Overview
Sri Lanka: Ancient Capitals & Wild Kingdoms
Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour of Sri Lanka, where ancient cities, wildlife encounters, and warm village traditions come together in perfect balance. Witness one of Asia’s most remarkable natural spectacles as herds of wild elephants gather in open grasslands on guided game drives through premier national parks. From early morning safaris in Yala—home to leopards, elephants, and abundant birdlife—to up close conservation encounters at the Elephant Transit Home, Sri Lanka reveals its wild side in refreshingly intimate ways.Beyond the parks lies a treasure trove of experiences that deepen your connection to the land and its people. Climb the dramatic heights of Sigiriya, wander among the ruins at Polonnaruwa, and trace centuries of devotion at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Travel through misty highlands and rolling tea plantations by scenic rail, learn how spices shaped Sri Lanka’s history at a private garden visit, and gather with villagers for a traditional Paduru Party arranged just for you. Along the coast, discover cinnamon plantations, try your hand at stilt fishing, and explore the historic fort of Galle before ending in vibrant Colombo. Carefully curated for your small group, this journey offers a mosaic of wildlife encounters and meaningful moments—proof that Sri Lanka’s greatest treasures roam free.
Highlights of Sri Lanka: Ancient Capitals & Wild Kingdoms
City Highlights
Price Details US
Transportation
Notes
Maximum enjoyment of this vacation requires walking on uneven surfaces, stone pathways, and climbing stairs.
Travelers Notes
Special features included in this tour: • Afternoon game drive in Minneriya National Park• Guided visits to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa• Traditional rural lunch at a local café, with dishes cooked in clay pots and pans• [LF] Evening Paduru Party, a lively village style gathering with local flavor• Visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple• Private spice garden visit and lunch • Visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic • Hands on Sri Lankan cooking class• Kandyan dance and drumming performance• Visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya• Tea plantation tour and walking tour of Nuwara Eliya• [LF] High tea at the historic Hill Club• Scenic train journey from Ambewela to Ella• Tuk tuk ride to view the iconic Nine Arches Bridge• Morning game drive in Yala National Park• Visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home• Hands on pottery workshop with local artisans• Guided walking tour of Galle and visit to Dutch Fort• Visit to a cinnamon plantation• [LF] Stilt fishing lesson with local fishermen• Arrack tasting class, introducing Sri Lanka’s signature spirit• Visit to a turtle hatchery• Day use room in Colombo prior to departure
UNESCO Sites
Dambulla Cave Temple|Old Town of Galle|Polonnaruwa|Sacred City of Kandy|Sigiriya
Product Group
Sri Lanka: Ancient Capitals & Wild Kingdoms
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN COLOMBO, SRI LANKA Your Small Group Discovery tour begins! Welcome to Colombo, the nation’s capital, where colonial-era architecture meets a dynamic modern city. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.
Day 2
COLOMBO–HABARANA Into the Wild Depart Colombo this morning and journey inland to Habarana, gateway to Sri Lanka’s famed Cultural Triangle. This afternoon, set out on an exciting game drive in Minneriya National Park. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTExperience Sri Lanka’s rich wildlife heritage on a guided safari through one of its premier national parks. These protected reserves are among the best places in the country to see wild elephants, along with deer, birdlife, and other native species, all from the comfort of an open air safari vehicle.NOTE: The location of today’s game drive is selected based on seasonal elephant migration patterns to ensure the best possible wildlife viewing opportunities. When conditions are not optimal in Minneriya National Park, the safari will take place in Kaudulla or Hurulu National Park, where elephant activity is more prominent.
Day 3
HABARANA Citadels & Ancient Capitals This morning, visit the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dramatically rising above the surrounding plains. Continue to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, once the royal capital of Sri Lanka and now an expansive archaeological park dotted with palaces, shrines, and serene Buddha statues. Lunch is served at a rural café, where traditional dishes are prepared using clay pots and pans. The afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a [LF] Paduru Party, a lively local gathering featuring music, storytelling, and village style hospitality. (B,L,D)LOCAL FAVORITEVillage Hospitality Join a festive Paduru Party, a traditional village gathering where locals come together for conversation, music, and shared meals. Named for the straw mats (paduru) traditionally used for seating, this celebration highlights Sri Lanka’s strong sense of community and hospitality. Enjoy regional dishes and lively entertainment in a warm, welcoming setting.
Day 4
HABARANA–DAMBULLA–MATALE–KANDY Sacred Spaces Begin with a visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring centuries old Buddhist murals and statues set within a dramatic complex of hillside caves. Continue to Matale for a private visit to a spice garden, where you’ll learn about Sri Lanka’s prized spices, followed by lunch. Later, arrive in Kandy and visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism’s most important pilgrimage sites. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Spicy Traditions Enjoy a private visit to a spice garden in Matale. Long prized for its fertile soil and ideal climate, Sri Lanka has been renowned for its spices since ancient times. Learn how cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and other spices shaped Sri Lanka’s history and cuisine, then savor an authentic lunch prepared with these same fresh herbs and spices cultivated in the garden.
Day 5
KANDY Culture & Cuisine Visit a local home in the hills of Kandy for a hands on Sri Lankan cooking experience. Begin at a neighborhood market to select fresh ingredients, then savor the traditional lunch dishes you’ve helped prepare in the home kitchen. This afternoon, explore Kandy’s artistic heritage with a visit to the Ancient Craft Artisans to observe the time-honored process of traditional brass making. Tonight, enjoy a Kandyan dance and drumming performance. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Kandyan Rhythms This evening, gather for a Kandyan dance and drumming performance arranged especially for your small group. Thundering drums, athletic movements, and brilliantly detailed costumes fill the stage as centuries old hill country traditions come vividly to life.
Day 6
KANDY–NUWARA ELIYA Highland Retreat Travel through the lush central highlands this morning, stopping at the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, celebrated for its extensive collection of tropical plants and orchids. Continue your journey to the charming town of Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as “Little England.” (B)
Day 7
NUWARA ELIYA Tea Country in the Clouds Today features a visit to the Pedro Tea Estate, where you’ll learn about the art of Ceylon tea production from leaf to cup. Enjoy a walking tour of Nuwara Eliya, discovering its distinctive colonial era architecture set against a backdrop of misty hills and rolling tea estates. This afternoon, indulge in [LF] high tea at the historic Hill Club. (B)LOCAL FAVORITEHigh Tea Traditions Savor a classic high tea at the Hill Club, one of Nuwara Eliya’s most iconic colonial-era institutions. Enjoy fragrant Ceylon teas, delicate pastries, and savory treats as panoramic views of rolling hills and manicured greenery unfold beyond the windows, creating a truly memorable tea country moment.
Day 8
NUWARA ELIYA–ELLA–YALA NATIONAL PARK From hills to plains Board a scenic train from Ambewela to Ella, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world. Travel by tuk tuk to view the dramatic Nine Arches Bridge, nestled among lush green hills. From here, continue south to Yala National Park. Dinner is included at your resort tonight. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTRails in the Mist Enjoy a memorable train journey through Sri Lanka’s central highlands, where mist shrouded hills rise and fall beside emerald tea estates, creating ever changing scenery as the train winds along the mountainsides. Traveling in comfortable, air conditioned reserved seating, sit back as drifting clouds, waterfalls, and quiet hillside villages glide past your window.
Day 9
YALA NATIONAL PARK Rise early for a morning game drive through Yala National Park. The afternoon is at leisure to relax and enjoy your lodge’s natural surroundings. You may choose to join an optional afternoon game drive for another opportunity to spot wildlife. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLeopard Country Enjoy a game drive by Jeep in Yala National Park, home to one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, with sightings of these beautiful creatures not uncommon. Yala is a bird-watcher’s paradise, with around 230 species recorded in the park. You may also spot elephants, sloth bears, water buffalo, macaques, and mugger crocodiles.
Day 10
YALA–UDAWALAWE–GALLE Travel toward the southern coast today, stopping at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home to observe young elephants being rehabilitated before release back into the wild. Participate in a hands on pottery workshop, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Galle, Sri Lanka’s historic seaside town. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTConservation in Motion Established in 1995, the Elephant Transit Home is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and successful release of orphaned elephant calves back into the wild. Learn how injured and displaced young elephants receive care and nourishment with minimal human interaction, an essential approach that helps prepare them for a successful return to their natural habitat.
Day 11
GALLE–EXCURSION TO WELIGAMA Heritage on the Coast Begin the day with a visit to a cinnamon plantation to learn about one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated exports, then travel to Weligama for a [LF] stilt fishing experience. Return to Galle for a guided walking tour of the UNESCO listed Dutch Fort. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts an arrack tasting class introducing Sri Lanka’s signature spirit followed by a festive farewell dinner. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITEPerched Above the Sea Visit a traditional stilt fishing site along the southern coast for a closer look at this distinctive local practice, known as Ritipanna. Perched above the water on narrow wooden poles anchored to the seabed, fishermen demonstrate a technique that has been passed down through generations. Learn about the lifestyle and traditions of the fishing community before receiving an invitation to carefully step onto the stilts yourself and try this iconic seaside skill firsthand.
Day 12
GALLE–COLOMBO Homeward Bound Visit a turtle hatchery this morning to learn about conservation efforts protecting Sri Lanka’s marine life. Continue to Colombo and visit the Barefoot Gallery, a pioneer of Sri Lankan textile design known for its locally produced handcrafted works. After lunch at a garden café, take a walking heritage tour of Colombo. Day use rooms are reserved for you to relax before your flight this evening. Please schedule flights to depart Colombo International Airport after 8pm. (B,L)NOTE: Your tour ends at the hotel after the heritage tour. If you would like to extend your stay in Colombo, extra nights are available for purchase.
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | The Kingsbury | The Kingsbury Hotel's prime location is steps away from shopping, entertainment and the excitement of Colombo, offering panoramic views of the harbor and Galle Face Green. Comfortable rooms combine modern luxury with sophisticated amenities, with floor to ceiling windows that bring in the natural light and city or harbour views. | Colombo | 48 Janadhipathi Mawatha | Moderate Deluxe |
| 2 | Cinnamon Lodge Habarana | Nature and comfort come together at Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, which is tucked away next to a serene lake and surrounded by beautiful flora. Savor fresh, organic delicacies, stroll through butterfly gardens, and wake up to the sound of birdsong. | Habarana | PO Box 02 | |
| 3 | Kandy Myst by Cinnamon | Mist-covered mountains provide the backdrop for this modern hotel in Kandy, while the lively pulse of the city plays out right outside your door. Rooms come with well-appointed amenities and comfort. The rooftop infinity pool is a place above the city to take in the sweeping views for a peaceful getaway right in the heart of the action. | Kandy | 273, Katugastota Road | First-Class |
| 4 | Jetwing St. Andrews | Jetwing St. Andrew's is surrounded by a blanket of tea plantations and mountain clouds high above Sri Lanka's coastal plains. Enjoy all the delights of upcountry luxury and travel back in time. Jetwing St. Andrew's provides a blend of contemporary and vintage amenities, including one of the oldest snooker tables in Sri Lanka. | Nuwara Eliya | No. 10, St. Andrew's Rd | First-Class |
| 5 | Jetwing Yala | Jetwing Yala is located in an unexplored area of coastal wilderness at the end of Sri Lanka's southern seashore, ideally situated between the natural beauties of Yala National Park and the quiet Indian Ocean. Jetwing Yala is furnished with an array of contemporary amenities. Each room features hues of red and green to immerse guests into a tropical feel. | Yala | Palatupana | Superior First-Class |
| 6 | Radisson Blu Resort, Galle | The Radisson Blu Resort in Galle is the ideal beach getaway. Take in the views of the warm, turquoise waves of the Indian Ocean. Unwind in luxuriously designed rooms with private balconies and breathtaking scenery. The resort has diverse dining options from fresh local dishes to international delicacies to choose from before ending the evening at the rooftop bar with stunning views of the ocean as the sun sets. | Galle | 523C Galle, Colombo Road | Superior First-Class |
