Sri Lanka Discovery: 12-Day Tour of Natural Beauty, Culture and History

Embark on a 12-day tour of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, culture, and history. Explore diverse landscapes, ancient villages, and stunning beaches while enjoying personalized and cost-effective travel services.

Duration: 12 days
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Sigiriya

Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress - Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress and palace constructed by King Kashyapa, showcasing incredible stone techniques and wall art amidst a stunning environment, highlighting the boundless talent of ancient Sri Lankans.

The gardens of Sigiriya are a significant feature of the site, being among the oldest landscaped gardens globally. They are categorized into three interconnected forms: water gardens, cave and boulder gardens, and terraced gardens.

Dambulla - Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, with the rock towering 160 meters above the surrounding plains.

Sigiriya - This village tour offers a memorable experience in a rural village in Sigiriya. Enjoy sightseeing of paddy fields, a bullock cart ride, a traditional catamaran ride on a lake, a visit to a chena cultivation, a traditional cooking demonstration in a village house, and an authentic Sri Lankan lunch.

Polonnaruwa ancient city

Polonnaruwa - Polonnaruwa became the second capital of Sri Lanka after Anuradhapura’s destruction in 993. It includes Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas and the monumental ruins of the magnificent garden-city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century.

Pidurangala Rock - Pidurangala is a massive rock formation located a few kilometers north of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka, with a history closely tied to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Minneriya National Park - Witness “The Gathering,” where elephants congregate on the banks of the Minneriya Reservoir during the dry season. According to wildlife authorities, this is the largest assembly of wild Asian elephants at any given time.

Observe the famous elephants grazing on the tank bed grasses. You might also spot diverse wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, deer, wild buffalo, wild pigs, grey langurs, purple-faced leaf monkeys, porcupines, and various birds.

Kandy

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, is a Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, it houses the relic of the Buddha’s tooth. Historically, the relic has played a crucial role in local politics, as it is believed that whoever holds the relic governs the country. The temple and the relic are a World Heritage Site.

Kandy Lake - Enjoy open-air views of picturesque Kandy during this private tuk-tuk tour of the lakeside city. Travel like a local in a comfortable auto-rickshaw, listening to commentary from your driver and guide. Admire exterior views from Kandy Lake and Kandy viewpoint, with optional stops at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Ceylon Tea Museum, and more.

Nuwaraeliya

Kandy View Point - Arthur’s Seat in Kandy offers a beautiful viewpoint of Kandy city, especially the Lake. Situated at Rajapihilla Mawatha, 550 meters above sea level, it provides a panoramic view of Kandy.

Royal Botanical Gardens - The Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya are about 5.5 km west of Kandy in Sri Lanka’s Central Province. In 2016, the garden attracted 1.2 million locals and 400,000 foreign visitors. It is near the Mahaweli River and is renowned for its orchid collection.

Ambuluwawa Tower - Located in the suburbs of Gampola Town, the Ambuluwawa Tower has gained popularity for its breathtaking views from the top. Known for its narrow spiral staircase, it is a challenging climb for some visitors. It is one of the coolest places to visit in Sri Lanka if you are up for the challenge.

Ramboda Waterfall - Ramboda Falls, standing at 109 meters, is the eleventh tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka and the 729th tallest in the world. It is located in the Pussellawa area, on the A5 highway at Ramboda Pass, formed by the Panna Oya, a tributary of Kothmale Oya.

Nuwara Eliya - Nuwara Eliya is a city in the tea country hills of central Sri Lanka. The naturally landscaped Hakgala Botanical Gardens display roses and tree ferns and shelter monkeys and blue magpies. Nearby, the colorful Seetha Amman Temple is decorated with religious figures. The densely forested Galway’s Land National Park is a sanctuary for endemic and migratory bird species, including bulbuls and flycatchers.

Gregory Lake - Lake Gregory, also known as Gregory Reservoir, is a reservoir in the heart of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. Constructed during the period of British Governor Sir William Gregory in 1873, the lake and its surrounding area make up the Gregory Lake Area.

Ella

Ella - The train journey from Colombo Fort Railway station to Ella, reaching Nanu Oya by 0100 hrs and Ella by 1522 hrs, is most scenic between Hatton and Haputale.

Nine Arches Bridge - The Nine Arches Bridge, also known as the Bridge in the Sky, is a viaduct bridge in Sri Lanka and a prime example of colonial-era railway construction. Located in Demodara, between Ella and Demodara railway stations, the area has seen a rise in tourism due to the bridge’s architectural ingenuity and the lush greenery of the nearby hillsides.

Ella

Little Adam’s Peak View Point - Ella is a hiking hotspot in Sri Lanka’s mountain country. The views from hikes in Ella are phenomenal, with the region known for its tea plantations and spectacular mountain ranges. Little Adam’s Peak Hike offers some of the best views without requiring hours of hiking, making it perfect for an unforgettable sunset.

Nil Diya Pokuna - Nil Diya Pokuna is an underwater pond in a cave or tunnel complex in Ella, believed to have been built by King Ravana. The pond lies 80 meters deep inside a mountain cave in Karandagolla.

Rakkhiththa Kanda Aranya Senasanaya - Rakkiththa Kanda Rajamaha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple in Uva, situated near the evergreen Galbokka Forest Reserve.

Ravana Ella Falls - According to legend, King Ravana of Lanka kidnapped Princess Sita and hid her in the caves behind this waterfall, now known as the Ravana Ella Cave.

Yala

Yala National Park - Yala National Park is the most visited and second-largest national park in Sri Lanka, bordering the Indian Ocean. It hosts a variety of ecosystems, from moist monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands.

Buduruwagala Temple - Buduruwagala is an ancient Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, consisting of seven statues from the Mahayana school of thought, dating back to the 10th century. The gigantic Buddha statue still shows traces of its original stuccoed robe, with a long streak of orange suggesting it was once brightly painted. The central figure to the Buddha’s right is thought to be the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, with his consort Tara to the left.

Tissa Wewa - Tissa Wewa is a reservoir in Tissamaharama, believed to have been constructed in the 3rd century BC by either Mahanaga of Ruhuna or his successor Yatala Tissa of Ruhuna, to irrigate paddy lands and supply water to the city of Tissamaharama. The lake was restored in 1871, and the embankment on the southern shore supports the Tissa-Kataragama road, lined with old Indian rain trees planted by the British for shade.

Kataragama Temple - The Kataragama temple in Kataragama, Sri Lanka, is a complex dedicated to the Buddhist guardian deity Kataragama deviyo and the Hindu War God Murugan. It is one of the few religious sites in Sri Lanka venerated by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and the Vedda people. Historically a jungle shrine, it is now accessible by an all-weather road. The shrines and the nearby Kiri Vehera are managed by Buddhists, while the shrines dedicated to Teyvāṉai and Shiva are managed by Hindus, and the mosque by Muslims. The site has long attracted Tamil Hindus from Sri Lanka and South India, and since the latter half of the 20th century, it has become popular among Sinhalese Buddhists.

Mirissa

Coconut Tree Hill - Coconut Tree Hill is a lateritic headland in Mirissa, Sri Lanka, adjacent to the Indian Ocean. It is a popular tourist destination and one of the most Instagrammed locations in Sri Lanka. In 1881, Ernst Haeckel depicted Mirissa’s “red cliffs” in his book, describing them as “burning like coal” at sunset. The hill is recommended for sunrise observation and is located on Mirissa beach, which is contiguous to Weligama across Weligama bay. Mirissa beach is described as one of the world’s “secret beaches.”

Mirissa Beach - Mirissa is a small town on Sri Lanka’s south coast, in the Matara District of the Southern Province. Approximately 150 kilometers south of Colombo, it is situated 4 meters above sea level. Mirissa’s beach and nightlife make it a popular tourist destination.

Mirissa

Coconut Tree Hill - A must-visit in Mirissa, Coconut Tree Hill is a private coconut estate with a nearby temple set on a high cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean and a stretch of golden beach. Accessible throughout the day or night at no cost, it is perfect for watching a bold island sunset. The hill’s dome shape, towering coconut trees, and blue sky blending with the sea make it an ideal spot for travel pictures. Sunset chasers should arrive early to secure the best viewing spot. During this tour, travelers can enjoy the beach and Coconut Tree Hill for two days, as many like to relax on the beach.

Galle

Galle Fort Lighthouse - The Galle Lighthouse, also known as Pointe de Galle Light, is an onshore lighthouse in Galle, Sri Lanka, operated by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. It is the country’s oldest light station. The first lighthouse at Galle was built by the British in 1848, a 24.4-meter-high iron structure designed by British architect Alexander Gordon. Destroyed by fire in 1936, it was located on the southwest bastion of Galle Fort.

Koggala Lake - Koggala is a small coastal town on Sri Lanka’s south coast, located in Galle District. Bounded by a reef on one side and a large lake on the other, Koggala Lake receives numerous tributaries from the Koggala Oya. Approximately 139 kilometers south of Colombo, it is situated 3 meters above sea level.

Jungle Beach - A compact sand beach popular for swimming and sunbathing, with a tiki-style beach bar and seafood spot. Relaxing in the jungle beach.

Galle

Galle Fort - Galle is a city on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, known for Galle Fort, the fortified old city founded by Portuguese colonists in the 16th century. Stone sea walls, expanded by the Dutch, encircle car-free streets with architecture reflecting Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule.

Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project - The sea turtle resource, an amazing animal group that helps protect environmental balance and beautify the environment, is currently facing extinction threats. The project focuses on identifying causes and increasing the turtle population, primarily by hatching baby turtles and releasing them into the ocean. They also care for and treat disabled turtles, offering visitors a chance to see and learn about different turtle species.

Colombo and then dropping off at the airport.

Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple - Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important temples in Colombo, Sri Lanka, blending modern architecture with cultural essence. Located on Beira Lake, it was completed in the late 19th century. The temple includes several imposing buildings and features a Vihara (temple), Cetiya (Pagoda), Bodhi tree, Vihara Mandiraya, Seema Malaka (assembly hall for monks), and Relic Chamber. Additionally, it houses a museum, library, residential hall, three-story Pirivena, educational halls, and an alms hall. The architecture of Seema Malaka, designed by Geoffrey Bawa with donations from a Muslim sponsor, is notable for tourists.

Galle Face Green - Galle Face is a 5-hectare ocean-side urban park stretching 500 meters along the coast in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s financial and business capital. Initially laid out in 1859 by Governor Sir Henry George Ward, the original Galle Face Green was much larger. It was used for horse racing, golf, cricket, polo, football, tennis, and rugby.

Viharamahadevi Park - Viharamahadevi Park is a public park in Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo, situated in front of the colonial-era Town Hall. Built by the British colonial administration, it is the oldest and largest park in Colombo. Originally named “Victoria Park” after Queen Victoria, it was renamed after Queen Viharamahadevi in 1958. During World War II, it was occupied by the British Army, and after the war, it was restored and reopened to the public in 1951. The park once had a cricket ground used for first-class cricket between 1927 and 1995.

What's Included
  • Unlimited mileage not restricted to 8am-5pm
  • Driver’s meals and accommodation included
  • Comfort of air-conditioned vehicles
  • Fuel, parking fees, and passenger insurance included
What's Not Included
  • Tipping is expected. Tips to guides, restaurants and hotel lobby.
Additional Information

Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful countries in the south Asia. This tiny island has a huge range of diverse landscapes to offer such as mountains & cliffs, hills filled with lush green tea plantations, water falls, breathtaking beaches, sun sets, various types of wild animals & historical archaeological sites. It’s also known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean & has diverse cultural & religious elements across the nation.

This 12 day tour gives the travellers enough time to discover all the above areas and experience the beauty of the country. This tour has a feature where the travellers get to experience the ancient village life of Sri Lankans as well. Further, travellers get to enjoy the beach and sunsets more than other tours.

The combination of our exceptional team of travel consultants and our certified driver guides assures safe, treasurable, thrilling & informative tours. We are committed to offering all clients professional, personalised & cost effective travel services.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(11 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Taniamonrealp
May 27, 2024
Nature in Sri Lanka - A spectacular trip. Sri Lanka is a magnificent country, with lush nature and fantastic food. The people were wonderful, and Asa was an attentive, punctual guide who adapted to our wishes. She made us feel very safe throughout the trip and was always making sure that everything was to our liking and good. We hope to return soon, with Asa of course!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Goulding74
May 26, 2024
A trip of a lifetime! - Asa was our tour guide for 9 days travelling around Sri Lanka for our Honeymoon and he was absolutely brilliant and excellent value for money. He worked with us to formulate the perfect plan and his knowledge, experience, reliability, safe and friendly approach throughout our trip made our Honeymoon. Driving between place to place, he would point things out which we would never have known otherwise and we saw more than we ever imagined (not to mention excellent photography skills which meant we got some great couples photos!). I could say so much more but I'll finish with a thank you - it was a trip of a lifetime and we'll remember it forever!
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336izzyk
May 8, 2024
Amazing holiday! Asa was great - My partner and I did a tour with Asa in February and March 2024. It was a fantastic trip and Asa was an amazing guide. He was very knowledgeable and fun and took us to great spots, while always making sure we were comfortable and happy. We had such a brilliant and memorable time, it was the perfect way to see so much of such a beautiful country!
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Gerardo738
Apr 1, 2024
The amazing trip in Sri lanka - We travel with Nuwan. We are so sad we just finish this trip. We saw all the country! Our guide ( Nuwan) knew each moment our necessities. With 2 kids its not easy to travel, and he help us very well. He give us advice, helping to choose the best option for us! I truly recomend this trip.
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Passenger03406149871
Apr 1, 2024
Perfect holidays - Excellent vacations. We are very very happy to find Nuwan. He was the best guide. Always taking care of us and bringing us to the most amazing places.
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Wacamola88
Feb 24, 2024
Asa is the best guide in Sir Lanka - My experience with Asa was incredible. Get to know all the corners of Sir Lanka, they were very beautiful, fun and full of adventure days. It takes you to places that you won't find in any book and immerses you in the culture of Sir Lanka with each of its stories. I hope to return very soon to learn more about Buddhist philosophy with Asa and climb Adams Peak together.
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Javierad8537di
Feb 24, 2024
Sri Lanka with Asha - We spent 11 days with Asha. He is a fantastic driver, he picked us up at the airport and helped us with everything, accommodations, safaris, restaurants, temples, route planning... etc. It was like traveling with a friend… 100% recommended
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Davidsq7566vy
Jan 20, 2024
An unforgettable trip - A most enriching experience both for the country and for the people and in this sense for our guide Asa, 100% involved so that we can enjoy our trip to the fullest. We do not rule out returning and of course it will be Asa who will guide us again through this wonderful country that is Sri Lanka.
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25035
Oct 24, 2023
Sri Lanka with Asa. - If you want to know Sri Lanka you have to do it with Asa, he offers you the best options and is involved beyond his work. It has been 11 days not to forget, thank you for your friendship
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