord. Today, the 90-acre Galle Fort shows no evidence of the Portuguese founders. The Dutch incorporated the Portuguese northern wall in a great rampart in 1663. A second, taller wall was built inside of it. Between the two walls, a covered passage connected the central bastion with the Fort’s two half bastions overlooking the sea. The Dutch also installed a sophisticated drainage system, complete with brick-lined underground sewers that were flushed twice a day by the high and low tides. The original gate to the fort was by the harbour. It is still there, marked by the British Coat-of-arms on the front and the Dutch V.O.C. (Vereenigde Oost Indische Compagnie) with the Coat-of-arms with a rooster crest, on the inner side of the Fort.
Accommodation – Turya Kalutara
Meals Included - Breakfast & Dinner
Featured accommodation
Turyaa Kalutara
Day 7 - Beruwala - Colombo
Today your tour concludes with a transfer to the airport.
Why not extend you stay in the beach resort of Beruwala?
Melas Included - Breakfast
Cinammon Lakeside Colombo
Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo is your five-star resort in the city, offering breath-taking views of the Beira lake, and spaces and experiences that are inspired by guest passions, coupled with our warm and intuitive hospitality. We celebrate our guests’ endless appetite for what’s new/next, from parties by the lake to new F&B concepts that cater to diverse guest preferences, to personalizing every moment of your stay. Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo is the ideal place for you to kick back and relax with your family and friends and escape the chaos of the city life, while being in the city.
Habarana Village by Cinnamon
Habarana Village by Cinnamon is where serenity lies across the lush forested land that borders the stunning lake. Experience rustic barefoot type elegance here, which is designed to reflect the rural environs and simplicity of village life. Choose from our clusters of homely chalets dotted across the acres of garden that resembles the simple houses found locally. Take a peaceful stroll around the resort and enjoy the quietude and breathtaking views that surround you.
Cinnamon Citadel
Surrounded by sweeping green hills, misty mornings bordered by the longest river in the country, Cinnamon Citadel Kandy is your ideal retreat for a truly relaxed and carefree getaway. This resort is designed to capture its rich cultural and historical significance with the use of ‘heritage’ red representing royalty and white spaces symbolizing a modern, chic and sophisticated ambiance.
Blackpool Hotel
Hotel Blackpool is located in the heart of Nuwara Eliya. It is the perfect base from where you can discover the stunning landscapes in the hill country holiday region. The Black Pool is designed in the style of ancient colonialism and with a touch of modernity; surrounded by vast tea estates, carefully tended vegetable plantations and beautiful mountainous terrains.At the Hotel Blackpool there is nothing more important to us than making sure our visitors enjoy their stay. That is why our kitchen offers excellent cuisine every single day of the year. All our rooms are decorated with traditional Sri Lankan designs with exceptional attention to detail with the sense of new fangled coupling.The hotel consists of 50 rooms with 7 suits and a private garden area which looks over the hotel’s garden. Each room incorporates air-conditioning, a safe, along with free Wi-Fi with high speed internet access and a flat screen television set. In addition, hotel’s in-room service cabinet is convenient for guest’s minimum disturbance and guarantee 100% quality hospitality.
Cinnamon Wild Yala
Experience the thrill of living around a forest while you sit by a bar overlooking the pool that is also sometimes the tusker’s choice of water-hole.
Turyaa Kalutara
Sprawled across six acres of ocean-front land, Turyaa Kalutara features well-appointed sea view rooms, dining spaces, large pool, spa and sauna, gymnasium, night club and more! With a total of 109 complete with private balconies, Turyaa Kalutara offers exceptional comfort throughout. Sporting interests are cared for with a host of recreational activities spanning across playing sets of badminton or shooting a cue ball across the pool table.
Image Gallery
Stilt Fisherman
Kandy
Elephants
Beruwala Beach
Sigiriya
Colombo
Sigiriya
Colonial Building
Yala
Beruwala
Alternative Holidays That May Interest You
Below you will find a small selection of 2024, 2025 holidays that may interest you. Remember, we tailor-make each holiday to your exact needs, so please call us on 0800 270 0069 and let one of our Holiday experts design the perfect trip for you
Vietnam Holidays
Highlights of Vietnam
- 9 Nights
- Ho Chi Minh
- Hoi An
- Hue
- Hanoi
- Halong Bay
India Holidays
Royal Rajasthan and Mumbai
- 13 Nights
- Delhi
- Agra
- Jaipur
- Jodhpur
- Jawai
- Udaipur
- Mumbai
Indochina Multi Country Holidays
Bangkok, Cambodia & Mekong Cruise
- 9 Nights
- Bangkok
- Siem Reap
- Phnom Penh
- Mekong Delta Cruise
- Ho Chi Minh
Indonesia Holidays
Singapore, The Best of Java & Bali
- 12 Nights
- Singapore
- Yogyakarta
- Borobodur
- Blitar
- Mount Bromo
- Ijen Crater
- Bali
Vietnam Holidays
Highlights of Vietnam & Cambodia
- 11 Nights
- Hanoi
- Halong Bay
- Hoi An
- Hue
- Ho Chi Minh
- Phnom Penh
- Siem Reap
Malaysia Holidays
Borneo's Best of Both Worlds
- 13 Nights
- Kuala Lumpur
- Sandakan
- Kinabatangan River
- Kota Kinabalu
Thailand Holidays
Indochina - Unique & Boutique
- 13 Nights
- Bangkok
- Siem Reap
- Ho Chi Minh
- Phu Quoc
Japan Holidays
Celebrity Best of Japan Cruise
- 13 Nights
- Tokyo / Yokohama
- Yokohama
- Mt Fuji
- Kyoto (Osaka)
- Kyoto (Osaka), Japan
- Kochi
- Hiroshima
- At Sea
- Busan
- Hakodate
- Aomori
China Holidays
Landscapes of China
- 13 Nights
- Shanghai
- Chengdu
- Lijiang
- Guilin
- Yangshuo
- Hong Kong
Indochina Multi Country Holidays
Highlights of Indochina
- 13 Nights
- Hanoi
- Hoi An
- Ho Chi Minh
- Siem Reap
- Bangkok
India Wildlife Holidays
Indian Family Adventure
- 9 Nights
- Delhi
- Agra
- Ranthambore
- Jaipur
India Holidays
Historic Lower Ganges Cruise
- 8 Nights
- Kolkata
- Ganges River Cruising
Malaysia Holidays
Malaysia Heritage Trail
- 8 Nights
- Singapore
- Malacca
- Kuala Lumpur
- Ipoh
- Penang
Malaysia Holidays
Luxurious Malaysia
- 8 Nights
- Malacca
- Kuala Lumpur
- Cameron Highlands
- Pangkor Island
India Holidays
South India Coast to Coast
- 14 Nights
- Chennai
- Mahabalipuram
- Puducherry
- Thanjavur
- Karaikudi
- Periyar
- Madurai
- Alappuzha
- Kochi
Thailand Holidays
Bangkok, Beach & Buddhas
- 12 Nights
- Bangkok
- Ayutthaya
- Amphawa
- Phuket
China Holidays
Magnificent Yangtze & China Highlights
- 11 Nights
- Beijing
- Xian
- Yangtze River Cruising
- Shanghai
Vietnam Holidays
Vietnam and Thailand Cruise
- 14 Nights
- Hong Kong
- Halong Bay
- Nha Trang
- Ho Chi Minh
- Bangkok
- Singapore
Vietnam Holidays
Vietnam Winter Warmer
- 10 Nights
- Ho Chi Minh
- Mekong Delta
- Phu Quoc
Indochina Multi Country Holidays
Lost Kingdoms of Indochina
- 11 Nights
- Phnom Penh
- Siem Reap
- Hoi An
- Hanoi
- Vientiane
- Luang Prabang
India Holidays
Rajasthan - Unique & Boutique
- 14 Nights
- Delhi
- Agra
- Jaipur
- Jodhpur
- Jawai
- Udaipur
Japan Holidays
Iconic Japan
- 11 Nights
- Tokyo
- Tsumago
- Kanazawa
- Hiroshima
- Kyoto
- Kyoto / Nara
Sri Lanka Holidays
Snapshot of Sri Lanka
- 6 Nights
- Colombo
- Sigiriya
- Kandy
- Nuwara Eliya
- Yala
- Beruwala
Cambodia Holidays
Cambodia Beach Extension
- 6 Nights
- Phnom Penh
- Cambodia Beach Resorts
India Holidays
Classical India with Bandhavgarh
- 8 Nights
- Delhi
- Agra
- Varanasi
- Khajuraho
- Bandhavgarh
Myanmar Holidays
Myanmar in Depth
- 12 Nights
- Yangon
- Kalaw
- Inle Lake
- Pyin Oo Lwin
- Mandalay
- Irrawaddy River Cruising
- Bagan
Sri Lanka Holidays
Sri Lanka In depth
- 13 Nights
- Colombo
- Anuradhapura
- Sigiriya
- Kandy
- Nuwara Eliya
- Udawalawe National Park Safari
- Beruwala
Nepal Holidays
Annapurna Trekking in Style
- 11 Nights
- Kathmandu
- Pokhara
- Annapurna Region
Thailand Holidays
Bangkok & Highlights of the North
- 7 Nights
- Bangkok
- Chiang mai
- Chiang Saen
- Chiang Rai
Indochina Multi Country Holidays
Mysterious Indochina
- 10 Nights
- Phnom Penh
- Siem Reap
- Luang Prabang
- Phonsavan
- Vientiane
India Holidays
Foothills of the Himalayas
- 11 Nights
- Delhi
- Amritsar
- Dharamshala
- Pragpur
- Shimla
India Holidays
Deccan India, with Goa & Mumbai
- 12 Nights
- Hyderabad
- Hampi
- Badami
- Goa
- Mumbai
Thailand Holidays
Bangkok and Thai Island Hopper
- 12 Nights
- Bangkok
- Koh Lanta
- Koh Phi Phi
Vietnam Holidays
Complete Vietnam
- 14 Nights
- Hanoi
- Halong Bay
- Hue
- Hoi An
- Phu Quoc
- Ho Chi Minh
- Mekong Delta
Vietnam Holidays
Cuisine and Culture of Vietnam
- 11 Nights
- Hanoi
- Halong Bay
- Hoi An
- Mekong Delta
- Ho Chi Minh
Vietnam Cruise Holidays
Mekong in Style
- 14 Nights
- Phnom Penh
- Mekong Delta Cruise
- Ho Chi Minh
- Nha Trang
- Hampi
Singapore Holidays
Far East Discovery Cruise
- 17 Nights
- Hong Kong
- Kota Kinabalu
- Ho Chi Minh
- Bangkok
- Singapore
Vietnam Holidays
Vietnam Family Adventure
- 12 Nights
- Hanoi
- Halong Bay
- Hue
- Hoi An
- Ho Chi Minh
Japan Holidays
Japan In Depth
- 13 Nights
- Tokyo
- Nikko
- Matsumoto
- Nagoya
- Ise-Shima
- Osaka
- Hiroshima
Japan Holidays
Silversea Japan Cruise
- 15 Nights
- Tokoyo
- At Sea
- Osaka
- Hiroshima
- Busan
- Day at Sea
- Kanazawa
- Aomori
- Hakodate (Hokkaido)
Thailand Holidays
Bangkok, Beach & Elephants
- 10 Nights
- Bangkok
- Khao Lak
- Khao Sok National Park
Round the World Trips
Round the World Westbound
- 19 Nights
- Los Angeles
- Auckland
- Sydney
- Singapore
- Delhi
- Agra
Multi-Country Holidays
Round the World Eastbound
- 23 Nights
- Beijing
- Hong Kong
- Auckland
- Melbourne
- Sydney
- Los Angeles
- New York