Travelpack

Colombo • Habarana • Trincomalee • Kandy • Yala • Beruwala

Discover the best of Sri Lanka with this adventure, combining vibrant city life, ancient UNESCO World Heritage Sites, lush countryside, and stunning tropical beaches. Explore Colombo’s cultural highlights, the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, and the historic ruins of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Enjoy a traditional village trek, thrilling jeep safaris in Minneriya and Yala National Parks, scenic Kandy, and its cultural dance performances. Unwind on the beautiful beaches of Trincomalee and Beruwala, visit the historic Galle Fort, explore the enchanting Lunuganga Gardens, and enjoy a relaxing Madu River safari. With comfortable stays at Cinnamon hotels, this unforgettable journey offers the perfect blend of culture, wildlife, nature, and coastal relaxation.

Day 1: Airport / Colombo
Flight from London Heathrow Airport to Colombo Katunayake Airport Via Istanbul Airport,
Approx: 45 minutes
You will be warmly welcomed by our Hayleys Travels representative, who will guide you throughout the tour. After the formalities at the airport, proceed to your first hotel in Colombo. In the afternoon, do a city tour of Colombo.

Colombo is known as the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. During your journey through the city of Colombo, you will visit the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), which is the very first purpose-built convention centre in Asia that combines the best of professional conference facilities available.

Your tour of the city of Colombo will take you on a journey through a diverse range of lifestyles that will make you wonder if you are in one city. Visit the bustling hub of Pettah, which is a key spot for trade in Sri Lanka, followed by a tour of Fort, where you would see century-old buildings rubbing shoulders with modern buildings.

Visit Independence Square, a must-see attraction known for its historical significance and impressive architecture. Explore the Old Parliament of Sri Lanka and enjoy the scenic beauty of Galle Face Green, overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Discover Colombo’s top attractions, including the National Museum of Colombo, Gangaramaya Temple, and Pettah Market. Enjoy a variety of local and international culinary delights at the hotel or nearby restaurants.

Overnight accommodation at Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo.

Day 2: Colombo / Dambulla / Sigiriya / Habarana
Colombo to Dambulla Approx: 3 hours / Dambulla to Sigiriya Approx: 30–40 minutes / Sigiriya to Habarana Approx: 25–30 minutes After breakfast, transfer to Dambulla. Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple. Dambulla, located in the north-central province, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 1st century BC. This amazing complex of five caves was first used as a refuge by an ancient king who, on regaining his throne, commissioned magnificent carved images within the living rock. Later kings made further improvements, and the caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha, of which the largest is a colossal figure spanning 15 metres.

Cave inscriptions from the 2nd century BC are found, and on the walls are many paintings, most of which belong to the Kandy period (early 19th century). This temple is a perfect location to view the evolution of ancient Sri Lankan art and is an important historical site due to the amalgamation of material from many eras. Thereafter, visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Sigiriya is a mighty 600 ft. high rock fortress of a 5th-century king, famous for its entrancingly beautiful frescoes, which are found in a sheltered pocket of the rock. One cannot fail to marvel at the masterful execution of the sinuous forms of these women (originally 500, of which only 19 remain today). The old stairway to the top led through the mouth of a huge crouching lion, carved from the rock – today, only the paws remain. The remains of the handsome royal citadel are on the summit.
Afterwards, check in to the hotel and relax.
Overnight accommodation at Habarana Village by Cinnamon, Habarana.

Day 3: Habarana / Hiriwadduna / Anuradhapura / Habarana
After breakfast, enjoy a Hiriwadduna village trek and experience Sri Lanka’s rural charm. Explore lush paddy fields, banana plantations, traditional village huts and scenic waterways. Take a boat ride across the reservoir to visit a chena cultivation and enjoy panoramic views from a traditional treehouse. Visit local cottages to savour ginger tea and discover traditional root carvings.

Continue to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s ancient capital, renowned for its rich history and sacred Buddhist heritage. Explore the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, Brazen Palace, Samadhi Buddha statue, Ruwanweli Seya Dagoba, Thuparama Dagoba, twin ponds, guardstones and moonstones.

Overnight accommodation at Habarana Village by Cinnamon, Habarana.

Day 4: Habarana / Minneriya / Polonnaruwa / Trincomalee
Start early with a packed breakfast and enjoy a morning jeep safari at Minneriya National Park, famous for its wild elephants, lush forests and diverse birdlife. During the dry season, witness elephants gathering around the ancient Minneriya Tank.

Continue to Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of Sri Lanka. Explore its remarkable ancient ruins, historic monuments and impressive reservoirs, including the famous Parakrama Samudra, reflecting the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s medieval civilisation.

Afterwards, transfer to Trincomalee.

Overnight accommodation at Trinco Blu by Cinnamon, Trincomalee.

Day 5: Trincomalee / Passikuda / Trincomalee
Trincomalee to Passikuda Approx: 2.5 hours
After breakfast, do a city tour of Trincomalee. Trincomalee Beach is a natural harbour located at a distance of 250 km from Colombo. The name of the port city of Trincomalee is derived from a Tamil word, Tirukonamalai. In ancient texts, Trincomalee has been referred to as Gokama.

Trincomalee Beach/Bay is historically significant, as many travellers, such as Ptolemy and Marco Polo, have arrived here. It became an important destination for East Asian and Chinese sea traders at one point in time. The mention of this seaport is found in Mahavamsa. Foreign powers such as the Dutch, French, English, and Portuguese fought for control of this harbour. Visit the historic Koneswaram Hindu Temple, perched on Swami Rock, with panoramic ocean views. Visit the beautiful Nilaveli Beach. Afterwards, proceed to visit Pigeon Island.

Optional: Go snorkelling and diving at Pigeon Island and discover vibrant coral reefs and marine life. Thereafter, proceed to Passikuda. Passikudah offers the unspoilt beauty of paradisiacal coasts, with white sandy beaches and calm, turquoise waters that are unrivalled. The coastlines are shallow, and currents are comparatively weak, making it a perfect and safe location for sea swimming. Return to the hotel and relax.
Overnight accommodation at Trinco Blu by Cinnamon, Trincomalee.

Day 6: Trincomalee / Kandy
Trincomalee to Kandy Approx: 3.5–4 hours
After breakfast, transfer to Kandy. Do a sightseeing tour of Kandy, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic city, about 480 m above sea level and surrounded by mountains, was known to Sri Lankans as Kanda Uda Rata, which means the hill country. Kandy was home to Sri Lanka's last independent kingdom, which survived two centuries of colonial incursion before finally falling to the British at the beginning of the 19th century. In the early evening, you will visit a Kandyan dance performance and be treated to a spectacular fire-walking finale. Kandy is also famous for its shopping, gems and jewellery, handicrafts, batiks, silks, etc. You will have the opportunity to browse to your heart's content.
Overnight accommodation at Cinnamon Citadel, Kandy.

Day 7: Kandy / Udawatte Kele Sanctuary / Uda Dumbara / Kandy / Yala
Kandy to Udawatte Kele Approx: 15–20 minutes / Udawatte Kele to Uda Dumbara Approx: 1.5 hours / Uda Dumbara to Kandy Approx: 1.5 hours After breakfast, proceed to visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which houses the tooth of the Buddha. Thereafter, visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Wander through the beautiful gardens featuring a wide variety of tropical flora. Thereafter, visit Udawatte Kele Sanctuary, a peaceful oasis surrounded by lush greenery, offering a variety of recreational activities and a chance to connect with nature. Afterwards, proceed to Yala. Kandy to Yala Approx: 4–5 hours Thereafter, transfer to Yala.
Overnight accommodation at Cinnamon Wild, Yala.

Day 8: Yala / Tissamaharama / Yala
Start early with a packed breakfast and enjoy an exciting jeep safari at Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s most popular wildlife reserves. Look out for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and a variety of colourful birdlife in the park’s beautiful natural surroundings.

Continue to Galle for a city tour of its historic Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along the ancient ramparts, admire views of the harbour and visit the 17th-century Dutch Reformed Church.

Proceed to Ambalangoda to visit the Mask Museum and Factory, where you can discover traditional Sri Lankan masks and learn about the craftsmanship behind these intricate artworks. Afterwards, transfer to Beruwala.

Overnight accommodation at Cinnamon Bey, Beruwala.

Day 9: Beruwala / Galle / Balapitiya / Beruwala
Beruwala to Galle Approx: 30–40 minutes / Galle to Balapitiya Approx: 30–40 minutes / Balapitiya to Beruwala Approx: 30–40 minutes
After breakfast, proceed to visit the Lunuganga Gardens. Lunuganga Gardens is a historic estate located in Galle, Sri Lanka. It was once the private residence of renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. The gardens are renowned for their unique blend of tropical landscaping, architectural elements and artistic installations. Afterwards, proceed to do a Madu River safari. Return to the hotel and relax.
Overnight accommodation at Cinnamon Bey, Beruwala.

Day 10: Beruwala / Airport
Approx: 1.5–2 hours
Transfer to the airport in time for your departure.

What is included in the offer
• International flights with 23kg baggage allowance
• 1-night stay at Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo, on half board
• 2-night stay at Habarana Village by Cinnamon, Habarana, on half board
• 2-night stay at Trinco Blu by Cinnamon, Trincomalee, on half board
• 1-night stay at Cinnamon Citadel, Kandy, on half board
• 1-night stay at Cinnamon Wild, Yala, on half board
• 2-night stay at Cinnamon Bey, Beruwala, on half board

Entrance Fees & Excursions Include:
• Colombo National Museum
• Dambulla Cave Temple
• Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Hiriwadduna Village Trek
• Minneriya National Park Jeep Safari
• Polonnaruwa Ancient City
• Anuradhapura Ancient City
• Temple of the Tooth, Kandy
• Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
• Yala National Park Jeep Safari
• Lankawala Gardens
• Madu River Safari

Prices & Departures:
Total Price Inclusive of All Charges:
• C27940 London Heathrow from £2115pp
• C28108 Dublin from £2225pp
• C28043 Manchester from £2235pp
• C28093 Edinburgh from £2575pp
• C28102 Birmingham from £2705pp
Deposit: £125pp

No Local Fees Payable

Terms & Conditions:
Based on 2 Adults:

Meal Plans