Dream Highlands Tour in Sri Lanka (15 Days)
Book this Package now, just for FREE, and be pampered with the fascination of the island with Next Travel Sri Lanka. We assure you of the perfect exploration, with the comforts you desire. Need more additions? Yes, you can even plan your holiday to suit your true favours with our Tailor-Made Tour Packages! We are always here to assist you in planning the best holiday. Simply contact us, if you have any doubts about this package, tailor-made tour packages, or the bookings.
Book With Flexibility Number of Days: 15
From Colombo to Colombo
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Max Group Size 20 |
Private Tour Available |
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Physical Rating Active |
Age Range 18 to 65 |
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Operated In English |
Tour ID NTD2036 |
From $890, Price varies by group size
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Places and Experiences
A Splendid View of the City of Galle, featuring the Fort, Lighthouse, Ancient City, and the Beach
A Splendid View of the City of Galle, featuring the Fort, Lighthouse, Ancient City, and the Beach
Capturing the Best at Yala while on a Jeep Safari
Capturing the Best at Yala while on a Jeep Safari
A Tusker at the Wild in Yala
A Tusker at the Wild in Yala
A Leopard at Yala National Park
A Leopard at Yala National Park
The Gigantic Sigiriya Rock Fortress that stands with Majesty
The Gigantic Sigiriya Rock Fortress that stands with Majesty
Village Walks
A Foreign Couple Enjoying a Village Walk
Trekking Meemure
The Greenery at Meemure
Trekking Manigala
Manigala, Riverston
Train Ride to Ella
A Woman Enjoying a Train Ride to Ella
Relaxing at Galle
The Wonderful Beach of Galle
Hiking Adam’s Peak
The Path to Adam’s Peak
Exploring the Beauty of Nuwara Eliya
The Beautiful Town of Nuwara Eliya
Exploring the Ancient City of Galle
Entrance of Galle Fort
Experiencing a River Bath
Experiencing a River Bath
Climbing Sigiriya
The Sigiriya Rock Fortress Standing with Grandeur
Game Drive at Yala
Elephants at Yala National Park
Map
Highlights
Visiting the Dambulla Cave Temple
Climbing Sigiriya
Village Walks
Trekking Manigala
Experiencing a River Bathe
Trekking Meemure
Visiting the Temple of the Tooth Relic
Hiking Adam’s Peak
Exploring the Beauty of Nuwara Eliya
Hiking Horton Plains
Train Ride to Ella
Game Drive at Yala
Village Walk in Tissamaharama
Boat Ride through the mangroves to a Cinnamon Plantation
Relaxing at Galle Shores
Visiting the Martin Wickramasinghe Museum
Exploration of the Ancient City of Galle
Itinerary
When the group flight arrives at the Colombo International Airport, we would transfer the group to Dambulla, the scenic ancient town of Sri Lanka. The ride would approximately take around four hours. Yet, we assure you of a wonderful ride since you would be passing several beautiful villages with many attractions. By chance, if you are not taking a group flight, you can meet us at the Colombo International Airport at the time of the transfer, but please note that you might need to purchase a ticket to enter the arrivals hall. If not, you can even visit the hotel in which we are accommodating and join the group to begin this wonderful tour the next day.
The second day of this tour would begin with a flavourful breakfast, and afterward, you would be visiting the Dambulla Cave Temple which is one of the most ancient cultural and religious attractions on this island. It rests a few feet above the surroundings in a wonderful environment, and the historical and cultural values it holds enhance the grandeur of this attraction furthermore. Following the exploration of the treasures its caves houses, and after observing the unique murals at this best-preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka, you would get a chance to take part in a warm walk through the pleasant villages, towards Sigiriya. And then, after a delicious lunch, you would be hiking the Sigiriya rock fortress, the cultural treasure trove of this island. Reaching the summit of this rock, observing its ruins, exploring the water garden, Sigiriya frescoes, and the mirror wall would take a few hours, and thus, the day would end upon descending this rock.
The third day of this tour is dedicated to a wonderful walk. However, a drive of around 3 hours is required to reach the start point of the walk, and afterward, you get the chance of witnessing one of the best experiences of life so far. Yes, you would be walking through the countryside of Pitawala Patana and Etanwala, observing the scenic beauty of the greenery, paddy fields, and village life. Further, this would lead you to a trail towards the top of Manigala at 1115m, and this would be the highest point for the day, which would offer you a bunch of wonderful scenery. You would arrive at the Mahalakotuwa village upon the descent, and afterward, you would get the opportunity to have a bath and relax in the cool waters of a river nearby. However, please note that these campsites would differ owing to high water levels during some months of the year.
The fourth day of this tour begins as we take a short drive to the Narangamuwa Temple at Ranamuregama. Then, you would be passing a scenic environment, to arrive at a forestry area, from where the real trek would begin for the day. With a slight climb amidst the bird chirps, you would arrive at the charming surroundings of Meemure. Among the most fantastic sceneries, you would capture the wonderful views of the Lakegala peak further enhancing the appeal of this environment. However, after experiencing the best of these scenic settings, you would walk through the greenery of the paddy fields, and the spice gardens, to arrive at a tea shop, where you would be able to taste a cup of Ceylon Tea. Then, it would be the time for lunch, and afterward, we take a truck or rickshaw for a bumpy 90-minute ride to Corbetts Gap, a famous viewpoint. The bus to our hotel at Orutota will be here, and following a ride of around one and a half hours, we will arrive at our hotel.
On this day, following a relaxing morning at the hotel, we would begin our 18 km ride to Kandy, the capital town of Central Sri Lanka. This splendid city has so much for you to experience. The relaxing climate out there, the charming beauty, and the historical and cultural attractions out there are sure to fascinate you. Besides, we have dedicated the afternoon for you to witness the best of this town. During this city exploration, you would also be visiting the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the most important religious attraction of Buddhists.
We would be heading to Dickoya, on this day, and this ride would approximately take around 4 hours. However, it would be at a simple summer house with a wonderful view of the Castlereagh Reservoir out there, that we would be spending the next two days. You have the daytime to enjoy by the lake, and we would be leaving at midnight to climb Adam’s Peak, with the hope of witnessing the sunrise at the top of this wonderful attraction. This journey is to offer you some lifetime memories, and a unique experience that would be second to none on this earth. However, it is important to note that these plans would slightly change owing to the seasons of hiking Adam’s Peak.
On the eighth day of this tour, we would be heading to the beautiful mountain town of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya, which is also known as ‘Little England’. Of course, you might be wondering why it is called so? However, a visit to this scenic countryside, and observing the colonial-era architecture there will surely prove to you how appropriate this term is to introduce this charm of the Central highlands. Besides, the relaxing climate out there, the greenery of the mountainous surroundings, and the wonderful waterfalls that stand tall create amazing opportunities for you
This day is dedicated to one of the most wonderful experiences on this island. Yes, you guessed it right! You are to trek the scenic Horton Plains. Being a land of greenery that houses a wide range of endemic plants it happens to be an ideal location for nature lovers to enjoy. Besides, Horton Plains is a safe home for an extensive range of wildlife, which includes endemic, and migratory birds. Hence, hiking at Horton Plans is to promise you ample opportunities for bird watching, wildlife observations, as well for photography as well. Apart from that, World’s End, in Horton Plains, is one of the best viewing points on this splendid island. However, at the end of the day, we would get into the train from the tallest train station on the island, and head to beautiful Ella. Believe us, this train ride would be one of the best in your life, as it takes you through the most scenic settings in Sri Lanka.
You would be spending the tenth day of this tour in Ella. Simply, it is a magical mountain town in the Central Highlands, and thus, this day is to offer you a bunch of wonderful memories that are worth a lifetime. However, we are planning to start the day by climbing a rock at Kithalaella, and then we would continue our journey to Ella gap since it provides the perfect views of the scenic surroundings with the greenery and the waterfalls.
On this day, we would be heading south from the Central Highlands. On the way, we would be visiting the Ravana waterfall, which has a bond with the legends of King Ravana, and the Kataragama Temple, which is a pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Hindus. After visiting the wonderful attractions, we would be heading to one of the most popular national parks on the island, named Yala National Park. It is a land of greenery that makes a home for a large number of wild animals, having elephants and leopards as the star attractions. We have planned a game drive at this national park, to experience the best of Sri Lankan wildlife. However, this national park would be closed for a few weeks, most probably in the months of September, or October to check the wild animals. At such an instance, we would be visiting the Udawalawe National Park instead, which is also a home for an extensive range of wildlife.
The morning hours of the twelfth day of this tour are dedicated to enjoying the beauty of Tissamaharama. This walk would create ample opportunities to witness the village life of Sri Lankans at its best and to observe the scenic settings of this village with the lake flowing at the heart of it. In the afternoon, we would leave this village and head to the South coast of this splendid island. The ride would approximately take around four hours, and it would create more opportunities to experience Sri Lanka.
You are free to enjoy this day as your heart desires. You can either choose to relax by the sea or enjoy a swim at a pool in leisure. However, it is a must note that the shores at Galle are ready to offer you fun and excitement. You have the chance of enjoying a boat ride through mangrove swamps to a cinnamon plantation, or else, you can indulge yourself in a water sport, such as surfing, snorkeling, or swimming. Besides, if you travel during the months of November to April, you have perfect opportunities for dolphin/whale watching as well. So, it’s up to you to choose how you need to spend this wonderful day!
On the fourteenth day of this tour, we would be heading to Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, and on the way, we would spare time to explore the grandeur of the ancient city of Galle as well. Accordingly, we would be visiting a museum dedicated to the renowned Sri Lankan author Martin Wickramasinghe, and the majesty of the Galle Fort, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following this wonderful exploration, you would continue your ride to Colombo through the Southern Expressway, and the journey would approximately take around 2-3 hours.
This wonderful tour of fun and excitement would end with breakfast on this day, and we would be dropping you at the Colombo International Airport in the morning if you are taking the group flight back to London.
After all, we believe that this tour package features the best of the island, satisfying the true flavors. Besides, if you prefer to make your dream trip in Sri Lanka a reality, in exactly the way your heart desires, we are here to offer you tailor-made tour packages as well. Contact us for more information.
Happy and Safe Travelling!
What is included
Let it be a stay by the golden stretches, a chill amidst the cool breeze, or a holiday surrounded by the lush greenery! Whatever your heart desires, the wide array of hotels in Sri Lanka are ready to cater to you. And this tour includes perfect accommodation facilities, helping you enjoy your stay in a way that suits your wishes!
Of course, there is so much on this island to explore, and getting around this country is not an issue at all! So apart from the walks in this tour, you would be provided with a vehicle for transportation. Also, we guarantee you that the vehicles we offer are in perfect condition, and thus, a hassle-free ride is ensured for you.
Dishes in Sri Lanka are a true delight! Hence, you should never miss a chance to experience the authenticity and the exclusivity of the mouth-watering Sri Lankan tastes. However, this package includes all breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 1 dinner. Yet, you have nothing to worry about because our representatives would help you arrange the rest of the meals upon request. Further, any of the Sri Lankan hotels/restaurants would allow you to choose among the below selections, for each of your main meals.
Also, please note that these are the general food items that any of the hotels would offer you, and there may be a wide variety of additional dishes depending on the hotel you dine at. Further, this tour offers Vegetarian and Vegan food options on request.
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It is true that one can visit the attractions on this island on their own. Still, let us assure you that having a travel guide makes your journey more wonderful, and stress-free. In fact, they know about this island like the back of their hands. They are capable of enlightening you about each and every place you visit. Going beyond, they would turn out to be a companion of yours, inspired with a passion to fulfill your expectations on this beautiful island. Hence, we make sure to provide you with the service of a tour leader throughout the journey. And yes, he will surely become a reason for you to make this Sri Lankan trip more amusing than ever!
We recommend you have travel insurance to enjoy yourself more and travel stress-free on this paradise island of Sri Lanka. Yet, insurance is NOT INCLUDED in our tour packages. Tourists are responsible for choosing the insurance packages that suit them the most and getting themselves insured.
International Flights are NOT INCLUDED in our packages. It is up to the visitors to take care of their flight bookings and our tour packages, and additional services begin only once they arrive in Sri Lanka.
Of course, you will be provided with accommodation. Still, it is up to the travelers to bear personal expenses for pre and post-tour accommodation. Further, the travelers should bear their cost for anything that is not mentioned in the Itinerary, such as the rest of the meals, alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks, snacks, visa fees, tips, and portage, etc
Frequently Asked Questions
Grabbing out the best essence out of a wonderful holiday destination indeed requires a good plan. Yet, proper planning surely requires a good knowledge about the destination as well. In that case, you will certainly need a helping hand to know more about what to expect, how to get ready, and mostly, to clear out your doubts. However, as an experienced team working close to the hearts of our travelers, we clearly understand what troubles your mind, and your desire to travel with peace of mind. Thus, we have answered the most frequently asked questions, so that you can easily clear out your doubts just in a second. So, why not? Have a look at the below section, and we are sure that we have answered your question!
Abiding by the new normal, Sri Lanka is now open for tourists after the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, quarantine measures are different for vaccinated and unvaccinated tourists.
Completing two weeks upon receiving the recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccinations will make you begin travelling on the island sooner. Apart from that, Sri Lanka requires no mandatory vaccinations before arrival.
The natural marvels of the island nation Sri Lanka, which includes the golden shores, charming cascades, scenic landscapes, and diverse wildlife are indeed capable of attracting any tourist. Besides, its rich cultural heritage, delightful festivals, pleasant climate, exclusive cuisines, and extensive range of facilities for affordable prices, simply make tourists go to Sri Lanka, at any time of the year.
Tourists are only permitted to get to Sri Lanka, by air.
Yes, of course! If you are arriving in Sri Lanka for a holiday, for medical treatments, or to take part in an event, you will require a Tourist Visa.
Any foreigner who plans to arrive in Sri Lanka should obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) through http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/. The website also contains a full guide on obtaining the ETA, along with the payment details.
The Visa is valid for 30 days.
Yes, you can. Still, you have to apply for a visa extension, before your current visa expires. All you have to do is collect the visa extension form from the Head Office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration (You can also download the form from here), and submit the duly filled application, along with the following.
- Return Air Ticket
- Details of the place of accommodation
- The application along with a photograph of the applicant
It is always better to have your National Identity Card, and Passport with you when travelling around the island.
In brief, Sri Lanka is a year-round destination. Thus, it always has something to do and somewhere to visit on this island. Still, it is always better to choose a time where the monsoon rains do not impact the area you plan to visit in Sri Lanka. This complete overview of the weather and climate of Sri Lanka, and the official website of the Department of Meteorology, Sri Lanka will help you with this.
You can either use public transportation which includes the bus and train services. If not, you can even hire a taxi, a tuk-tuk, or hire a vehicle to drive yourself.
Sri Lanka Rupees (SLR) is the currency used in Sri Lanka.
Not really! If you are using public transportation, enjoying meals from budget restaurants, and taking accommodation at budget hotels, you can experience the holiday at your heart’s core, at a low budget. Thus, the cost depends upon your choices. Still, a holiday in Sri Lanka is simply cheaper than many other tourist destinations across the worl
The best is to wear comfortable materials, preferably cotton, linen, or rayon since Sri Lanka is warm most of the time. Besides, if you are visiting a religious place, the best is to wear something light color that covers from your shoulders to your knees, to blend with the culture there. Besides, having a shawl will help you to cover yourself in instances where your attire is inappropriate to visit such a place.
As long as you are travelling in a populated area it is safe to travel alone in Sri Lanka. Still, if you are a female travelling alone, the best is to wear an attire that covers your body, and also, wearing a fake wedding ring, acting familiar, etc. will help you avoid unnecessary hassles. However, the best is to avoid night rides, and use google location if you are travelling alone!
Most can! Still, some locals would only be familiar with Sinhala and Tamil languages. However, hand signals will help you in instances as such.
- Simply, cultural and religious values run through the veins of Sri Lankans. So, never disrespect any religion. Avoid posing with funny actions at religious sites. Besides, dresses or tattoos with religious slogans or images might pave the way for unnecessary disturbances.
- Avoid public nudity and kissing.
- Never take photographs without permission.
Good to Know
The delight of a Sri Lankan holiday needs no further exaggerations. Its natural splendours, pleasant weather and climate, welcoming smiles of Sri Lankans, and every other bit of this wonderful paradise are surely going to enchant anyone who visits it. Still, in order to witness the true delight of this wonderful destination, knowing a few more things would certainly benefit you. Keep calm, and have a look below. They will help you make the most out of your time on this splendid island nation!
Electricity is not an issue in the present, especially around tourist hotspots. It is true that some extremely rural areas still lack this facility. Still, we can assure you that those areas are out of the tourist zones.
However, Sri Lanka operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50 Hz. Hence, be mindful of bringing compatible devices or voltage converters. Besides, it is always better to have with you a power bank, rechargeable lamp, etc. because emergency power cuts could occur once in a while.
As you might already know, Sri Lankan Rupees is the currency used in Sri Lanka. The best would be to bring USDs with you and then to exchange them for the local currency once you arrive. Doing so will offer you opportunities to get better exchange rates as well. Besides, Mastercards and Visa Cards are widely accepted, while American Express Cards are also often accepted. Still, it is always better to have cash in hand, since most of the local boutiques around tourist attractions do not have the facilities to accept credit cards.
Also, ATMs are available islandwide. Still, not all of them accept international cards. The daily transaction limit usually ranges between SLR 100,000 to SLR 200,000 and a transaction fee is imposed upon every transaction. Moreover, banks are open on weekdays from 9 AM to 3 PM and closed on weekends. Still, some main cities have a few banks that are open 24/7, or either till night hours.
Of course, telecommunication facilities are available almost island-wide, except for the extremely rural areas. If you are planning to stay connected during your trip to Sri Lanka, the best would be to buy a local sim since the mobile service providers here offer perfect tourist plans that would simply save you money. Also, buying a sim in Sri Lanka is not that hard. You can buy one easily from the airport premises, or the outlets islandwide.
As you already know, Sri Lanka holds accommodation facilities that cover an extensive range. Starting with the Home Stays, Guest Houses, Bungalows, to Medium-Scale Hotels, and Super-Luxury Hotels, this paradise island has it all. Of course, the price might vary upon your selections and the facilities they offer. Still, accommodation facilities are indeed cheaper in Sri Lanka, when compared with tourist destinations worldwide.
However, some of the Home-stays, Guesthouses, and Bungalows might not have AC and hot water facilities. Hence, if you are concerned with regard, it is always better to ask about these little things before placing your bookings. Besides, finding accommodation during the off-season might not be that hard. Still, it is always best to hunt for accommodation a few days earlier, just to travel with pace in mind.
Discovering the unique flavours of Sri Lankan Food, seafood, and cultural dishes would simply be a delightful experience that you can ever imagine! Let it be the luxurious hotels that offer you both local and international cuisine, and the small boutiques or the street stalls that amaze you with their mouth-watering tastes, all of them are impressive beyond words. However, local dishes might be a bit spicy. Thus, it is always better to inform the cook earlier, if you prefer less spicy food. Besides, the cost of food in Sri Lanka highly varies depending on the place you choose to dine, and the dishes you select.
Photography and videography are not forbidden in Sri Lanka. Still, make sure you request permission, especially if you are capturing locals, their boutiques, or their houses. Besides, never turn your back to religious statues, or pose with them with funny poses, since Sri Lanka is a country backed with strong cultural values. Also, whenever you visit a religious or a cultural attraction, or a museum, make sure to check for notices. Photography and videography are strictly prohibited in certain places, and using the flasher is strictly prohibited in some sites with historical paintings, and murals. Going beyond, photography and videography in some places require prior permission or payments. Hence, making memories is always fine, yet, it is always better to be mindful of the restrictions. And yes, your travel guide will simply help you with these concerns!
As you might already know, Sri Lanka is a country with a rich cultural heritage. Thus, we encourage you to follow the below ethics when visiting religious places in Sri Lanka.
- Most religious places encourage visitors to wear a light colour attire that covers their body, shoulder to knees. Thus, if you are visiting a religious place, make sure that you do not wear shorts, crop tops, skinnies, etc. Also, having a shawl with you will help you cover your body at such times, in order to blend with the culture there.
- Visitors enter the religious place barefoot and caps, hats, scarfs, etc. are removed before entering the site.
- The tranquillity of the religious places in Sri Lanka is simply impressive. Hence, make sure you mind your behaviour.
Indeed, safety is first! So, it is always better to keep an eye on animals, especially on the stray dogs on the roads. Be mindful when feeding them, or touching them. And by chance, if a stray dog or any other animal bit you, make sure you arrive at the nearest government hospital, and they will make sure to treat you accordingly.
