This itinerary is perfect for those short on time or looking to experience a taste of Sri Lanka in addition to travel plans elsewhere in the sub-continent. Starting in Colombo, you will explore the capital before heading to the iconic Cultural Triangle, where you will have a few days to explore the area’s incredible multi-world heritage sites. Your journey will head south through central Sri Lanka to the delightful city of Kandy, home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth. The final stop on your week-long adventure will be to the historical city of Galle.
Itinerary Highlights
Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
Journey through the bustling city of Colombo
Explore the historic Fort Galle
Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
7
Nights
Price Guide
$2400 – $4700 pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to Sri Lanka
Day 2
Colombo
This morning, enjoy a personalized walk through the city of Colombo with your private guide. Experience first-hand the historical influences of the Portuguese and the amazing architecture the Dutch/English left behind – all while learning and experiencing what being “Sri Lankan” is all about.
Day 3-4
The Cultural Triangle
Your driver guide will meet you this morning for a transfer to Sigiriya in the heart of the Cultural Triangle region. En route, visit the unique cave temples at Dambulla, which contain many statues of Buddha of varying sizes. From Dambulla, you will continue your journey to your accommodation in the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle.
Choose to travel to Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa. Your first visit of the day will be to Sigiriya Rock, I would highly recommend climbing to the top as the views are truly spectacular. From Sigiriya, you will head to Sri Lanka’s medieval capital – Polonnaruwa which is now a Unesco World Heritage site. You will have plenty of time to explore the ruins of the Royal Palace and other highlights, including the Shiva Temple and remains of the former Temple of The Tooth.
Day 5-6
Kandy
Today’s journey will take you south to the delightful city of Kandy. En route, visit a spice garden at Matale, where you will be introduced to the local spices grown and their different uses. On arrival in Kandy, enjoy an orientation tour, including the bazaar, arts and crafts centre and gem museum. Travel to nearby Peradeniya to visit the city’s beautiful botanical gardens, which feature one of the most stunning orchid gardens we at Oasis Travel have ever seen.
Day 7
Galle
You will depart from Kandy this morning and head to the historical city of Galle, where you will enjoy a guided city tour around the fort before checking into your hotel.
Day 8
Fly home
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $2400 – $4700 per person
When to travel
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Travel to Sri Lanka is possible at any time of year as the rains affect different areas at different times, however some months offer more predictable good weather throughout the country than others. There are generally two annual monsoons, the North-East monsoon which brings rains to that part of the country from October to January and the South-West monsoon rains from May to July. There is also a period from October through to the first half of November, when rain and thunderstorms can occur across the island. Temperatures are constant and average around 30 degrees centigrade on a year round basis throughout the country except for the cooler Hill Country, making it perfect to visit all year round. The driest seasons in Sri Lanka are from December to March for the west coast, the south coast and the Hill Country, and from April to September for the ancient cities region and the east coast.
Weather: January is part of the northeast monsoon season (Maha). The northern and eastern regions may experience more rainfall, while the rest of the country sees relatively dry and sunny weather. The southwestern parts of Sri Lanka, including Colombo and Galle, have pleasant temperatures during this time. Average Temperature: 26°C to 30°C
The northeast monsoon continues in February, with some areas experiencing occasional rainfall. However, the overall weather remains warm and enjoyable. The southwestern beaches and coastal areas are popular during this time for their favourable conditions. Average Temperature: 26°C to 31°C
March marks the transition to the inter-monsoon period, which means more unpredictable weather. While it can still be warm, the humidity starts to rise, and short spells of rain become more frequent across the island. Average Temperature: 27°C to 32°C
The inter-monsoon season continues in April. The weather is hot and humid, and there may be sporadic showers and thunderstorms in various regions. Coastal areas, especially in the south and west, are still popular for beachgoers. Average Temperature: 27°C to 32°C
May is the beginning of the southwest monsoon (Yala) season. The southwestern regions, including Colombo and Galle, experience increased rainfall. The east and north, such as Trincomalee and Jaffna, remain relatively dry and are good options for travelers seeking better weather. Average Temperature: 27°C to 32°C
The southwest monsoon is fully established in June, bringing heavy rainfall to the southwest coast and central highlands. The east and north, however, enjoy better weather and are suitable for travelers seeking drier conditions. Average Temperature: 26°C to 31°C
July sees continued rainfall in the southwest and central regions. It's the wettest month of the year, and outdoor activities might be limited in some areas due to heavy rains. The north and east remain relatively dry and are popular tourist destinations during this time. Average Temperature: 26°C to 31°C
The southwest monsoon continues, and August is another wet month for the western and central parts of Sri Lanka. However, the rain begins to subside toward the latter half of the month. The north and east remain dry and suitable for travel. Average Temperature: 26°C to 31°C
September marks the end of the southwest monsoon season, but some regions may still experience occasional showers. The weather becomes more stable toward the latter part of the month, making it a good time to explore various parts of the country. Average Temperature: 26°C to 31°C
October is part of the inter-monsoon period when the weather is variable. Rainfall becomes less frequent, and the country generally experiences warm and humid conditions. Average Temperature: 26°C to 31°C
November brings the onset of the northeast monsoon (Maha) season. The northern and eastern regions experience increased rainfall, while the rest of the country sees pleasant and dry weather. Average Temperature: 26°C to 30°C
December is still part of the northeast monsoon season. The weather is generally cooler, with occasional showers in the north and east. The western and southern regions enjoy good weather, making it a popular time for beach vacations. Average Temperature: 26°C to 30°C
Add on’s
There are a multitude of add-on holiday options to this Sri Lanka itinerary, for example, you could head to Yala National Park and take a safari, and explore the Tea Country that Sri Lanka is famous for.
Sri Lanka is also easily accessed by the main flight hubs of Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, making city stopover extensions on Asia’s fabulously easy to arrange.
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