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Sri Lanka Classic Tour
Encounter historical monuments, cascading waterfalls, wild animals and pristine beaches on this laid-back 10 days through Sri Lanka.
This 10-days private tour offers the perfect introduction for first-time visitors to Sri Lanka. Your customizable itinerary includes 6 UNESCO World Heritage sites: the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Golden Temple of Dambulla, Galle fort and Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) in Kandy.
Visit a tea plantation, Spice Garden and the Royal Botanic Gardens, plus enjoy a scenic train journey from Peradeniya to Nanuoya. And towards the end of the trip relaxing on the pristine beaches of Sri Lanka west coast. Includes round-trip private transport from Bandaranaike International Airport or your hotel in Colombo, Mount Lavinia or Negombo.
Start: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Finish: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Ages: Min 15
Group size: Min 1, Max 16
Nature of tour: private
Is this trip right for you?
- The entire trip is private (transfers and sightseeings), only you and your associates take part in the trip.
- This 10 days trip packs a lot in. It’s one of the most popular Sri Lanka tours, we run in our Original style, perfect for those, who look for a one week trip and a desire to do the most with it. If you are after a more leisurely trip in Sri Lanka or a shorter trip please check our other tour itineraries.
- Sri Lanka can get extremely hot in the summer. While we aim to do our walking tours, city tours early in the morning or afternoon, when it’s cooler, remember to keep water on you and to bring a hat, sunscreen, a long-sleeved shirt, and anything else that will protect you from the sun.
- Part of travelling with Intrepid means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. We visit a number of temples on this trip and to enter them you must have clothes that cover wrists and below the knee. Same time you have to remove the head covers and shoes upon entering the temple. Please click here to know more about the rules and regulations pertaining to Sri Lanka temple visits.
Why you'll love this trip
- Wander through the golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy, which houses one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relics – a tooth of the Buddha
- Explore the palm-tree beaches and streets of the west coast, perhaps even stopping for a massage along the way
- Walk around the perimeter of the grassy Galle Fort, check out the gorgeous views, and grab an icy ginger drink at a cafe in town
Places you visit on this trip
- Anuradhapura ancient city (UNESCO world heritage site). Read more about Anuradhapura.
- Polonnaruwa ancient city (UNESCO world heritage site). Read more about Polonnaruwa.
- Sigiriya rock fortress (UNESCO world heritage site). Read more about Sigiriya rock fortress.
- Golden temple Dambulla (UNESCO world heritage site). Read more about Dambulla golden temple.
- Temple of sacred tooth relic temple (UNESCO world heritage site). Read more about Tooth relic temple.
- Yala national park (Safari). Read more about Minneriya safari.
- West coast pristine beaches. Read more about Sri Lanka west coast beaches.
- Royal botanical garden (1 hour 30 minutes walk in the garden). Read more about the botanical garden.
- Guided walking tour to see ancient houses, churches, galleries (1 hour). Read more about Galle Fort.
- Sri Lanka Tea plantations tour. Read more on Sri Lanka tea plantation tour.
- Spice gardens.
- Sri Lanka hill country (lakes, waterfalls, green-capped mountains). Read more on Sri Lanka hill country.
- Madu River estuary (Ramsar wetland). Read more about Madu River boat safari.
- Pinnawala elephant orphanage. Read more on Elephant orphanage.
Highlights
- Touring Sri Lanka's cultural triangle
- Experience Sri Lanka’s historical and cultural heritage while visiting thousands of years old monuments
- Cycling through the ancient monuments in Polonnaruwa
- Kandy sightseeing tour with Kandyan cultural show
- Take a 360-degree panoramic view from the summit of Sigiriya rock fortress
- Trek to the Ramboda plateau and have a closer look into the mighty Ramboda waterfall
- Walking through the Spice Garden while learning about herbal trees and plants and spices
- Walk in the Tea plantations and Royal Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya, Victoria Park and many more
- Explore breathtaking southern Sri Lanka beaches such as Hikkaduwa from your beach resort
- Explore the breathtaking Sri Lankan mountains
- Wildlife safari of Yala national park in search of leopards, wild elephants, crocodiles, bear and other wild creatures with local guide and driver
- Walking tour of Galle rock fortress
- Boat tour at Madu River estuary (explore mangrove lagoon, cinnamon island and ancient temple)
- Relax on the palm-fringed West coast beaches
Additional information
- Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infant seats, available
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate.
Trip includes
- 9 nights accommodation on an H/B basis at standard hotels
- All Entrance fees and activity cost as per the tour itinerary
- Pickup and drop-off at the airport or local hotels
- Transport by air-conditioned, luxury, private vehicle
- Service of an English-speaking chauffeur-guide for the entire tour (please inquire for other languages)
- Mineral water during sightseeing tours and overland trips
- All government taxes
- Breakfast (9)
- Dinner (9)
Hotels
The trip can be booked with 3 categories of hotels as follows. You can choose the prefered accommodation category depending on your requirement in the booking page.
- 4* category of accommodation
- 5* category of accommodation
Trip excludes
- Sri Lanka visa-related fees
- Any others expense not mentioned in the Price Includes section
- Flight tickets
- Gratuities
COVID-19 Special information
- All customer touchpoints are frequently cleaned
- Social distancing is maintained in vehicles
- To reduce crowds, all tours are private
- Masks are required, please bring your own
- You must fill out a travel information form
- Temperature checks are mandatory
- You must book this activity online, as the ticket office is closed
Itineraries
Day 1
Time : 6:00 am
COLOMBO / ANURADHAPURA / SIGIRIYA
You will be met and warmly greeted by your personal chauffeur guide at the Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport and driven to Anuradhapura (Approx. 5 hours drive),
Stop At the Ancient City of Anuradhapura for the lunch break. Afternoon explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura and visit historical monuments.
After the Anuradhapura city tour proceed to hotel in Sigiriya.
Spend Overnight in Sigiriya.
Accommodation
Standard hotels
Meals
Dinner
Day 2
Time : 8:00 am
SIGIRIYA / POLONNARUWA / SIGIRIYA
After leisurely breakfast leave for Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya.
Morning: Visit The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa (UNESCO world heritage site) with approx. 2 hours drive.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At the Ancient City of Sigiriya, Sigiriya Site between the towns of Dambulla and Habarane
Visit Sigiriya Sri Lanka Afternoon: Climb the famous Sigiriya rock fortress and visit rocky abode and water gardens, a UNESCO world heritage and one of the Wonders of the World).
Accommodation
Standard hotels
Meals
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3
Time : 7:00 am
SIGIRIYA/ DAMBULLA / KANDY
After the breakfast leave for the hotel in Kandy, En-route,
Stop At Dambulla Cave Temple, and Visit the Cave temple of Dambulla (UNESCO world heritage site), a batik factory and a spice garden where you can see the best spices in Sri Lanka, duration: 2 hours,
Dambulla Cave Temple
Morning: Visit the Cave temple of Dambulla (UNESCO world heritage site), a batik factory and a spice garden where you can see the best spices in Sri Lanka.
duration: 2 hours.
Later visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Afternoon: You will do the city tour of Kandy including a visit to the temple of the sacred tooth relic, duration: 1 hour.
Accommodation
Standard hotels
Meals
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4
Time : 9:00 am
KANDY
After the breakfast leave for a sightseeing tour of Kandy
Stop At: Royal Botanical Gardens
Visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden, one of the best botanical gardens in Asia,
duration: 2 hours.
In the afternoon Kandy city tour and visit downtown Kandy, Gem museum, Kandy Lake.
Later in the day witness the spectacular Kandyan cultural show
Accommodation
Standard hotels
Meals
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5
Time : 8:00 am
KANDY/NUWARA ELIYA
After the breakfast leave for Peradeniya railway station and take an early morning train to Nuwara Eliya. The rail journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya considered being one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. The train journey lasts around 4 hours.
In the afternoon Nuwara Eliya city tour
Enjoy a city tour of Nuwara Eliya including a visit to Victoria Park, Gregory Lake, Tea garden/factory
Accommodation
Standard hotels
Meals
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6
Time : 9:00 am
NUWARA ELIYA/YALA
After the breakfast leave for hotel in Yala, En-route stop at Ravana waterfall and Seetha amman temple. In the afternoon safari at Yala national park, 3 hours.
Accommodation
Standard hotels
Meals
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 7
YALA/GALLE/BENTOTA
After breakfast, leave for Bentota via Galle, En-route visit Galle fortress, Bentota beach, Madu river estuary and Sea turtle conservation centre, duration of the trip 4 hours
check-in and leisure in the beach resort
Accommodation
Standard hotels
Meals
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8
BENTOTA
Leisure in the beach resort
Accommodation
Standard hotels
Meals
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 9
BENTOTA
Leisure in the beach resort
Accommodation
Standard hotels
Meals
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10
BENTOTA / COLOMBO
After breakfast, you will be dropped off at the airport,
duration: 1 hour.
Meals
Breakfast
End of the trip
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Nereida Angela– :
I thoroughly enjoyed the 10 days Sri Lanka tour . The itinerary offered an excellent blend of the vibrant Sri Lankan culture, and we travelled to many interesting areas of Sri Lanka like cultural triangle, mountains, south coast, wildlife parks, and charming small villages and bustling cities. Highlights of the trip included being awed by the beauty of the Ancient cities such as Sigiriya, wildlife safari, learning about Sri Lankan cuisine at a cooking class in Sigiriya and experiencing delicious Sri Lankan cuisines. I am most grateful to our excellent tour guide, Dinesh, who was dedicated, professional and enthusiastic at all times. He went above and beyond to ensure all of us had a unique and memorable experience. I would highly recommend this trip!
Shirleen Nerli– :
Wonderful Sri Lanka tour with the nice and easy-going program. Such as a wonderful guide, who knew everything about his country, people, culture, and nature. everything was perfectly organized with nice hotels, delicious meals, and comfortable vehicles. We have covered a lot within 10 while having time to relax on the beach. Perfect!
Ralf Cyril– :
Really loved the Sri Lanka 10 days tour with seerendipity. It has a perfect blend of nature, culture, wildlife and many many more. was the perfect mix of seeing and doing. Climbing Sigiriya was a fabulous experience – well worth the early morning rise. Seeing the elephants in the wild was also a highlight. Our guide, Indi, was so knowledgeable and nothing was to much trouble. Would highly recommend this tour!
Rich gatnode– :
Sri Lanka 10 days tour was a nice trip and packaged interesting activities, experinces, and scenery, It is a must tour for someone who with to experience the true beauty of Sri Lanka. Very relaxing tour while maintaining a good mix of places to visit such as ancient temples, forts, wildlife parks, cities, botanical gardens, cultural shows, waterfall, hill country etc. The tour guide took very good care of us. He told us about the island. The drivers were very safe in traffic. All the people were very friendly, polite and accommodating.
Linette Snell– :
Well planned excellent rip of Sri Lanka and there can’t be any better way of seeing this fantastic country. Verry good service with dedicated driver/guide and vehicle. very comfortable and enjoyable trio with many dozens of places to visit such as tempels, cities, palaces, wildlife parks and beaches. Our guide him was excellent and we were very safe with him.
Fernandino– :
Our first family trip after the months long hibernation at home due to COVID-19. It was well paid-off trip with lot of fun, leisure and knowledge. Our guide janaka drove a nice vehicle and he was a nice guy with lot of knowledge. Excellent Sri Lanka trip.
Nilian idaho– :
Fantastic hassle-free trip with nice hotels, good food, excellent guide and good vehicle. The prices are very affordable. Highly satisfied with the days trip.
Mathew Kinard– :
This was a wonderful Sri Lanka tour and it was very comprehensive. We really enjoyed the trip. The trip includes many interesting places like the ancient sites, salubrious hill country, bustling cities, and beautiful countryside. Wildlife safari was a real highlight and it was the first time I have witnessed leopards in their natural habitat. It would be a lifetime experience. I must thank jehan, our guide, who did a fantastic job throughout the trip.
Wilton Hallock– :
This tour went above and beyond our expectations, gave complete picture into the history, culture, people and food of the wonderful country of Sri Lanka. We had a private tour with a personal driver/guide and he was fantastic, very detailed in every explanation he made, and highly professional guide.He has a vast knowledge and passion for his country. The hotels were fantastic and we specifically requested for 5-star hotels. good food, excellent vehicle and very enjoyable trip. Worth every penny.
Fletcher Brill– :
It was a fantastic trip with after stranger in many days at home. We were a bit hesitant at the beginning but felt that we were very safe in Sri Lanka, despite few Covid-19 cases. First we spent 2 weeks in a fantastic beach resort and had nice time on the beach. towards the end of the trip we did this 10 days tour. Our driver/guide gihan was very good and friendly, but we felt very sorry for him because they were having bad time without work. Most hotels and popular tourist places are empty.
Kamla Lama– :
It was a good trip amazing tour guide. Gives you an incite to life of an ordinary person. Loved the tea plantations and the walk through and the villages. Scenic hill country ride. Safari to see the elephants.
Jessica– :
Classic Sri Lanka is a great way to get to know this beautiful country and its friendly people. It packs in touring, trekking, trains across cities, villages, hill country and beaches. Of you travel just after the COVID-19, I must say that local trip organizer had thought of every little detail to make a risk free environment to the travellers by adhering to the safety protocols introduced by the government.
Silvanaygam– :
Classic Sri Lanka tour covered a diverse section of the country, from ancient ruins, amazing cave paintings, tea plantations, beach, but the highlight for me was doing a safari into Minneriya National Park (optional) where we saw more than 200 elephants. The weather in Jan was a bit wet but we managed to cover all of the itinerary.
Rumesha– :
A great oppertunity to explore this beatuiful Island with his great cultre, nature, facinating history and delicious local Food.
Udayantha– :
What a great way to Sri Lanka. We have travelled many times in Sri Lanka but never had a such as hassle-free and interetsing tour itinerary. Thank you Seerendiity
Lional– :
Stranded in the house for long time and we were looking for an interesting tour itinerary to go out and enjoy the nature. We had a great family trip at a very affordable price. The driver/guide was properly follow the health protocols and we felt very safe with the them. Good hotel, food and vehcile.
Sima Ramirez– :
Excellent Sri Lanka trip with beaches, cultural places, temples, beautiful countryside, hill country and laid back villages. Safari was the most fantastic and we had luck to encounter all big players in the jungle such as leopard, elephant, bear, crocodile. Vwery relaxing trip with plenty of time to enjoy the sites and scenery on the way. good hotel, good vehicle, good food and very affordable. Very helpful and friendly driver/guide.
Pelowski– :
Such an incredible way to experience the Sri Lanka – such a wonderful country filled with wonderful people. Nandana was the most incredible guide who loves his country so much that he makes you love it too. It was so well organised, and Nandana and the whole staff ensured we had the best time and were taken care of every step and in every way.
naochi maa– :
I had a really great time on the Sri Lankan Classic tour. Saw lots, did lots and all made very easy by the Intrepid team. The group all got on really well which helped with the experience. Our guided (Nandana) was fantastic and always in hand if we needed anything.
Jamen mensa– :
Excellent trip, thoroughly enjoyed Sri Lanka, so much to see in such a small island. Itinerary was busy but had a good mix of some leisure time in between. Travelled with an amazing guide and had a good vehicle, hotels and wonderful food.
kremato melani– :
We had an amazing family trip of Sri Lanka . Loved the cycling, walking, and beach sytay.Our tour guide, Kamal, really went the extra mile with everything, even organising a surprise birthday party at a beach restaurant for my husband,- with cake, balloons and fireworks!
miliheim– :
Great way to see this beautiful and friendly country.
Kathrine jones– :
What a great way to see Sri Lanka. There is a good mix of archaeology, religious temples and beaches, but best of all we had a chance to meet locals who shared their lives, their stories, their food and wonderful hospitality. It is hard to pick our favourite part, but walking in the tea plantations has to be up there. The guide had good information and support and managed the trip well.
Rabindra Anand– :
Our trip ‘Sri Lanka grand’ taken at the end of November was fantastic. Our Tour Guide Sandeep was very knowledgeable, kind, and helpful. The information he provided on Sri Lanka throughout the weeks helped us to enjoy a beautiful county, understand the history, and respect the culture. The Itinerary was busy at times, which we found to be fine, and the free time allowed us to explore by ourselves, or with some of our travel companions. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this trip to anyone wishing to explore Sri Lanka.
Gilza neckerman– :
What an amazing trip! So much to see and do in this beautiful country, great organisation, and the local knowledge and friendliness of the guide Sam was second to none.
Rina paul– :
Was a great trip, good value for money, fraction of money you pay for a foreign tour operators for a similar kind of trip and gave plenty of free time and optional activities, good for couples or singles who want some free time to do your own thing, but have the expert knowledge and safety/security of a local guide.
hans Blake– :
As a first time visitor to Sri Lanka I found this way to see some part of the country the best way. The beach stay toward the tail end was really a good idea to wind down after hard works at home
Freddy Rompas – :
Circle Sri Lanka is a great way to get to know this beautiful country and its friendly people. It packs in touring, cycling, trekking, trains across cities, villages, hill country and beaches. Just one warning – be prepared for the fact that your face will ache from smiling so much!
shame fernando– :
Short trip to get you from a to b to c with maximum privacy. We saw a lot in 10 days but it was still well paced. Very fun and a great way to see this lovely country.
Hans gruever– :
Nice private trip
Aron saad– :
A great way to see the highlights of Sri Lanka in a rather short amount of time. Everythings was happening! at our own pace what a FUN
francoise– :
Excellent trip with a good mixture of culture, nature, good food and relaxing time at the beach. Our very knowledgable and caring guide saman made this trip with his fun personality unforgettable. A great trip to get to know the different sites of the beautiful country Sri Lanka. Highly recommended!
Francisco Hraste )– :
Really amazing one week trip, many colorful tastes and experience. We have seen more that we would have expected and really a lot in 10 days..feeling it was 15 days! Beautiful country , very friendly smiling people, very welcoming. We felt very safe all the time . trip organisation was very good and our guide outstanding. We can only highly recommend this trip to anyone willing to discover Sri Lanka .
Peter– :
This trip was the perfect way to see the best parts of Sri Lanka for the short amount of time we had. Our leader Saman was excellent and full of knowledge. Would highly recommend if you only had a week.
Jorge– :
With Seerendipity, it not just about the destination but more importantly the safety and privacy, everything well handled
Francisco Garcia-Huidobro – :
Amazing trip to an incredible country, exceptionally led by saman as our tour leader. Felt safe and well looked after at all times. Temples, tea plantations, treks and tasty, tasty food that you won’t forget in a hurry. Book now – you’re guaranteed a warm welcome by some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met.
leonard bruze– :
Thanks
Frank eduward– :
Absolute whirlwind tour of Sri Lanka which gave you a fantastic taste for the country. Accommodation is good, however you do not spend much time in the room. Beautiful country with wonderful, kind people. Highly recommend.
Wendet ram– :
Simply Sri Lanka was simply delightful. Exploring Bentota Beach to exploring tea plantations and historic cities, to experiencing the Sri Lankan lifestyle and making new local friends, it was a truly enjoyable trip.
Klemens– :
Good
David thomas– :
We wanted to have luxury, comfort and privacy the tour offered all of them. A great choice for anyone, who look for that combination. A great taste of the culture and sights of beautiful Sri Lanka.
Yasin Raman– :
If you are going to Sri Lanka, double check to ensure you book the tour with seerendipity, because their service is fantastic. They have the lowest rates without compromising quality. It was fantastic 10 days with a local guide, who was very knowledgable about all aspects of Sri Lankan life.
Roger ahamed– :
We wanted to have the privacy that’s why we booked it. Fantastic trip with all comfort and everything at our own pace. Our guide was very helpful moreover he is very knowledgable thanks sunny
Gina Fernandez– :
Fantastic tour with cultural sites, historical monuments, wildlife reserves beaches and many many more. Fantastic 7 days with comfort and nice middle-class hotels. We found the price is very affordable and it is cheaper than the most other private torus offered leading tour operators. The rates of this trip are cheaper than the group rates of the same tour offered many leading tour operators. Thanks seerendipity
Breanda– :
We booked the classical tour because we need privacy and we wanted to do it as we wish. It was excellent as a preview to the country, it helped gain an understanding of the culture, money, exotic fruits, and various destinations. The only part of the trip l would shorten is the Spice garden, the spices were very interesting but it seemed to become more of a selling campaign with very high prices and a very long session. But this was the only thing, everything else was excellent.