12 Day Sri Lanka Uncovered
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
✓ 11 nights in 3 and 5-star hotels, including 2 nights at the 5-star Sigiriya Jungles hotel
✓ Breakfast daily, 1 cooking demonstration with lunch, 1 dinner
✓ Ride the iconic train from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy
✓ Safari drives in Yala and Minneriya national parks
✓ Dedicated private transportation throughout
✓ Fully escorted by an English-speaking guide throughout
✓ Sightseeing including entry fees as per itinerary
This 12-day journey through Sri Lanka takes in history, wildlife, and enchanting landscapes. Wander Colombo’s vibrant streets, marvel at Galle Fort, and unwind on South Coast beaches. Tick off Yala and Minneriya national parks, Nuwara Eliya’s tea country, and experience cultural performances in Kandy and ascend Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Welcome to Sri Lanka!
On arrival into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), make your own way to your accommodation, which is situated on the out-skirts of Colombo.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
After breakfast, your leader will give you a brief introduction before we make the drive along the South Coast. Before departing, we explore the capital of Colombo. Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, has a long history as a port on ancient east-west trade routes, ruled successively by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. This heritage is reflected in its architecture, mixing colonial buildings with high-rises and shopping malls.
We will also visit the Colombo National Museum. This charming museum takes visitors on a fascinating journey through Sri Lankan history. Housed in a stunning neo-Baroque building, which was specifically constructed by William Henry Gregory, Governor of Ceylon, in 1877, the museum boasts a gleaming white façade. As you make your way through the various rooms, you'll encounter exhibits dedicated to each of Sri Lanka's historical kingdoms. Informational display boards provide intriguing insights, such as the meaning behind the mudras (gestures and poses) depicted in Sri Lanka's Buddha statues.
You will arrive at your hotel in the afternoon, where you will have the evening at your leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
Today is a full day to enjoy the coastal beauty of Sri Lanka's coastline. These areas are renowned for their sandy beaches, palm tree lined points and exude a cool coastal vibe.
Inspiring Highlights
We enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to Yala National Park.
On our way, we will stop at the Galle Fort and its fortifications. Declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1988, the presence of Portuguese, Dutch and English is very evident in the fascinating architectural styles of the Galle Fort.
We then continue to Yala National Park. Here, spend your afternoon on a guided game drive exploring the dynamic wildlife and the most luxuriant plant life in Yala National Park. Being one of the largest parks in Sri Lanka, it is the ideal place to sight the rare leopard! The game drive will take place in the late afternoon, returning around sunset, as this is an optimal time for animal viewing.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Yala National Park is closed for routine maintenance in September/October under direction of the local government. The exact dates will not be advised until 1-2 months prior to departure. During this time Udawalawe National Park or Yala National Park (Block 5) will be visited and offers equal animal sighting opportunities.
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours, not including Game Drives.
After a leisurely breakfast, we leave for Haputale.
En route, we witness the picturesque waterfall, Rawana Waterfall before checking into our hotel.
This afternoon we will drive to Nine Arch Bridge - also called the Bridge in the Sky is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country. The construction of the bridge is generally attributed to a local Ceylonese builder, in consultation with British engineers. It is located in Demodara, between Ella and Demodara railway stations. The surrounding area has seen a steady increase of tourism due to the bridge's architectural ingenuity and the profuse greenery in the nearby hillsides.
Tonight, enjoy an evening at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Enjoy a full day to relax in the hilly surrounds of Haputale.
In the afternoon, the coach will depart for an afternoon at leisure in Ella, returning in time for dinner in Haputale.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Enjoy a leisurely departure from Haputale after a early breakfast, as we travel by train into the region of Nuwara Eliya, arriving into Nanuoya Station.
On arrival we visit a tea plantation and factory. Here you will enjoy the absolute tea experience, taking you to the moment the young tea leaves are plucked from the plantation to being processed in the factory to make a steamy cup of tea. If you are interested, the tea factory is the best place to purchase good quality tea.
Enjoy an evening at your leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
It is not possible to confirm the train ticket reservation due to the fact that Sri Lanka Railway has a manual system for reservations. Tickets can only be booked 30 days prior to departure. The 1st and 2nd class is basic but has air-conditioning. The non-air conditioned 3rd class sometimes is the only option based availability. On the rare occasion the train is fully booked we’ll conduct the route by road and the train journey would be conducted on day 8.
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Today after breakfast we leave for Kandy. The journey is truly a rare experience and is an adventure itself! Apart from the breathtaking sceneries of the tea country and picturesque waterfalls, it is a chance for you to stop at some photo-worthy spots.
Kandy, the Hill Capital (1514 – 1815 AD). Originally known as Senkadagala, the city eventually came to be known as Kandy. Kandy was declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1988. The style and character of the Sri Lankan civilization at the time is well articulated in the heart of the city itself, with its lake, the temples including the Temple of the Tooth Relic (visit at own expense) and the well preserved ruins of the royal palaces.
On arrival, we check in to our hotel, allowing you time to explore the town.
This evening enjoy a typical Sri Lankan Cultural Performance with Kandy Market & Bazaar tour.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
After breakfast we proceed to Sigiriya, stopping on route to visit Dambulla cave temple. Built in the first century BC, it is recognized to be the largest cave sanctuary in the world with its 2000 m2 of walls and ceilings painted more than 150 Buddha images whose largest engraved in the rock reaches 14 metres high.
After the cave, arrive at your Inspiring Stay - the 5-star Sigiriya Jungles Resort which offers views of the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
This afternoon, set out on an exclusively private jeep safari at the Minneriya National Park to witness the unique phenomenon of elephant gathering. During the dry season, from June to September, hundreds of elephants gather around the Minneriya Tank for water. Such a large number of elephants could not be sighted at one place, anywhere else in the world!
Tonight, enjoy a group dinner and celebrate your new friendships.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Since elephants are migratory animals, we may visit Wasgamuwa National Park on this day instead, pending elephant locations.
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours, not including Jeep Safari.
After breakfast we proceed to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and climb the Sigiriya Rock, one of the most extraordinary artistic complexes of its time (477 – 498 AD). Declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1982, this magnificent citadel allures artistic and architectural curiosity from around the globe.
Return to the hotel to relax before taking part in an Inspiring Taste cooking demonstration of Sri Lankan rice and curry preparation (5-6 curries including a specialty crab dish) and enjoy the typical Sri Lankan lunch overlooking the paddy fields.
This afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of the medieval capital city of Polonnaruwa. This was declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1982. After the demise of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa became the middle historic capital of Sri Lanka (1017 – 1235 AD).
Enjoy a second night in your Inspiring Stay and its surroundings.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
Today, after breakfast, depart the beauty of Sigiriya as we make the drive back to Negombo. On arrival, enjoy the afternoon free at leisure to explore the coast and the local activity or simply relax by the pool.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
This morning, enjoy a visit to the Fish Market. Negombo is home for the Island’s second largest fish market, as locals call – “Lellama”
At an appropriate time, make your own way to the airport in time for your onward flight - you will have access to your room until 8pm this evening, should your flight be later in the evening.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Inspiring Tastes
Inspiring Sights
Inspiring Stay
Inspiring Tastes
Inspiring Stay
This product requires full payment upfront to secure your booking.
Once you have created your booking you will be directed to your invoice to choose your preferred payment method.
Where 'last minute' bookings are available within 71 days from departure, the cooling-off period does not apply and bookings are immediately non-refundable.
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
Please note that Yala National Park closes for a period between the months of September and October. The exact closure dates are made clear closer to the time. The closure is due to the prevailing dry weather prior to this time and taking into consideration the well-being of the wildlife in the reserve. For departure dates that fall over this period, as defined in the departure dates listed below, Yala National park will be replaced with a visit to Udawalawe National Park, while still being able to visit Block 4 or 5 of Yala National Park. Please refer to the itinerary.
Although smaller in size to Yala National Park, Udawalawe National Park is considered one of the world's best places to see wild elephants. Largely comprised of grasslands and bush forest, Udawalawe is also one of the best national parks in Sri Lanka for game spotting and being far less crowded than Yala, it makes for a more enjoyable experience for travellers and therefore, we believe is a more than suitable alternative for one safari day. You will still be able to visit Block 4 or 5 of Yala National Park, so you are able to experience both.
Wondering what to expect when you visit the iconic Yala National Park? Click HERE to learn more about Yala
Click HERE for more information on weather in Sri Lanka
Tour Suitability
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can not guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Visas & Entry Requirements
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your tour and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your tour. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the visa entry requirements for your nationality via our page here:
https://inspiringvacations-8357211.hs-sites.com/visa-information
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.
We need your passport information to get everything ready for your tour so the information on your booking must match your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended on all our tour. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. It is also important to consider forced pre-tour cancellations and how your chosen insurance policy may cover such circumstances, so please keep this in mind when choosing your provider.
We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international tours, you will be asked by your tour leader for your travel insurance details if they were not already added to your Traveller Hub account pre-departure.
If you have credit card insurance your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide may require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details before arriving in-country.
Before you depart, you will be asked to submit your Travel Insurance details through the booking holder's Traveller Hub account through the Inspiring Vacations website. This is to ensure that we have this information readily available should we ever need it.
Health & Wellness
All travellers need to be in good physical health to participate fully on this tour. Our group tours are designed to immerse you in incredible sights and activities, often involving walking tours and self-exploration. To ensure you can fully embrace every moment, we recommend a moderate level of fitness for all of our tours.
When selecting your tour please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that in the assessment of our Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a tour without refund.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell before travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements and we would be more than happy to assist you.
Important Information for Customers with Mobility Limitations
We want to ensure everyone has a fantastic and inclusive experience on our tours. If you require the use of a mobility aid, such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair, please disclose this information at the time of booking.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the entire group, our tours are designed with a specific itinerary in mind. This may involve moderate walking, uneven terrain, or stairs. While some itinerary adjustments may not be possible, we'll do our best to find alternative solutions within the planned activities whenever possible.
Open communication helps us ensure your tour is a perfect fit and it allows your local guide or tour leader to assist you where possible.
Information for CPAP Users
If you use a CPAP machine, please let us know at the time of booking. Some portions of our itinerary, like overnight cruises or camping tours, may have limited access to power outlets. In such cases, we recommend travelling with portable battery packs.
Certain activities, like overnight journeys on board smaller vessels, may not be suitable for CPAP use due to space limitations or noise concerns. We can discuss these potential limitations upfront and help you make informed decisions about your tour.
Please ensure that you check the voltage used throughout the countries you are travelling to and if it will be compatible with your machines. For example, Japan runs on 100 volts vs Australia at 220-240 volts, meaning a voltage converter might be required.
Documentation
Tour documentation is typically emailed to the lead passenger or your travel agent between 14-30 days before your scheduled departure. This will include your final hotel list.
Official Travel Advice
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, we recommend referring to the official travel advisory website of your home country for the latest updates on your chosen destination. These websites provide valuable information on:
Here are some helpful links to get you started:
In the unlikely event of a situation that could potentially disrupt your tour, we want to assure you of the following:
By staying informed and working together, we can ensure a fantastic travel experience for you. We will post our own travel updates to our website here.
Connect with fellow travellers on Facebook
During your booking journey, you might have received an email inviting you to join a special Facebook group dedicated to your chosen destination. These vibrant online communities are exclusively for Inspiring Vacations travellers headed to the same incredible place. Joining this group unlocks a wealth of information and connections. Swap travel tips, share packing insights, or even see if anyone's interested in travelling together.
We also regularly host insightful webinars featuring travel experts who share their tips and tricks for navigating your destination and maximising your itinerary. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to connect, learn, and get even more excited about your upcoming tour!
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