Essential Sri Lanka
Highlights
Jet off on this short and sweet Journey, covering the must-see highlights of Sri Lanka and giving you an insight into its cultures and traditions in just six days. Starting in Negombo, you’ll climb the famous Sigirya Rock Fortress, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple and tour the mediaeval capital of Polonnaruwa, before finishing your holiday in historic Kandy.
Some of the highlights included are:
- Explore the Dutch-built canal network in seaside Negombo
- Climb to the top of Sigiriya’s rock fortress for pretty forest views
- Tour the mediaeval town of Polonnaruwa and admire the many sculptures
- Learn about Sri Lanka’s aromatic spices in Kandy
Holiday Type
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What's included
- International flights
- 4 nights in 4* hotels
- 4 breakfasts
- Services of a tour manager throughout your Journey, with airport meet & greets
- All transfers
Need to know
- Arrives: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
- Time difference: GMT+5:30
- Visa requirements: British passport holders require a tourist visa; please ask your travel consultant for more information
- Language: Sinhalese, Tamil, English
- Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
- Flying time from UK: Around 10½ hours
- Plug type: 3 large round pins
- Voltage: 230 volts/50 cycles
Your route
Itinerary
Fly from UK to
Negombo
Transfer to Negombo and explore its network of 17th century, Dutch canals, built in the 17th century to transport cinnamon and other spices to the coast. Walk along the canalside footpaths or ride a boat on the water and watch everyday life drift by. For an interesting day trip, hop in a boat and sail the Muthurajawela Marsh, looking out for kingfishers and herons. Negombo is also well known for its fish market, where you can watch fresh catches being auctioned off and see the fishermen in action.
4* Jetwing Sea

Sigiriya
Continue to Sigiriya, where you’ll climb the towering rock fortress and discover the five magnificent cave temples found deep within the rocks of Dambulla, all filled with exquisite paintings and intricate statues. Afterwards, walk around the crumbling ruins of Polonnaruwa, a World Heritage site laden with Buddha statues and stone carvings, as well as being crossed by some beautiful irrigation canals.
4* Aliya Resort & Spa

Kandy
Stop off at the delightful spice gardens on the outskirts of Kandy, learning about their properties and tasting a refreshing cup of herbal tea. Later on, tour the city itself, visiting the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and taking a stroll along the tranquil lakeshore to admire flowers and appreciate the cool breezes. In the evening, you’ll listen to some traditional music and drumming and watch the costumed dancers at a Sri Lankan cultural show.
4* Amaya Hills
