Colombo, Caves & Kandy - 8 days
Colombo, Caves & Kandy - 8 days
Colombo, Caves & Kandy - 8 days
8 Days Starting and ending in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Visiting: Colombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1059/CCK
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
15-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Ruins-Archaeology, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through Sri Lanka with the "Colombo, Caves & Kandy" tour. Begin your adventure in Colombo, exploring the vibrant city and its historic sites. Discover the ancient wonders of Polonnaruwa and the breathtaking Sigiriya Lion Rock fortress. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of Dambulla's cave temples and enjoy a unique culinary experience in Kayanwala Village. In Kandy, visit the revered Temple of the Tooth and enjoy a cultural performance. Experience the lush landscapes of Nuwara Eliya on a scenic train ride and explore the tea plantations. Conclude your journey with a thrilling safari in Udawalawe National Park, home to Sri Lanka's largest herd of Asian elephants. With guided sightseeing, luxurious accommodations, and authentic local experiences, this tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: OZO Colombo
Saturday. Welcome to Sri Lanka! Airport arrival transfer and remainder of the day at leisure. Our start hotel located on the seafront is a short walk from Galle Road and many of the city highlights. Choose to head out and explore, take a dip in the pool or enjoy a cocktail whilst you watch the perfect sunset over the Laccodive Sea.
Day 2: Dambulla
Location: Dambulla
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jetwing Lake
Meals Included: Breakfast
Colombo - Dambulla - Polonnaruwa - Dambulla. Bidding farewell to Colombo this morning we drive inland to Dambulla, stopping en route at a fruit and vegetable market in Naramwela Town. Dambulla Rock Temple is an incredible ancient complex of caves which date back to the 1st Century BC. The five caves contain over 150 images of Buddha including an impressive 14 metre carved statue.
After exploring this ancient site, we continue to Polonnaruwa. This fascinating 11th century city is home to many interesting ruins and famous monuments including the Royal Palace and the Gal Vihara. Polonnaruwa was once the capital and is also the second most ancient city in Sri Lanka. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This evening we return to Dambulla for an evening at leisure.
Day 3: Sigiriya
Location: Sigiriya
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: OZO Kandy Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Dambulla - Sigiriya - Kandy. This morning we explore Sigiriya and the famous ‘Lion Rock’ fortress. Built over 1500 years ago, this beautiful citadel stands 200 meters high in the middle of verdant jungle and was an important stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. It can be viewed from miles around and is definitely one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic and famous sites. You’ll be able to view the world famous paintings of the Heavenly Maidens which stand in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway.
From Sigiriya we take a local hand tractor ride and short canoe trip to the village of Kayanwala. Here, at Kayanwala Village we take part in a cookery demonstration in a mud brick home of a local woman and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch of curry, dahl, spiced rice, pickle and more. En route to Kandy we stop off a spice garden in Matale, to see the different herbs and spices, which Sri Lanka is famous for. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed.
Day 4: Kandy
Location: Kandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: OZO Kandy Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we take a sightseeing tour of Kandy - the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings. Our first stop will be the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Legend has it that one of Buddha's teeth was taken from him as he lay on his funeral pyre. It was then smuggled into Sri Lanka in 313AD. It now attracts daily pilgrims who come bearing lotus flowers and frangipani. After driving around Kandy Lake - built by the last Sinhala king, we visit the local bazaar and a gem museum, we then enjoy a Tuk Tuk ride up into the surrounding hills.
This afternoon, we stop at a working tea factory at Geragama. Geragama Tea Factory is located in close proximity to the city of Kandy and was established in the year 1903, manufacturing 'Low Grown' and 'Long Leaf' tea. This evening, we watch a cultural performance of traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.
Day 5: Nuwara Eliya
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jetwing St Andrew's
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kandy - Nuwara Eliya. This morning offers free time before transferring to the railway station for our scenic train trip. Passing kilometre upon kilometre of verdant tea plantations that hug the winding mountain passes, we'll see waterfalls, suspension bridges and tea pickers on our journey up to Nuwara Eliya - Sri Lanka’s most popular hill resort. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country producing a significant share of the world’s best tea.
This afternoon we take a beautiful drive through Nuwara Eliya - an area known locally as 'Little England'.
Day 6: Udawalawe National Park
Location: Udawalawe National Park
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Udawalawe National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Nuwara Eliya - Udawalawe National Park. Today we head south to Embilipitiya, our base for exploring Udawalawe National Park. This national park is probably one of the best places to spot the famous Sri Lankan Elephant, the biggest of all the Asian Elephants. It is thought that there are around 400 elephants here. The park is also home to the elusive leopard, the Sri Lankan sloth bear and varies types of deer. We take an afternoon game drive here before returning to our hotel for the night.
Day 7: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: OZO Colombo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Udawalawe National Park - Colombo. This morning we visit the Gem Mine and Museum at Ratnapura. Sri Lanka is famous for its gem industry and is home to 40 out of the 85 types of gems in the world.
Arrival Colombo and commence a city tour, seeing the Fort area in the north of the city famous for its government buildings and interesting shops. We'll see the stunning Gangarama Temple and take a stroll along Galle Face Green, a popular spot for kite flying and games of cricket.
Day 8: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Saturday. Today offers free time for you to independently explore the city, before your included departure transfer to the airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4-5 star & heritage hotels -
Breakfast daily and 1 lunch
Enjoy daily breakfast and one lunch during the tour.
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7 nights 4-5 star hotels and heritage properties
Stay in 4-5 star hotels and heritage properties for 7 nights.
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Guided sightseeing - Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe and Colombo
Experience guided sightseeing tours in Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe, and Colombo.
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Scenic train trip from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, canoe ride and tuk tuk trips
Take a scenic train trip from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, enjoy a canoe ride, and experience tuk tuk trips.
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Jeep safari/game drive in Udawalawe National Park
Participate in a jeep safari/game drive in Udawalawe National Park.
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Escorted by an English-speaking national guide for groups of 6 or more
Groups of 6 or more will be escorted by an English-speaking national guide.
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Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 8
Receive airport arrival and departure transfers on days 1 and 8.
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All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles
All relevant transfers and transportation will be provided in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visa
International flights and visa are not included in the tour package.
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Tip for your tour guide
Tips for your tour guide are not included.
It is recommended to allow USD$3-7 per day, per traveller. -
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees ranging from USD$150-$170 per person, paid in USD, are not included.
Age Policy
Over 15 if accompanied by an adult
Accommodation
Experience luxury and comfort at top hotels like Radisson Hotel Colombo, Cinnamon Lakeside, Jetwing Lake, Radisson Hotel Kandy, Jetwing St Andrew's, Araliya Green Hills, and Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort. Enjoy modern amenities, stunning views, and exceptional dining options, ensuring a memorable stay throughout your journey.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with private air-conditioned vehicles, scenic train rides from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, and tuk tuk trips. Enjoy airport transfers on arrival and departure days, and explore Udawalawe National Park with a thrilling jeep safari.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Udawalawe National Park?
In Udawalawe National Park, you can expect to see the famous Sri Lankan Elephant, which is the largest of all Asian elephants. The park is also home to leopards, Sri Lankan sloth bears, and various types of deer.
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What is special about the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy?
The Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy is special because it houses one of Buddha's teeth, which was smuggled into Sri Lanka in 313AD. It attracts daily pilgrims who come bearing lotus flowers and frangipani.
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What activities are included in the visit to Kayanwala Village?
In Kayanwala Village, you will take part in a cookery demonstration in a local woman's mud brick home and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch of curry, dahl, spiced rice, pickle, and more.
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What can I expect during the scenic train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya?
During the scenic train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, you will pass through verdant tea plantations, see waterfalls, suspension bridges, and tea pickers, offering a picturesque view of Sri Lanka's tea country.
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What is the significance of Sigiriya's Lion Rock fortress?
Sigiriya's Lion Rock fortress is significant as it is a beautiful citadel built over 1500 years ago, standing 200 meters high in the jungle. It was an important stronghold of a fortified town and is one of Sri Lanka's most iconic sites.
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What is unique about the accommodation at Jetwing St. Andrew's?
Jetwing St. Andrew's is unique as it is a colonial retreat set in a former country house surrounded by landscaped gardens. It offers a classic colonial feel with elegant wood furnishings and features like an antique snooker table, the oldest in Sri Lanka.
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What can I learn at the spice garden in Matale?
At the spice garden in Matale, you will learn about the different herbs and spices that Sri Lanka is famous for, including how some of these spices are grown and processed.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person 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 on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.