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Highlights of Sri Lanka

15 days Fully Inclusive Classic Group Tour

Celebrating 25 Years of tour excellence

Highlights of Sri Lanka

Marvel at magnificent temples, see the World Heritage Rock Fortress at Sigiriya, search for elephants and other wild animals at Yala National Park, discover the fascinating caves at Dambulla and explore the ruined cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.

  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 14 , Lunches: 13 , Dinners: 14
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    14 nights in 3/4 star accommodation
  • Visas
    Visa fees & processing for Australian passports
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 28
  • Physical Rating 2
    A reasonable level of fitness is required, as you'll be spending time on your feet and doing a bit of walking to cover short distances during your daily sightseeing. There will also be some climbing of steps and climbing on and off of coaches and boats.
    Learn More
    Walking, some steps and extended time on your feet.
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Your Partner will FLY FREE, or solo travellers save 50% on airfare. Selected departures.
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Classic Group Tour
15 DAYS
From $7,480PP
Negombo (1N) - Dambulla (3N) - Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Anuradhapura - Kandy (2N) - Nuwara Eliya (2N) - Yala National Park (2N) - Hikkaduwa (2N) - Colombo (2N)
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Tour Highlights

Our Highlights of Sri Lanka tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.


Day by Day Itinerary

Negombo (1N) - Dambulla (3N) - Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Anuradhapura - Kandy (2N) - Nuwara Eliya (2N) - Yala National Park (2N) - Hikkaduwa (2N) - Colombo (2N)
  • Day 1
    Fly To Colombo
    Dinner
    Day 1: Fly To Colombo

    Fly to Colombo. On arrival you will be met by your expert tour guide and transferred to your hotel in the coastal town of Negombo, a short drive from Colombo.

    Dinner
  • Day 2
    Explore Sigiriya
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 2: Explore Sigiriya

    This morning travel to Dambulla, and in the afternoon visit Sigiriya, home to the 5th-century UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock Fortress, 'Lion Rock'. Built by King Kassapa as the centre of his short-lived kingdom, pass between a pair of colossal lion’s paws and climb to the top for panoramic views. Explore the surrounding gardens as well as admiring the world-renowned Heavenly Maidens frescoes.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 3
    Discover Polonnaruwa
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 3: Discover Polonnaruwa

    Visit the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. The capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 12th-century, it is a well-preserved city of stupas, frescoes and statues. While here, explore the Gal Viharaya, a magnificent group of rock temples and the Vatadage, an ancient structure with elaborate stone carvings. Return to Dambulla.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 4
    Anuradhapura
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 4: Anuradhapura

    Drive to celebrated Anuradhapura. The city's greatest treasures are its dagobas; domes enshrining sacred relics. The most notable is the Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba, dating back to the 2nd-century BC, which you will visit today along with the Thuparamaya, said to contain the collarbone of Buddha. Discover the city's most renowned relic, the 2,250-year-old sacred Bo Tree. Emperor Asoka's daughter brought to Anuradhapura a branch of this tree, under which Buddha is said to have gained enlightenment.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 5
    Dambulla Rock Temple
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 5: Dambulla Rock Temple

    After breakfast, travel to visit Dambulla Rock Temple. Dating back to the 1st-century BC, the temple is made up of five cave sanctuaries where you'll find some of Sri Lanka's most important Buddha images. Visit a spice garden in Matale where you can see cinnamon, cardamom, pepper creepers and other spice trees growing and watch a cooking demonstration. Continue through majestic hill country to the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka's cultural hub.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 6
    Cultural Kandy
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 6: Cultural Kandy

    This morning, visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. Later, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most revered Buddhist sites in the world. Stolen at Buddha's funeral, the tooth was smuggled into Sri Lanka hidden in the hair of a princess who fled from India. Explore the remains of the Royal Palace, now a museum. This evening you will watch a colourful cultural dance performance.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 7
    Nuwara Eliya
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 7: Nuwara Eliya

    After breakfast travel by train to Nuwara Eliya, the 'Little England' of Sri Lanka. Situated at 2,000m above sea level, Nuwara Eliya is the main hill station of Sri Lanka and is known for its excellent tea production due to the cool climate which creates tea with a unique flavour.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 8
    Tea Plantation
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 8: Tea Plantation

    This morning visit a tea plantation and tea factory, learning how the tea is graded. This afternoon explore the city center to see the colonial buildings, race course, Hill Club Hotel, Gregory Lake and Sita Amman Kovil.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 9
    Udawalawe
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 9: Udawalawe

    Travel to the Elephant Transit Home located near Udawalawe National Park, where abandoned baby elephants are cared for before they are released into the park. Continue to Yala, Sri Lanka's premiere national park.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 10
    Yala National Park
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 10: Yala National Park

    Enjoy morning and afternoon jeep safaris around the park. It is home to elephants, deer and the elusive leopards, of which one of the world's largest populations can be found.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 11
    Coastal Drive To Hikkaduwa
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 11: Coastal Drive To Hikkaduwa

    Depart Yala and drive to Hikkaduwa. On the way, stop and visit the Hummanaya Blow Hole and Dikwella Wewurukannala Temple. After lunch stop to view the stilt fisherman at Welligama. Upon arrival in Hikkaduwa, check into your hotel for a two night stay.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 12
    Old Galle
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 12: Old Galle

    Explore the Southern capital city of Galle, Sri Lanka's finest colonial treasure, and once the greatest port in Ceylon. See the lighthouse, the Old Town and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dutch Fort, before wandering narrow streets dotted with Dutch colonial villas, museums and antique shops.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 13
    Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 13: Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

    Travel to Colombo, stopping at Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery en route. The hatchery is home to Sri Lanka's pioneering sea turtle conservation project, established in 1981 to protect the local turtle population.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 14
    Explore Colombo
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 14: Explore Colombo

    Tour the vibrant city of Colombo today. Discover the Fort District, stroll Pettah Market and visit the Dutch Church of Wolvendaal. Also, explore the Kelaniya Buddhist Temple and the Colombo and Natural History Museums. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner. Depending on the time of your flight tomorrow, you may be transferred to the airport after dinner in time for your flight scheduled to depart very early tomorrow morning.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 15
    Fly Colombo To Australia
    Breakfast
    Day 15: Fly Colombo To Australia

    Fly to Australia, arriving home later today or tomorrow.

    Breakfast
Highlights of Sri Lanka map

Download Tour Dossier & Trip Notes

Accommodation

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

Book With Confidence

When to go

City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Colombo
  • 22
    31
    27
  • 58
  • Kandy
  • 18
    27
    22
  • 79
  • Negombo
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 89
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 9
    20
    15
  • 101
  • Sigiriya
  • 21
    28
    24
  • 109
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Colombo
  • 23
    31
    27
  • 73
  • Kandy
  • 18
    28
    23
  • 74
  • Negombo
  • 22
    31
    26
  • 69
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 9
    21
    15
  • 78
  • Sigiriya
  • 21
    30
    26
  • 87
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Colombo
  • 24
    32
    28
  • 128
  • Kandy
  • 18
    30
    24
  • 71
  • Negombo
  • 23
    31
    27
  • 147
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 10
    22
    16
  • 72
  • Sigiriya
  • 22
    32
    27
  • 84
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Colombo
  • 25
    32
    28
  • 246
  • Kandy
  • 20
    30
    25
  • 188
  • Negombo
  • 24
    31
    28
  • 231
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 11
    23
    17
  • 158
  • Sigiriya
  • 23
    32
    28
  • 169
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Colombo
  • 26
    31
    28
  • 392
  • Kandy
  • 20
    29
    24
  • 144
  • Negombo
  • 26
    31
    28
  • 371
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 13
    21
    17
  • 176
  • Sigiriya
  • 24
    32
    28
  • 97
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Colombo
  • 26
    30
    28
  • 185
  • Kandy
  • 20
    28
    24
  • 132
  • Negombo
  • 25
    29
    27
  • 224
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 13
    19
    16
  • 172
  • Sigiriya
  • 24
    31
    28
  • 55
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Colombo
  • 25
    30
    28
  • 122
  • Kandy
  • 20
    27
    24
  • 128
  • Negombo
  • 25
    29
    27
  • 135
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 13
    18
    16
  • 165
  • Sigiriya
  • 23
    31
    27
  • 70
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Colombo
  • 25
    30
    28
  • 120
  • Kandy
  • 19
    28
    24
  • 113
  • Negombo
  • 25
    29
    27
  • 109
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 13
    19
    16
  • 161
  • Sigiriya
  • 23
    31
    27
  • 71
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Colombo
  • 25
    30
    28
  • 245
  • Kandy
  • 19
    28
    24
  • 155
  • Negombo
  • 25
    29
    27
  • 160
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 12
    19
    16
  • 179
  • Sigiriya
  • 23
    31
    27
  • 99
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Colombo
  • 24
    30
    27
  • 365
  • Kandy
  • 19
    28
    24
  • 264
  • Negombo
  • 24
    29
    26
  • 348
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 12
    20
    16
  • 227
  • Sigiriya
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 267
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Colombo
  • 23
    30
    27
  • 414
  • Kandy
  • 19
    27
    23
  • 296
  • Negombo
  • 23
    29
    26
  • 315
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 12
    20
    16
  • 222
  • Sigiriya
  • 22
    29
    26
  • 298
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Colombo
  • 23
    30
    27
  • 175
  • Kandy
  • 18
    27
    22
  • 196
  • Negombo
  • 22
    29
    26
  • 147
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 11
    19
    15
  • 196
  • Sigiriya
  • 21
    28
    24
  • 258

Pricing & Availability

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price unless a land only option is selected

2024
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Departure: All
  • Departure: All
1 Room, 2 Guests
  • 1 Room, 2 Guests
  • 1 Room, 1 Guest
    Depart AUStart Date
    Return DateEnd Date
    Price
    Availability

    Additional Price Information

    • Prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 August 2023, subject to change.
    • Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
    • Customary tipping amount of approximately US$110pp (AU$164pp) is paid locally in Sri Lanka.
    • Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth
    • Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available upon request.
    • Price listed is based on new bookings only

    Group Tour includes

    • International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
    • All Meals (refer to itinerary)
    • Domestic transportation
    • Touring with guides and entrance fees
    • 3 – 4 star accommodation
    • Visa fees for Australian passport holders
    • Dedicated Solo Departures only: Complimentary airport lounge pass in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne, complimentary chauffeur transfers within a 50km radius, single room included in price.

    Important Information For Your Tour

    Before Booking
    Travel Protection, Booking Conditions
    and more
    Before you go
    Passports & Visas, Travel Guides & Packing Lists, Holiday FAQ’s and more

    What our Customers Say

    Rated 4.6 out of 5 based on 5395 reviews

    Review for Highlights of Sri Lanka
    Lovely country Very competent guide.
    Apr 06, 2024
    Review for Highlights of Sri Lanka
    Totally well organised staff were all faultless from the first phone booking to the the tour guide. Seems a lot of money when first booked but value for money was worth every penny
    Apr 05, 2024
    Review for Highlights of Sri Lanka
    Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with kind and welcoming people. My tour with WendyWu included many iconic sites and wonderful experiences. It was a packed itinerary which is something I particularly like when touring. The food throughout was excellent as were the hotels we stayed in. The National Guide was extremely knowledgeable and fun to be with. I couldn't fault the tour.
    Apr 05, 2024
    Review for Highlights of Sri Lanka
    Good hotels-good companions-well organised
    Did what it said on the tin
    Brilliant guide-driver etc
    Apr 05, 2024
    Booking Experience for Highlights of Sri Lanka
    Pleasant customer facing team, eager to help solve issues.
    Jan 03, 2024
    Review for Highlights of Sri Lanka
    Well planned and executed. Excellent guide and good variety of places visited.
    Dec 13, 2023
    Booking Experience for Highlights of Sri Lanka
    Polite, concise and knowledgeable. Helpful when guiding me through the various options
    Dec 08, 2023
    Booking Experience for Highlights of Sri Lanka
    Fantastic help by all staff involved getting my booking sorted for my wonderful friend
    Looking forward to our holiday now
    Aug 02, 2023
    Booking Experience for Highlights of Sri Lanka
    Wendy Wu provide amazing holidays which include so many wonderful experiences. The guides are excellent, the food and accommodation are great. I have been on many Wendy Wu holidays and each one has been very special. I have made the most wonderful memories and friends on each trip. I would highly recommend them.
    Jul 30, 2023
    Booking Experience for Highlights of Sri Lanka
    I had a query over the price. It was checked and I was phoned back very quickly and a few minutes later I was booked to go.
    Jul 23, 2023
    Booking Experience for Highlights of Sri Lanka
    The Wendy Wu rep was knowledgable and positive ensuring that the air travel arrangements associated with the holiday met my needs and budget.
    Jul 18, 2023
    Booking Experience for Highlights of Sri Lanka
    Went with W.W tours to Vietnam at Christmas 2022 Excellent trip, booked to go again with W.W to Japan in late March. if Japan tour is a excellent as the Vietnam tour, it will be amazing, would definable recommend W.W tours, not the cheapest out there,
    however as an escorted tour with all meals included , Hard to beat!!!
    Feb 06, 2023
    Booking Experience for Highlights of Sri Lanka
    I have just booked a Sri Lanka group tour but I wanted to add a private extension.
    Good options for my extension and patient with me when I couldn’t make up my mind on dates.
    Would recommend if you want one tour operation to do both a tour and a private add on.
    Jan 31, 2023

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