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11 days

A touch of Sri Lanka

Get a taste of Sri Lanka’s exciting culture in the gorgeous surroundings of Kandy, experience the spectacular highlands of Ella, and feel the heartbeat of history in the colonial pearl of Galle.

A touch of Sri Lanka
A touch of Sri Lanka
11 days

A touch of Sri Lanka

Get a taste of Sri Lanka’s exciting culture in the gorgeous surroundings of Kandy, experience the spectacular highlands of Ella, and feel the heartbeat of history in the colonial pearl of Galle.

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What is included in the price?
This package includes the following
  • Return flights from the UK to Colombo
  • 8 nights at 3 and 4-star hotels incl. breakfast
  • Travelling in a car or minibus with air conditioning
  • Local English-speaking driver/guide on transfers and excursions
  • All the transfers and excursions mentioned take place in international groups of 1–14 people, and with TourCompass’ own guests only
  • Emergency hotline staffed 24/7 throughout your tour
  • ATOL certificate included
  • Departure guarantee – the tour will take place regardless of the number of participants

Comprehensive package of excursions:

  • Temple of the Tooth in Kandy
  • Little Adam’s Peak and the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella

THE TOUR IN SHORT

Really want to visit Sri Lanka, but don’t have much time? Fear not! Here’s the tour for you!

You’ll experience Kandy, Ella and Galle, and we’ve included several free days, allowing you to put your own mark on the tour with our excursion options.

The tour starts in Negombo, where you’ll be staying right on the beach, with swaying palms and colourful fishing boats pulled up onto the sand.

The tour continues to the scenically situated city of Kandy, known as the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, where you’ll visit the important and famous, Buddhist Temple of the Tooth during an evening ceremony.

The tour continues from here to the spectacular small town of Ella, where a hike to Little Adam’s Peak and a visit to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge awaits.

The tour ends Galle, the charming coastal city known for its old fort. You get to choose whether you’d like to stay within the thick, old walls of the fort, or if you’d rather stay by the beach.

You have the option of extending your tour to include a beach holiday in either Hikkaduwa or Mirissa.

Why choose this tour

  • Get a soft start to your tour on the golden beaches of Negombo and enjoy the sun as it beams down at the swaying palm trees
  • Explore Sri Lanka’s cultural heart, Kandy, and look forward to a visit to the Temple of the Tooth in the evening glow
  • Get enchanted by the picturesque highlands of Ella and its beautiful tea plantations, rolling mountains, and roaring waterfalls
  • Feel the historic heartbeat of the charming coastal town of Galle, which is famous for its Dutch fort.

Our prices always include

  • All international and domestic flights
  • All destination transfers
  • All specified excursions and activities
  • All accommodations
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Departure from chosen airport

Today you will fly to Sri Lanka with connecting flight(s) on the way.

Day 2: Arrival in Sri Lanka – Negombo

You arrive at Sri Lanka’s international airport Bandaranaike, named after the country’s former prime minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike, who became the world’s first female prime minister in 1960.

After arriving, you pick up your luggage and pass through immigration. Your guide/driver will be waiting for you with an TourCompass sign in the arrivals hall, and you can immediately feel the warmth of the Sri Lankan hospitality. You’re driven to your hotel in the beach city of Negombo, located a roughly 30-minute drive away.

After check-in, you can relax on a sun lounger in the shade of a palm tree, or take a walk along the wide, golden beach, where traditional fishing boats sit parked in the sand.

If you want to experience a bit of the area, you can visit sites such as the Dutch canals that run through the city, or Negombo Lagoon, a unique wetland area where you can experience the rich animal life.

Accommodation:
Possible upgrades:
Day 3: Negombo – Kandy – Temple of the Tooth

After breakfast, you check out and are collected by your guide/driver, who drives you to the city of Kandy, which is of particular importance to Sri Lankan history. Kandy was the final seat of the Sinhalese monarchy, symbolising both the Sinhalese Golden Age and its religion. The Kingdom of Kandy was the part of Sri Lanka that held onto its independence from the colonial powers the longest, until it surrendered to the British in 1815. It was also here that opposition to the British colonial power was greatest up until the country’s independence in 1948.

Kandy sits beautifully in a valley surrounded by the central highlands. The city is built around the man-made Kandy Lake, a spot that beckons for lovely strolls. Benches are placed around the lake, letting you take a seat and enjoy the view and the surroundings. In the distance, you can spot the 26-metre-high Buddha statue over Bahirawakanda Temple. The lake is also the site of the sacred Buddhist Temple of the Tooth, likely one of the biggest factors in Kandy being added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998. The temple is said to contain one of the Buddha’s teeth, which itself is said to have been smuggled to Sri Lanka in the hair of a princess in 1590. It is now preserved in a gold casket, behind a wealth of lotus flowers. The casket is opened once a year, drawing flocks of pilgrims to the temple for a glimpse of the tooth. This occurs during the massive annual Esala Perahara festival in July and August.

Upon arriving in Kandy, you check in at the hotel, where the next few hours are at your disposal.

In the evening, an exciting visit to the Temple of the Tooth awaits, as the lighting is particularly beautiful at this time of day. Your guide shows you around, giving you an exciting look at the temple’s history and meaning.

Accommodation:
Possible upgrades:
Day 4: Kandy on your own

There are no excursions planned for today, so you can manage your time and activities yourself. We warmly recommend a trip to the Knuckles Mountain Range, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is absolutely incredible! Read more about the tour below.

If you’d like to stay in Kandy, you can opt to relax at the hotel pool, explore more of the city, or visit the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, which is a historical forest reserve located approx. 2 km from downtown Kandy on a ridge with a view of the city. In Kandy’s heyday, the reserve was known as “Uda Wasala Watta”, which in Sinhala means “the garden above the royal palace”. The reserve features of an incredible abundance of plant species and birds. You can also see small and mid-sized mammals, as well as reptiles.

In the evening, you can explore the city’s restaurants. You must not miss one of Sri Lanka’s most famous dishes here, “kottu roti”, which consists of flatbread cut into small pieces, eggs, vegetables, a lot of delicious spices and possibly meat. We also recommend “rice and curry” or “dhal curry”, which is made from lentils. Your guide will know all the good eateries, so feel free to ask for his advice.

Day 5: Kandy – Ella

Today, you leave Kandy and set a course for the enchanting highlands and the town Ella. You drive through sleepy villages and around hairpin turns, passing ancient tea plantations, waterfalls, and green-clad mountains. After about 4 hours, you arrive at your hotel in Ella.

After check-in, the rest of the day is at your leisure, and you can enjoy these gorgeous surroundings. Ella has an absolutely amazing location amidst Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock. The valley between the two mountains is called Ella Gap, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Yala National Park.

In the evening, you can head down into the town and eat at one of the cosy restaurants along the main street, where the atmosphere is lovely and relaxed.

Day 6: Little Adam’s Peak – The Nine Arch Bridge

Today, you are heading out to experience what makes Ella so amazing. After breakfast, a scenic hike to “Little Adam’s Peak” awaits you. The mountain is named after its big brother, Adam’s Peak, which stands twice as tall at 2,243 metres.

You are picked up at the hotel and driven to the starting point of the hike. The climb to the top of Little Adam’s Peak is manageable and everyone of an average bodily condition can join in. At a relaxed pace, you can reach the top in about 1–1½ hours. You walk along narrow paths and through green tea plantations. If you’re lucky, you may encounter tea pickers going to and from work. Take your time so that you can enjoy the view from the many lookout points. On the last part of the route, you ascend a stairway of 350 steps. This might sound like a lot, but they aren’t steep, and most people can make their way up. At the top, you are rewarded with a fantastic view of Sri Lanka’s enchanting highlands and rolling peaks.

Back in the car, you drive on to the Nine Arch Bridge, which was built during the British colonial era. If you’ve ever seen pictures from Sri Lanka, you’ve definitely seen pictures of this bridge, as it is one of the country’s most iconic and photographed landmarks. The bridge is 30 metres tall and built exclusively of brick, stone, and cement – completely without the use of steel! The trip to get there is incredibly scenic, and along the railway lines, you’ll see lizards nesting in the grass, as well as squirrels and different bird species hiding in the trees.

There, at the heart of this mountainous scenery, surrounded by lush tea plantations and tall, skinny trees, is Nine Arch Bridge, known in Sinhalese as “Ahas Namaye Palama”, meaning Nine Heavens Bridge. This is because, when you stand under the bridge and look up, you can see “9 heavens” through its nine arches. Remember to keep your camera at the ready in case you have the luck to see a train cross the bridge.

Afterwards, there is lunch at a local restaurant, and you are driven back to the hotel, where you can enjoy the rest of the day.

Accommodation:
Day 7: Ella – Galle

After breakfast and check-out, you will be picked up by your guide/driver and driven to the charming coastal town of Galle. The drive takes about 3.5 hours.

On arrival in Kandy, you check in at the hotel, and the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Galle is home to many different traditions and cultures, making it a city full of colours and contrasts. It’s also divided into a new town and an old town. In the bustling new town, you’ll find electronics shops and markets, while the old town, with its famous Dutch fort, offers narrow streets, colonial buildings and cosy restaurants within its old, thick walls. Unlike in other cities in Sri Lanka, the two parts merge in the most marvellous way.

Days 8-9: Galle on your own

There are no excursions planned and these days are for you to explore Galle at your own pace

An absolute must-see is the city’s ancient fort, which is one of the oldest in Asia. In the 14th century, Galle was an important port for seafarers sailing between Europe and Asia. When the Portuguese occupied Galle in 1588, they built the fort to protect the city against enemies. This failed in 1649, when the Dutch managed to conquer Galle. The Dutch continued to expand the fort, which in 1988 became a UNESCO World Heritage site.

As mentioned, Galle Fort makes up the city’s old town, and the town within these solid old walls is abuzz with life. You will immediately be struck by the special atmosphere and feel a real sense of history. Stroll past the charming colonial buildings and up to the iconic, white lighthouse which guided the merchant ships safely into Galle Harbour. Continue around the ramparts and experience the different bastions before venturing into the narrow cobbled streets with their small speciality shops, art galleries, museums, cafés and restaurants.

In the evening, you can go for a walk on the old city walls and enjoy the view of the glistening sea before taking a seat at one of the cosy restaurants. Many of the restaurants serve seafood delicacies, but you’ll also find restaurants serving local and Italian dishes.

Day 10: Departure day

Today, the time has come to say goodbye to Sri Lanka.

Your guide/driver will pick you up at the hotel and drive you to the airport, in a roughly 2.5-hour drive. From here, you fly back to Europe, with connecting flight(s) on the way.

Day 11: Arrival back home

You land at your chosen airport after a lovely holiday, many memories and experiences the richer.

Combine with
Choose from the options below
Beach holiday extension in Mirissa
3 nights

The best time to visit Mirissa is from December to April.

Mirissa is a lovely seaside town on the southern tip of Sri Lanka. The town is quiet, with a fabulous, chilled atmosphere where you can really unwind. With its coconut palms swaying over the beach and its clear, warm waters, Mirissa truly is a holiday paradise.

Mirissa is also known as one of the best places in Sri Lanka to spot whales, and dolphins are never far away either. The warm Indian Ocean provides these amazing giants with unique living conditions, and you’re in with a chance of experiencing blue whales, fin whales and sperm whales.

The wind and currents can be strong here on this stretch of coast, even in high season. If this is the case, you can head for the pool or visit the nearby Secret Beach, where a small pool has been created from the surrounding rocks, which protect the beach from waves. It’s the perfect place to swim and relax.

If you’re into snorkelling, one of the best places is at Perrot Rock. The water here is relatively calm, as the bay is protected by a reef further out. There is plenty of opportunity to see beautiful, colourful fish here, and if you’re lucky, you’ll also see sea turtles.

Along the beaches, you’ll find a handful of good restaurants where you can enjoy delicious grilled fish and seafood dishes, while the waves lap the shore a few metres away.

A perfect and popular place to watch the sun set is Coconut Tree Hill, which is covered in coconut palms. There is a local bar here where you can enjoy a chilled drink while the sky is painted in the most beautiful colours.

The extension includes a 3-night beach holiday at a hotel with half board as well as transfers.

Beach holiday extension in Hikkaduwa
3 nights

The best time to visit Hikkaduwa is from December to March.

Located on the south-western coast of Sri Lanka, Hikkaduwa is a lovely seaside town buzzing with life. The main street Galle Road runs along the coast and is lined with hotels, eateries, diving schools, small kiosks and shops.

The town’s main attraction is the golden sandy beaches with their fine sand and swaying coconut palms. Stone seawalls have been built off the town’s western beaches, Hikkaduwa Beach and Turtle Beach, to break the waves, making them ideal for swimming and bathing. Out by the seawalls, you’ll find the coral reef which has made the town so popular with those who like diving and snorkelling. Besides the coral reef, you’ll also find colourful fish and large sea turtles. Did you know that 5 out of the world’s 7 species of sea turtles breed in Sri Lanka?

If you’re more into big waves and windsurfing, you should head to Narigama Beach, situated to the east. It offers a surf school and the possibility of renting surfing equipment.

If you’d like to experience another side of Hikkaduwa entirely, you can veer off the main street and head further inland, where you’ll find lush surroundings, children playing the dusty streets and small stalls and shops selling fresh fruit. You’ll enjoy a quietness here that you just don’t get nearer the beach.

After a day on the beach, you can visit one of the cosy beach restaurants, where fish and seafood dishes feature heavily on the menus. Lobster is particularly popular in Hikkaduwa.

At sunset, you can go for a stroll along the beach with your toes buried in the sand to the sound of the waves lapping the shore.

The extension includes a 3-night beach holiday at a hotel with half board as well as transfers.

When would you like to travel?
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All prices shown are per person
Special offers for groups of 6 or more. Request a quote today for more information.
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Laura Arundell Trelborg

Laura loves to travel and is extremely passionate about helping others achieve their travel dreams.

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