This is considered a fast-paced tour. In order to explore as much as possible, this tour may require early starts and long travel days. One to two nights at one destination is standard. While some free time may be scheduled, most sightseeing is included throughout this tour. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage. To ensure this trip is right for you, any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aid, then this tour is not suitable.
Expect a memorable stay throughout with hotels often centrally located, with creature comforts and unique features.
Hotel stars are based on local ratings provided and the expected standard may differ depending on the destination. Hotels listed within the itinerary are indicative of the typical hotel we intend to use for that package but is subject to change.
This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for exact group size. Enjoy features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights, and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
✓ Small group, with no more than 20 people
✓ Ride the world-famous scenic train through the hilltops around Nuwara Eliya
✓ 11 nights in 5-star accommodation including highly renowned Jetwing properties
✓ Daily breakfast, 3 lunches and 6 dinners
✓ Escorted by a professional, English-speaking guide throughout
✓ Incredible sightseeing as per the itinerary, including Sigiriya rock fortress, a guided game drive in Yala National Park and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa
✓ Dedicated private transportation throughout
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Make your own way to the hotel in Negombo, which is located on the west coast of Sri Lanka, this popular beach town still retains its fishing village charm.
Highlights of this town include the neoclassical St. Mary’s church, completed in the 1920s and featuring a ceiling decorated with vivid religious paintings. Near the waterfront, the remains of the 17th-century Dutch Fort now house a prison. Negombo Lagoon, lined with fishermen’s huts, feeds into the Dutch-era Hamilton Canal. The canal leads south to the capital, Colombo.
Please note - most flights arrive into Colombo after midnight. To maximise suitable rest time before the tour starts on Day 2, we suggest departing the day before Day 1.
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
This morning, join your guide and the rest of your group for a welcome meeting.
It’s about a one hour drive to Colombo, a vibrant melting pots of races, religions and cultures. Sri Lanka’s capital is a city of contrasts – it’s a busy commercial hub but has a certain laid-back ambience. We’ll take a city tour mid-morning. Depending on the time and weather, we’ll explore this bustling port city on foot or by vehicle. On foot, we’ll soak in the local architecture with a walk through the city, visiting Buddhist and Hindu temples, historic Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque) and the Dutch Reformed Church (Wolvendaal).
Alternatively, we’ll explore bustling Pettah Bazaar, then Independence Square, Parliament, and the National Museum. We’ll finish with a shopping opportunity for a good cause at the Barefoot fair trade store. Here you can find a collection of handicrafts from around the country and support small cottage industries.
We’ll depart Colombo and head for the carefully preserved colonial city of Galle, on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. It’s an interesting blend of European architecture and south-Asian traditions.
On arrival we’ll set out for a tour of the Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our guide will take us on a tour of the Royal Dutch Fort, exploring the winding passageways, maze of gallery-filled narrow streets and 400 years of rich history. The fort was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century.
Afterwards, we’ll continue to the beach town of Weligama on the south coast, and settle into our hotel for the evening.
It’s a free morning to relax poolside or at the beach.
In the early afternoon we’ll head for Tissamharama, gateway to Yala National Park.
We’ll stop enroute for your first Inspiring Taste, dining with a local fisherman’s family. Learn about their craft and livelihood – including how their lives changed after the tsunami. Enjoy the freshest seafood possible with their family; perhaps a wonderful crab curry, a local delicacy.
After lunch, we’ll check into our hotel and the rest of the day is free for you to explore.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
Learn more about this native Sri Lankan spice with a visit to a local cinnamon plantation. True cinnamon, known as Ceylon cinnamon or cinnamomum verum, has a long history, originally grown wild in central hill country. These days, cultivation is concentrated along the coastal belt from Negombo to Matara. You’ll learn about the different varieties, the history and processes involved, and the various uses for this proud export. The visit concludes with a fresh cinnamon tea.
In the afternoon you’ll be taken to Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s largest and most visited national parks.
We’ll have lunch at a local restaurant before an afternoon Jeep safari. Embarking on a guided game drive to explore the dynamic wildlife here is a thrilling experience. Yala National Park – a huge area of forest, grassland and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean – encompasses a variety of diverse ecosystems. It’s home to wildlife such as sloth bears, leopards, elephants and crocodiles, as well as hundreds of bird species.
Please note that Yala National Park closes for a period between the months of September and October. The exact closure dates are made clear closer to the time. The closure is due to the prevailing dry weather prior to this time and taking into consideration the well-being of the wildlife in the reserve. For departure dates that fall over this period, as defined in the departure dates listed below, Yala National park will be replaced with a visit to Udawalawe National Park, while still being able to visit Block 4 or 5 of Yala National Park.
After a relaxing morning exploring your hotel surrounds, we’ll head to Nuwara Eliya, a drive of about four and a half hours.
Enroute, why not try a Sri Lankan favourite, Buffalo curd? Served in bright terracotta pots with thick, golden treacle, it’s often eaten as a snack, a side or a dessert. Sri Lankans are famed for their sweet tooth and this is just about as sweet as it gets.
On the way, we’ll make a photo stop at Ravana Falls. One of the widest falls in the country, the waterfall measures approximately 25 metres high, cascading from an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop. The falls form part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary.
When we arrive at the tranquil town of Nuwara Eliya, we’ll take an orientation tour around the city and the rest of the evening is free for you to relax or explore.
Perched on a mountain ridge overlooking lush green countryside, Nuwara Eliya is a peaceful retreat. Often referred to as ‘Little England’, it does have a British country village feel, with its colonial-era bungalows and British history. Located in hill country – tea country – it offers many photo opportunities. There are hundreds of acres of tea plantations and plenty of tea factories to visit in the area.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
Jump into a Jeep and enjoy another safari tour as we search for the animals that eluded us yesterday.
We’ll head to a local tea factory this morning to experience Sri Lankan tea culture. Discover the art of renowned Ceylon tea, one of Sri Lanka’s biggest exports, with a guided visit and tea tasting. There will even be a chance to pluck tea leaves yourself!
In the afternoon, relive colonial tradition with an Inspiring Taste, high tea at the celebrated Grand Hotel. It’s a quintessential British experience and a great chance to sample local teas.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
A favourite in punch bowls the world over, this traditional Sri Lankan spirit is distilled from the sap of coconut flowers. Today you’ll be tasting different fusions of the nation’s signature spirit, enhancing different ingredients and offering an exciting array of tastes and flavours.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
Walking to this small, scenic waterfall offers sweeping views of tea plantations and the picturesque countryside of Nuwara Eliya. Known for its romantic folklore, this impressive waterfall is a natural gem.
We’ll bid farewell to Nuwara Eliya and hop onto Sri Lanka’s most famous train to travel to Kandy, the charming hill capital originally known as Senkadagala.
This scenic train ride takes in the lush vistas of central Sri Lanka, with stunning green, lush tea plantations and rugged mountain peaks.
Kandy was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 – the city embodies the style and character of Sri Lankan civilisation; with its lake, temples (including the Temple of the Tooth Relic) and the well-preserved ruins of royal palaces.
Tonight, enjoy a cultural show with traditional dancing.
Please note: It is not possible to confirm the train ticket reservation due to the fact that Sri Lanka Railway has a manual system for reservations. Tickets can only be booked 30 days prior to departure. The 1st and 2nd class is basic but has air-conditioning. 3rd class sometimes is sometimes the only option available. On the rare occasion the train is fully booked, you will travel by coach
This morning, we’ll visit the golden-roofed Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), a deeply significant Buddhist site. Located in the heart of town, this shrine houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Buddha, supposedly taken from his funeral pyre. The insides of the shrine are covered in beautifully detailed and elaborate paintings.
We’ll take a city tour or you may choose to visit a local market for a fruit tasting and a feel for daily life in these parts.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
Get involved in traditional Sri Lankan cooking – grinding the herbs, pounding spices and scraping fresh coconut. Take in the mouth-watering aromas as dishes are prepared on a typical outdoor tabletop under the watchful gaze of the birds, squirrels and monkeys! Watch how the coconut milk is extracted and poured over the curries cooking in terracotta clay pots on a crackling wood hearth. You’ll learn all the tips and tricks.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
Renowned for its collection of orchids and an impressive array of other flora and fauna, this vast garden covers nearly 150 acres. Originally a royal garden for Sinhalese kings, the park became a botanical garden under British rule in 1821. Features include an artificial lake shaped like Sri Lanka, a palm avenue planted by the British, a spice garden and giant bamboo, the largest species in the world that grows up to 40 metres high. About two million people visit this lush, green oasis each year.
This morning, you’ll have the choice again of the city tour or market walk. Then, we’ll head to Dambulla Cave Temple this morning and explore the magnificent cave complex.
This monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been a pilgrimage site for 22 centuries for good reason. It houses 157 Buddhist statues. Also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, it’s the most impressive cave complex in Sri Lanka.
In the evening, take this chance to relax by the pool.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
Experience the hustle and bustle of this colourful market. Open 24/7, the only time it closes is on full moon Poya days. The hectic melange of sights, sounds and smells is a feast for the senses, and it’s the perfect place to people watch as the locals go about their day.
Early this morning to beat the heat, we’ll visit the magnificent, ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya (also known as Lion Rock). This dramatic rocky outcrop, rising from the surrounding plains, is one of the highlights of any visit to Sri Lanka. Lion Rock is topped by a ruined palace. It’s a good workout to climb to the top, but well worth the effort for the 360 degree views. You’ll see why this natural phenomenon is one of the most popular attractions in this country.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the second-most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms and another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The fifth-century city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the kingdom’s first rulers. Enjoy a visit to the archaeological museum to get an idea of what this impressive metropolis was like in its prime.
This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your group to celebrate your time in Sri Lanka.
Please note: The visit to Lion Rock takes about three and a half hours. You’ll reach the lion paw in about an hour and a half, passing the water garden, boulder garden, Sigiriya Frescoes and the mirror wall. After the lion paw, it’s a steep climb with plenty of steps and walkways – this part of the climb takes about 30 minutes. If you do not wish to go to the top, you can rest at the lion paw until the rest of the group returns.
We’ll head to Negombo today. Enroute, we can visit a coconut plantation.
In the evening we’ll take a city tour to take in St. Mary’s Church, the remains of the 17th-century Dutch Fort and temples. Depending on what time we arrive, we might take this tour tomorrow.
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your Sri Lankan adventure comes to an end.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
Check out: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out times will apply no matter what time your flight is scheduled to depart. Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or, alternatively, please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost.
Inspiring Tastes
Inspiring Sights
To enhance your journey, we're offering guests 2 bonus sightseeing experiences out of a choice of 7 options (further details listed under 'Optional Tours').
Inspiring Stays
Upgrade to enjoy 2 nights at the Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya, the famous ex-Governers mansion located in the hills of Nurwara Eliya. Upgrade includes 2 nights accommodation with breakfast in a deluxe room. Please note, the upgrade is subject to availability and not confirmed until 30 days prior to departure. If unavailable a full refund of the upgrade cost will be provided.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”:
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. At the commencement of your tour you will be asked to provide tipping to your guide towards a ‘kitty’, which is then used towards the guide tipping for the services of helpers, hotel staff, restaurants and airport porterage. You will be asked for AUD$35 per person. Please note that this tipping is not for the guide or driver, merely for the guide to tip the services of other local workers during your tour. While not made compulsory, if you choose not to contribute to the kitty it means that the guide is tipping for these services out of their own pocket. Your cooperation in this instance is most appreciated.
Further, tipping for your guide and driver will be collected at the conclusion of their services. To remove the uncertainty and stress of not knowing how much is appropriate to tip we recommend AUD$6 per person per day for your guide and AUD$3 per person per day for your driver to be paid in local currency. The amount you wish to contribute is dependent on the services received and at the complete discretion of the guest. Thank you for your understanding.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $999 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
You must arrange a Visa before your arrival into Sri Lanka. The best way to apply for your Visa is The Department of Immigration and Emigration called "Electronic Travel Authorization - ETA" in order to grant prior approval for a visa online for foreign nationals who visit Sri Lanka. You can visit http://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/ to apply for your visa online.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
8-20 people.
Trip Style - Small Group Tour
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. You will travel with only a maximum of 20 other guests. Enjoy choice features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
To enhance your journey, we're offering guests 2 bonus sightseeing experiences out of a choice of 6 options.
Additional optional tour (not part of the 2 Inspiring Sights for free):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Airport chauffeur
Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Airport lounges
Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Pre and post-tour accommodation
Arrival and departure airport shuttle transfers (deviating from group flights forfeits your group airport transfers)
Please note, the transfers are not private and you may be grouped with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation and/or airport transfers. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability. Alternatively, you may purchase 1 pre or post-night accommodation + transfers, at time of booking.
Click HERE for more information on weather in Sri Lanka
Please note that Yala National Park closes for a period between the months of September and October. The exact closure dates are made clear closer to the time. The closure is due to the prevailing dry weather prior to this time and taking into consideration the well-being of the wildlife in the reserve. For departure dates that fall over this period, as defined in the departure dates listed below, Yala National park will be replaced with a visit to Udawalawe National Park, while still being able to visit Block 4 or 5 of Yala National Park. Please refer to the itinerary.
Although smaller in size to Yala National Park, Udawalawe National Park is considered one of the world's best places to see wild elephants. Largely comprised of grasslands and bush forest, Udawalawe is also one of the best national parks in Sri Lanka for game spotting and being far less crowded than Yala, it makes for a more enjoyable experience for travellers and therefore, we believe is a more than suitable alternative for one safari day. You will still be able to visit Block 4 or 5 of Yala National Park, so you are able to experience both.
Wondering what to expect when you visit the iconic Yala National Park? Click HERE to learn more about Yala
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