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2026

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Essence of Sri Lanka - 9 Days of Culture, Nature & Wildlife, Private Tour

9 days
Start and end in Colombo
4.6
36 reviews
From
$1,567
-15%
US $1,332 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

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2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:
Ancient Wonders
Walk among ruins, temples, and timeless landmarks
Partially Guided
Independent travel, featuring selected guided excursions
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 2 - 15
Ages 10+
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Colombo

    Start point
    Katunayaka, Gampaha, Sri Lanka (Pick up at Colombo Airport)
    Accommodation
    Hotel 3* (Palm Village Hotel), Hotel 5* (Cinnamon Lakeside), Hotel 4* (Radisson Colombo)

    Included Activities

    • Meet and Greet at airport

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Pettah bazaar
    • Visit Gangarama temple
    • Visit Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil temple
    • Explore Cinnamon Gardens residential area
    • Visit Independence Hall
    • Visit Colombo Town Hall
    • Visit National Museum
    Landmarks
    Pettah Bazaar
    Gangarama Temple
    Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil
    Independence Hall
    Colombo Town Hall
    National Museum
  2. Day 2

    Colombo to Dambulla - Sigiriya

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Kassapa Lions Rock), Hotel (The Paradise Resort), Hotel (Cinnamon Lodge)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Golden Temple of Dambulla (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
    • Explore five caves with Buddha paintings and religious artwork
    Landmarks
    Golden Temple of Dambulla
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  3. Day 3

    Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Kassapa Lions Rock), Hotel (The Paradise Resort), Hotel (Cinnamon Lodge)

    Included Activities

    • Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress (fifth-century citadel)
    • Explore ancient city ruins of Polonnaruwa including royal palace, temples, Gal Viharaya, Audience Hall, Lotus Bath, Shiva Temple, Lankathilake, Watadage, and Galpotha
    Landmarks
    Sigiriya Rock Fortress
    Polonnaruwa Ancient City
    Gal Viharaya
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  4. Day 4

    Sigiriya - Matale - Peradeniya - Kandy

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel 3* (Hotel Hilltop), Hotel 4* (Earl’s Regent), Hotel 5* (The Grand Kandyan)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Matale spice and herb gardens with herbal tea tasting
    • Explore Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens
    Landmarks
    Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens
    Itinerary Image 1
  5. Day 5

    Kandy

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel 3* (Hotel Hilltop), Hotel 4* (Earl’s Regent), Hotel 5* (The Grand Kandyan)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
    • Attend cultural show with traditional dances and fire-walking performance
    Landmarks
    Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
    Golden Canopy
    New Palace
    Royal Palace
    Queen's Bathing House
    National Museum
  6. Day 6

    Kandy to Tea Plantation - Nuwara Eliya

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Galway Forest Lodge), Hotel (Jetwing St Andrew’s), Hotel (Araliya Green Hills)

    Included Activities

    • Visit tea plantation and factory with tea production observation and Ceylon tea tasting
    Landmarks
    Pidurutalagala
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  7. Day 7

    Nuwara Eliya - Buduruwagala - Yala National Park - Tissamaharama

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Chandrika Hotel), Hotel (The Safari), Hotel (Jetwing Yala)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Buduruwagala temple with rock-carved Buddha statues
    • Jeep safari in Yala National Park (3-4 hours)
    Landmarks
    Buduruwagala Temple
    Yala National Park
    Itinerary Image 1
  8. Day 8

    Tissamaharama - Galle - Kosgoda - Kalutara

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hibiscus Beach Hotel & Villas), Hotel (Turyaa Kalutara), Hotel (Heritance Ahungalla)

    Included Activities

    • Explore Galle Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with historic buildings, Dutch Reformed Church, and Meera Mosque
    • Visit Kosgoda turtle hatchery to see endangered species protection and hatchling tanks
    Landmarks
    Galle Fort
    Meera Mosque
  9. Day 9

    Kalutara to Colombo

    End point
    Katunayaka, Gampaha, Sri Lanka (Drop off at Colombo Airport)
    Meals
    Breakfast

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Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change
Gold Operator
Rating
4.4(65 reviews)
Response time
within 2 days
Response rate
100%
Cancellation policy

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

4.6
Overall rating based on 36 Reviews
  • Itinerary
    4.5
  • Transport
    4.7
  • Guide
    4.8
  • Accommodation
    4.3
  • Food
    4.3
  • 4.4

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  • S
    April 17th, 2020
    Excellent tour. Loved the local culture and the Sri Lankan food was mind-blowing. Amazing tour and shall recommend...
    Show more
    Traveled in February 2019
  • S
    April 16th, 2020
    The itinerary was well designed and it was an unforgettable memory of Sri Lanka. Shall definitely visit again to...
    Show more
    Traveled in January 2019
  • K
    October 4th, 2019
    Our guide was excellent. Always friendly, approachable and very knowledgeable on local history in each location we...
    Show more
    Traveled in August 2019
  • Essence of Sri Lanka - 9 Days of Culture, Nature & Wildlife, Private Tour reviewer 4
    September 10th, 2019
    Just home (we were a group of 4 friends, all girls in our mid-20s) from the most amazing 9 day trip organized...
    Show more
    Traveled in September 2019
    Reply from: Aitken Spence Travel
    Dear Emma, Greetings from Sri Lanka! Many thanks for your wonderful feedback! Thank you so much for taking out your valuable time to give us your opinion on the tour and our services! We look forward to having you in Sri Lanka again! Warm Regards, Aitken Spence Team
    Show more
  • R
    July 22nd, 2019
    Our tour group of 12 Australians were most fortunate to have Sam Samarakoon as our guide for our first SriLankan...
    Show more
    Traveled in July 2019
  • K
    May 21st, 2019
    No doubt that the service from Aitken Spence and the people of Sri Lanka was immaculate, however the cost of the...
    Show more
    Traveled in April 2019
  • L
    May 14th, 2019
    It was one of the best travel experience I ever had in my life. The hotels, food & the places were great. Thanks for...
    Show more
    Traveled in January 2019
    Reply from: Aitken Spence Travel
    Dear Lindsey, Many thanks for your wonderful feedback, and we are delighted to hear you enjoyed your visit to Sri Lanka! Hoping to see you again soon! Thank you & Warm Regards, Team Aitken Spence
    Show more
  • C
    April 26th, 2019
    A fantastic trip you could not want a better itinerary or service. We had a fantastic driver/ guide who was so...
    Show more
    Traveled in April 2019
    Reply from: Aitken Spence Travel
    Dear Carolyn, Many Thanks for your review on the tour. We highly value the trust and faith you have placed on us and we are grateful to have clients like you traveling with us. Many Thanks for your feedback regarding the qualitative service provided by our Chauffuer Guide Buddhika. We would like to invite you once again to Sri Lanka to enjoy a woundeful stay in this beautiful island. Warm Regards, Aitken Spence Team
    Show more
  • A
    April 11th, 2019
    Asanka was a great tour guide! He was happy to stop wherever we wanted, provided a lot of information about the areas...
    Show more
    Traveled in April 2019
  • C
    February 24th, 2019
    We thoroughly enjoyed our tour. Our guide Chamith was great
    Traveled in February 2019
    Reply from: Aitken Spence Travel
    Dear Cheryl, Many thanks for your wonderful feedback. Looking forward to seeing you again in Sri Lanka soon. Warm Regards, Aitken Spence Team
    Show more

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Dates & Availability

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Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
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Ends on 1 Jul, 2026
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    To Friday
    10 Jul, 2026
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    To Saturday
    11 Jul, 2026
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    Multiple Room Types
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    4 Jul, 2026
    To Sunday
    12 Jul, 2026
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    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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    5 Jul, 2026
    To Monday
    13 Jul, 2026
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    6 Jul, 2026
    To Tuesday
    14 Jul, 2026
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    US $1,496 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Tuesday
    7 Jul, 2026
    To Wednesday
    15 Jul, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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    $1,760
    US $1,496 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Wednesday
    8 Jul, 2026
    To Thursday
    16 Jul, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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    US $1,496 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Thursday
    9 Jul, 2026
    To Friday
    17 Jul, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
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    $1,760
    US $1,496 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Friday
    10 Jul, 2026
    To Saturday
    18 Jul, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $1,760
    US $1,496 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Saturday
    11 Jul, 2026
    To Sunday
    19 Jul, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $1,760
    US $1,496 per person
    Multiple Room Types

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
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  • E

    Eric

    Asked on June 23rd, 2024

    Why are there no customer reviews since 2019

    Tour Details
    • Aitken Spence TravelOperatorWritten June 2024

      Reviews are limited since Sri Lanka was going through the global pandemic followed by the financial crisis, travel was limited and it has now received lot of positivity through the word of mouth.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Aitken Spence Travel with your enquiry, they usually respond within 2 days.
From
$1,567
-15%
US $1,332 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Earn while you share

With TourRadar RISE, you can earn commission when someone books a tour through a link you share — like this one.

Good to Know

Tour ID: 103123

  • Currency
    Rs
    Sri Lanka Rupee
    Sri Lanka
  • Plugs & Adapters

  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Typhoid - Recommended for Sri Lanka. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Sri Lanka. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Tuberculosis - Recommended for Sri Lanka. Ideally 3 months before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Sri Lanka. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Rabies - Recommended for Sri Lanka. Ideally 1 month before travel.
    • Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Sri Lanka. Ideally 10 days before travel.
    • Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for Sri Lanka. Ideally 1 month before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before August 24th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after August 24th, 2026, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Aitken Spence Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Aitken Spence Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Aitken Spence Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

Videos

  • TourRadar presents The Dambulla Cave Temple
  • TourRadar presents Sigiriya Rock
TourRadar presents The Dambulla Cave Temple

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec