Sri Lanka: See & Experience it ALL in 10 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

10 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
View all 14 photos
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
100%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.

Health Safety

Cancellation Policy
Private Guided
You absolutely will not find another tour out there as packed with activities and attractions as this one, provided by CharlieTheTraveler. You will also not find another tour out there that offers it all ""FIRST CLASS,"" yet for a relatively low price. We have thousands of travelers taking this specific tour every year-and that's because no competitor can bea...
12%
$2,079
From$1,824
See departure dates

Member Savings

Save up to $700!

Sign in to see which companies give additional
savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

Unlock Savings

Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Jeep Safaris: Elephants, Leopards, Aquatic Birds & More
    • Reaching Adam’s Peak at Dawn, a Hiker’s Fantasy
    • Hiking the Ancient Mountain of Sigiriya
    • Exploring Abandoned Cities/Archeological Sites by Bike
    • Cave Temples & Other Exotic-Looking Spiritual Sites
    • Train Ride Through Postcard-Perfect Tea Plantations
    • Whale & Dolphin Watching Near Mirissa or Snorkeling Near Hikkaduwa Resort
    • Fine Beaches Surrounding Hikkaduwa Resort
    • A Wetland Boat Cruise
    • Waterfalls

What's this trip about?

    You absolutely will not find another tour out there as packed with activities and attractions as this one, provided by CharlieTheTraveler. You will also not find another tour out there that offers it all ""FIRST CLASS,"" yet for a relatively low price. We have thousands of travelers taking this specific tour every year-and that's because no competitor can beat us on quality, price and substance.

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityPolonnaruwa
End CityColombo

Travel Themes

  • Birding
  • Climbing & Mountaineering
  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning
  • High Adventure
  • Hiking & Walking
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Relaxing Retreats
  • Safari
  • Trekking & Expeditions
  • Photography
  • Scuba Diving

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Sri Lanka

Attractions

  • Bentota
  • Colombo
  • Dambulla
  • Ella
  • Hikkaduwa
  • Kandy
  • Kosgoda
  • Matale
  • Minneriya National Park
  • Mirissa
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • Polonnaruwa
  • Sigiriya
  • Tangalle
  • Weligama
  • Yala National Park

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Bird watching
  • Culture
  • Educational/ learning
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Mountaineering
  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Relaxing Retreat
  • River cruise
  • Ruins & Archaeology
  • Safari
  • Short Cruise
  • Snorkeling
  • Swimming
  • Trains & Rail
  • Trekking
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • International Airfare *For VIP members only (ask us for details)
    • Lodging *Some restrictions apply
    • English-Speaking Tour Guide
    • All Ground & Water Transportation
    • All Activities in Itinerary Below
    • All Entry Fees
    • Your Own On-Call Concierge
    • Breakfasts

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map
Day 1: Getting to the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

From the airport in Colombo, we have a private driver and tour guide take us to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. En route, specifically in the town of Kurunegala, we can have lunch (or dinner depending on your arrival time into Colombo's international airport). As this is the first day of our trip and jet-lag is common, we simply go for an evening stroll in Polonnaruwa after checking into the hotel.

Day 2: A Guided Bike Tour of an Ancient City Followed by a Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park

Today starts with a guided bike tour of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Afterwards, we have lunch. Next, we are taken to Minneriya National Park. There we go on a jeep safari. In the evening, we are taken to Sri Lanka’s landmark hill, Sigiriya. This is where our hote...

Day 3: Hiking the Ancient Rock of Sigiriya, Hiking Pidurangala Rock & Visiting a Cave Temple

Today starts with a guided hiking tour of the ancient sites of Sigiriya. On the top of the rock, we will have a great view of the surroundings. We should be returning to the bottom of the base around 9:30am. We are then taken to Pidurangala Rock. There we are also pro...

Day 4: A Tooth Temple, Royal Botanical Gardens, a Tea Factory Viewing & a Very Scenic Drive

Today starts with a guided tour of Kandy’s key attraction, the Temple of the Tooth. Since ancient times, this temple has played an important role in local politics. After exploring it, we are given a guided tour at Kandy’s second most popular attraction, the Royal Bot...

Day 5: Adam's Peak’s Sunrise Hike, a Train Ride Like No Other & Breathtaking Tea Plantations

Today we take a hike up Adam’s Peak. It is a 2,243-meter (7,359-feet) tall conical mountain located in the center of the country. Seeing from atop the sunrise and the surroundings, this is a hiker’s fantasy. Note that views from above the mountain may be obstructed du...

Day 6: Waterfalls, Temples & Hiking Little Adam’s Peak for Sunrise

The early morning starts with a hike to Little Adam’s Peak. We watch the sunrise once reaching the top of the mountain. The guided tour from the bottom to the top and back down takes a little under 2 hours. Afterwards, we are taken to Dhowa Rock Temple. There we are p...

Day 7: Wildlife Jeep Safari, Stilt Fishing, Colonial Galle & the Beach Resort of Hikkaduwa

Today starts with an early-morning, Jeep safari at Yala National Park. Yala is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. It is best known for its variety of wild animals, such as elephants, leopards and aquatic birds. After the tour, we are taken...

Day 8: Whale Watching Near Mirissa or Snorkeling Near Hikkaduwa

Today we go snorkeling near Hikkaduwa or whale watching near Mirissa. It depends on what month you are traveling. November through April is whale watching season. If you are joining our tour between November and April, then we are taken to a village called Mirissa. Ea...

Day 9: A Wetland Boat Cruise, a Striking Religious Temple & Colombo's National Museum

Today starts with a drive to Madu Ganga. For whatever odd reason, not a lot of natives know about this place. Nevertheless, this wetland boat cruise is definitely a highlight when visiting the country. Madu Ganga might be one of the last remaining tracts of untouched ...

Day 10: Our Tour Ends This Morning

Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport in Colombo.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $1,824
Price per day$182
Last Updated: 5/3/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Charlie The Traveler.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Charlie The Traveler Reviews & Ratings

5/5  Excellent
Excellent
828
Great
30
Average
0
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
A

Anthony Jimenez

Feb 2023

Written on

Our tour guide went well beyond my expectations just to make us feel happy and safe.

There is no doubt in my mind that the company CharlieTheTraveler made the perfect itinerary showing the best Sri Lanka has to see and do. We could not have done the ...

A

Andrew L.

Feb 2023

Written on

CharlieTheTraveler chose amazing sites to visit each day of this 10-day Sri Lanka trip.

CharlieTheTraveler chose amazing sites to visit each day of this 10-day Sri Lanka trip. The tour guide provided by the company was knowledgeable about the area and p...

A

Amanda D.

Feb 2023

Written on

There were some excellent tours of natural wonders on this trip to Sri Lanka.

There were some excellent tours of natural wonders on this trip to Sri Lanka. CharlieTheTraveler highlighted the beauty of the country and organized an unforgettable...

C

Carol P.

Feb 2023

Written on

I appreciated how much of the natural beauty this company highlighted in the Sri Lanka trip.

I appreciated how much of the natural beauty this company highlighted in the Sri Lanka trip. I love to travel and I found this trip one of the best trips I have been...

D

Don R.

Feb 2023

Written on

I appreciated the natural sites of this trip.

I appreciated the natural sites of this trip. I think CharlieTheTraveler did a great job in choosing attractions for us to visit. This company highlighted the beauty...

Write a Review

Other Charlie The Traveler Reviews

C

Catherine

May 2024

Charlie The Traveler Company Reviewsby Charlie The Traveler

You took care of our every need and I feel spoiled

CharlieTheTraveler far exceeded our expectations. You took care of our every need and I feel spoiled. We did not have to worry about anything. We will definitely use...

J

Janet Wiener

May 2024

Charlie The Traveler Company Reviewsby Charlie The Traveler

We had a fantastic trip.

We had a fantastic trip. We loved Valentin, our primary Belize contact. He was incredibly reliable and exceeded our expectations in every way. In fact, everyone used...

T

Tali

Apr 2024

Written on

Thank you guys for setting up this trip.

Thank you guys for setting up this trip. We spent 7 days in Palawan and Coron island and enjoyed every day. The remote coordinator worked very well for us through Wh...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

Charlie The Traveler

Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
View Profile

Discovering the world through CharlieTheTraveler is a life-changing experience, one which leaves customers with memories to last a lifetime. Few of us have the time and patience to research where to go and what to do and where to eat and how to get around. We, at CharlieTheTraveler, figured out the ins and outs of traveling without the stress and exhaustion that accompany it. We take care of it all so you can spend your time enjoying rather than ‘planning’, plus we know how to not waste time and money. If you want to truly see and do it all and not miss worthwhile destinations and activities, then we are the right company for you.

Why we love this operator
Travelers report that traveling with CharlieTheTraveler is a life-changing experience, in the best possible way.
What they’re known for
Doing detailed research and preparation to create perfect trips that uncover the best things to do and places to eat.

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

What's excluded

    • Flights
    • International flights are not included in the price. However, we would be happy to assist you in finding airfare upon request.
    • Insurance
    • Although travel insurance is not included in the price, we can recommend a company which provides comprehensive coverage. Note all customers are required to have travel insurance for this tour.
    • Additional Services
    • Alcohol
    • Travel Visa (only applicable to citizens of certain countries)

Accommodation

,Below are the names of the hotels where we commonly have our travelers stay. Note this is subject to availability. Our tours include the first night of accommodation, the hotel included is always selected as 4-5 Star by American standards - always unique and great customer service. We can also book 3 Star and boutique properties on behalf of our guests. Please inquire if interested. Night 1: Polonnaruwa, Preferred Accommodation: EKHO Lake House Night 2: Sigiriya, Preferred Accommodation: The Elephant Corridor Night 3: Kandy, Preferred Accommodation: Mahaweli Reach Hotel or The Grand Kandyan Hotel Night 4: Adam’s Peak, Preferred Accommodation: The Argyle Night 5: Ella, Preferred Accommodation: EKHO Ella Night 6: Kataragama, Preferred Accommodation: Grand Tamarind Lake Nights 7-8: Hikkaduwa, Preferred Accommodation: Lavanga Resort & Spa Night 9: Colombo, Preferred Accommodation: The Kingsbury Colombo or Shangri-La Colombo or Taj Samudra or Galadari Hotel or Hilton Colombo or Cinnamon Grand Colombo This tour includes lodging for 1 night. However, upon request, we can book accommodation for you for all nights at establishments which meet your needs. For years, we automatically included 5-star hotels in our travel packages. In the interest of our customers, we ultimately decided to reduce the price of our tours and encourage specifically those with higher expectations to simply request room upgrades. Why? Some of our customers want simple and clean but ultimately cheap rooms. Some of our customers want 4-star hotels and are willing to pay more. Others want nothing short of 5-star extravagance. There isn’t a way to uphold ONE standard for hotels in our travel packages considering everyone has a different budget. What we CAN uphold are the standard and quality of our tours, all of which offer nothing short of a first-class experience. Again, upon request, we can upgrade your room type for the night included as well as book lodging for all nights on this tour. Let us know and we will provide you with pricing options.
Guides
Our tour guides/drivers are licensed, speak English and know how to bring excitement to your day. What we deliver is the complete opposite of the cookie-cutting tours the big corporations offer, leaving you in complete boredom. Although our tour guides/drivers are attentive, accommodating and engaged, they also know when to give you your private space and free time. It's a perfect balance. *Female guides are available upon request. Note that the boat day trip near the village of Mirissa is shared with other travelers. The rest of the tour is exclusive to you and whomever else you may book on behalf of.
Cancellation policy
What Happens If I Cancel This Trip?

To confirm your tour, full payment is needed at the time of your purchase. However, refunds are offered. You will receive a full refund if canceling at least 91 days in advance from the departure date. Cancelling between 90-60 days prior to departure entitles you to a 50 percent refund. Cancelling between 59-31 days prior to departure entitles you to a 25 percent refund. Canceling 30 days or less prior to departure is not eligible for a refund. Cancellation requests need to be made by email and become effective on the date received by CharlieTheTraveler.

What Happens If You, CharlieTheTraveler, Cancel This Trip?

In the unlikely event CharlieTheTraveler needs to cancel this trip, such as because of very poor weather conditions, we will give you a full refund for the tour within 14 business days of the cancellation. Note: We are not a participant in the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund, nor is this transaction covered by the Restitution Fund.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Although we get customers of all ages and from several countries, our statistics show most people who book are 30 to 65 years old and from USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. We welcome your kids specifically and only when the tour is exclusive to you and your group-meaning other customers are not joining you. We define kids as anyone under 18 years old. In order to make the tour exclusive to you and your group, your booking would need to be for 4 persons or more for any of our tours except Iceland. For our Iceland tour, your booking would need to be for 8 persons or more. Regarding the cost of bringing a non-adult, we do deduct from the total based on the amount of activities you request we remove from the tour. Note that reducing the total price of the tour by removing activities is something offered for non-adults only. Adults can opt out of activities but the total price does not change.
Additional Information
  • Lodging x 1 Night
  • Air-Conditioned Vehicle
  • All Entry Fees
  • Private Transportation
  • Tour Guides
Trip ID
charli-charli-SrLaExClTr

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!