Sri Lanka: The Enchanted Island

Sri Lanka: The Enchanted Island

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14 Days From

$2741

Sri Lanka: The Enchanted Island

14 Days Starting and ending in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Visiting: Colombo, Dambulla, Anuradhapura, Mihintale, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains (lasang), Ella, Yala, Galle, Ahungalla

Tour operator:

Cox & Kings

Tour code:

CET

Recommended For:

50 plus, Singles

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

12 - 18

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

From:
$2741 (USD) including Flights from the UK

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

The teardrop-shaped island of Sri Lanka contains a wealth of cultural, archaeological and natural treasures. This comprehensive tour visits both popular and lesser-known sites in the north, centre and south of the country. Highlights include the jungle-bound fortress of Sigiriya, wildlife-rich Yala National Park, and the cave temples of Dambulla.

Highlights

  • Visit the impressive Dambulla caves & Sigiriya rock fortress

  • Witness a Puja ceremony at the Temple of the tooth

  • Stay in an authentic converted tea factory

  • Finish the tour with relaxation on the beach

  • Stay in 4- & 5-star accommodation

  • Small group size - average 16 people (maximum 18)

Places You'll See

Sri Lanka: The Enchanted Island

Sri Lanka: The Enchanted Island

Sri Lanka: The Enchanted Island

Sri Lanka: The Enchanted Island

Sri Lanka: The Enchanted Island

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Fly To Colombo

Location: Colombo

Accommodation Name: na

Meals Included: No Meals

Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Colombo with Sri Lankan Airlines.

Day 2 : Colombo

Location: Colombo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Cinnamon Lakeside

Meals Included: No Meals

Afternoon arrival and transfer to the Cinnamon Lakeside for 1 night. Enjoy afternoon tea at the iconic Galle Face Hotel.

Day 3 : Dambulla

Location: Dambulla

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Heritance Kandalama

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning transfer to Dambulla. Stay 3 nights at the Heritance Kandalama.

Day 4 : Anuradhapura - Mihintale

Location: Anuradhapura, Mihintale

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Heritance Kandalama

Meals Included: Breakfast

Drive to the ancient city of Anuradhapura. For 1,400 years this city was Sri Lanka’s capital and contains fabulous Buddhist shrines and relics. Afternoon visit to Mihintale, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Day 5 : Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa

Location: Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Heritance Kandalama

Meals Included: Breakfast

Morning visit to the rock fortress town of Sigiriya. Continue to the 11th-century capital of Polonnaruwa.

Day 6 : Dambulla - Kandy

Location: Dambulla, Kandy

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Earls Regency

Meals Included: Breakfast

Morning visit to Dambulla, home to Asia’s most impressive cave temples. Continue to the beautiful hill station of Kandy and stay 2 nights at the Earls Regency. Afternoon city tour. This evening, take time to watch a traditional Kandyan dance performance and visit the Temple of the Tooth for the evening puja.

Day 7 : Kandy

Location: Kandy

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Earls Regency

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kandy is set on the shores of a beautiful man-made lake and the area abounds with rich and varied plant life. Morning visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 8 : Nuwara Eliya

Location: Nuwara Eliya

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Heritance Tea Factory

Meals Included: Breakfast

Early morning drive to Nuwara Eliya hill station via a tea plantation. Situated at 2,000 metres above sea level, Nuwara Eliya attracted the British in the 18th century and their legacy is still visible. Stay at the Heritance Tea Factory for 2 nights.

Day 9 : Horton Plains

Location: Horton Plains (lasang)

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Heritance Tea Factory

Meals Included: Breakfast

Early morning visit to Horton Plains, situated on Sri Lanka’s highest plateau (this excursion involves a 2.5-hour walk*). Horton Plains is inhabited by large populations of monkeys and sambar deer. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 10 : Ella - Yala

Location: Ella, Yala

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Cinnamon Wild (Jungle Chalet)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer to Ella; the view through the Ella Gap – a break in the hills – is one of the finest in Sri Lanka. Visit the Rawana Ella Falls and impressive Buduruwagala statues before continuing to Yala. Stay 2 nights at Cinnamon Wild (Jungle Chalet).

Day 11 : Yala

Location: Yala

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Cinnamon Wild (Jungle Chalet)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Morning wildlife safari in Yala National Park. Covering 1,300 sq km, the park encompasses a diversity of jungle habitats, including scrub, brackish lagoons and riverside locations. Creatures that may be seen include elephants, leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, sambar deer, wild pigs, jackals, marsh crocodiles and a great variety of birdlife.

Day 12 : Galle - Ahungalla

Location: Galle, Ahungalla

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: eritance Ahungallaor upgrade to the Taj Bentota Resort & Spa(Superior Charm Seaview room) from £85

Meals Included: Breakfast

Drive to Ahungalla, stopping for a visit to the Elephant Transit home and tour of Galle Fort. Stay 2 nights at Heritance Ahungallaor upgrade to the Taj Bentota Resort & Spa(Superior Charm Seaview room) from £85. Following day at leisure.

Day 13 : Galle - Ahungalla

Location: Galle, Ahungalla

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Heritance Ahungallaor upgrade to the Taj Bentota Resort & Spa(Superior Charm Seaview room) from £85

Meals Included: Breakfast

Drive to Ahungalla, stopping for a visit to the Elephant Transit home and tour of Galle Fort. Stay 2 nights at Heritance Ahungallaor upgrade to the Taj Bentota Resort & Spa(Superior Charm Seaview room) from £85. Following day at leisure.

Day 14 : Fly To London

Location: Colombo

Accommodation Name: na

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer to Colombo and fly to London with Sri Lankan Airlines.

What's Included

  • Small group size - average 14 people (max 18)

  • 4- & 5-star accommodation

  • Flexible - extensions, room & flight upgrades available

  • Direct international flights with Sri Lankan Airlines

  • Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles

  • Experienced local tour manager

  • 12 breakfasts

  • Upgrade to half-board in Dambulla, Kandy & Ahungalla (7 nights) for £95

  • Welcome drink to meet the group & guide

  • Wildlife safari & national park entrance fees

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • Country Entry Visas

Check out our Q&As

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes. We only work with passionate local guides who have a firm grasp of English – so they can answer all your questions and offer invaluable insight into your destination.

  • Can Cox & Kings arrange my visa?

    We cannot arrange your visa but we can recommend a reputable visa assistance company who can help with your application. Please contact your tour consultant for details.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    All prices for Cox & Kings holidays include international flights, except where indicated. For all destinations, you may be able to arrange your own flights. If you wish to do so, the cost will be deducted from the tour price.

  • Why do I have to pay more for my holiday if I am a single traveller?

    Most hotels around the world charge more per person for a single occupancy room than for a shared twin room, because the cost of maintaining a room for one person can be almost as high as it is for two. In addition, many single occupancy rooms are the same as twin / double rooms.

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    Superior: Most Cox & Kings tours fall under this category and are based in 4- or 5-star accommodation where available, or the best alternative elsewhere.

  • What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?

    If a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers, we will either offer for you to take your holiday on a private basis (which may involve a supplement), or you will be fully refunded.

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    Yes. Quoted prices include all entrance fees.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    All Cox & Kings group tours have a maximum group size of 18 and average just 14 guests. Travelling in such a small group allows you to make stronger and deeper connections with fellow travellers.

  • What is the difference between a 'single' supplement and 'sole' supplement?

    A 'single' traveller is someone occupying a single room while travelling with one or more other people, for example a single person travelling on a group tour. A 'sole' traveller is someone travelling on their own. As a single traveller on a group tour (except those in the SoloTravellers collection), please check the single supplement price. If you wish to add an extension to that tour, please th

  • When will I get my tickets?

    Travel documents will be sent approximately two weeks prior to departure (third party suppliers' policies may vary), unless your booking is made within six weeks of departure, in which case final documents will be sent as soon as possible.

  • When do I need to pay my final balance?

    Final payment must be made no less than 75 days before departure.

  • Why do I have to pay more for my holiday if I am a single traveller?

    Most hotels around the world charge more per person for a single occupancy room than for a shared twin room, because the cost of maintaining a room for one person can be almost as high as it is for two. In addition, many single occupancy rooms are the same as twin / double rooms. The Solo Travellers collection of small group tours is specially created to include accommodation based on single occu

  • Can Cox & Kings arrange my visa?

    We cannot arrange your visa but we can recommend a reputable visa assistance company who can help with your application. Please contact your tour consultant for details.

  • Do your prices include flights?

    All prices for Cox & Kings holidays include international flights, except where indicated. Australasia and Canada holidays do not include international flights so that you may benefit from the best prices at the time you choose to book, taking advantage of major seasonal variations and short term special offers. For all destinations, you may be able to arrange your own flights. If you wish to do

  • What is a non-exclusive escorted group tour?

    The vast majority of our group tours are exclusive to Cox & Kings clients. However, there are a few exceptions where holidaymakers who booked their tour with another travel company travel in the group.

  • When will I get a detailed itinerary?

    If you are travelling on a group tour, you will receive a detailed itinerary with your travel pack. If travelling on a private basis, you will receive your detailed itinerary with your confirmation invoice.

  • What are the four tour categories

    ***LUXURY These are our most comfortable tours and will usually feature 5-star deluxe accommodation throughout*** ***SUPERIOR Most Cox & Kings tours fall under this category and are based in 4- or 5-star accommodation where available, or the best alternative elsewhere*** ***STANDARD Simpler in emphasis, these itineraries typically feature 4-star or good 3-star accommodation throughout, or the best alternative elsewhere*** ***DISCOVERY Best suited to the hardier traveller, these tours typically include some quite basic accommodation, possibly longer and rougher road journeys and, in some cases, more strenuous activities, such as trekking***

  • Do I need inoculations?

    Many of our destinations have recommended health precautions, which you can read about in our regional documents and health pages. However, we recommend that you contact your doctor who will be able to give you professional advice, arrange any vaccinations and give advice on malaria protection. Alternatively, visit the NHS website for more information.

  • What happens if a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers? Will it be cancelled?

    If a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers, we will either offer for you to take your holiday on a private basis (which may involve a supplement), or you will be fully refunded.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

Suzie  

Delighted Customers!

13 Dec 2021

My partner and myself have been regular travellers for over 20 years and up to now been loyal to a rival company. After an incident with them, we decided to change loyalty and try C&K. Was absolutely a good move. For the past couple years I have spoken to Sabastian Gittany, what a delight to be able to speak to the same consultant! I was immediately impressed with the service, he was extremely helpful, polite and nothing is too much trouble. Sabastian has an immense knowledge through his own travel experiences, which in turn helped us to ensure we booked the right holiday for us. As a result of the excellent service we received from Sabastian we have booked 4 holidays for 2022, the first being Egypt Nile Cruise, which he tailored and with lots discussions finally created an itinerary for us, so we are delighted.

Suzie  

Well looked after before and during

6 Apr 2022

We were well looked after before and during our vacation. Top class accommodation and guides.

Steven
Jessica  

Knowledgeable Staff and Excellent Service

01 Oct 2021

Knowledgeable staff and excellent service that 'goes the extra mile'. I have been on several holidays through Cox and Kings over the last 20 years and have always been more than satisfied

Yvonne  

Great itinerary and great service

9 Dec 2021

Great itinerary and great service from Cox & Kings. I will definitely use them in the future.

Paul  

A Relaxed Way to Book a Holiday

13 Aug 2021

Sue and I have travelled with Cox & Kings a number of times and have always booked direct with them. For this latest trip, I again contacted them direct and spoke to their travel advisor for the chosen area for a tailor-made holiday. I found him empathetic, knowledgeable and understanding of my requirements. An initial itinerary was prepared which after due consideration and discussion was cheerfully amended and agreed on. There was no pressure put on me and I found it, as usual, a good experience. Holiday now booked and I am looking forward to the trip.

Haig  

Exceptional Service

02 Feb 2022

I have frequently used Cox and Kings and they never disappoint. They organise whatever I want and the great thing about their group tours is that they always include some free time. Other companies tend to pack far too much in to their schedules. I have found everyone I have ever dealt with keen to provide the best possible service.

Read all 6 reviews

Want a private tour?

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Dates & Availability

Tuesday - Sunday

Oct 15, 2024 - Oct 27, 2024
$2866 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tuesday - Sunday

Nov 12, 2024 - Nov 24, 2024
$2741 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Cox & Kings requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cox & kings charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.