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Our Classic Sri Lanka tours are the best of the diverse regions of the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean". Like discovering the ancient cities in the cultural triangle, summiting Lion Rock in Sigiriya, majestic views from Little Adam's Peak and the Nine Arch Bridge, and the historical Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

The best is also a hands-on cooking class in a local Sri Lankan home, a traditional cultural show, elegant high tea, sunrise yoga, and your feet in the sand on the beautiful beaches and hiking through the tea plantations and villages in Nuwara Eliya. Majestic train ride via the tea plantations and misty mountains.  In fact, we think the best is doing all that and more in our Classic Sri Lanka tours. 

Explore the highlights of Sri Lanka - from ancient cities and scenic landscapes to cultural experiences and relaxing beaches. 

Why Sri Lanka Escapes?

We Include Accommodation:

Hotel options 

·       Comfortable 3-star hotels, double share with private ensuite bathroom

·       Elegant 4-star hotels are available on request for a touch of extra luxury

·       Optional 3 - 4 star hotel mix

·       Single supplement available on request

 We Include Transport & Guide:

·       Smooth, hassle-free return airport transfers

·       Friendly, professional English-speaking chauffeur/guide to make your journey effortless

·       Spacious, air-conditioned vehicle for relaxing travel

·       Refreshing bottled water daily

 We Include Meals:

·       Delicious daily breakfast and *dinner (breakfast - beach hotels)

·       4-star upgrade: gourmet daily breakfast included

 We Include Experiences:

·       Exciting wildlife elephant safari with park entry, 4x4 jeep adventure, and expert tracker

·       Scenic, memorable train ride through lush tea country (subject to class availability)

·       Relaxing Ayurvedic massage and vibrant cultural dance performance

·       Authentic traditional cooking class in a local home

·       Charming visits to local farm villages, rice paddies, with a hands-on lunch experience

·       Invigorating spice garden walk with wellness talk

We Include Trip Highlights:

·       Explore UNESCO sites Sigiriya Lion Rock, Dambulla Cave Temple

·       Temple of the Tooth Relic

·       Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, Tea plantations & factory to

·       Visit Ancient Cities, Negombo Fishing Village

·       Royal Botanical Garden, Cultural Show

·       Waterfalls viewpoints, Treks & hidden gems

·       Gem Museum visit, walk the Local markets & local villages

·       Traditional curd/treacle and exotic fruit tasting on tour

·       Tea shops & refreshing King coconut stops 

We are an Australian Boutique agency, happy to customise a Dream itinerary for your family and friends.  With our wealth of experience, our local team in Sri Lanka, is here to offer a personal and unique unforgettable experience in Sri Lanka. 

​*Itineraries may vary slightly and are subject to availability. Flights are not included.

Optional:   

All UNESCO monuments & optional entrance fees will be paid directly by the client on the day, we will visit all these during your tour as these are all optional,  you can decide on the day if you wish to enter. Refer to your itinerary to check if you will visit these UNESCO sights during the tour as all tours vary.

UNESCO Sites/Visits and UNESCO qualified guides

All temples and sights are optional, and on the day you decide if you wish to see them

·      Dambulla Cave Temple

·      Sigiriya Lion Rock

·      Polonnaruwa

·      Anuradhaphura

·      Royal Botanical Garden

·      Temple of the Tooth Relic

·      High Tea in Nuwara Eliya

Accommodation

Hotel Preference

• Tour price includes

• Comfortable 3-star hotels/Guest houses include a double/Triple share room with a private ensuite bathroom.

• Comfortable Rooms, Tea/Coffee, AC

• Single and triple rooms available on request

• Quaint, cosy, smaller properties run by families, lovely properties with 5 - 8 rooms. All very clean, with a chef and staff.

• Meals - Local Cuisine

• Breakfast/* Dinner daily

• Breakfast is included daily at all Beach Hotels

• Tour price Upgrade

• Elegant 4-star hotels/boutique hotels are available on request for a touch of extra luxury- larger hotels run by staff, all with infinity pools, bar, and larger style hotel.

• Quality Rooms, Tea/Coffee, AC

• Single and triple rooms available on request.

• Meals - Local Cuisine

• Breakfast/* Dinner daily

• Breakfast is included daily at all Beach Hotels

• MIX optional 3-star - 4-star hotel mix.

• 3-star Breakfast/Dinner & 4-star/Boutique Breakfast daily

• Single supplement available on request

Welcome to Sri Lanka where the original souls of Buddhism still flourishes and the natures beautify remain closely untouched. Pristine beaches, unforgettable landscapes, wildlife experiences while captivating full cultural heritage. Sri Lanka is a tropical island and it is now as ‘The Pearl of the Indian Ocean’

This beautiful country offers amazing experiences with majestic waterfalls, wild elephants, ancient temples, amazing tropical white sand beaches, jeep rides and animal safari, lush green tea plantation with a touch of uniqueness serenity, mountains and picturesque landscapes and viewpoints. Sri Lanka is and up and coming tourist destination and on the topic of conversation because of its diversity and the welcoming people in Sri Lanka giving you an authentic insight into the country's culture as you travel with Sri Lanka Escapes.

Arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport where you will be welcomed by a representative of Sri Lanka Escapes.  Let your adventure and journey begin. 

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Acclimatize yourself with Sri Lanka in the city of Colombo.  Historically, Colombo was seen as a simple trading port, while today the city of Colombo is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that serves as the island's commercial capital. 

Transfer to your hotel. 

This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, you will be met by your experienced Chauffeur who will be with you for the duration of the trip.  He is a local with exceptional years of experience and knowledge and is very excited to show his beautiful country.

We will enjoy a city tour of Colombo with optional visits to Gangaramaya Temple, Revered Buddhist Temple, Independence Memorial Hall, National Museum of Colombo, Red Mosque Pettah, Sri Ponnambalavaneswarar Temple it is Oldest Hindu Temple.  Optional visit to Lotus Tower, which is the highest tower in South of Sri Lanka.

Includes: Breakfast/*Dinner​​

Colombo City Tour

After a leisurely breakfast, we continue the drive and visit the viewpoints to Belihuloya.  This is a four and half hour drive and on the way we stop on the way to see beautiful temples and spectacular viewpoints on the way.

Belihuloya is a village in the Ratnapura District, of Sri Lanka south-east of Colombo. This hillside location is a climatically transitional area, linking both the dry and wet zones and the hill and low country. 

Reach your hotel in the evening and relax. 

Includes Breakfast/*Dinner

Belihuloya village

Belihuloya is a village in the Ratnapura District, of Sri Lanka south-east of Colombo. This hillside location is a climatically transitional area, linking both the dry and wet zones and the hill and low country.

Belihuloya is one of Sri Lanka’s hidden gems and is adorned with several unique and unforgettable nearby attractions, making it a hotspot for those who take a keen interest in nature and adventure.

After a leisurely breakfast, we visit the spectacular Bakers Bend with an optional hike to see the magnificent viewpoints including beautiful waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints.​    The car will take you to a view point and then continue on foot and walk to the Bakers Bend lookout and optional 2 -10km round trip hike up to your fitness level  to the Bakers Bend or you can take and optional a Tuk Tuk or 4 x 4 jeep.

This picturesque bend is surrounded by some beautiful mountains of the World's End Mountain Range.  Your visit to Belihuloya gives you plenty of options in terms of attractions. For the adventurer, nature lover, or curious tourist in you, Belihuloya has something for everyone. 

After lunch, we take an optional visit to see the magnificent Pahantudawa waterfall &  enjoy a walk in the village via the local rice fields with the beautiful nature,  and end the day with a nice swim in a natural pool.

Return to the hotel and relax

Includes Breakfast/*Dinner

Belihuloya

Bakers Bend

Pahanthudawa waterfall

Rice fields

Natural pool

After a leisurely breakfast,  we also visit one of the primary nearby attractions when visiting this charming little town and this is the magnificent Bambarakanda Waterfall, the tallest one in Sri Lanka with a height of 263m.

We will visit Haputale, a small town on the southern edge of the Sri Lankan hill country.   On a clear day you can see the coastline from the mountain ridge, but on other days thick mist clings onto the deep green mountains, tea fields, see and feel the real life of Sri Lankan going about their day giving you a surreal experience of being surrounded by clouds. Explore the stunning surroundings of Haputale.

Optional tuk tuk ride to the famous Lipton seat  popular vantage point, from where Thomas Lipton would sit with a cup of tea in hand and proudly look over his estate. 

Optional visit to Adisham Catholic monastery, also known as St. Benedict's Monastery, is an English country-style mansion built in 1931 by British aristocrat Sir Thomas Villiers.  Located in the lush hills of Haputale, Sri Lanka, it was converted into a Benedictine monastery by the Catholic Church in 1961.

Optional visit to the Buddhist temple Dowa Ancient Rock Temple An ancient 2000-year-old Buddhist Temple in Ella, Dhowa Cave Temple, is famous for its cliffside rock-carved 38-foot Buddha statue, cave art, dragon archway ..

Arrive at your hotel and relax.

Includes Breakfast/*Dinner

Bambarakanda Waterfall

Haputale

Lipton Seat

Adisham Catholic Monastery

Dowa Ancient Rock Temple

After a leisurely breakfast, we walk through a beautiful path to see the Nine Arch Bridge, a connection of two mountains and also known as the ‘Bridge in the Sky’.  This bridge is 300 feet in length, 25 feet in width and 80-100 feet in height.  It is an amazing example of colonial era railway in Sri Lanka and this is located in Demodara and happens to be one of the best places to visit in Ella. 

Little Adam's Peak is an easy walk to reach the viewpoint. Climbing up the Little Adams Peak in Ella is one of the favourite activities of the tourists on their Sri Lankan holiday with majestic views and photo opportunities – it is only a leisurely 2 hour walk. Enjoy the view over the valley. Optional Ravana Adventure Zip Line experience. Enjoy the view over the valley.

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The whole journey is very pleasing while passing through the local villages and tea plantations via a scenic road.

Time to wind down and enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic x 1 hour massage, commonly known as "Abhyanga" , is a full-body massage performed using warm, medicinal oils, aims to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit. The idea is to stimulate specific energy points (marmas) on the body, thereby promoting physical healing, improving circulation, and enhancing mental clarity.

Return to your hotel and relax.

Includes Breakfast/*Dinner

Nine Arch Bridge

Little Adams Peak

Ravana Adventure Zip Line - optional

Traditional Ayurvedic Massage

After a leisurely breakfast, we will depart on the famous scenic train to Nuwara Eliya.  The train ride to Nuwara Eliya powers down through Sri Lanka's southern hill country, crossing the tea plantations before it winds up and disappears into the clouds, weaving in and out of the many mountain tunnels as it finally descends to Nuwara Eliya giving you the opportunity to soak in the mystic vibes and cherish the beauty of slow travel.

Arrive at Nuwara Eliya and take a city tour and experience a few viewpoints before we go to the majestic Grand Hotel and enjoy the grand style and class of hotel and visit the Hill Club, known as the Gentleman's club, dating back in time. Optional traditional English High Tea in the Grand Hotel. Transfer to your hotel and relax.   

Includes Breakfast/*Dinner

Scenic Train Trip

Nuwara Eliya city tour

Hill Club - Gentlemen's club

English High tea - optional

After a leisurely breakfast, our adventure today we will visit Ramboda known for its marvellous landscapes, consisting of highlands, ridges, plains, streams and hilly mountains and see the scenic Ramboda waterfall.  

Sri Lanka formerly known as Ceylon is famous for its quality tea.  Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka’s lush tea-growing region, founded by the British explorer Samuel Baker in 1846, and continues to give us the experience of the British colonial past with full operational tea plantations; 

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En-route we will see local families of generation to generation working in the fields of rolling hills,  picking the tea leaves manually by hand.  We will visit a real time Tea processing factory to see how the tea is produced as there are many still in full operation today giving you an opportunity to taste the delights of fresh tea and the opportunity to buy to take home for family and friends. 

Enjoy an optional visit to the Ambuluwawa Tower, which is situated on the peak of Ambuluwawa Mountain. Optional visit via a local tuk-tuk to drive you the rest of the way.

Arrive at your hotel and relax.

Includes Breakfast/*Dinner

Ramboda Waterfall

Visit a real tea processing factory

Tea Plantations

Ambuluwawa Tower - optional

This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, we will enjoy and optional visit one of the most stunning gardens, The Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya.  In 1821 the park was under British rule and it then became known as the Botanical garden.  Here exotic crops such as nutmeg, tea, rubber, coffee, cinchona are all unique and important to the country of Sri Lanka.  The garden also includes a beautiful orchid house and a wide variety of plant species from all over the world. 

Visit the Town of Kandy and walk along the local street to experience local shopping as we make our way to the Gem Museum to see how the gems are cultivated from beginning to end.  Sri Lanka is known as one of the largest gem producers in the world.   

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Late afternoon,  we will attend the Sri Lankan traditional cultural show and watch the beautiful locals dancing in a rainbow of colourful cultural costumes and as they perform their dances in grace and style.  

We will take a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.  It was founded back in the 16th century, it housed one of the most sacred relics of Buddhism – a tooth of Budda collected from his funeral pyre, which is not protected within the gold roofed Temple of the Tooth.

Arrive at your hotel and time to relax before dinner.

Includes Breakfast/*Dinner

The Royal Botanical Garden - optional

Town of Kandy

Gem Museum

Sri Lankan Cultural Show

Temple of the Tooth

After a leisurely breakfast, an optional visit to the beautiful silk shop with an opportunity to visit an enchanting wood carving workshop, captivating visitors with its exquisite handcrafted pieces, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and artistic prowess of local artisans’ skills passed down for generation to generation and some beautiful handwork and talent

Continue to Matale and visit the unique Spice garden growing a large variety of spices  Enjoy an informative talk about all the spices by a local qualified educational guide who explains all the natural remedies an opportunity to try and take spices and remedies home to enhance your health and wellness regime. 

We will visit Nalanda Gedige is an ancient complete stone temple near Matale and its original site is considered the geographical centre of Sri Lanka. The building was constructed between the 8th and 10th centuries. 

An optional visit to Muttuariamman Temple in Matale was built in 1874.  This temple is used by both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple was originally a small statue under a tree prayed to by the Hindu people but has been developed by the people in Matale.

Dambulla was named a UNESCO World Heritage site for its Buddhist caves perched at the top of a hill. A bonus is the beautiful panoramic view that you get of the surrounding area. 

An optional visit of the stunning Cave Temples of Dambulla, built by King Valagamba back in the 1st century BC. Dambulla is named a UNESCO World Heritage site for its Golden Buddhist caves perched at the top of a hill. It is worth the climb to see the 5 caves and stunning temples filled with over 150 colorful religious statues and paintings while experiencing the beautiful panoramic views. The monastic ensemble of Dambulla is an outstanding example of the religious art and expression of Sri Lanka and South and Southeast Asia.

Then we can take a stroll through Dambulla local produce Market and discover new fruits and vegetables. 

Afternoon, arrive at your hotel and time to relax.

Includes Breakfast/*Dinner

Silk Shop

Wood Carving Workshop

Matale Spice Garden

Nalanda Gedigee

Muttuariamman Temple

Cave Temples of Dambulla

Dambulla local produce market

After a leisurely breakfast,  our Adventures begin as we visit a traditional local village and enjoy boat ride via  the rice plantation making our way by boat as we enjoy the live lily pads.  We exit the boat and walk a little way to see a local farm and rice fields. Learn the secrets from the locals on how to cook delicious Sri Lankan rice and curry and coconut roti.

We also have the opportunity to experience how you can hull the rice as it has been done for generations and enjoy a local traditional lunch of rice and curry, roti and fruits.

After lunch, we will join an adventurous Wildlife Elephant Safari 4 x 4 jeep  to see the wild elephants. This is one of the most exciting safari experiences in Sri Lanka and an opportunity to take photos up close and personal to send home and share with family and friends.

Includes Breakfast/Dinner

Traditional Village tour

Elephant Wildlife Safari

This morning after a leisurely breakfast, optional to climb of Pidurangala Rock. At the top you will enjoy the amazing view of Sigiriya Lion Rock with your group, and at the top, you have candid photo opportunities.

For those keen on history, Sigiriya is nominated among travel enthusiasts as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ancient rock fortress with awe-inspiring architecture, with an amazing view of Fortress Sigiriya Lion Rock’ built by King Kayapa in the 5th century for all those who are fit. It is an optional  climb up the spectacular 200 meters high natural formation of granite some 750 steps up and at the top, preserves the ruins of an ancient fortified palace.  This archaeological site loved by tourists was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 and is considered by locals as the "eighth wonder of the world". This palace in the sky was envisioned to be a recreation of the mythological city. 

Experience the true Sri Lankan hospitality,  learn, experience and enjoy the taste and delights with the secrets of traditional Sri Lanka with a hands-on cooking class in a local Sri Lankan home. 

Includes Breakfast/*Dinner

Pidurangala

Sigiriya Fortress

Traditional Cooking class in a Sri Lankan home

This morning after a leisurely breakfast we drive to Sri Lanka’s second most ancient kingdom. Polonnaruwa, became the capital of Sri Lanka following the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 AD.

Built by King Parakramabahu I, this urban green city has seen numerous civilisations journeying through this kingdom including the Cholas, South Indian Hindu and Buddhist Sinhalese, between the 12th and 13th centuries.   

An optional visit into the Ancient city of Polonnaruwa, brimming with archaeological treasures, the city is dotted with temples, shrines, palaces and ruins. Explore the royal palace from the period of King Parakramabahu I (1153 – 1186). 

After a great day,  enjoy an optional traditional Ayurvedic massage, commonly known as "Abhyanga", is a full-body massage performed using warm, medicinal oils, aiming to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit. The idea is to stimulate specific energy points (marmas) on the body, thereby promoting physical healing, improving circulation, and enhancing mental clarity. 

Return to your hotel and relax. 

Includes Breakfast/*Dinner

Polonnaruwa Ancient City- optional

Ayurvedic massage - optional

This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, we travel to beautiful Trincomalee, visit the town to see the temples, culture and traditions of east Sri Lanka. The art and cultural activities in Trincomalee will give you an insight into the city's history, traditions, and artwork.

We will visit The Koneswaram Temple - a popular place of worship.

Sri Lanka and is one of the Pancha Ishwarams (five abodes) of Lord Shiva.

The earliest mention of the temple goes way back to the 6th century BC.

Late afternoon, arrive at your hotel, relax by the pool or beach and unwind.

Includes Breakfast

Trincolmalee

Koneswaram Temple

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with Free time to relax or swim in crystal blue water on the amazing, quiet, beautiful beaches and relax. 

Enjoy and experience some snorkelling while you can witness a variety of underwater life ranging from Trumper fish, Angel fish, parrot fish, eels, coral gardens, and other colourful fishes, etc. There is also a high chance of seeing huge sea turtles and even blacktip sharks.  Or enjoy a day of relaxation. 

Includes Breakfast

Free day

Snorkelling - optional

Pigeon Island - optional

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast.  Free day to relax or take an optional visit via boat to Pigeon Island. The Pigeon Island National Park comprises two islands. The islands are a breeding and feeding ground for over 300 species of coral reef fish keeping the colourful underwater symphony alive.

Enjoy and experience some snorkelling while you can witness a variety of underwater life ranging from Trumper fish, Angel fish, parrot fish, eels, coral gardens, and other colourful fishes, etc. There is also a high chance of seeing huge sea turtles and even blacktip sharks. 

Or a day of relaxation. 

Includes Breakfast

Free day

Pigeon Island - optional

Snorkelling or Diving - optional

This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, we continue for an optional visit to Velgam Vehera (also known as Vilgam Rajamaha Viharaya) is a historical Buddhist temple situated in Kanniya, Trincomalee District, Sri Lanka, also known to Hindus as Natanar Kovil. Historically, Velgam Vehera was one of the important Buddhist temples in the country, worshiped by both Sinhala and Tamil Buddhists.

We take an optional visit to Mihintale Ancient Temple. Mihintale is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is now a pilgrimage site, and the site of several religious monuments and abandoned structures.

Arrive at your hotel and relax.

Includes Breakfast /*Dinner

Velgam Vahera

Mihintale Ancient Temple

This morning after,  a leisurely breakfast,  we will have an optional visit to Anuradhapura, the first ancient capital of Sri Lanka, which has earned fame for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Lankan civilization.

Founded in the fourth century B.C.E., Anuradhapura served as of the capital of the Anuradhapura Kingdom until the beginning of the eleventh century C.E.    During that period, the city enjoyed stability, constituting one of the most durable centres of political power and urban life in South Asia.   Considered sacred to the Buddhist world, monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles (40 km2) surround the ancient city. Anuradhapura has significance in Hindu legend as the fabled capital of the Asura King Ravana in the Ramayana. 

We continue our journey to the coastal town of Negombo and enjoy a city tour.  This is a fishing village set alongside a picturesque lagoon and an impressive infrastructure of canals built during the Dutch colonial times. Negombo was an important outpost for the trade of cinnamon in colonial times. 

Includes Breakfast/*Dinner

Anuradhapura Ancient City - optional

Negombo city tour

Transit hotel

Transfer to Airport