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Wonders of Sri Lanka - Classic Group - 10 Jan 2026 to 19 Dec 2026
Operated by Insight Vacations
Tripcode: A530M26
Overview
Destination:
Sri Lanka,
Start:Colombo, Sri Lanka
Finish:Colombo, Sri Lanka
Finish:Colombo, Sri Lanka
Duration:13 days
Type:Group tour (max 40)
Travel Period
January 2026 - December 2026
From the golden shores of Colombo to the misty highlands of Nuwara Eliya and the wild landscapes of Yala, experience the many faces of Sri Lanka on this unforgettable journey. Climb the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore the sacred temples of Kandy and Anuradhapura, and meet a practicing monk for a traditional blessing ceremony. Watch Asian elephants roam freely on safari in Yala National Park, then journey to the colonial streets of Galle Fort, where Dutch-era mansions overlook the Indian Ocean. Along the way, visit a working tea estate, enjoy high tea at the Grand Hotel and witness the skill of Weligama’s stilt fishermen. With amazing landscapes, rich traditions and warm hospitality at every turn, discover the Pearl of the Indian Ocean on a trip to Sri Lanka.
Standard inclusions
- 10 Dinner (D)
- 12 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Lunch (L)
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allArrival Colombo
Arrive in Sri Lanka’s lively capital, where colonial elegance meets modern vibrancy. Once the bustling heart of the ancient maritime Silk Road, Colombo has long been a crossroads of cultures, where European architecture blends with Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas and bustling spice markets. A warm welcome awaits you at your hotel, a serene retreat amidst the city’s dynamic energy. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a rooftop dinner. Indulge in an exceptional selection of locally sourced cuisine, curated to highlight the island’s rich culinary heritage, all while gazing out over Colombo’s skyline.
See the Sights of Colombo
Set off on a thrilling tuk-tuk ride through Colombo’s lively streets, where colonial grandeur meets South Asian vibrancy. Navigate the bustling lanes of Pettah Market, a historic trading hub where merchants have bartered goods for centuries. Gaze up at the striking Red Mosque, an architectural gem of Indo-Saracenic design. Step inside the 18th-century Wolvendaal Church, a Dutch-built landmark, before visiting the serene Gangaramaya Temple, where Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian and Chinese influences blend seamlessly. End your journey at the historic Hotel Nippon, once a favoured stop for traders and travellers, and sample its renowned mutton roll, a crisp, spiced delicacy.
Village Life in Hiriwadunna
Journey inland to Hiriwadunna, where the rhythm of rural life unfolds against a backdrop of lush farmland and tranquil waterways. Take a guided walk through village fields, where fresh produce flourishes under traditional farming methods, before enjoying a Farm-to-Table Lunch, crafted from seasonal ingredients and served in the open air. Explore ancient ruins at The Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs, an archaeological site where carefully arranged stone chambers reveal Sri Lanka’s early burial customs. It's a rare glimpse into the island’s prehistoric past, with artefacts that hint at sophisticated rituals and early craftsmanship. Later, arrive in Dambulla, where the evening is yours to unwind at your lakeside hotel.
Explore the Ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress
This morning, take your pick of two enriching Insight Choice experiences. Climb the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an architectural marvel rising above the jungle. Built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century, it is a testament to ancient ingenuity, with intricate water gardens at its base, exquisite frescoes along its walls, and the remains of a royal palace at its summit. Alternatively, explore a beautifully cultivated botanical garden, inspired by Sri Lanka’s historic royal gardens, where terraced landscapes and shaded pathways showcase the island’s botanical diversity. After time to relax, journey to Polonnaruwa, where a Local Expert reveals the city’s remarkable past. Once a thriving capital, its vast ruins tell the story of a civilisation that mastered irrigation, architecture and sacred art. As evening falls, return to the hotel for a Sri Lankan barbecue dinner, where fragrant spices and flame-grilled specialities bring the island’s flavours to life.
Early Heritage in Anuradhapura
Travel to Anuradhapura, where towering stupas and ancient monasteries reveal the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s first great capital. This UNESCO-listed city was once a thriving centre of faith and power, and its sacred sites still draw pilgrims today. Walk among centuries-old stone carvings and vast reservoirs that sustained a civilisation for over a thousand years. At Isurumuniya Temple, watch as a practicing monk leads a blessing ceremony, sharing traditions that have endured for generations. Later, visit a village where artisans shape clay pots by hand, keeping an age-old craft alive. Explore Minneriya National Park on an Optional Experience, where Asian elephants roam freely across open plains. Watch as they gather at the reservoir—one of Sri Lanka’s greatest natural spectacles.
Into the Hills of Kandy
Travel into Sri Lanka’s cultural heart, beginning at the Dambulla Cave Temple, a monastic sanctuary dating back over 2,000 years. Hidden within its rock-hewn chambers, more than 150 gilded Buddha statues sit in quiet meditation, surrounded by intricate murals that trace the island’s Buddhist heritage. Continue to Kandy, where misty hills frame the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a revered site that has shaped Sri Lanka’s history for centuries. Inside, a golden casket enshrines a sacred relic, believed to bring divine right to rule. As evening falls, witness the rhythmic energy of a Kandyan dance performance, where drummers and fire dancers bring ancient storytelling to life.
Cultural Kandy
Spend the morning in Yatiwawala, where a guided walk through rice fields and spice gardens offers insight into traditional village life. Visit a local market brimming with seasonal produce before meeting an Ayurvedic doctor to learn about herbal remedies. Join a local host to prepare a traditional meal using time-honoured cooking techniques. In the afternoon, explore the Royal Botanical Gardens, originally planted for Sri Lankan royalty and now home to over 10,000 trees, including towering palms and fragrant orchids. Wander through its beautifully landscaped avenues, learning about Sri Lanka’s diverse plant life. Choose from two Optional Experiences—join a Local Expert for a walking tour of Kandy, exploring heritage buildings and local eateries, or take to the water on a Mahaweli River Cruise, floating past lush riverbanks and fishing communities on Sri Lanka’s longest river.
All aboard the train to Nuwara Eliya Relaxed Start
Board a train bound for Sri Lanka’s central highlands, where mist-covered peaks, cascading waterfalls and endless tea plantations unfold beyond the windows. Arriving in Nuwara Eliya, visit a tea estate and factory to follow the journey of Ceylon tea from leaf to cup, walking through emerald-green fields where expert tea pluckers harvest the prized “two leaves and a bud”. Explore the town with your Travel Director, wandering the banks of Gregory Lake, a reservoir built in 1873, before stopping at the Nuwara Eliya Post Office, a striking Tudor-style building that has stood since the colonial era. At the Grand Hotel, settle in for a traditional high tea, a refined ritual of delicate sandwiches, warm scones and fine Ceylon tea, served in an elegant setting that recalls the charm of Sri Lanka’s colonial past.
Through the Lowlands to Yala National Park Relaxed Start
Journey south from Nuwara Eliya, watching as the cool highlands give way to the sun-drenched lowlands. Stop at a breathtaking viewpoint where the central mountains plunge towards the plains, revealing a vast landscape of tea estates, winding roads and distant waterfalls. Continue to Kataragama, a revered pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. Believed to be the home of Skanda, the Hindu god of war, this sacred town is alive with ritual, from temple processions to fire-walking ceremonies. Pilgrims flock to the Kataragama Temple, offering fruit and incense in hopes of receiving blessings. Arriving in Yala, settle into a coastal retreat set between the wilderness and the ocean, just minutes from Sri Lanka’s most renowned national park.
Yala National Park Safari
Set out on morning and evening game drives with an expert ranger, exploring Yala’s diverse landscapes, from dry woodlands to coastal lagoons. Keep watch for Asian elephants grazing near waterholes, crocodiles basking along the shores and, with luck, the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. Between drives, you may like to take a guided nature walk through the hotel’s surroundings, where vibrant birdlife thrives, from kingfishers and bee-eaters to herons wading in the wetlands.
Along the Coast to Galle
Travel along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline, where fishing villages and palm tree-fringed shores reveal a way of life shaped by the sea. Stop to meet Weligama’s stilt fishermen, who perch on wooden poles in the shallows, a practice developed during World War II when access to boats was scarce. Continue to Galle Fort, a UNESCO-listed stronghold first built by the Portuguese in 1588 and later expanded by the Dutch. With your Travel Director, explore its atmospheric streets, visiting the old District Judge’s house, as well as museums, historic temples and a centuries-old mosque that reflects the fort’s diverse heritage. Conclude at the iconic lighthouse, where locals gather in the evening to take in views over the Indian Ocean as the sun begins to set.
Galle at Leisure
Spend the day at leisure, unwinding at your hotel or exploring more of Galle’s historic streets and coastal scenery. For those seeking a deeper connection to Sri Lanka’s landscapes and traditions, a choice of Optional Experiences awaits. Set out early on a whale-watching cruise to search for blue whales and dolphins off the southern coast, or visit a cinnamon estate to learn about the cultivation of this prized spice. In the afternoon, you can opt to join a boat trip across Koggala Lake, where mangrove-lined shores and small islands reveal a mix of wildlife and local heritage. As the day winds down, enjoy dinner at the hotel with your Travel Director and travelling companions, reflecting on the journey through this captivating island.
Goodbye Sri Lanka Relaxed Start
Spend your final morning at leisure, soaking in the last moments of your Sri Lankan adventure. In the afternoon, visit a sea turtle conservation centre on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, where a dedicated team works to protect Sri Lanka’s endangered turtle species. Learn about ongoing conservation efforts, the dangers of marine pollution and, if the season allows, witness hatchlings being released into the ocean. After this meaningful visit, bid farewell to your Travel Director and fellow travellers before transferring to the airport. Flights should be booked for departure after 20:00, bringing your journey through Sri Lanka to a close.
Departure dates
Select your preferred date or enquire
Operator
Insight Vacations
The art of touring in style. We've been enriching the lives of curious travellers since 1978. Incredible travel is more than visiting amazing destinations, it's about the connections you make and how you spend every moment, from authentic experiences that enrich the mind to stylish hotels that rest the soul. Insightful Experiences: Come away enriched and informed. Dive into an incredible variety of included experiences, meet fascinating people and step into their lives. Our Local Experts take you to the heart of each place you visit. Insightful experiences will create memories about the sights you see and the stories behind them, ranging from a local expert talking you through the wonders of the Grand Canyon, to twirling on the dancefloor in Vienna. Superior Dining: Immerse yourself in local tastes and culture. Great food is at the heart of every journey, and we believe dining is an experience to be savoured. Dine the local way in handpicked restaurants and enjoy delicious seasonable, farm-to-table fare in Sicily. Or, step into the home of a local host in Bosnia to learn the secrets of their favourite dishes. Premium Comfort: Stay in style at highly rated hotels. Where you stay makes the difference between a good vacation and an unforgettable travel experience. We choose highly rated hotels that are hand-picked for their fantastic locations, giving you more time to enjoy your destination. Our most stylish hand-picked hotels include the Taj Aravial Resort & Spa in India and the five-star Bovey Castle in England, nestled within 275 acres of beautiful countryside. Personal Service: Everything is taken care of so you can simply relax. Expertly trained, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic, your Travel Director takes care of everything and makes your vacation personal to you. A true friend overseas, your Travel Director ensures a fabulous, seamless journey from start to finish. We make travel matter. Experience conscious and sustainable travel with Insight Vacations. Each of our tours includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®️ Experience, which will teach you about your destination while also having a positive social or environmental impact on the local community.
Important Information
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Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
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12 nights
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