$1949—12-day Sri Lanka tour w/2 safaris, rail & Sigiriya

Sri Lanka has a rare ability to make one trip feel like several. One day brings coast and fort streets. The next brings leopard country, elephants, tea hills or ancient ruins. Few places fit this much variety into one compact route. The itinerary gives each side of Sri Lanka its moment. Galle brings colonial charm by the sea. Yala adds the safari moment everyone hopes for: elephants, birdlife and possible leopard sightings. Minneriya gives the elephant chapter. Two national park safaris mean real wildlife depth, not a token jeep drive. Haputale, Ella and Nuwara Eliya shift the mood into tea country. The scenic train gives the postcard moment: green hills, bridges and cooler air. Kandy brings sacred temples and Sri Lanka’s cultural heart. Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya add serious heritage weight. It is lively, but well planned and fully guided. This has adventure built in, without asking members to travel rough.

This popular 12-day Inspiring Vacations tour is back from $1949. That covers 11 hotel nights, guided touring, transport, daily breakfast and entry fees for under $2000. Members save up to $1496 per person, or up to 39%, making this the sharpest price we have seen on this tour since last July.

Starting at just $1949 per person, this 12-day itinerary includes:

• 11 nights in 3- and 4-star hotels
• Breakfast daily, 1 cooking demonstration with lunch, 1 dinner
• Scenic Train ride
• Safari drives in Yala and Minneriya National Parks
• Dedicated private transportation throughout
• Fully escorted by an English-speaking guide throughout
• Incredible sightseeing, including entry fees as per the itinerary

When

The featured $1949 price is valid for travel on 20 September; 4, 11, 18 and 25 October 2026.

There are 52 other dates on offer from 8 November 2026 to 17 December 2028.

Book by 21 July 2026.

To find out more, see our partner's website.

Travelzoo tip: Sri Lanka gives you the adventure and culture; the Maldives gives you the indulgent finish. Upgrade to the 15-day itinerary and relax for three nights in the Maldives. Travelzoo members save an exclusive $4096 per person.

Holiday snapshot

Colombo - Kalutara - Galle - Yala National Park - Nine Arch Bridge - Haputale - Ella - Nuwara Eliya - Kandy - Dambulla Cave - Minneriya National Park - Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Negombo

Itinerary highlights

In Colombo, bustling markets, colonial landmarks and oceanfront promenades introduce Sri Lanka's vibrant capital before the journey heads south along the coast.

At Kalutara, golden beaches, swaying palms and the relaxed pace of the south-west coast provide time to unwind beside the Indian Ocean.

Through Galle, the UNESCO-listed Dutch Fort reveals centuries of colonial history, with cobbled streets, boutique cafés and sea views creating one of Sri Lanka's most charming coastal towns.

In Yala National Park, guided game drives venture through rugged wilderness in search of elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and the elusive Sri Lankan leopard.

At Nine Arch Bridge, one of the country's most photographed landmarks, graceful stone arches curve through lush jungle as trains wind through the misty hill country.

Through Haputale, tea-covered mountains and cool highland scenery reveal a quieter side of Sri Lanka before continuing into the heart of the tea region.

In Ella, a scenic train journey winds through emerald tea plantations, waterfalls and mountain landscapes that showcase some of the country's most spectacular scenery.

At Nuwara Eliya, colonial-era charm, cool mountain air and a visit to a working tea plantation offer insight into Sri Lanka's world-famous tea industry.

In Kandy, the country's cultural heart comes alive through sacred temples, peaceful lakes and a traditional dance performance celebrating Sri Lankan heritage.

At Dambulla Cave, intricate Buddhist murals and centuries-old statues fill a remarkable series of cave temples carved into a towering rock.

In Minneriya National Park, another guided safari offers the chance to spot wild elephants, abundant birdlife and native wildlife across open grasslands and wetlands.

At Sigiriya, the spectacular Lion Rock rises dramatically above the surrounding plains, where ancient palace ruins and panoramic views explain why it is one of Sri Lanka's greatest UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Through Polonnaruwa, remarkably preserved temples, palaces and stone carvings reveal the grandeur of Sri Lanka's medieval kingdom.

In Negombo, palm-fringed beaches, colonial influences and a relaxed coastal atmosphere provide a fitting finale before your journey home.