Essence of Lanka: 7 Day Luxury Island Odyssey
Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Group Size
2–16 people
Cities
11 Cities
About This Tour
Seven days and a full anticlockwise loop of the island, staged at its top hotel grade — beachfront on arrival at Negombo, a lakeside resort in the Cultural Triangle, a valley-view property above Kandy, a hill-station room at Ella, a lodge on the Yala park boundary and a resort on Weligama Bay. Dambulla's painted cave temples and the climb up Sigiriya Rock, Pinnawala and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, tea country through Ramboda and Nuwara Eliya, a dawn jeep safari at Yala, then Mirissa, Unawatuna and Galle Fort.
Tour Style
Categories
Day by Day Itinerary
7 days of curated experiences
Airport to Negombo
Welcome to the Paradise Island of Sri Lanka, your home for the next 12 days. Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our airport representative and chauffeur. Thereafter, you will be transferred by our air- conditioned airport transfer vehicle to Negombo (approximate transfer time: 20 minutes). Check in at your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure, allowing time to relax after your international flight. Negombo is a lively coastal town located on Sri Lanka’s west coast, just north of the capital city Colombo. Historically known for its strong Dutch influence, the city is home to the remains of a 17th-century Dutch Fort, now used as a
Accommodation Details
Jetwing Blue - Negombo
Beach Resort· 5
Meals
Half Board
Travel Time
1 – 1.5 hours
Transport
Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle
Moments That Define the Journey
Welcome to Sri Lanka and You will relax at Jetwing Blue Negombo
Colombo City
Negombo to Sigiriya
Dambulla is home to Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved cave temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in over 2,000 years of history. The sacred caves house an impressive collection of ancient Buddha statues and exquisitely detailed ceiling murals, showcasing centuries of artistic and religious devotion. Naturally cool and shaded, the cave interiors offer a serene and comfortable retreat, making Dambulla an enriching cultural highlight on the journey through the Cultural Triangle. Sigiriya stands as one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic and awe-inspiring heritage sites. Dominating the surrounding plains, the dramatic rock fortress rises nearly 200 meters above ground level. Built in
Accommodation Details
Amaya Lake - Dambulla
Resort· 4
Meals
Half Board
Travel Time
4 - 5 hours
Transport
Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle
Moments That Define the Journey
Pidurangala Rock Viewpoint
Dambulla Cave Temple
Summit of Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sigiriya to Kandy
The day starts with an early morning departure from the hotel to visit Pidurangala Rock, a popular viewpoint known for its spectacular sunrise vistas. The climb is relatively short and less demanding, making it an enjoyable experience for most travelers. From the summit, you are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress silhouetted against the morning sky. After the descent, you will return to the hotel for breakfast and time to relax. Later in the day, enjoy a guided Sigiriya village cycling experience through scenic paddy fields and quiet rural landscapes, offering a glimpse into traditional village life. This is followed by an optio
Accommodation Details
Earls Regency - Kandy
Hotel· 5
Meals
Half Board
Travel Time
4 - 5 hours
Transport
Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle
Moments That Define the Journey
Morning View from Pidurangala Rock
Sigiriya Village Walk and Bullock Cart Ride
Herd Bathing in the Maha Oya River
Kandy Lake Front of Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Kandy to Ella
After breakfast at your hotel in Kandy, begin your scenic journey towards Ella, traveling through the beautiful central highlands of Sri Lanka. En route, visit the Ramboda Waterfall, one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the region, followed by a stop at a tea factory, where you can learn about Sri Lanka’s world- famous Ceylon tea production. You may also visit the Ambuluwawa Tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Continue to Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as “Little England” due to its cool climate and colonial charm. Enjoy a short city tour including Gregory Lake and a photo stop at the iconic Nuwara Eliya Post Office. Afterward, proceed towards Ella
Accommodation Details
EKHO Ella
Hotel· 4
Meals
Half Board
Travel Time
5 - 6 hours
Transport
Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle
Moments That Define the Journey
Ambuluwawa Tower - Kandy
Ramboda Waterfall Nuwara Eliya
Old Post Office Nuwara Eliya
Nine Arch Bridge - Ella
Ella to Yala
After breakfast at the hotel in Ella, set out to explore this charming hill-country destination surrounded by lush green mountains and tea plantations. Begin the day with a visit to Ravana Falls, a beautiful roadside waterfall steeped in local legend and framed by a dramatic natural setting. Continue to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, an impressive colonial-era railway bridge hidden within a forested valley and one of Ella’s most photographed landmarks. Later, enjoy a gentle hike to Little Adam’s Peak, an easy and scenic walk that rewards you with panoramic views over Ella Gap and the surrounding countryside. Lunch will be enjoyed at a café in Ella town, followed by time to walk around the town
Accommodation Details
Jetwing - Yala
Resort· 5
Meals
Half Board
Travel Time
3 – 4 hours
Transport
Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle
Moments That Define the Journey
Nil Diya Pokuna (Blue Water Pond), A hidden underground pool
Rawana Falls
Elephant in Yala National Park
Sri Lankan Leopard
Yala – Mirissa
Start your day early with an exciting jeep safari at Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s most renowned wildlife reserves, famous for its high density of leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and diverse birdlife. After the safari, return to your hotel and enjoy breakfast. Take some time to relax, freshen up, and complete your check-out procedures. Thereafter, depart from Yala and proceed towards the southern coast. Enjoy a scenic drive to Mirissa, passing through picturesque landscapes. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the evening at leisure by the beach, relaxing and unwinding by the ocean. Day Tou
Accommodation Details
Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa
Beach Resort· 5
Meals
Half Board
Travel Time
3 – 4 hours
Transport
Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle
Moments That Define the Journey
Secret Beach Mirissa
Mirissa Coconut Tree Hill
Traditional Stilt Fishermen Unawatuna
Galle Lighthouse and Rampart Beach at Sunset
Mirissa – Departure
Please note: Travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions, road conditions, and stops for lunch, tea, or short breaks Start your day at leisure in Mirissa with the option of enjoying a relaxing beach walk or a light swim (weather permitting). For those interested, an early morning whale watching experience can be arranged as an optional activity. You may also visit Coconut Tree Hill for scenic coastal views before enjoying lunch at a beachside café. Thereafter, begin your journey along the southern coastline. En route, stop to observe the traditional stilt fishermen and continue to Galle, where you will explore the historic Dutch Fort, known for its charming streets and colonial arc
Accommodation Details
Not applicable
Not applicable
Meals
Half Board
Travel Time
4 – 5 hours
Transport
Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle
Moments That Define the Journey
Galle Fort Lighthouse
Galle Turtel Hatchery
Unawatuna Beach
Leisurely Walk on Mirissa Beach
What's Included
Everything you need to know before you go
Included
7 items- Accommodation on half board (HB) basis at the hotels listed, or similar standard
- All transport by private air-conditioned vehicle, including fuel, parking and highway charges
- Airport pick-up on arrival and drop-off on departure
- English-speaking chauffeur-guide throughout (national guide for 8 pax and above)
- City tours and sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Two 500ml bottles of mineral water per person per day while travelling
- All applicable local government taxes
Not Included
8 items- Entrance fees to sites not listed under inclusions
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and mini-bar expenses
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, tips and porterage
- Camera or video permits at religious and cultural sites
- Sri Lanka ETA visa fees
- Peak-period and festival room supplements, where they apply to your travel dates
- Anything arising from force majeure, including flight delays
Travel Map
Destinations on this tour
Terms & Conditions & Policies
Important information about booking and cancellation policies
Assurance
Your safety, comfort, and trust are our priority. We work with government-licensed travel partners, verified accommodations, and experienced chauffeur-guides to ensure a smooth and reliable travel experience from arrival to departure.
- Fully government-licensed tour operator with registered travel services.
- Experienced and vetted chauffeur-guides trained in safe driving and hospitality.
- Secure bank payment handling with monitored confirmation and verified receipts.
- Accommodation partners personally inspected and selected for quality and safety.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
- 24/7 on-tour support for emergencies, modifications, or assistance.
- Compliance with all local tourism regulations and safety standards.
Booking Information
Once you submit your booking details, we will begin processing your reservation. A 20% advance payment is required via bank deposit. Your booking confirmation will be sent within 48 hours after we receive the payment.
The remaining 80% of the package cost is payable 30 days prior to the tour start date. Once the final payment is completed, you may proceed with visa arrangements and other travel preparations.
Important Notes
- The above rates are based on the hotels listed in the program and are subject to change if government taxes are revised.
- Rooms are subject to availability at the time of reservation. If clients wish to secure rooms in advance, a 50% block-booking payment is required to guarantee availability with the hotels.
- Rates apply only for this specific itinerary. If you wish to add or remove destinations, we can adjust the pricing accordingly. We also offer customized tailor-made programs upon request.
Cancellation Policy
All travel offers listed on our website are discounted. As such, all orders are non-refundable and cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion.
Cancellations made less than 30 days before the tour start date and no-shows are non-refundable.
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