Colombo (Sri Lanka) | Galle (Sri Lanka) | Kandalama | Nuwara Eliya (Sri Lanka) | Yala National Park (Sri Lanka)
The following are Signature: Sri Lanka's Highlands, Yala & Galle tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your expedition begins in Colombo, a coastal capital where warm tropical breezes mingle with the scent of the Indian Ocean. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. Rest and recharge tonight, letting the ambient sounds of the city soothe you as you prepare for the captivating historical and cultural treasures that will unfold across the island in the days ahead.
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
The morning comes alive as you gather for a welcome meeting with your National Geographic Expedition Leader, followed by insights from your National Geographic Expedition Expert. Next, dive into the sensory swirl of the capital. Board a motorized tuk tuk to rumble past colonial landmarks, vibrant markets, and the historic streets of Colombo Fort and Pettah beside a local historian. Inhale the aroma of toasted spices during a heritage lunch at the Dutch Hospital precinct. The afternoon brings a nostalgic spin through the city in beautifully restored vintage cars. Conclude the day watching the sky turn amber during sunset drinks overlooking the crashing ocean waves before your welcome dinner.
Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Explore Colombo by tuk tuk and on foot through the historic Fort and Pettah districts with a local historian. Discover colonial landmarks and bustling markets before enjoying a traditional Sri Lankan lunch at the iconic Dutch Hospital.
Explore Colombo in beautifully restored vintage cars, stopping at two iconic landmarks as your local guide shares stories of the city's colonial heritage, culture, and history.
Leave the coast behind and head into the emerald heart of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. Watch the urban bustle seamlessly dissolve into a canvas of rural countryside and swaying palms. En route, ascend a dramatic rock outcrop to reach the ancient Dambulla Cave Temple. Step into the cool, silent cavern shrines to marvel at centuries-old Buddha statues and intricate murals illuminated by soft light. After soaking in sweeping views of the plains, pause for a relaxed lunch at a tranquil lakeside restaurant. Arrive at your lodge nestled deep in the natural surroundings of Kandalama. Take the afternoon to unwind at leisure before gathering for a dinner overlooking the mirror-like lake.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Visit the ancient Dambulla cave temples at one of the most well-preserved temple and cave sites in Sri Lanka. See Buddhist mural paintings that line the walls of the seventh-century caves as well as a collection of hundreds of statues of Buddha in different poses.
Greet the dawn with a choice, each offering a distinct perspective on this ancient wonder: ascend the sheer vertical walls of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress to marvel at ancient frescoes and summit views from above, or capture the immense scale of the dramatic citadel from below via a guided scenic drive. Mid-morning, connect with a vibrant community initiative at a women-led reed weaving project. Listen to the rhythmic rustle of natural materials as local artisans demonstrate their craft, sharing light refreshments and stories of empowerment. After an authentic Sri Lankan lunch, the low hum of a tuk tuk carries you through the ruins of Polonnaruwa. Explore UNESCO-listed temples and royal palaces as historical tales bring the stone to life, before returning to the resort to relax before dinner.
Choose between two ways to experience the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress: climb to the summit for breathtaking views and a closer look at the ancient royal citadel, or enjoy a scenic guided visit around the base without the climb. Both groups reunite afterward before continuing together to a G for Good project.
Explore the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Polonnaruwa by tuk tuk, visiting impressive royal palaces, temples, and iconic statues of the Lord Buddha. Discover the rich history, Buddhist heritage, and remarkable engineering of Sri Lanka's medieval capital.
Visit a women-led reed weaving project in a local village to learn about traditional craftsmanship and the role it plays in supporting local livelihoods. Meet the artisans, try your hand at weaving, and enjoy homemade Sri Lankan sweets and herbal tea.
Watch the lowlands dissolve into mist-shrouded peaks as you ascend into the lush highlands of Kandy. Arrive at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, where the air is thick with the scent of jasmine and burning incense. Witness the atmospheric puja ceremony, letting the rhythmic throb of traditional drums and low chanting anchor you in this deeply spiritual space. Afterward, enjoy a home-style lunch at a women-led social enterprise, a G Adventures-supported project, while connecting with local artisans. Continue your drive deeper into the mountains, where neat rows of emerald tea bushes carpet the hillsides like velvet. Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, a cool highland retreat wrapped in crisp mountain air and timeless charm.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Enjoy a tour of the Temple of the Tooth, which houses an important relic - a tooth of Lord Buddha kept in a well-preserved golden casket. Learn about the importance of this site from local guides.
Stop for a delicious traditional Sri Lankan lunch prepared by Sthree Craft Shop and Cafe. This social enterprise offers opportunities for local women and youth living with disabilities, through handicraft and hospitality training.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Step into the dew-kissed fields of a historic tea estate, welcomed by a plantation specialist. Inhale the earthy fragrance of the highlands as you learn traditional plucking techniques, working alongside local workers to harvest the bright green leaves. Follow the harvest inside the factory, watching the processing from withering to grading, and learn how the global auction system functions. Next, participate in a curated tasting led by a tea expert, identifying subtle flavor profiles before enjoying a freshly brewed cup. Return to the hotel for a lunch overlooking the rolling estate and an elegant high tea.
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience at Pedro Tea Estate, where a tea specialist guides you through the journey of world-renowned Ceylon tea. Stroll through the tea fields, try traditional tea plucking, explore the historic factory, and conclude with a private tea tasting featuring premium estate-grown teas, served with freshly baked cake.
The whistle blows as you settle into your seats, watching the rugged peaks begin to roll past the window. Travel into a landscape of pure cinema. Peer out the window as the locomotive snakes past cascading waterfalls, deep gorges, and dramatic stone viaducts, cutting through rolling green hills wrapped in mountain mist. Disembark in the mountain town of Ella for a local lunch, then watch the scenery transform dramatically as you descend into the sun-drenched southern lowlands. Arrive at the edge of the wild savannah of Yala, checking into your lodge as the calls of the wild echo through the dry scrub and twilight settles over the wilderness.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Travel through Sri Lanka's breathtaking Hill Country aboard one of the world's most scenic rail journeys, with reserved first-class seating. Admire sweeping tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and dramatic mountain landscapes during this unforgettable ride.
Set out in the crisp pre-dawn light in an open-air safari vehicle, entering Yala National Park as the wild awakens. Scan the golden grasses and gnarled trees as park rangers track wildlife, offering deep insights into elephant behavior and ecosystem pressures. Return to the lodge for breakfast, followed by a private presentation on elephant conservation led by an active researcher. In the afternoon, head back into the bush for a second safari, observing how the changing light shifts animal movements around the watering holes. As evening falls, toast the day's discoveries with sundowners overlooking the wild landscape, followed by a dinner celebrating local flavors.
Experience morning and afternoon safaris through Yala National Park with a local ranger. Explore the park by off-road vehicle in search of Sri Lanka's remarkable wildlife, including elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and the elusive leopard, with lunch included between safari drives.
One final morning safari offers a chance to catch the park's predators and birdlife active in the cool dawn air. After breakfast, swap your safari vehicle for a tuk tuk, rumbling along coastal lanes to a fragrant cinnamon estate. Watch a harvesting demonstration, learning the intricate art of peeling the bark, before enjoying a private lunch infused with local spices. Continue along the coast to the historic trading port of Galle. In the late afternoon, join your Expedition Leader for a walking tour of the massive Galle Fort. Walk the stone ramparts past the lighthouse and historic churches, before choosing to stay in the fort for dinner or returning to the hotel.
Set out on a privately guided morning safari through Yala National Park with a local ranger. Travel in off-road safari vehicles in search of Sri Lanka's incredible wildlife, including elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and the elusive leopard.
Travel by tuk tuk to a private cinnamon estate for an immersive experience celebrating Sri Lanka's renowned spice heritage. Enjoy a traditional estate lunch and a demonstration showcasing the art of cinnamon harvesting.
Explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort on a guided walking tour through its historic streets, colonial landmarks, and centuries-old trading heritage. Discover highlights including the Lighthouse, Clock Tower, Dutch Hospital, and key religious sites while learning about ongoing conservation efforts. Guests can continue exploring Galle Fort at leisure afterward or return to the hotel.
Wake early for fresh pastries and coffee before transferring to the harbor. Board a private yacht for an exceptional ocean cruise alongside a Marine Biologist and National Geographic Explorer. Inhale the salty sea spray and enjoy breakfast and lunch on board while contributing to marine conservation fieldwork, scanning the deep blue waves for marine life. Return to shore for a free afternoon to wander Galle's cobblestone lanes. At dusk, visit a serene hillside temple to participate in a moving, candlelit blessing experience. Conclude the expedition with a festive farewell dinner.
Visit Yatagala Temple for a serene candlelit blessing ceremony featuring traditional chants, offerings to local monks, and the symbolic pirit string ritual.
Set sail aboard the Ceycat yacht for a private ocean experience featuring expert insights from a marine biologist and National Geographic Explorer. Learn about marine conservation efforts, the local ecosystem, and ongoing research projects while enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard. Please note: the featured marine biologist may vary based on availability and may not always be a National Geographic Explorer.
Your expedition to Sri Lanka concludes today. Take advantage of a provided day room to refresh and pack at your leisure, depending on your flight schedule.Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.
You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Signature: Sri Lanka's Highlands, Yala & Galle tour:
2 Galle Road
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Dadella
Galle, Sri Lanka-80000
Kandapola, Sri Lanka
Palatupana, Kirinda
82614
Yala National Park, Sri Lanka-82614
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Signature: Sri Lanka's Highlands, Yala & Galle tour:
Max 22
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, ColomboSignature Moment: Artisanal Tea Immersion, Nuwara EliyaSignature Moment: Marine Conservation Cruise, Weligama. Arrival transfer. Colombo heritage experience. Colonial Colombo vintage car drive. Dambulla Cave Temple visit. Sigiriya Rock Fortress exploration. Polonnaruwa UNESCO ruins exploration by Tuk Tuk. Temple of the Sacred Tooth visit with puja ceremony. Scenic first-class train journey through Sri Lanka's Hill Country from Ambewela to Ella. Private Yala National Park safaris with local rangers. Private cinnamon estate visit with cinnamon harvest demonstration and lunch. Galle Fort walking tour with historian insights. Candlelit temple blessing at Yatagala Temple. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities. All internal flights. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles.
Follow the leaf from field to factory during a private estate tour and curated tasting, Set sail on a private yacht alongside a marine researcher to study coastal conservation, Track leopards and elephants alongside local rangers on privately guided game drives, Intertwine with local culture at a women's reed project reviving ancestral crafts, Savor authentic home-style cuisine at a women-led community development project
Comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory prerequisite for participation in all our departures. To safeguard your well-being, your National Geographic Expedition Leader will kindly request to verify your physical policy details before you may officially join your fellow travellers.When choosing your coverage, please ensure your policy includes full medical protection, featuring a strict minimum requirement of $200,000 USD for emergency rescue and medical repatriation. For complete peace of mind while exploring, we also strongly advise securing comprehensive coverage for personal liability, trip cancellation or curtailment, and the loss of luggage and personal belongings. If you intend to rely on insurance provided through your credit card, you must supply formal proof of purchase—such as a credit card statement or receipt in your name—along with explicit confirmation from your banking institution regarding the participating insurer, exact policy limits, and their dedicated 24-hour emergency contact number.
Hotels (10 nts)
10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 8 dinners
National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert
Every National Geographic Signature departure is accompanied throughout by a dedicated National Geographic Expedition Leader, whose purpose is to ensure a seamless experience so you can fully immerse yourself in the destination. Your Expedition Leader offers deep insight into the landscapes you traverse, suggests enriching independent activities, recommends exceptional local dining venues, and connects you with our community friends along the way. Rather than acting as conventional guides, they possess a broad, sophisticated understanding of the historical, cultural, religious, and social tapestry of the region. To offer the ultimate perspective, we complement their expertise with specialist local guides whose deep regional knowledge adds profound depth to specific sites—delivering a masterfully balanced exploration.
Private Vehicle, Walking, Train, Tuk-Tuk, Safari Vehicles.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting small rural communities or visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites as this may restrict your entry.
Conservative Dress:o Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)o Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)Documents:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Smart Dress:o Smart outfit (For evenings out)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao Swimwear
When deciding what to pack, considerations will vary based on your specific itinerary, the regions you are visiting, and the season in which you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend packing thoughtfully and keeping your luggage to one checked bag at a manageable weight to facilitate seamless transitions throughout your expedition.In addition to your primary luggage, you will also require a small day pack or shoulder bag. This smaller bag is essential for keeping your camera, water, and personal items close at hand during day walks, excursions, and daily explorations.
Luxury: Five-star hospitality and meticulously curated inclusions, featuring iconic properties, fine dining, and private door-to-door service.
To ensure a seamless and elevated experience throughout your National Geographic Signature departure, gratuities have been fully taken care of for all included meals, activities, and luggage porterage.On our National Geographic Signature tours, tipping is included for all included activities and meals, and porterage. Tipping is not included for the Expedition Leader. Should you want some basic guidelines on tipping for the activities you do on your own, please see below. At the end of each trip if you felt your National Geographic Signature Expedition Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline would be $10-$15 per person per day. Tipping is neither required nor expected for your National Geographic Expedition Expert.During your independent time, it is customary in Sri Lanka to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service.