10-Day Classic Sri Lanka Summer Tour

Escape to Sri Lanka in the Summer

To avoid the rainy season, this summer tour primarily concentrates on exploring the central and eastern regions of Sri Lanka. Even in summer, you can still enjoy the essence of Sri Lanka, including its culture, safaris, and beaches.

The itinerary below is only one possibility. Tell us your preferences and our travel experts will customize a trip to suit your interests, tastes, and budget.

  • Days:10±
  • Best for: First-timers
  • Departure date: up to you
  • Sample price: US$1,929 (2 per room)*

*The price is based on a private tour for 2 people. The cost for a customized private SE Asia tour from US$180/person/day

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Tour Highlights

Here are the awesome attractions, the most must-do activities selected by Asia Highlights (AH Hand-Picked), and exclusive cultural experiences offered by Asia Highlights (Only With AH) included in this tour:

Experience the heartwarming opportunity to interact with and feed the elephants at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Unveil the secrets of the ancient Sigiriya Lion Rock fort.

igiriya Lion Rock fort

Relax the mind and body on the sunny beaches of the East Coast.

beaches

Trek through Horton Plains National Park to World's End and Baker's Fall.

Horton Plains

Take a ride on a mountain train and shuttle through tea plantations, experiencing the fun of local trains.

mountain train

Embark on a thrilling safari adventure in Yala National Park and spot the magnificent leopard in its natural habitat.

Yala National Park

Tour Map (Suggested Route)

map

Suggested Itinerary for Inspiration

Normally the full-day guided tour starts from 9 am and ends around 5 pm. Your preferences design the real journey. The days, stops, and travel pace can be adjusted. We're ready to create a unique Sri Lanka trip for you.

Day 1
Arrive in Colombo, transfer to Negombo

Our chauffeur-guide will meet you at the arrivals hall and take you to your hotel in Negombo.

After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at the hotel relaxing and decompressing from your long flight.

Day 2
Negombo to Dambulla, Elephant Orphanage and Lion Rock
  • After breakfast at your hotel, you'll journey to Sigiriya. Along the way, you will encounter the majestic Asian elephant at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
  • After lunch, head to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ascend the dramatic rocky outcrop that towers above the plains, crowned by a majestic ruined palace. As you trek the steep path, your guide will regale you with tales of the ancient Buddhists and medieval civilizations that once inhabited this site.
  • Stay overnight in Dambulla.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Day 3
Dambulla to Pasikuda, Dambulla Cave Temple and Polonnaruwa Old City
  • In the morning you will take a short drive to the incredible Dambulla Cave Temple. There you'll explore ancient Buddhist art, experience tranquility within the caves, and gain insights into the history and spirituality of Sri Lanka.
  • In the afternoon, start your journey to Polonnaruwa. Inside this medieval city, you can trace
  • back its history with visits to the Statue of King Parakramabahu, Council Chamber, Statue at Gal Vihara, Rankoth Vehera stupa, Lankatilaka temple, and the rural surroundings
  • Stay in an ocean-view hotel at Pasikuda Beach.
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa
Day 4
Beach Leisure Time and Free Choice of Activities

Today is a free day. Pasikuda's prime attraction is its relaxed holiday vibe. You could spend your day on the beach or exploring the range of water sports activities in the bay.

Beach
Day 5
Pasikuda to Kandy, Spice Garden and Kandy Dance
  • Visit a spice garden along the way to Kandy. During the visit, you will discover the different types of herbs and spices of Sri Lanka's cuisine, their uses, and their benefits. Learn how the spices are produced from growing methods to harvest.
  • Enjoy a culture dance show in the evening. The show covers various aspects of Sri Lanka's traditions. Expect to see drummers, fire dancers, and more in a cultural spectacle.
Spice
Spice
Day 6
Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, Temple of the Tooth and Pedro Tea Factory
  • In the morning, you will visit the most important temple in Sri Lanka — Temple of the Tooth. Located in the heart of town, this is the most important shrine in the country, housing a relic of a tooth of Buddha taken from his funeral pyre.
  • Take a picture of Ramboda Waterfall on the road to Nuwara Eliya.
  • Go to Pedro Tea Factory. Pedro Tea Factory is on an iconic tea estate dating back to British colonial times. Visitors to the estate can partake in a guided tour exploring the tea-making process from plucking to packaging, enjoy tea tasting sessions, and experience the breathtaking views of the surrounding plantations.
Temple of the Tooth
Temple of the Tooth
Day 7
Horton Plains and City Highlights
  • Get up early, as it is advisable to arrive in Horton Plains before 7:00 a.m., and get to Word's End before 10:00 a.m. (Generally it's foggy after 10:00 a.m.) Discover an array of natural wonders at Horton Plains National Park, where cascading waterfalls, sprawling grasslands, lush forests, and captivating wildlife await.
  • Visit some attractions in the city this afternoon, including the Lake Gregory and Victoria Park. Locals often bring their friends or family there to pass the time during weekends or holidays.
Baker's Falls
Baker's Falls
Day 8
Nuwara Eliya to Tissamaharama,Tea Garden Train
  • Take the train from Nanu Oya Railway Station of Nuwara Eliya to Ella. The journey takes you through mountainous tea plantations and you will be accompanied by friendly locals. The ride will take about 3 hours and your luggage will be taken by your chauffeur, who will be waiting for you at Ella.
  • Before driving to Tissamaharama, you will visit Nine Arch Bridge, which is close to Ella Station.
Tea Garden Train
A train is passing the Nine Arch Bridge
Day 9
Tissamaharama to Colombo,Yala National Park Safari
  • Join the morning safari at Yala National Park. Get up early, as the best time to see leopards and elephants walking around to get their breakfast is around 6:00 a.m.
  • Take a well-deserved break following the safari, and afterwards, we will drive you to Colombo.
Yala safari
Yala safari
Day 10
Departure

Our chauffeur guide will escort you to the airport for your flight back home.

Hand-Picked Hotels

We select hotels with style and local features. Let us know your preferences and we'll find your ideal hotel.

Sea View Hotel in Negombo
Sea View Hotel in Negombo
The Calm
Hotel with Beach in Pasikuda
hotel in Kandy
Central located hotel in Kandy
hotel in Nuwara Eliya
Central located hotel in Nuwara Eliya
resort in Tissamaharama
Boutique resort in Tissamaharama

Tour Price:

10 days from
US$1,929 p/p(with 4-star hotel options)
  • The price is based on a private tour for 2 people during the low season.
  • The price varies based on program, travel date, number of people.
  • We could also price a tour including both 4-star and 5-star hotels for you.
  • The price for a child younger than 8 is approximately 80% of the adult's price.
  • We accept payments in multiple currencies (GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR...).

Price Includes:

  • Privately-driven air-conditioned vehicle with ample space (except where stated)
  • English-speaking local chauffeur-guide for the sightseeing
  • Attraction tickets and itinerary activities
  • Accommodation for all nights
  • Flights/trains between itinerary cities
  • Hotel breakfasts and itinerary lunches/dinners
  • 24/7 helpline while touring
  • Governmental taxes

Price Excludes:

  • International flights not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Overweight luggage more than 20 kg per person
  • Visa fee, if applicable
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Personal expenses

Tour code: ah-lk-1

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