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Best of Sri Lanka
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Length
11 Days
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Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
Negombo (Sri Lanka)
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Ends in
Colombo (Sri Lanka)
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Available Tour Start Dates
OCT 2, 2026 to APR 2, 2027
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Activity Level
No Rating Provided
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Language
English
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Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).Yes
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Special Interest(s)
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Contiki tours are only available for 18- to 35-year olds., Small GroupThere is at least one season during which this tour is offered as a Small Group. Such seasons are noted as being Small Group within the related date range.
From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price for at least one departure date of this tour. Price is for the tour only. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare (unless noted otherwise), travel insurance, and more, are additional.
$1,449.60
Overview
Say Ayubowan to Sri Lanka, South Asia’s ultimate gem! Over 11 days, you’ll safari through national parks, soak up golden beaches, wander ancient fortresses, and explore sacred temples. We’ve packed in all the must-see highlights (and thrown in a few hidden gems too!) to give you the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and chill.
Visited During Tour
Colombo (Sri Lanka) | Ella (Sri Lanka) | Galle (Sri Lanka) | Kandy (Sri Lanka) | Negombo (Sri Lanka) | Sigiriya (Sri Lanka) | Udawalawe National Park (Sri Lanka) | Unawatuna (Sri Lanka)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Best of Sri Lanka tour dates available from Contiki. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
Tour Itinerary
Contiki Tour Code 278-2516
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Day
1Negombo
Our Sri Lankan adventure begins this afternoon in Negombo. Meet up with your Trip Manager and your team for a full brief of the travels about to unfold, before heading out for the first taste of some local delicacies in this beachside town.
Accommodations: Hotel J (or similar) -
Day
2Negombo to Sigiriya
This morning, we’ll leave the coast behind and journey inland to Sigiriya - Sri Lanka’s legendary rock fortress town in the heart of the Matale District.Home to palace ruins set on a giant ancient lava rock, and surrounded by ancient relics of gardens and reservoirs, Sigiriya is a hotspot of historical significance here in Sri Lanka. We'll begin our explorations with a guided visit to Hiriwadunna village. We'll sit down for an authentic Sri Lankan lunch here at the village, surrounded by greenery and wildlife. After waving goodbye to Hiriwadunna, we'll head to our hotel.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodations: Sungreen Resort (or similar) -
Day
3Sigiriya
We couldn't visit Sigiriya without exploring the incredible Sigiriya Rock Fortress that's been dominating the skyline ever since we've arrived, and morning is the best time to visit. After our included breakfast we'll take a trip to the fortress to check out the UNESCO-listed 'Lion's Rock', with it's 5th-century buildings, painted rock frescoes and massive pair of lion paws at the entrance. We're back on the road, this time to visit the nearby town of Dambulla where you'll have the chance to find your own lunch. Here we'll find another World Heritage Site. Opt in to see the sacred Dambulla Cave Temple, the largest best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka complete with five inner sanctuaries, 150 gilded Buddha statues, and Buddhist murals. We'll then head back to our hotel where we'll join together for an included dinner tonight.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Sungreen Resort (or similar) -
Day
4Sigiriya to Kandy
Feel like a morning adventure? You'll have the opportunity to explore the Pidurangala Rock –a rite of passage for Sigiriya first-timers – on a sunrise trek. Otherwise, catch some extra sleep and save your energy for later. Awed by our time brushing with the ancient world in Sigiriya, it's time to move on to the vibrant cultural scene in Kandy. This afternoon, you're free to do what you want-but we've got a hunch that the street food here might catch your eye! This evening we're gathering to watch history and mythology explode into colour & rhythm at a traditional Kandyan Folkdance show.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Topaz (or similar) -
Day
5Kandy to Ella
Today we head further into the hill country on the train, passing lush green hills & waterfalls en route to Nuwara Eliya. This small town is found in the heart of Sri Lanka's famous Ceylon tea industry, so it'd be rude not to visit a tea plantation (& sample some of the best) before continuing on to our next destination of Ella. We've arrived at Ella where new adventures await!
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel (or similar) -
Day
6Ella
The day is yours to explore the beautiful countryside and laid-back backpacker hub of Ella, nestled among green cloud forests and tea plantations. Spend the day in Ella doing the local walks that show off the incredibly insta-worthy views down through the Ella Gap, including the cascading waterfalls this small town is famous for. If you're lucky, you might even get to meet one of the locals: the leaf-eating Langur monkey.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel (or similar) -
Day
7Ella to Udawalawe National Park
Our journey continues south, as we head down from the hill country into the southern plains where a rich abundance of wildlife awaits us.We'll jump aboard our Safari Jeep to explore the park's wildlife and then we're heading to our Special Stay accommodation for the night. Glamping alongside the Walawe riverbed in full Safari style, surrounded by the vibrant flora and fauna of the Sri Lankan jungle.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Athgira River Camping (or similar) -
Day
8Udawalawe National Park to Unawatuna via Galle
Wave goodbye to the wild side. Today we're swapping the safari vibes for the seaside.This afternoon, we’ll make a stop in the UNESCO-listed fort city of Galle (a must-see for its fascinating blend of European and South Asian architecture). You’ll have time to wander the cobbled streets, shop for local treasures, and grab some lunch before we continue on.Sri Lanka’s southwest coast is all about golden beaches, tangled mangroves, and colonial port towns shaped by the Portuguese, Dutch, and English. You’ve got a free afternoon to head to the beach or unwind by the hotel pool. Later, you can opt to join a Sri Lankan cooking class and dinner experience. What better way to end the day than mastering a curry or two?
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel J Unawatuna (or similar) -
Day
9Unawatuna
Today is yours to unwind on the tropical palm-studded beaches with clear turquoise waters, or opt in for a surf lesson at nearby Weligama Bay.
Accommodations: Hotel J Unawatuna (or similar) -
Day
10Unawatuna
Still obsessed with those beaches? Good news. You’ve got the whole day to enjoy them. Chill by the ocean, pop over to Mirissa, or sip something cool at a beachfront cafe. Your day, your vibe.
Accommodations: Hotel J Unawatuna (or similar) -
Day
11Unawatuna to Colombo
Your journey ends by the sea. You're welcome to stick around for more sunsets or catch the ride back to Colombo.And just like that, it's time to say goodbye to your new travel crew but the memories (and probably the tan) are here to stay.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
More Details
Contiki is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Best of Sri Lanka tour:
Travelers Notes
* START/END TIMES: Trip starts in Negombo 4:00pm and ends in Colombo at 12:00pm. Contiki does not recommend booking flights before 4:00pm on the last day of the trip. * TRANSFERS: Chargeable arrival and departure transfers are available from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Transfers will operate per flight information details on the first and last day of the trip. Transfers can be booked on a single or twin basis. Twin transfers require two passengers traveling together on the same reference number and flight. Flight details are mandatory minimum 14 days prior to departure to book chargeable transfers.* SRI LANKA: USA passport holders require a visa for Sri Lanka. Visa must be obtained prior to departure and it must be used within 6 months. However, ETA is valid for 30 days from initial entry. * IMPORTANT: Please see important visa details sent with your invoice.* SPECIAL STAY: Single supplement is available for all nights in hotels, but Special Stays are multi-share ONLY (single supplement does not apply on special stay nights)* GROUND HANDLER: The ground handler for this trip is Jet Wing Travels. Contiki Trip Manager will be onboard.
Pricing listed above for tours is per person, in US Dollars, and is based on double occupancy. Pricing may change for other occupancy types. Pricing is based on the last time the vendor electronically sent us pricing data, which varies by vendor (usually occurs overnight or multiple times throughout each day).
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by Contiki. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by Contiki (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.