Highlights of Sri Lanka Tour
Sri Lanka Mini Ceylon Tour
Day 01 Arrival / Colombo
On arrival at the airport, you will be met by a representative and directly transferred to Negombo. Approx 20min Drive.
Check-in Hotel
Dinner & Overnight Stay Jetwing Beach, Negombo or Similar *Flight Time dependant.
Day 02 - Negombo to Dambulla – (Sightseeing Tour)
After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Habarana via Dambulla
Approx. 4hrs drive to Dambulla
Authentic Village Tour - villages in Sri Lanka remains largely unchanged. You can feel how people live simply in harmony with the environment, responding to the seasons as they unfold. Specially you can visit traditional village and observe villagers day to day life pattern, domestic activities, and cultural framework. This tourist village tour includes the track winds its way on a flat terrain through the village past patches of jungle , Chena cultivations, Bull cart ride, catamaran boat ride in the village lake, visit a traditional mud house and you can have Srilankan Lunch (Rice and curry) by simple and very friendly village folk going about their daily routine.
Thereafter transfer to hotel
Dinner & Overnight stay at Jetwing Lake Dambulla or similar
Day 3 Dambulla - Minneriya National Park - Dambulla
Breakfast at hotel - Afternoon transfer to Minneriya National Park
Enjoy a 4 X 4 jeep safari at the Minneriya National Park. (04hrs)
This National Park 8889 hectares in extent is famous for its large population of Elephants in herds of 100 to 150 roaming in the jungle and seen in the catchment area of the lake. Entrance is at Ambagaswewa about 6 km from Habarana on the main Habarana Polonnaruwa road. Roaming within the park are about 300 wild Elephants, Wild Buffaloes, Wild Boar, Spotted Deer, Sloth Bear, Sambhur, Crocodiles, Jackals, 9 kinds of amphibians, 25 kinds of reptiles, 160 species of birds.
Return back to the hotel
Dinner & Overnight stay at Jetwing Lake Dambulla or similar
Day 04 - Habarana / Sigirriya / Matale / Kandy
After breakfast at the hotel visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sigiriya Rock Fortress – is a “World Heritage Site” and the 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky” which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace on the summit of the 600-foot high rock. On its summit are the foundations of the Royal Palace, Water Tanks to supply water and all other buildings and at the edges the guardhouses. On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survived in the form of Frescoes of 21 life sized damsels in all the freshness and delicacy of their original colour. The Water Gardens, Fountain Garden, summerhouse, Boulder Gardens and the Caves with the enclosed are should not be missed.
Thereafter travel to Kandy en-route visit Matale spice Garden (03hrs)
Spice Gardens at Matale – You will see many spice gardens at Matale and in Mawanella on the Colombo-Kandy road where Cinnamon, Cardamom, Pepper Creepers and all other spice trees, plants and creepers are planted for visitors to see them. Spice products are also available for those who would like to buy them. At all Spice Gardens visitors are taken round explaining each tree and plant and at the end explaining the use of them food preparations.
Evening watch a Kandyan cultural show and be awed by the spectacular dance, acrobatics, costumes and music. Held in Kandy town, this cultural show depicts various forms of Kandyan dancing which was once native to the area but has now spread to different regions of the island.
Check-in to hotel
Dinner & Overnight stay at Amaya Hills Kandy or Similar
Day 05 - Kandy - Peradeniya - Kandy
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Kandy city & enjoy a local Cooking Demonstration
It's time to cook! The cooking class will be led by a local cooking expert that knows all the secrets to a good Sri Lankan dish. Learn the preparation of dishes in Sri Lanka, how to cook rice and curry. We will prepare a typical meal with 2/3 curries, and there are many to choose from. Some of the favorite Sri Lankan curries are: dhal curry, potato curry, chicken curry, eggplant curry, Fish Curry and so many more… After the cooking is done we will have time to enjoy our meal!
Thereafter transfer to Peradeniya
Kandy Local Market Visit - Explore the vibrant Kandy Central Market, where locals shop for fresh produce, spices, textiles, and handicrafts. This bustling market offers a glimpse into everyday Sri Lankan life, with colorful stalls, friendly vendors, and the rich aromas of exotic spices. It’s a perfect opportunity to interact with locals, learn about regional ingredients, and perhaps pick up a few souvenirs or taste some tropical fruits.
Return to hotel
Dinner & Overnight stay at Amaya Hills Kandy or Similar
Day 06 - Nuwara Eliya / Departure Transfer OR Beach Stay Extension
Enjoy a scenic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara eliya*
Special Note: We generally obtain 1st class train tickets for all our clients, but first-class carriages, with air conditioning are available only on a few carriages. Trains are often cancelled and we often face challenges in obtaining the tickets due to the very high demand. Hence we cannot guarantee this part of the itinerary, until the day. If the train cannot operatate, you will be transferred by private car with your guide to Nuwara Eliya.
Thereafter check-in at the hotel
Dinner & Overnight stay at The Blackpool Hotel in Nuwara Eliya or Similar
Day 07 - Nuwara Eliya - Colombo
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by Nuwara Eliya City Tour
Explore the charming city of Nuwara Eliya, also known as little England on a full day tour visiting all the main attractions which include colonial buildings, Lake Gregory, Victoria Park and seeing beautiful landscapes covered with tea, a contrasting view apart from other major cities of Sri Lanka.
Highlights
Witness the historical landmarks of Nuwara Eliya and absorb its colonial heritage
Stroll around Lake Gregory and take in the serene and calming atmosphere
Visit the Victoria Park and enjoy its unique ambience and landscaped gardens
Visit the Sita Amman Temple which is wrapped in history and legend
Visit the Nuwara Eliya Markets where you would get great bargains of warm clothing and lovely fresh produce
Thereafter leave for Colombo | Approx. 4hrs drive to Colombo
Check-in to the hotel - Dinner & Overnight stay at Colombo Court Hotel & Spa or Similar
Day 08 - Colombo - Airport
Breakfast at hotel
According to flight details, transfer to the airport for your departure flight back home.OR Contact us for a Beach Extension Stay
Tour includes: Return flights and taxes, 4* accommodation on Tour Programme on a Half Board Meals basis as per Itinerary, services of an English speaking driver guide, all entrance fees, meet and greet service, air-conditioned transport throughout tour.
SRI LANKA VISA REQUIREMENTS IRISH PASSPORT HOLDER
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR IRISH NATIONALS
Irish nationals require passports valid for at least six months on arrival. A visa is required and can be purchased by tourists online for a stay of 30 days. An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) can be issued online at www.eta.gov.lk.
Visas and passports are the sole responsibility of passengers.
NB - In Sri Lanka there are a series of holiday days called 'Poya Days' throughout the year. These days prohibited the sale of Alcohol throughout Sri Lanka and are dry days for 24hrs, below are the list of 2026 Poya Days.
Aug 27
Sep 26
Oct 25
Nov 24
Dec 23
*=local charge