17 Day Sri Lanka Discovery
International Flights Included
Small Group Tour
Fully Escorted
7-Day Change of Mind
Day by Day Itinerary
Negombo, Anuradhapura, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Tissamaharama (Yala National Park), Mirissa, Galle, Bentota, Colombo
Highlights
- Marvel at the ancient stupas and ruins in Anuradhapura, including the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, showcasing its grandeur as an ancient capital
- Visit the serene Nallur Kandaswamy Temple and vibrant Central Market in Jaffna, reflecting unique Tamil culture and heritage
- Enjoy the stunning beaches of Trincomalee and soak in the natural beauty of the harbour
- Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, also known as Lion’s Rock, and discover one of Sri Lanka’s most extraordinary architectural marvels
- Wander through the ruins of Polonnaruwa and reflect on the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s medieval kingdom
- Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple, renowned for its impressive collection of Buddha statues and intricate murals
- Witness the Temple of the Tooth Relic and stroll through the picturesque Royal Botanical Gardens, nestled amidst Kandy’s lush hill country
- Explore Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its colonial architecture, ramparts, and lighthouse offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean
- Relax and unwind in Mirissa on Sri Lanka’s South Coast, and enjoy azure waters against a stunning coastal backdrop
Itinerary
Home 
Negombo
Ayubowan. Welcome to Sri Lanka!
Upon arrival at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport you will be met and transferred to your Negombo hotel for check-in.
Please Note: Although most flights arrive late at night, due to airline flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur one day prior.
Meals: In-flight
Accommodation: Regal Reseau Hotel & Spa 4*or similar
Negombo 
Anuradhapura
After breakfast travel to Anuradhapura (170 km / 4 hours), famed for its historical ruins and sacred sites, and along the way pass by lush fields and vibrant villages.
Spend time exploring this ancient city and once thriving capital, renowned for its well-preserved ruins, including grand stupas like Ruwanwelisaya, built in the 2nd century BCE by King Dutugemunu, and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree.
Continue to Mihintale is where Buddhism was first introduced in Sri Lanka. Mihintale is regarded as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The rock is filled with shrines and rock dwellings. A grand stairway of 1,840 steps made out of granite slabs 15” wide leads to the summit from where you can soak in the views of the surrounding countryside.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: The Lake Forest Hotel 4* or similar
Anuradhapura Jaffna
After breakfast travel to Jaffna (170 km / 4 hours), driving through diverse landscapes, from historical ruins to lush farmland. Jaffna, located in northern Sri Lanka, is a vibrant city known for its rich Tamil culture, historic sites like Jaffna Fort, and bustling markets.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Fox Jaffna 4* or similar
Jaffna
Set off on a sightseeing tour in Jaffna, offering a captivating blend of history and culture. Start at the Dutch Fort, a 17th century stronghold with impressive ramparts and scenic views. Wander through the Central Market to experience vibrant local life and pick up unique crafts and spices. Visit Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, a colorful Hindu shrine known for its elaborate architecture and lively festivals. Take a ferry to Nagadeepa Temple, a serene site on an island revered for its spiritual significance. Conclude at Nageswaran Temple, a striking Hindu temple famed for its intricate carvings and historical importance.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Fox Jaffna 4* or similar
Jaffna Trincomalee
Get an early start today as you drive to Trincomalee (235 km / 5 hours). Your journey takes you through Sri Lanka’s northern and eastern landscapes, providing views of coastal scenery, rural areas, and lush vegetation, leading to Trincomalee’s historic sites and beautiful beaches.
Upon arrival, spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Pigeon Island Beach Resort 3.5* or similar
Trincomalee Sigiriya
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Sigiriya (100 km / 2 hours).
Later climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, known as Lion’s Rock. Take in the impressive views at the summit of this 5th-century marvel. A UNESCO World Heritage site, built by King Kassyapa I, it served as a royal citadel for more than 18 years and showcases extraordinary artistry and architecture, including the famous mirror wall and stunning frescoes.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Wewa Addara Hotel 3* or similar
Please Note: Starting from the base, the climb up Sigiriya Rock involves over 1200 metal stairs or steep steps. For those unable to make it to the summit, relax in the royal gardens or visit the Sigiriya Museum that offers exhibits and background on the cultural and religious significance of Sigiriya.
Sigiriya Polonnaruwa Sigiriya
Visit Polonnaruwa (60 km / 75 minutes), Sri Lanka’s second oldest kingdom and immerse yourself in its rich history and stunning ruins. Begin at the Royal Palace, marveling at its grand remains and impressive architecture. Explore the Gal Vihara, where colossal rock-carved Buddha statues stand as masterpieces of ancient art. Visit the Parakrama Samudra, a vast reservoir showcasing advanced ancient irrigation. Wander through the Sacred Quadrangle, home to the Thuparama and the remarkable Vatadage, known for its intricate stone carvings.
After exploring Polonnaruwa, feast on an authentic farmer’s lunch of curry and rice using local ingredients and prepared by a local family.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Wewa Addara Hotel 3* or similar
Sigiriya Dambulla Kandy
After breakfast, head to Kandy, stopping en route at Dambulla (90 km / 2.5 hours).
Explore Dambulla Cave Temple, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site dating from the 1st century BC. Marvel at the impressive rock formations towering 160 metres above the surroundings, housing intricate religious and worldly paintings and sculptures. Witness the remarkable 15-metre-long reclining Buddha statue carved directly into the rock.
Continue to Kandy with a stop at a Spice Garden in Matale. Learn about the ingredients used in Sri Lankan cuisine, experience a spice massage, and shop for natural products.
Upon arrival, explore the city tour by foot, visiting the Central Market and picturesque Kandy Lake. Witness the Temple of the Tooth, a significant Buddhist site. Built during the 17th century, the UNESCO World Heritage site houses the sacred tooth relic, which was brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century A.D.
This evening be entertained with a traditional Sri Lankan cultural dance performance accompanied by musicians.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel Topaz 4* or similar
Please Note: During the visit to the Temple of the Tooth, please wear clothing covering knees and shoulders, as a sign of respect. You will also be required to remove your shoes.
Kandy Nuwara Eliya
Before leaving Kandy today, stop for a visit at the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, home to 4,000 plant species and once enjoyed by a Kandyan queen.
Continue towards Nuwara Eliya. On the way, stop and visit a tea plantation and a factory. Here you will enjoy the absolute tea experience, taking you from the young tea leaves being plucked to processed in the factory onsite to make an amazing cup of tea.
If you are interested, a tea plantation is the best place to purchase high quality tea.
Today ends in the hills of Nuwara Eliya.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Accommodation: Ripon Grand Hill 3* or similar
Please Note: The temperature in Nuwara Eliya will be 20-25c during the day, and 10-15c during the night. Warm clothing is recommended.
Nuwara Eliya Nanu Oya 
Ella
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning before travelling to Nanu Oya to embark on one of South Asia’s most famous train rides. The train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella is widely regarded as one of the most extraordinary rail experiences in the world. This picturesque route through Sri Lanka’s hill country offers stunning views of tea plantations, misty valleys, and cascading waterfalls
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for check in.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: BBQ Hub 4* or similar
Please note: Sri Lanka Railways have a manual booking system for train reservations. Tickets can only be booked 30 days prior to departure. On the rare occasion the train is fully booked we will cover the route by road.
Ella Tissamaharama (Yala National Park)
Visit Nine Arch Bridge, also called the Bridge in the Sky, one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country. The construction of the bridge is generally attributed to a local Ceylonese builder, in consultation with British engineers
Leave for Yala National Park (90 km / 2.5 hours), and en route witness the picturesque Rawana Waterfall before checking into your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Chaarya Resort & Spa 4* or similar
Tissamaharama (Yala National Park) Mirissa (South Coast)
Spend the morning at your leisure or opt for a safari at Yala National Park, home to the world’s highest concentration of leopards, and diverse wildlife including majestic elephants, sloth bears, sambars, jackals, spotted dear, and a variety of bird species.
Later, continue along the south coast for an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Mandara Resort 4* or similar
Optional tour: MORNING SAFARI YALA NATIONAL PARK
Wake up early in the morning at 05.30am, visit the Yala National Park with a packed breakfast from the hotel. The Yala National Park in southern Sri Lanka has the world’s highest concentration of leopards. Much of the nature reserve is parkland, but it also includes jungle, beaches, freshwater lakes, rivers and scrubland. In addition to leopards the Yala National Park is also home to substantial numbers of elephants, crocodiles, wild boar, water buffalo, gray langurs and many more varieties of large animals. But that’s not all; the park is also home to birds of prey such as the white-bellied sea eagles, waders, painted Storks, the Indian peafowl and the Sri Lanka jungle fowl.
Mirissa (South Coast) Galle Bentota
Spend the morning at your leisure or join the optional whale watching adventure. After check-out, visit Galle, a historical town with well preserved Dutch and Portuguese colonial architecture and renowned for its Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll through the charming streets, walk along the ramparts, and soak in the views from the lighthouse, and more.
Continue to the Bentota, (80 km / 90 minutes) celebrated for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant water sports.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: NH Bentota Ceysands Resort 4* or similar
Optional tour: WHALE WATCHING
Whale watching in Sri Lanka offers an incredible experience to observe majestic whales in their natural habitat, surrounded by stunning ocean views and the opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures up close.
Bentota
Enjoy a free day at leisure in Bentota. Take advantage of the hotel’s wide array of facilities including several restaurants and bars, an impressive swimming pool or engage in various sports activities as you wish.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: NH Bentota Ceysands Resort 4* or similar
Bentota Colombo
Today, journey to Colombo (90 km / 2 hours). Upon arrival, check in to your downtown hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure, exploring the bustling capital of Sri Lanka. Uncover this vibrant city known for its cultural sites, markets, and scenic waterfronts
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Steuart by Citrus 3* or similar
Colombo Home
Enjoy further free time exploring Colombo, do some last minute shopping along Galle Face Green or jump in a tuk-tuk to Colombo 7 for great coffee and cake.
At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport for departure.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: In-flight meal
Home
Welcome home. We hope you have enjoyed your discovery of Sri Lanka adventure with AVG Travels.
Included
- Return international flights
- Small group journey, max. 20 travellers
- 15 nights hand-picked 3 and 4-star hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast, 1 lunch, 5 dinners
- Return airport transfers in country on the first and last day of tour
- Fully escorted by English-speaking local guides
- Dedicated private air-conditioned vehicles
- All sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
- 24/7 Support
Excluded
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Tipping and gratuities
- Any service not clearly mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional activities listed in the itinerary
- Personal expenses
Fine Print
How to book and Payments
AVG Travels offers you a “3 Instalment Payment Plan”, where you will be required to pay a small deposit followed by a series of instalments when you book your departure tour.
- First payment: To secure your booking, you will be required to pay $300 per person deposit online through our website link.
- Second payment: You will be required to pay the second payment after 7 days when you receive our company invoice.
- Final payment: Final payment will be collected 120 days before your departure.
Tours under $2,000 or due to depart within 120 days require a FULL payment at the time of booking.
However, you will have 7-day cooling off period. Please refer to “Flexible Cancellation” section.
Flexible Cancellation
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a travel refund for your initial deposit payment. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation, full name and booking reference.
Flight Information
This package includes international flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane or other city if requested when selecting your departure city.
Interstate Surcharge
Surcharges may apply and will be shown during the booking process when choosing your departure city.
In this package, we will use a selection of different airlines which may include a mix of full-service carriers or low-cost carriers. Luggage allowance is included.
- Some flights will require a minimum of 1 transit (maximum 2).
- All tickets will include 20-23 kilos checked baggage per person, along with 7 kilos of hand luggage.
- Despite the airlines baggage allowance, we recommend travelling with 20 kilos per person due to restrictions with internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation. Also, you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters is not included. If travelling over this amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable direct.
- Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable. Any changes will be subject to the airline rules, Airline change fees and an AVG Travels change fee of $250 per person.
- Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required. Any error in the names submitted will be subject to an AVG Travels name change fee of $150 plus any applicable fees charged by the airline, or the ticket may be non-refundable with the purchase of a new ticket required.
- Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control. It is important that you, as the customer, stay up-to-date with the latest airline schedule information prior to your departure. If a schedule change results in extended transits or an earlier/later departure from your destination, any additional accommodation or alternative arrangements will be at the traveler’s expense.
- Any airline ‘extras’ such as pre-allocated seating is at your own arrangement (additional charges apply)
- After booking, the price payable may be subject to change as a result of factors beyond the control of AVG Travels. AVG Travels reserves the right to increase the price payable and this will be reflected on the customer’s invoice. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, airline taxes, airfare increases and fuel surcharges.
- Internal flights (where applicable and included in the itinerary) will be using a local carrier and may include low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage will still be included for each passenger. Any additional baggage required is payable at time of check-in.
- If you are travelling with another party on a separate booking, we cannot guarantee that the same flights will be booked for all parties, as this strictly depends on availability.
- You will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included. If travelling over the recommended amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable directly.
- In the event of that you no-show on your scheduled flight, please be aware the airline will require you to pay a no show fee, Airline reissue fee plus any additional airfare and taxes. AVG Travels will also charge a $250 admin fee to assist re accommodating you on the next available flight. Please note that depending on the airline’s policy, purchasing a new ticket may be required.
Flight requests, amendments or preferences
We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalized quote tailored to your specific requirements.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
Airline Preferences – You may wish to fly with a particular airline
Cabin Preferences – These include upgrading to premium economy or business class
Extensions (start and end cities must remain the same) – You may request to extend your stay pre or post tour.
Meal Requests – You may request a specific meal for dietary requirements.
Seat Requests – If you would like to request particular seating. However please note, not all airlines allow the selection of pre-purchased seat arrangements.
Important Information
Group Size
Minimum: 4
Maximum: 25
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,050 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Paired Solo Traveler
Not available
Triple Share
Not available
Children
Children must be 12 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent on land.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Guides in Sri Lanka
National Guides are well versed in the overall history, geography and major attractions across multiple regions of Sri Lanka. They can share detailed explanations of the cultural elements of the country. Often holding professional certifications or license recognized by tourism authorities, they work closely with local guides to provide a seamless experience. Groups with 8 or more travelers will be accompanied by a National Guide.
Local Guides specialize in a specific region or city. They offer in-depth knowledge about local attractions, cultural nuances, history, and daily life. Fluent in the local language and with a deep understanding of local landmarks, traditions, and cuisine they offer insights into the area that a broader national guide might not cover.
Chauffeur Guide combines driving and guiding into one role. In addition to driving, the chauffeur guide can provide general information about the sights, history, culture, and local customs of the areas visited. They are typically well-versed in local customs, etiquette and norms to ensure interactions with locals are respectful and meaningful.
Arrival and Departure Transfers
If the holiday you book is LAND ONLY, arrival and departure transfers are NOT included in your tour price. You will need to make your own way to the joining hotel.
Physical Requirements
Fitness Level
A reasonable level of fitness is required but it’s more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You’ll be getting on and off coaches and boats, exploring the sights, climbing stairs and walking over a variety of terrains from cobblestones streets, hiking trails and moderate hills. There may be 1 or 2 days on tour when walking can cover 4- 6 kms over uneven terrain. Regular walking and light exercise before your trip can help ensure a more enjoyable and hassle-free travel experience.
Pace of Travel
The itinerary is moderately paced with a mix of sightseeing, travel between destinations and some time at leisure. Travel times between locations can vary, and road conditions may affect the schedule. Be prepared for some early starts and active days, but also enjoy some downtime to rest and explore independently. Flexibility will enhance your overall experience.
Tipping, Gratuities and Porterage
A friendly reminder that tipping, gratuities and porterage is not included in your package. Tipping is customary in many countries as it makes up the wage component for these services. Many countries don’t have a minimum wage like we do in Australia. Please be advised that USD $6 per person/day will be collected in country by your tour escort on Day 1. This will cover all services throughout your journey but does not cover tipping or gratuities for room service, optional tours or any activities you do without the tour group.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with Nib Travel Insurance to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply with us.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return and must have more than 2 blank pages.
Sri Lanka
An e-visa is required for entry into Sri Lanka. The Department of Immigration and Emigration launched a system called “Electronic Travel Authorization – ETA” in order to grant prior approval for a visa online for foreign nationals who visit Sri Lanka. You can visit http://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/to purchase your visa online.
E-Visa’s are only valid for 30 days, so you can only apply closer to your travel dates. Please do not apply for your visa until you have your travel documentation. It will take 3 business days to be approved. The cost is US$50 per person.
Update 1 October 2024
DELAYED. The proposed implementation of visa-free travel, as previously announced in August 2024, has been put on hold with the recent elections in Sri Lanka. As such all guest will need to apply for a e-visa/eta using the following http://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ for up-to-date information in terms of entry requirements.
Weather
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate, characterized by two distinct monsoon seasons. The southwest monsoon brings rain from May to September, while the northeast monsoon affects the eastern part of the island from December to February. Be prepared for sudden rain showers, especially during monsoon periods. Temperatures are generally warm year-round, ranging from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F). Humidity is high in coastal areas while the central highlands are cooler. Pack light breathable clothing for coastal regions and warmer layers for cooler highlands.
Currency
Sri Lanka’s currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR), symbolized as Rs. Banknotes ranging from 10 to 5,000 and coins from 1 to 10 rupees are commonly used. ATMs are widely available in urban areas, and credit / debit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants and shops. It’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller transactions and rural areas where card facilities may be limited. Currency exchange services are available at airports, hotels, and local exchange bureaus.
Electricity
Sri Lanka operates on a 230V supply voltage with a frequency of 50Hz. The common plug types are D (three round pins in a triangular pattern) and G (three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern) so travelers from countries with different plug types may need a power adapter. Generally hotels and accommodations will provide adapters upon request or have multi-purpose sockets, but it is wise to carry one for convenience.
How to Extend Your Stay
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
- $250 per room, per night including one-way airport transfer based on double/twin room share
Post Tour Accommodation
- $250 per room, per night including one-way airport transfer based on double/twin room share
Please select the number of extra nights required in the ‘Additional Nights Accommodation’ field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Dates & Prices
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