Premium Sri Lanka - 12 Days

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Summary

Embark on a captivating 12-day journey through Sri Lanka, where golden coastlines, lush hill country, ancient heritage, and warm hospitality await. This immersive itinerary blends relaxation, wildlife, and cultural wonders, offering the perfect balance for couples or friends looking to explore the island in comfort and style.

Your adventure begins in the seaside town of Negombo, before winding through the cultural heartland of Sigiriya and Kandy, the scenic highlands of Nuwara Eliya, and finally ending with beach bliss on the southern shores of Beruwala. Along the way, you’ll experience everything from UNESCO-listed sites and wildlife safaris to scenic train rides and local village life – all while staying in hand-picked 4 or 5-star hotels.

Whether you’re climbing the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, witnessing the elephant gatherings of Minneriya National Park, exploring sacred temples, or enjoying a home-cooked Tamil meal in the hills, every moment is crafted to leave a lasting impression.

With private transport, expert guides, and a well-balanced pace, this tour is ideal for travellers seeking a richly rewarding yet hassle-free way to experience Sri Lanka’s highlights.

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Highlights

Climb the Iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress Explore one of Sri Lanka’s most famous landmarks – the 5th-century Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features ancient palace ruins perched atop a dramatic 200-metre-high lava plug, with panoramic views and remarkable frescoes.
Wildlife Safari in Minneriya National Park Witness the magical sight of wild Asian elephants gathering in large herds around the Minneriya reservoir. The park is also home to leopards, sloth bears, endemic monkeys, and an impressive array of birdlife.
Scenic Train Ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya Take one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys through Sri Lanka’s hill country. Pass rolling tea plantations, misty mountains, and charming villages on your way to the cool climate of Nuwara Eliya.
Village Walk and Home-Cooked Tamil Meal Experience authentic rural life with a guided walk through a local Tamil tea village, followed by a cooking demonstration and delicious home-style Sri Lankan meal – a cultural highlight and culinary delight.
Discover the Sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy Visit one of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Asia – the Temple of the Tooth Relic, said to house a tooth of the Buddha. Optionally, attend a cultural dance performance to enhance your evening in the hill capital.
Beach Bliss in Beruwala Unwind with three relaxing days on the palm-fringed shores of Beruwala. Whether you choose to soak up the sun, swim in the warm Indian Ocean, or indulge in spa treatments, it’s the perfect way to end your journey.

Day 1: Welcome to Sri Lanka – Coastal Arrival in NegomboArrival Day
Your journey begins as you arrive at Colombo International Airport, where a warm welcome awaits from your local Aitken Spence Travels representative. You’ll be transferred in comfort to the laid-back coastal town of Negombo. Once checked in, take the rest of the day to relax by the beach or unwind at your hotel after your long journey.

Activities:

Meet & greet at the airport

Private transfer to Negombo

Leisure time to settle in

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation:: 4★ Goldi Sand or similar
Day 2: Chill & Unwind – A Free Day in Negombo
oday is all about slowing down and settling into island life. Spend your day at leisure in Negombo – stroll along the palm-lined beach, explore the Dutch-era canal network, or enjoy fresh seafood at a local beach café. This is your time to relax and soak in the coastal vibe.

Activities:

Full day at leisure to explore or relax

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: 4★ Goldi Sand
Day 3: From Markets to Mountains – Journey to Sigiriya
After breakfast, experience the colourful local life with a visit to the bustling Negombo Market. Then sit back and enjoy the scenic journey inland towards Sigiriya, passing vibrant villages and lush landscapes. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful sunset boat ride with cocktails – the perfect way to ease into the cultural heart of Sri Lanka.

Activities:

Visit Negombo Market

Transfer to Sigiriya

Sunset boat ride with cocktails

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: 4★ Amaya Lake or similar
Day 4: Ancient Wonders & Wild Encounters in Sigiriya
Start your day with a guided climb up the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress – a 5th-century royal citadel perched atop a giant lava rock. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers breathtaking views and fascinating ruins. In the afternoon, venture into Minneriya National Park on safari, where you'll witness herds of wild elephants and diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.

Activities:

Guided climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Minneriya National Park safari

Evening cocktail experience

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: 4★ Amaya Lake or similar
Day 5: Spiritual Caves & Scenic Travel to Kandy
Depart for the hill capital of Kandy with a cultural stop en route at the Dambulla Cave Temple – an awe-inspiring complex filled with centuries-old Buddhist murals and statues. Arrive in Kandy and settle into your hotel, surrounded by forested hills and colonial charm.

Activities:

Visit Dambulla Cave Temple

Transfer to Kandy

Check-in and evening at leisure

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: 4★ Hotel Thilanka or similar
Day 6: Heritage & Tradition in Kandy
Enjoy a relaxed morning in this beautiful lakeside city. In the evening, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth – Sri Lanka’s most revered religious site. You may also opt to witness a cultural dance performance, showcasing traditional music and costumes of the Kandyan kingdom.

Activities:

Free time in the morning

Evening visit to the Temple of the Tooth

Optional cultural dance performance

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: 4★ Hotel Thilanka or similar
Day 7: Highland Train Journey to Nuwara Eliya
Board the iconic train from Kandy to Nanu Oya – considered one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Wind your way through misty hills, tea plantations, and waterfalls. Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, take a walk through a Tamil tea village and learn about their unique culture. Enjoy a traditional cooking demonstration and home-cooked meal to complete your immersive day.

Activities:

Scenic train ride from Kandy to Nanu Oya

Tamil village walk

Cooking demo and meal with local family

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: 4★ Galway Height or similar
Day 8: Travel to the Southern Coast – Beruwala Beach Awaits
Today you’ll descend from the cool highlands to the warm shores of Beruwala. Check in to your beachfront hotel and enjoy a slow afternoon relaxing by the pool or walking along the golden sands.

Activities:

Transfer to Beruwala

Check-in and leisure time

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: 4* Thaala Bentota or similar
Day 9: Relaxation & Ocean Views in Beruwala
Wake up to the sound of the sea and enjoy a completely free day in paradise. Whether you prefer beach lounging, a spa treatment, or optional water sports, this is your time to recharge.

Activities:

Day at leisure

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: 4★ Thaala Bentota or similar
Day 10: Final Full Day of Coastal Leisure
Savour your final full day in Beruwala. Take in one more ocean sunrise, go for a swim, or sip a cocktail under a palm tree. This day is all yours to enjoy as you please.

Activities:

Day at leisure

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation: 4★ Thaala Bentota or similar
Day 11: Colombo City Discovery
After breakfast, journey north to the bustling capital, Colombo. Embark on a guided city tour to discover colonial architecture, vibrant markets, temples, and urban charm.

Activities:

Transfer to Colombo

Guided city sightseeing tour

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation: 4★ Cinnamon Red or similar
Day 12: Departure Day – Farewell Sri Lanka
Enjoy one last island breakfast before your private transfer to the airport, depending on your flight schedule. Take with you unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka’s warmth, culture, and beauty.

Activities:

Transfer to Colombo Airport

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Not applicable (check-out and departure)

This itinerary can be fully customised to your preferences. Our specialists will work with you to create your perfect experience.

Customise your itinerary

Goldi Sands Hotel Negombo

The hotel is situated right on the beach amidst the swaying coconut palms of Negombo. Nearby attractions include the Old Dutch Fort Gate, the Dutch Canal, old churches and sleepy fishing villages. The hotel is also conveniently located just a 15 minute drive from Bandaranaike International Airport. Featuring a beachfront location, the air-conditioned hotel is an ideal place for an unforgettable holiday. Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool that also has a children's swimming area. The in-house restaurant offers a broad and varied à la carte menu featuring international as well as traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. The cosy bar is an ideal place to relax with a wide variety of coolers and cocktails. Stay at this hotel for a truly pleasant and unforgettable experience.

Facilities

American Express
MasterCard
Individually adjustable heating
Wheelchair-accessible
Room service
Luggage room
Banquet hall
Air conditioning in restaurant
Massage
Bathroom
Safe
Car park
Medical service
Air conditioning in public areas
Hotel safe
Currency exchange facilities
Garden
Bar
Meeting room
Outdoor freshwater pool
Sun loungers
Visa
Room size (sqm)
Smoke detector
24-hour reception
Check-out hour
Airport shuttle
Laundry service
Concierge
Clothes dryer
Grill/BBQ
Conference room
Breakfast buffet
Billiards
Shower
Wi-fi
Direct dial telephone
TV
Check-in hour
Wifi
Babysitting service
Multilingual staff
Bellboy service
Cloakroom
Lift access
Shop
Terrace
Newspapers
Library
Restaurant
Business centre
Parasols
TV lounge
Buffet lunch
Buffet dinner
Follows local COVID safety policies

Amaya Lake Dambulla

Amaya Lake Dambulla is located on the shores of Kandalama Lake in the heart of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. 160 km from Colombo. The resort offers 92 villas scattered amongst the trees of the forested grounds. Guests can enjoy the resort's centrally located swimming pool, shops and nature trails. Furthermore an Ayurvedic Spa and a yoga Ashrama can be found by the edge of the lake. The Samara restaurant offers a buffet of Sri Lankan and international cuisine. There are also two bars, both with views of Kandalama Lake. The Wewe Kade restaurant is located by the Warichchi Village and serves flavoursome, healthy vegetarian cuisine cooked on a traditional wooden stove. Amaya Lake Dambulla is a landmark for luxury and relaxation coupled with the best hospitality we have to offer.

Facilities

Villa
Shower
Wi-fi
Direct dial telephone
TV
Tea and coffee making facilities
Check-in hour
Wifi
Bicycle hire service
Babysitting service
Multilingual staff
Bellboy service
Fireplace
Cloakroom
Newspaper stand
Shop
Terrace
Bicycle storage
Gym
Newspapers
Dining area
Bikes available
Restaurant
Parasols
Hairdressing salon
Buffet lunch
Buffet dinner
Non-smoking establishment
Tennis
Year of construction
Number of floors (main building)
Visa
Maestro
Room size (sqm)
Minibar
Individually adjustable air conditioning
Smoke detector
Wheelchair-accessible
24-hour reception
Check-out hour
Local and international calls
Airport shuttle
Laundry service
Concierge
Clothes dryer
Grill/BBQ
Conference room
Children playground
Spa centre
Breakfast buffet
Full Board
Cycling / mountain biking
Handball
Volleyball
Billiards
Badminton
Bathroom
Safe
Car park
Medical service
Air conditioning in public areas
Hotel safe
Currency exchange facilities
Garden
Bar
Poolside snack bar
Outdoor freshwater pool
Sun loungers
Kids’ club
Breakfast
Continental breakfast
À la carte lunch
À la carte dinner
Half Board
Year of most recent renovation
American Express
MasterCard
Wheelchair-accessible
Mobile phone coverage
Car hire
Transfer service
Secure parking
Valet parking
Room service
Launderette
24-hour security
Luggage room
Café
Banquet hall
Entertainment programme for children
Massage
Spa treatments
Picnic
Table tennis
Darts

Thilanka Hotel, Kandy

The charming city hotel Thilanka is situated in Kandy boasting a stunning backdrop of the Udawatta Rainforest. Just 2 kms from the hotel, guests will find numerous shopping areas, restaurants and the spectacular Kandy Lake. There are a host of attractions in the vicinity of the hotel including the revered Tooth Temple, the Dambulla Rock Temple, the Sigiriya rock fortress and the Lankatillake Temple to name a few. The hotel is conveniently situated just 3 kms from the bus station and 4 kms from the train station. There are 2 airports within 120 kms of the hotel.Located amidst beautiful gardens the hotel is a beaming ray of vibrant colours and Kandyan elements and culture. The hotel's majestic interior also reflects aspects of this colourful culture. Guests will be met by a host of excellent facilities and services to round off a memorable holiday.

Facilities

Car hire
Secure parking
Valet parking
Room service
24-hour security
Luggage room
Café
Non-smoking area
Wheelchair-accessible
Balcony
Centrally regulated air conditioning
MasterCard
American Express
Suite
Banquet hall
Air conditioning in restaurant
Set menu lunch
Medical service
Hotel safe
Currency exchange facilities
Garden
Towels and bed linen
Bar
Car park
Safe
Bathtub
Bathroom
Total number of rooms
Poolside snack bar
Printer
Outdoor freshwater pool
Breakfast
Continental breakfast
À la carte lunch
Check-out hour
Local and international calls
Airport shuttle
Laundry service
Smoke detector
Concierge
Clothes dryer
BBQ facilities
Grill/BBQ
24-hour reception
Wheelchair-accessible
Terrace
Individually adjustable air conditioning
Fridge
Minibar
Room size (sqm)
Visa
Conference room
Fax
Entertainment programme for adults
Game room
Breakfast buffet
Breakfast and dinner
Check-in hour
Wifi
Multilingual staff
Bellboy service
Lift access
Shop
Terrace
Newspapers
Dining area
Restaurant
TV
Direct dial telephone
Wi-fi
Hairdryer
Shower
Children’s swimming area
TV lounge
Buffet lunch
Buffet dinner
Non-smoking establishment

Galway Heights Hotel

This hotel is located in Nuwara Eliya, also known as Little England. The capital of Colombo is approximately 180 km away. Ratmalena Airport is 170 km away. A lake and restaurants are to be found within 5 km. The bus station is 2 km from the hotel, the train station is 8 km away. The hotel has 52 double rooms spread over 3 floors. It has a 24-hour reception desk and a currency exchange counter. For the comfort of our guests there are two fancy bars and two restaurants with non-smoking areas. A conference room and two public WiFi terminals are available for our business guests. Other facilities include a children's playground and car park. The carpeted rooms are fully - equipped. The tasteful design offer guests a fabulous atmosphere. Guests can play billiards, table tennis and tennis. There is a steam room and a massage services available.

Facilities

Shower
Hairdryer
Direct dial telephone
TV
Check-in hour
Wifi
Restaurant
Pub
Buffet lunch
Buffet dinner
Tennis
Bicycle hire service
Bellboy service
Fireplace
Newspapers
Library
Non-smoking establishment
Fitness
Year of construction
Number of floors (main building)
Visa
Room size (sqm)
Minibar
Central heating
24-hour reception
Check-out hour
Laundry service
Conference room
Entertainment programme for adults
Game room
Breakfast buffet
Set menu dinner
Billiards
Airport shuttle
Clothes dryer
BBQ facilities
Children playground
Spa centre
Bathroom
Bathtub
Safe
Hotel safe
Currency exchange facilities
Garden
Bar
Steam bath
Breakfast
Continental breakfast
Towels and bed linen
Kids’ club
American Express
MasterCard
Individually adjustable heating
Balcony
Room service
Café
Non-smoking area
Massage
Set menu lunch
Table tennis
Car hire
Valet parking
Launderette
24-hour security
Luggage room
Horse riding
Golf practice facility

Thaala Bentota

"This superb resort basks in its tranquil setting on the sprawling beach of Bentota, one of the most expansive sandy beaches in Asia. Avani Bentota is located on Sri Lanka's popular southwest coast a 2.5 hours' drive from Colombo and 96 kms from Bandaranaike International Airport. Guests can revel in the feeling that they are a world away amidst the relaxing, serene environment of the resort. The charming low-rise building spreads out amidst luxuriant greenery, complementing the surroundings beautifully with its blend of Sri-Lankan style and contemporary comforts. The guest rooms feature a simplistic, modern style creating a cool, relaxing atmosphere. Guests seeking relaxation can sit back and unwind in the large palm-fringed gardens or enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool as the little ones splash nearby. This is the ideal choice for an exotic living experience for all the family."

Facilities

Year of most recent renovation
Suite
MasterCard
Balcony
Wheelchair-accessible
Mobile phone coverage
Transfer service
Secure parking
Valet parking
Room service
Launderette
24-hour security
Café
Massage
Spa treatments
Breakfast and lunch
Jet ski
Squash
Bathroom
Safe
Car park
Medical service
Air conditioning in public areas
Hotel safe
Currency exchange facilities
Bar
Outdoor freshwater pool
Sun loungers
Breakfast
Continental breakfast
Half Board
Waterskiing
Year of construction
Number of floors (main building)
Disability-friendly rooms
Visa
Minibar
Individually adjustable air conditioning
Terrace
24-hour reception
Check-out hour
Local and international calls
Airport shuttle
Laundry service
Highchairs
Conference room
Breakfast buffet
Breakfast and dinner
Full Board
Volleyball
Beach volleyball
Shower
Hairdryer
Direct dial telephone
TV
Tea and coffee making facilities
Check-in hour
Wifi
Bicycle hire service
Babysitting service
Fireplace
Newspaper stand
Shop
Gym
Bikes available
Restaurant
TV lounge
Buffet lunch
Windsurfing
Follows local COVID safety policies

Cinnamon Red Colombo

First of its kind in Sri Lanka, this hotel introduces the concept of “lean luxury”, or bridging luxury and essentials, and introducing pioneering technology for the savvy traveller who is content without all the extra flair. Located within close proximity to Colombo's commercial hub, it is a very convenient accommodation for work travellers who need to attend meetings, close deals, and meet clients for power lunches at some of the trendiest Colombo restaurants. One of them is the main restaurant of the hotel, which serves an international breakfast and dinner, with a la carte lunch options. The reception and café area offers a variety of light snacks, coffees and teas, for a quick bite. Guests who are serious about fitness can hit the rooftop gym and infinity pool to ensure they stay in shape.