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Highlights
Spend 10 days exploring the Pearl of the Indian Ocean
Visit the imposing and historic Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Take part in a cooking lesson at Thotupala Residence
Go to a tea plantation famous for its Ceylon Tea
Go on Safari in Yala National Park
Explore the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’ on this spectacular 10-Day Classic Tour of Sri Lanka. For anyone who wants to experience the rich culture, fascinating history, and breathtaking landscapes of this island nation, this is the perfect tour. Whether your Sri Lankan dream adventure includes wandering through historic city streets in the heart of the island, visiting ancient temples and the imposing Sigiriya Rock Fortress with a history dating back 5,000 years, relaxing on sandy beaches, learning to cook local dishes, wildlife viewing, or learning about the impressive history of tea production in the region, this tour has a bit of something for everyone. Get ready for an action-packed adventure that will showcase the natural and cultural beauty that can be found in Sri Lanka!
Explore the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’ on this spectacular 10-Day Classic Tour of Sri Lanka. For anyone who wants to experience the rich culture, fascinating history, and breathtaking landscapes of this island nation, this is the perfect tour. Whether your Sri Lankan dream adventure includes wandering through historic city streets in the heart of the island, visiting ancient temples and the imposing Sigiriya Rock Fortress with a history dating back 5,000 years, relaxing on sandy beaches, learning to cook local dishes, wildlife viewing, or learning about the impressive history of tea production in the region, this tour has a bit of something for everyone. Get ready for an action-packed adventure that will showcase the natural and cultural beauty that can be found in Sri Lanka!
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10-Day Classical Sri Lanka Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Travel to Habarana
Your Sri Lankan adventure will begin by travelling to Habarana, the central point of the cultural triangle. From here, you can explore nearby ancient historical cities such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, and Ritigala. Hundreds of lakes and reservoirs in this region dot the scenic landscape, creating a unique area filled with biodiversity. Overnight in a hotel in Habarana.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Habarana
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Anuradhapura and the Dambulla Rock Cave Temple
After breakfast, you will make your way to Anuradhapura, the first capital city of the ancient Sinhala Kingdom, and visit the oldest recorded tree in history. Afterwards, you will make your way to the Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, a fascinating cultural site with breathtaking panoramic views. Overnight at the hotel in Habarana.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Habarana
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 3 Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress
In the morning, you will head to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an imposing formation with evidence of human activity dating back 5,000 years. Here, you will find the impressive structure and intricate frescos that made the location a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continuing on your journey, you will travel to Passikudah and visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, where you will cycle through the historic streets. Overnight in a hotel in Passikudah.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Passikudah
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Relax by the Beach in Passikudah
Day 4 is a bit of a relaxing one, as you will spend the day relaxing by the white sandy beaches that overlook the pristine blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Passikudah
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Head to the Hill Capital of Sri Lanka
After breakfast, you will make your way to the hill capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy, where you can take in the beauty of the golden-roofed Dalada Maligawa. In the evening, you will set out on a city tour, so take your time exploring the shrines and temples to get a real feeling of the rich culture in this city.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kandy
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cooking Demonstration and Botanical Gardens
Today will provide plenty of opportunities to experience more of Sri Lanka’s rich culture, as you ride in a tuk tuk (if available) to the vibrant marketplace and take part in a cooking lesson. Here, you will learn traditional cooking techniques and lend a helping hand while preparing lunch. After lunch, you will explore the botanical gardens that were created in 1821 by British colonial rulers. Located along the longest river in Sri Lanka, it is a beautiful place to spend some time exploring and taking in the natural beauty of the plant life.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kandy
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 7 Tour a Tea Plantation
An exciting day awaits after breakfast, as you will take a beautifully scenic train ride to Nuwara Eliya. Here, you will witness the rolling green landscape that has become synonymous with the Sri Lanakn tea industry. In the evening, you will visit a tea plantation to learn about the process of picking and producing Sri Lanka’s most valuable export.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Nuwara Eliya
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 8 Ravana Waterfall and Buddhist Monastery
Today you will leave for Yala, stopping off at the impressive Ravana Waterfall in the process. Once you have reached Tissamaharama, you will check into your hotel. After, you will visit Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya, an ancient Buddhist monastery that is believed to have been constructed in the 2nd Century.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tissamaharama
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 9 Safari in Yala National Park
The last full day of your adventure will see you explore the breathtaking Yala National Park, heading out on a safari to view countless species of wildlife including elephants, native birds, and the highest density of leopards anywhere in the world. After, you will make your way back to the hotel for breakfast, before driving to Colombo and setting out on a city tour.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Colombo
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 10 Departure from Colombo
Sadly, the final day of your trip has arrived. After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport and say goodbye to Sri Lanka!
Overnight Location: None
Meals: Breakfast
10-Day Classical Sri Lanka Tour Price and Dates
This guided tour in Sri Lanka is always run as a private tour for your group only therefore the price depends on the size of your group. Prices below are per person:- Guided Groups of 2-3: from USD1540 per person
- Guided Groups of 4-5: from USD1275 per person
- Guided Groups of 6: from USD1165 per person
- Guided group of 7+: on request
Accommodation on 10-Day Classical Sri Lanka Tour
This tour is based on standard rooms in hotels and resorts. Hotels on this trip are 3 and 4-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the 10-Day Classical Sri Lanka Tour?
Meals
9 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 9 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 9 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour, including transfers to and from the airport.
Also Included
- English-speaking guide
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees where applicable
Not included
- Flights to and from Colombo
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
Optional Extras
- Single room supplements
- How hard is the 10-Day Classical Sri Lanka Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Sri Lanka?
- Are meals included on the 10-Day Classical Sri Lanka Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- When is the best time to travel to Sri Lanka for this tour?
- How do I get to Colombo to start this tour?
- Is the 10-Day Classical Sri Lanka Tour in English?
- Where does the 10-Day Classical Sri Lanka Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Sri Lanka?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Sri Lanka?
We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. There are plenty of opportunities to experience the culture of Sri Lanka and there are some physical activities, but little in the way of challenging activities.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
9 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 9 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover walking/hiking activities. Get your travel insurance.
The best time to travel to the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka for this tour is during the December to April window, when weather conditions are most favourable.
Fly into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. The tour includes transfers to/from the airport.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
The tour ends in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
As with any international travel, it is always best to check with your family doctor about the need for special vaccines.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Customer Ratings
Walkers Tours is a Sri Lankan owned and operated company that has been helping visitors to discover and enjoy Sri Lanka for over 50 years. Our expertise is unparalleled and our knowledge of Sri Lanka unequalled. We take care of all details for your visit, whether you are a solo traveller, a couple on holiday or honeymoon, a group of friends or convention delegates, or visitors seeking activity or wellness holidays. Whatever your interest, whether sheer pleasure, extreme sport, trekking or bicycling, wild life, ancient or colonial culture, scenic tours, tropical cuisine or Ayurveda therapy, we can arrange a tour from arrival to departure to please you, utilising vehicles that are part of Asia’s first carbon-neutral transport fleet. We can organise every kind of accommodation, from jungle cabanas and private villa’s to plush boutique retreats and contemporary luxury hotels. We are renowned for our long-established high standards of service and guest commitment.
