Cultural Highlights of Sri Lanka 6 Days, Private Tour
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 6-day private tour of Sri Lanka, exploring its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. Begin your journey in Colombo, visiting the serene Silver Temple before heading to Habarana. Discover the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya and the medieval city of Polonnaruwa, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Experience the vibrant culture of Kandy, home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, and enjoy a traditional cultural show. Wander through the lush Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and visit a tea plantation in the cool climes of Nuwara Eliya. Conclude your adventure with white-water rafting in Kitulgala and a city tour of Colombo, where colonial charm meets modern vibrancy. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and adventure, ensuring an unforgettable Sri Lankan experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL COLOMBO – SILVER TEMPLE – HABARANA (170km – 4hrs)
Location: Habarana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Oakray Elephant Lake or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Meet and assist on arrival at Airport a representative and transfer from Airport to Silver Temple. Tucked away in beautiful rolling countryside, in a small village called Ridigama (Silver village) 15 km west of the Kandy - Dambulla highway, roughly equidistant between Matale and Kurunagala, hidden away behind is a small monastery cave temple of Ridi Vihara. The huge boulder that looms over the whole temple complex is home to the local wild bee population. Their nests bulge below the overhang. Savour dinner at the hotel. Please note alcohol will not be served in public areas in hotels and restaurants during religious holidays.
Overnight in Habarana.
Day 2 : HABARANA – POLONNARUWA (47km – 1hr)
Location: Sigiriya
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Oakray Elephant Lake or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Sigiriya. Step through the gigantic 'Lion Paws' - overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens below - to comprehend the absolute splendour that once dominated this rock fortress. Surrounded by ramparts & moats the Lion Rock - resembling the mythological 'City of Gods' is coated by frescoes that relate to Gupta style paintings found in Ajanta caves of India. Walk in the shade of an eminent 'mirror wall' embracing the Western face of Sigiriya representing an artistic hundred meters laminated with graffiti. Wander into the well-fabricated museum downstairs for an epic journey of yesteryears to realize how the citadel floated above citizens with the castle, ponds and irrigation systems that pumped water right onto its summit with an ingenious hydraulic system describing a colossal masterpiece of the great king which remained a wonder in Asia for centuries. Evening visit to Polonnaruwa. Walk across its scattered walls of the World Heritage Site, blessed by stupas, resting Buddha statues, irrigation canals and fantastically carved Hindu sculptures, while observing the relic house which boasts of beautiful stone carvings. Take a close glance and you will realize a subtle Hindu influence on architecture and statues found in Polonnaruwa, or sit by the side of Galviharaya and observe the absolute beauty gushing out of every bend of its huge Buddhist statues. Nissankamalla Council Chamber is, however, a head-spinning beauty to just sit back and observe with its swaying pillars reminding the aesthetics of a powerful kingdom which rests beside Parakrama Samudraya - the sea of Parakramabahu & masterpiece of irrigation! Savour dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Habarana.
Day 3 : HABARANA – DAMBULLA – MATALE – KANDY (95km – 2.5hrs)
Location: Kandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Oakray Regency or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Indulge with breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Kandy. En-route visit Dambulla cave temple. In the city of Dambulla lies a hub which has been treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.C. Today, an icon in the face of Sri Lanka, Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the most unique drawings in magnificently constructed 5 cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla. Observe how exquisitely cave paintings are done along walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha. As you enter the retreat, look straight up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold over a land, which today houses an important junction in the country's economic and cultural uplifting. Transfer from Dambulla to Matale. Visit a spice garden in Matale. Spearheading the Rebellion back in 1848, Matale today takes immense pride in its story woven around spices. Stop by the side of a spice garden, into which you will be most welcome and observe the therapeutic values of spices & processes over a refreshing cup of herbal tea! Or spend some time idling on the hardened streets if you mean a real town adventure filled with voices and colours. Transfer from Matale to Kandy, Visit Kandy city and evening witness the Kandy cultural show. Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. A stroll across this small lakeside town, cradled among the misty hills, will feature the Kandy City Centre, bundled with latest and world-class brands, bazaar, an arts & crafts centre, as well as a gem museum & lapidary. Walk-in colour as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market. Fine tube your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music & drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka. Savour dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Kandy.
Day 4 : KANDY – PERADENIYA – TEA PLANTATION – NUWARA ELIYA (80 km – 2.5hrs)
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Oak Ray Summerhill Breeze or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Delight with breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Nuwara Eliya. Morning visit Peradeniya royal botanical garden. First developed as a pleasure garden under royalty and later harmonized by the British, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya - today bundled with the most welcoming facilities located just 4 miles off Kandy - is a flourishing national asset in the Wonder of Asia. Walk into this 147-acre bliss of an experience, passing well-tended lawns, pavilions & an octagon conservatory to be greeted by the vast expanse of a magnificently landscaped lush green turf which will encourage you for an exhilarating break. Towards the north of the entrance rests a cafeteria that one might come across before stepping into some of the highlights - the orchid house & giant Javan fig tree - of this place which overflow in grace. Transfer from Peradeniya to Nuwara Eliya. In-route visit to a Tea Plantation. As you observe the hissing and swishing of machines, inhaling the heavenly scent arising from these facilities, make sure to end your day in style over a perfectly blended cup of pure Ceylon Tea. Transfer from Tea Plantation to Nuwara Eliya. Savour dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 5 : NUWARA ELIYA – KITULGALA – COLOMBO (170km – 4.5hrs)
Location: Colombo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: GOH Colombo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Wake up to a rich breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Colombo via Kitulgala. If adventure close to Colombo is your pick, then Kitulgala is your bliss! Grab your gear and toss into the wild rapids for a seamless rafting challenge on white water, thundering downstream throwing rafters far & wide. Hop from rock to rock upstream for a mind-blowing waterfall jump that should strain your voice to the core or slide down to the darkest depths of caves haunted by millions of bats. If hardcore adventurism is not for you, then simply trek along the beaten track to admire the immaculate beauty of the wilderness. Transfer from Kitulgala to Colombo - Evening visit Colombo city. Drive along the clean streets edging the crystal white Race Course, horse racing hub in 1893 & World War II airstrip furnished today with lavish clothing, food & tea boutiques. Meanwhile, ride to Pettah & tune into the Floating Market, an offbeat shopping experience, or feel the buzz surrounding the upcoming inspiration, the Colombo Port City. Head along Bauddhaloka Mawatha towards 'Arcade' facing a historic way post, the Independence Square. Every designer boutique, top-notch cuisine outlet and even the 'walk-over fish tank', have revamped this colonial masterpiece into one of the trendiest shopping and hangout zones in Sri Lanka. Have a chilled beer at the Dutch Hospital while gazing through fancy windows showcasing best fashion, jewellery & handicraft brands. Smell the scent of incense while listening to the chiming bells of Gangarama temple. Or, jazz up to Colombo's nightlife spiced by night clubs & casinos that borderline its bustle. Savour dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Colombo.
Day 6 : DEPARTURE COLOMBO (35km – 1hr)
Location: Colombo
Meals Included: Breakfast
One last breakfast at the hotel and transfer from Colombo to the airport for departure.
What's Included
TOUR GUIDE:
- Operated with English-speaking chauffeur-guide, other languages upon booking of the optional extra
ACCOMMODATION:
- 5 night’s accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 2 Habarana
Standard Hotel Category = Oakray Elephant Lake or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Amaya Lake or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Heritance Kandalama or similar 5*
Day 3 Kandy
Standard Hotel Category = Oakray Regency or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Radisson Kandy or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Earl’s Regency or similar 5*
Day 4 Nuwara Eliya
Standard Hotel Category = Oak Ray Summerhill Breeze or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Jetwing St Andrews or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Heritance Tea Factory or similar 5*
Day 5 Colombo
Standard Hotel Category = Fairway Colombo or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Radisson Colombo or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Cinnamon Lakeside or similar 5*
MEALS:
- 5 Breakfasts
- 5 Dinners
TRANSPORT:
- Arrival and departure private transfer from/to Bandaranaike International Airport
- Private transportation in an air-conditioning vehicle throughout the tour
ENTRANCE FEES & ACTIVITIES:
- All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Silver Temple, Sigiriya Rock, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Matale, Sacred Tooth Relic Template, Cultural Show, Botanical Garden in Peradeniya, Tea Plantation, Kitulgala White-Water Rafting
OTHER:
- Meet & Greet
- Government taxes
What's Not Included
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Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included.
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Flights
Domestic and international flights are not included.
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Lunches
Lunches are available upon an additional cost.
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Drinks
Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise) are not included.
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Guide on Departure Day
The guide is not available for the departure day.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours (if any) are not included.
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City Tax
City tax is not included and is payable on the spot.
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Unmentioned Visits
Any visit not mentioned in the program is not included.
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Porterage and Gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included.
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Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program are not included.
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Camera/Video Camera Fees
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any) are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc. are not included.
Requirements
Visitors of both genders have to wear decent clothing to cover the body appropriately when visiting religious places and shorts and sleeveless tops are not acceptable. This rule is strictly adhered to at all religious sites especially the Sacred Bo Tree and Stupas in Anuradhapura and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Visitors should remove hats, caps, shoes and slippers when entering buildings and sites with religious monuments. Most of these places have a secure facility at the entrance for visitors to leave behind shoes and slippers for a very small fee.
Please Note
- Please note alcohol will not be served in public areas in hotels and restaurants during religious holidays
- We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons
- Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed. The official check-in time at all hotels will be 12:00 pm-02:00 pm (depend on the hotel). The official check-out time at all hotels will be 11:00 am
- No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 2 Habarana
- Standard Hotel Category = Oakray Elephant Lake or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Amaya Lake or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Heritance Kandalama or similar 5*
- Standard Hotel Category = Oakray Regency or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Ozo Kandy or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Earl’s Regency or similar 5*
- Standard Hotel Category = Oak Ray Summerhill Breeze or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Jetwing St Andrews or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Heritance Tea Factory or similar 5*
- Standard Hotel Category = GOH Colombo or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Ozo Colombo or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Cinnamon Lakeside or similar 5*
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 2 Habarana
- Standard Hotel Category = Oakray Elephant Lake or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Amaya Lake or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Heritance Kandalama or similar 5*
Day 3 Kandy
- Standard Hotel Category = Oakray Regency or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Radisson Kandy or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Earl’s Regency or similar 5*
Day 4 Nuwara Eliya
- Standard Hotel Category = Oak Ray Summerhill Breeze or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Jetwing St Andrews or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Heritance Tea Factory or similar 5*
Day 5 Colombo
- Standard Hotel Category = Fairway Colombo or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Radisson Colombo or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Cinnamon Lakeside or similar 5*
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour. Arrival and departure private transfers from/to Bandaranaike International Airport are included.
Accommodation
Enjoy 5 nights of accommodation with options ranging from 3-star to 5-star hotels. Stay at Oakray Elephant Lake, Amaya Lake, or Heritance Kandalama in Habarana; Oakray Regency, Ozo Kandy, or Earl’s Regency in Kandy; Oak Ray Summerhill Breeze, Jetwing St Andrews, or Heritance Tea Factory in Nuwara Eliya; and GOH Colombo, Ozo Colombo, or Cinnamon Lakeside in Colombo. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of guide will be provided during the tour?
The tour will be operated with an English-speaking chauffeur-guide. Other languages are available upon booking of the optional extra.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 5 breakfasts and 5 dinners. Lunches are available at an additional cost as a full-board optional extra.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle is provided throughout the tour. Additionally, there are private transfers from and to Bandaranaike International Airport.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour package?
Yes, all entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included. This includes visits to the Silver Temple, Dambulla, Sigiriya Rock, Polonnaruwa, Sacred Tooth Relic Temple, Cultural Show, Botanical Garden, Kithulgala White-Water Rafting, and Gangaramaya Temple.
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What are the accommodation options available during the tour?
Accommodation options vary by location and category. For example, in Habarana, you can choose from Oakray Elephant Lake (3*), Amaya Lake (4*), or Heritance Kandalama (5*). Similar options are available in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Colombo.
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Are there any specific clothing requirements for visiting religious sites?
Yes, visitors of both genders must wear decent clothing that covers the body appropriately when visiting religious places. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not acceptable. Hats, caps, shoes, and slippers must be removed when entering buildings and sites with religious monuments.
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Is alcohol served during the tour?
Please note that alcohol will not be served in public areas in hotels and restaurants during religious holidays.
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What activities are included in the visit to Kitulgala?
In Kitulgala, you can enjoy white-water rafting, waterfall jumps, and cave exploration. If you prefer less adventurous activities, you can trek along the beaten track to admire the beauty of the wilderness.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
YES, A friendly and professional tour leader tasked with ensuring the smooth operations of the tour, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the entire trip. His role primarily includes assisting with accommodation and transportation between locations while sharing the knowledge about social and cultural splendours of Sri Lanka.
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Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
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CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Sri Lanka is a year-round holiday destination with two monsoon seasons so there is a lot of confusion around when is the best time to visit. The weather doesn't run like clockwork here! However, there will rarely be weather so dramatic that it will stand in the way of a brilliant holiday with plenty of warm weather and sunshine. The temperature is constant at around 27°C on the coast, both the air
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What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is not mandatory and it's up tour personal wish.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
yes
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
yes, it is indeed
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Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
The tour is guaranteed to departure even with a single person. However, in case of any cancellation, we'll inform you in advance and the full refund will be given.
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What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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What is an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an official authorization for a Short Visit to Sri Lanka issued via an online system. You need ETA if you wish to visit Sri Lanka as a Tourist, on Business or on Transit. No passport copies, documents or photographs are required to obtain ETA. It will cost USD $30. However, during the sometime of the year government offers FREE visa for tourists.
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Travellers are requested to maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters between two people at all times. > Travellers are requested to adhere to recommended hygiene procedures, such as travelling with and wearing a face mask and/or gloves when required to do so. > Keep 70% alcohol rub/hand sanitizer to use frequently.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Fairly good
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Up to 40KG per person
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What currencies are required for this tour?
Sri Lankan Rupees (you can exchange currency at the Sri Lanka airport or tour leader will assist you to exchange at the local banks)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
yes, completely and according to our Health & Safety standards
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Low Deposit
Aitken Spence Travels requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aitken spence travels charges.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Cultural Highlights of Sri Lanka 6 Days, Private Tour
6 Days Starting and ending in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Visiting: Habarana, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Colombo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
439537
Group Type:
Private
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 8
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Please Advise Request
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology, Wildlife Tours
