Splendors of Sri Lanka - Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available

Splendors of Sri Lanka - Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available

50 Views
6 Days From

$2115

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Discover the "Splendors of Sri Lanka" on this captivating tour that takes you through the island's most iconic cultural and historical landmarks. Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Colombo, where you can explore its historic streets and cosmopolitan charm. Marvel at the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the well-preserved Dambulla Cave Temple with its stunning Buddha statues and paintings. Experience the serene beauty of Kandy, home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, and stroll through its lush gardens and palaces. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, with comfortable accommodations and guided tours to enhance your experience. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress: An ancient rock fortress built in the 5th century by King Kasyapa.

  • Kandy: A beautiful city set on a plateau in Sri Lanka’s central region surrounded by mountains covered in tea plantations and a bio-diverse rainforest.

  • Dambulla Cave Temple: The largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka.

  • Polonnaruwa Ancient Kingdom: A thriving commercial and religious center 800 years ago with archaeological treasures.

  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: A golden-roofed temple in Kandy housing Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic.

  • Gangaramaya Temple: One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo.

  • Colombo walking city tour: Explore the historic streets, colorful back alleys, and famous landmarks of Colombo.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : ARRIVAL COLOMBO

Location: Colombo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ozo Colombo 4* or Cinnamon Grand 5*

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport. There you will be met by our representative and the transportation service will then transfer you from the airport to Colombo, where you will check in to your hotel and enjoy some time to relax and freshen up after your flight. You can enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, relax in the hotel or head out into the vibrant city of Colombo for a sneak preview of its historic streets, colourful back alleys and most famous landmarks. Visit the Pettah District, one of Colombo’s oldest regions, and imagine a time when the streets were teeming with ox carts loaded up with the island’s most important exports such as rubber, tea, cinnamon, kithul treacle, rope and peacocks. Head over to Colombo’s more cosmopolitan side for stylish eateries, galleries and shops or walk to the sea front to look out over the Indian Ocean. 

  • Overnight In Colombo.

Day 2 : COLOMBO – HABRANA / SIGIRIYA (180km – 4hrs)

Location: Sigiriya

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Habrana Village by Cinnamon 4* or Habrana Lodge 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel, then prepare for your tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The enigmatic rocky outcrop of Sigiriya is perhaps Sri Lanka's single most dramatic sight. Near-vertical walls soar to a flat-topped summit where the ruins of an ancient civilization sit. This 5th century citadel built by King Kasyapa is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning and one of Sri Lanka’s finest monuments of art and culture. The fortress complex includes remnants of a ruined palace, surrounded by an extensive network of fortifications, vast gardens, ponds, canals, alleys, fountains and frescoes. Step through the gigantic Lion Paws carved into the rock and look down over the symmetrical royal gardens, lily-pad-covered moats, water gardens and cave shrines. Walk in the shade of the Mirror Wall on the Western face of Sigiriya. In the past, this wall was polished so thoroughly that the king could see his reflection in it. Visit the museum to learn about the castle, ponds and the impressive hydraulic system that pumped water up to the summit of the rock. At the end of the tour, transfer from Sigiriya to Habarana. 

  • Overnight in Habarana. Breakfast included.

Day 3 : HABRANA – SIGIRIYA (15 Km – 30 min)

Location: Polonnaruwa

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Habrana Village by Cinnamon 4* or Habrana Lodge 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then transfer from Habarana to Polonnaruwa. Visit the Polonnaruwa Ancient Kingdom. Kings ruled the central plains of Sri Lanka from Polonnaruwa 800 years ago, when it was a thriving commercial and religious centre. The archaeological treasures left behind give you a good idea of what it would have looked like in its heyday. Walk around the World Heritage Site and observe the stupas, resting Buddha statues, irrigation canals and intricately carved Hindu sculptures. Visit Vatadage, a structure more or less unique to the architecture of ancient Sri Lanka, which is full of ornate stone carvings. Sit beside Gal Vihara and marvel at the most perfect example of a Buddha statue hewn out of solid stone. Then take in the majesty of the Nissankamalla Council Chamber, the pillared hall where King Nissanka Malla's council would have met. Lastly, visit Parakrama Samudra, the 12th century irrigation system built by King Parakramabahu to alleviate the water shortages between the monsoon seasons. In the evening, transfer from Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya.

  • Overnight in Habarana. Breakfast included.

Day 4 : SIGIRIYA – KANDY (90km – 2.5hrs)

Location: Kandy

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Earls’ Regent 4* or Earls Regency 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel then prepare for a day exploring Dambulla and Kandy. First, visit Dambulla Cave Temple, a beautiful rock temple complex sitting about 160 m above Dambulla. Five separate caves contain about 150 Buddha statues and paintings, some of Sri Lanka's most important and evocative religious art. As you enter the complex, look up at the giant golden Buddha glittering in the sun. After your visit to Dambulla, continue to Kandy to visit the Temple of the Tooth, the golden-roofed temple that houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Buddha. In the afternoon, visit the city of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Sacred City, which boasts a wealth of culture, history and religious heritage. Stroll around the lakeside city surrounded by misty hills and take in the sights and sounds of the fresh fruit and vegetable stands in Kandy market. In the evening, join a cultural show and move to the beat of traditional Sri Lankan music and drumming, a true demonstration of the rich and vibrant culture of the jewel of Asia. 

  • Overnight in Kandy. Breakfast included.

Day 5 : KANDY – COLOMBO (120Km – 3.5hrs)

Location: Colombo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ozo Colombo 4* or Cinnamon Grand 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer from Kandy back to Colombo, the ‘City of Everything’. This charismatic, historic and commercial capital has always been popular with locals and tourists alike. The capital of Sri Lanka has a long history and has been ruled successively by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. That heritage is reflected in its mix of colonial buildings, old bazaars and markets and new high-rises and shopping malls. There is also a wealth of religious and cultural heritage on offer. Visit the Gangaramaya Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo, then take a short-cut through to one of the best and not-so-secret street food spots in the city. The bustling streets of Slave Island and Pettah will give you a true feel for Colombo life. Enter a Sri Lankan bar and taste Sri Lankan arrack, then sample a selection of authentic Sri Lankan street food – the fiery flavours are a true delight for the taste buds. Don’t forget to try a traditional Kottu Roti. When you can’t eat any more, jump aboard one of Sri Lanka’s famous tuk-tuks and enjoy the ride back to your hotel.

  • Overnight in Colombo. Breakfast included.

Day 6 : DEPARTURE COLOMBO

Location: Colombo

Meals Included: Breakfast

After finishing your breakfast, prepare for your departure and transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport in time for your onward or return flight. Although this is the last day of your journey through some of the most fascinating locations in Sri Lanka, we hope that your memories and photographs of this remarkable, colourful island nation will last a lifetime.

  • Breakfast included.

What's Included

TOUR GUIDE: 

  • Operated with English-speaking chauffeur/ guide on shared basis               

ACCOMMODATION: 

  • 5 nights accommodation

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1, 5 Colombo:

Superior Hotel Category = Radisson Colombo or similar 4* 

Deluxe Hotel Category = Cinnamon Grand or similar 5*

Day 2,3 Habarana:

Superior Hotel Category = Habarana Village by Cinnamon or similar 4* 

Deluxe Hotel Category = Habarana Lodge or similar 5*

Day 4 Kandy:

Superior Hotel Category = Earls’s Regent or similar 4* 

Deluxe Hotel Category = Earls Regency or similar 5*

MEALS: 

  • 5 Breakfasts 

TRANSPORT:

  • Shared transport throughout the tour
  • Arrival airport transfer / Departure airport transfer
  • Tuk Tuk ride back to hotel

ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES: 

  • All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: One-time entrance fee to Sigiriya Rock Fortress (day 2), Polonnaruwa Ancient Kingdom (day 3), One-time entrance fee to Dambulla Cave Temple (day 4), Temple of Tooth (day 4), Colombo walking city tour and Gangaramaya temple (day 5)

OTHER:

  • Meet and Greet on day 1                                                 
  • A straw hat woven by locals (on day 1)
  • Flowers at Gangaramaya Temple (on day 5)
  • 1 shot of Arrack or a non-alcoholic beverage at a local bar, sweets at a local sweet shop, one bite of Beetle leaves (on day 5)

What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenditures

    Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, and meals or items not stated explicitly in the programme.

  • Lunch and Dinner

    Lunch and dinner throughout the tour are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for the driver and guide are not included.

  • Drinks

    Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, etc., are not included.

  • Photography Permits

    Video camera and photography permits at the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc., are not included.

  • Cultural Show

    Cultural show on day 4 is not included.

Requirements

Comfortable and warm clothing is the most suitable for travelling. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.  

...more ...less

Please Note

  • Hotel early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms, smoking rooms & non-smoking rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed
  • The Validity of the passport should be 06 months from the date of departure.
  • Please note alcohol will not be served in public areas in hotels and restaurants during religious holidays.
  • Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1, 5 Colombo:

  • Superior Hotel Category = Ozo Colombo 4* or similar
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Cinnamon Grand 5*  or similar

Day 2,3 Habarana:

  • Superior Hotel Category = Habarana Village by Cinnamon 4*  or similar
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Habarana Lodge 5* or similar

Day 4 Kandy:

  • Superior Hotel Category = Earls’s Regent 4* or similar
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Earls Regency 5* or similar

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1, 5 Colombo:

  • Superior Hotel Category = Radisson Colombo or similar 4* 
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Cinnamon Grand or similar 5*

Day 2,3 Habarana:

  • Superior Hotel Category = Habarana Village by Cinnamon or similar 4* 
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Habarana Lodge or similar 5*

Day 4 Kandy:

  • Superior Hotel Category = Earls’s Regent or similar 4* 
  • Deluxe Hotel Category = Earls Regency or similar 5*

Mode of Transport

Travel in air-conditioned comfort with transportation provided as per the program, including arrival and departure airport transfers, and a unique tuk-tuk ride back to the hotel.

Accommodation

Enjoy 5 nights of accommodation with options ranging from 4-star hotels like Ozo Colombo and Habrana Village by Cinnamon to 5-star hotels such as Cinnamon Grand and Habrana Lodge, ensuring a comfortable stay throughout your journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of guide will be provided during the tour?

    The tour will be operated with an English-speaking chauffeur/guide on a shared basis.

  • What kind of accommodation is included in the tour?

    The tour includes 5 nights of accommodation with options for Superior and Deluxe hotel categories in Colombo, Habarana/Sigiriya, and Kandy.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package includes 5 breakfasts.

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    Air-conditioned transportation is provided as stated in the program, including arrival and departure airport transfers and a Tuk Tuk ride back to the hotel.

  • Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour?

    Yes, one-time entrance fees to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Polonnaruwa Ancient Kingdom, Dambulla Cave Temple, Temple of Tooth, Colombo walking city tour, and Gangaramaya temple are included.

  • What special activities are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a meet and greet on day 1, flowers at Gangaramaya Temple, a straw hat woven by locals, 1 shot of Arrack or a non-alcoholic beverage at a local bar, sweets at a local sweet shop, and one bite of Beetle leaves.

  • What is the itinerary for the first day of the tour?

    On the first day, you will arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, be transferred to your hotel in Colombo, and have the rest of the day at your leisure to explore the city.

  • What will we do on the second day of the tour?

    On the second day, you will have breakfast at the hotel, then tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and transfer to Habarana for an overnight stay.

  • What are the main activities on the third day?

    On the third day, you will visit the Polonnaruwa Ancient Kingdom, explore its archaeological treasures, and return to Habarana for an overnight stay.

  • What can we expect on the fourth day of the tour?

    On the fourth day, you will visit Dambulla Cave Temple and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, explore the city of Kandy, and enjoy a cultural show in the evening.

  • What will we do on the fifth day?

    On the fifth day, you will transfer from Kandy to Colombo, visit the Gangaramaya Temple, explore the bustling streets of Slave Island and Pettah, taste Sri Lankan street food, and enjoy a tuk-tuk ride back to the hotel.

  • What happens on the last day of the tour?

    On the last day, you will have breakfast, prepare for departure, and be transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward or return flight.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • What is the tipping policy?

    Tipping is not mandatory and it's up tour personal wish.

  • Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

    yes

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    yes, it is indeed

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Are Visa fees included in the price?

    No, visa fees are not included

  • 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.

  • Are flights included in the tour?

    No, they are not included

  • 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.

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    Fairly good

  • When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

    Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers

  • Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

    Up to 40KG per person

  • 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)

  • 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.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    yes, completely and according to our Health & Safety standards

Reviews of this operator

Ewhite  

Myanmar Delights, Private Tour

31-Jan-2022

Excellent guide tour, we choose superior category with a beach extension, we choose privat better to manage properly the time expend in the temples . The guide showed us the real live in markets.. just amazing . Good local restaurants ¡ really good value for money. we booked as well 1 hour bike ride through the temples.. and the ballon ( such a incredible feeling ) ...more ...less

Susana Patricio  

Exclusive Tea Tour, Private Tour

23-Jan-2020

It was a fantastic experience, the country, the people, their entire culture. My driver was a charming person, very friendly, fun, always available and very professional. My only complaint is in relation to the hotels, as they are of low quality, taking into account that in my reservation I had made an extra payment for better accommodation, which in fact did not happen. Everything else was incredible and I highly recommend it ...more ...less

Silvia Thoma  

The Pick of Sri Lanka - Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available

16-Apr-2020

The itinerary was well designed and it was an unforgettable memory of Sri Lanka. Shall definitely visit again to experience more... Can't Wait...!!

AngelaMakowski's  

Review for Sacred Sri Lanka - Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available

17-Apr-2020

Wonderful Tour. Sri Lankan hospitality was amazing and people are super sweet. Thank you so much for everything. The gifts were amazing. Thank you...

1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Saturday

Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Tuesday - Sunday

Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Wednesday - Monday

Sep 03, 2025 - Sep 08, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Thursday - Tuesday

Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Friday - Wednesday

Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Sunday - Friday

Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Monday - Saturday

Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Tuesday - Sunday

Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Wednesday - Monday

Sep 10, 2025 - Sep 15, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Thursday - Tuesday

Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Friday - Wednesday

Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Sunday - Friday

Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Monday - Saturday

Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Tuesday - Sunday

Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Wednesday - Monday

Sep 17, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Thursday - Tuesday

Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Friday - Wednesday

Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 25, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Sunday - Friday

Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Monday - Saturday

Sep 22, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Tuesday - Sunday

Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Wednesday - Monday

Sep 24, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Thursday - Tuesday

Sep 25, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Friday - Wednesday

Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Saturday - Thursday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Sunday - Friday

Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Monday - Saturday

Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Tuesday - Sunday

Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025
$2115 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

Splendors of Sri Lanka - Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available

6 Days Starting and ending in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Visiting: Colombo, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy

Tour operator:

Aitken Spence Travels

Tour code:

164104

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

10 - 20

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

10-98

Special diets catered:

Please Advise Request

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $2115 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 31-Mar-2025 but subject to change.