$1999—Save up to 61% on 13-day Sri Lanka tour w/air & safari

Taking you from the vibrant capital of Colombo to the golden sand beaches of Negombo, it's no surprise that this stunning 13-day, flight-inclusive Sri Lankan guided tour itinerary from Inspiring Vacations continues to be a Travelzoo member favourite. 

Highlights include the iconic train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy, two thrilling wildlife safaris, and a luxurious 5-star stay at the Sigiriya Jungles Resort with breathtaking views of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. You'll also explore UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Galle Fort, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Dambulla Cave Temple, and the sacred city of Kandy.

At $1999, Travelzoo members save up to 61% off Inspiring Vacations' usual prices—that's savings of up to $1095 per person. There are 40 other departures that are also exclusively discounted for members by up to 57%.

What's included

• 9 nights in centrally located 3- & 4-star accommodation 
• 2 nights at the 5-star Sigiriya Jungles hotel
• Breakfast daily, 1 cooking demonstration with lunch and 1 dinner
• Escorted by an English-speaking guide throughout
• Dedicated private transportation throughout
• Incredible sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary:
  • Sightseeing tours of Colombo and the iconic Galle Fort
  • Time along the idyllic beaches of the South Coast
  • Guided game drives to discover the dynamic wildlife in Yala National Park and Minneriya National Park 
  • Ride the iconic scenic train from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy through Sri Lanka's tea country
  • Learn about the process behind the region’s renowned tea at a tea plantation and factory in Nuwara Eliya
  • A traditional cultural performance in Kandy
  • Climb the magnificent rock fortress of Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock 
  • Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

When

The featured $1999 price is valid for travel on 16, 23 & 30 October and 13, 20 & 27 November 2025.

Book by 16 September 2024.

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

 Holiday snapshot

Australia - Colombo - South Coast - Yala National Park - Nine Arch Bridge - Haputale - Nuwara Eliya - Kandy - Dambulla Cave - Minneriya Nation Park - Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya - Negombo - Australia

About the itinerary

Day 1: On arrival in Colombo, make your way to your hotel for check-in. Airport transfers to your hotel are not included but can be arranged at an additional cost.

Day 2: After breakfast, your guide will introduce the day's itinerary before you explore Colombo. You'll visit the Colombo National Museum, housed in a neo-Baroque building, where you'll discover Sri Lanka's rich history through its exhibits. Later, you'll check in to your hotel on Sri Lanka's South Coast before touring the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, renowned for its Portuguese, Dutch, and English architectural influences.

Day 3: Today offers a full day to soak in the coastal beauty of Sri Lanka's South Coast. This region is famous for its sandy beaches, palm-lined shores, and relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Day 4: After breakfast at the hotel, you'll drive to Yala National Park, where you'll spend the afternoon on a guided game drive. As one of Sri Lanka's largest parks, Yala is ideal for spotting wildlife, including the rare leopard, with the late afternoon being prime time for sightings.

Day 5: Today, you'll leave for Haputale, stopping on the way to admire the picturesque Rawana Waterfall before checking into your hotel. In the afternoon, you'll visit the Nine Arch Bridge, a remarkable example of colonial-era railway construction in Demodara. Built by a local Ceylonese builder with British engineers, this bridge has become a popular tourist spot, surrounded by lush greenery and showcasing Sri Lanka's architectural heritage.

Day 6: Enjoy a full day of leisure today as you relax in the hilly surroundings of Haputale. The coach will depart for an afternoon of leisure in Elle before you return to your hotel.

Day 7: Bid farewell to Haputale as you take the train to Nuwara Eliya. Once you arrive, you'll tour a tea plantation and factory, witnessing the tea-making process from leaf plucking to factory processing, culminating in a fresh cup of tea. You can also buy premium tea here if you wish.

Day 8: Today, you'll travel to Kandy, enjoying scenic views of tea country and waterfalls with chances for memorable photos along the way. Kandy, once known as Senkadagala and the Hill Capital from 1514 to 1815 AD, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, rich in historical landmarks like the Temple of the Tooth Relic and royal palace ruins. After checking into your hotel, you'll have time to explore the town before an evening featuring a Sri Lankan Cultural Performance and a tour of Kandy Market and Bazaar.

Day 9: After breakfast, you'll travel to Sigiriya, with a stop to explore the Dambulla Cave Temple, the largest cave sanctuary in the world, featuring 2,000 m² of walls and ceilings decorated with over 150 Buddha images, including a 14-meter-high rock carving. Upon arrival, check in at the 5-star Sigiriya Jungles Resort, which provides views of the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress. In the afternoon, enjoy a private jeep safari at Minneriya National Park.

Day 10: After breakfast, you'll climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its artistic and architectural significance from 477 – 498 AD. Return to the hotel for a Sri Lankan cooking demonstration and lunch, then explore the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa, also a UNESCO site.

Day 11: You'll leave the beauty of Sigiriya behind as you drive toward Negombo. On arrival, you'll enjoy an afternoon of leisure to enjoy the coast as you please.

Day 12: This morning, you'll visit the local Fish Market. Later in the day, you'll make your way to the airport to catch your flight back home to Australia.