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9 Day Essential Sri Lanka Small Group Tour

from

$1,799
Per Person

Typically $2,999
BLACK FRIDAY TRAVEL DEAL ~ ADD RETURN INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS FOR $500! Small group Sri Lanka tour with maximum 10 people. Enjoy an included Elephant safari, train journey through lush plantations, visit ancient cave temples and much more. Book available dates through to October 2025.

the tour

BLACK FRIDAY TRAVEL DEAL ~ ADD RETURN INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS FOR $500!

Take advantage of our incredible small group Sri Lanka tour and uncover the wonders of this breathtaking island. Your journey begins in Negombo, a charming town just an hour from the capital, Colombo, where you’ll have free time to explore the local sights. Next, venture inland to the cultural heart of Sri Lanka and visit the awe-inspiring Sigiriya [Lion’s Rock], where you can challenge yourself to climb the 1,200 steps to the summit. The challenge is worth the 360 degree views and exploring the ancient fortress on top.

Delve into the incredible Dambulla Cave Temple, where you will discover five caves filled with around 150 beautiful statues and paintings of Buddha, some as many as 2000 years old. Spending a couple of nights in the ‘Cultural Area’, you will also experience the thrill of an included Jeep Safari in Minneriya National Park, renowned for hosting the world’s largest gathering of elephants. Then, traverse the picturesque tea plantations on one of the world’s most scenic railways, traveling from Kandy to Nanu Oya. Cameras must be at the ready for this Instagram-worthy train journey.

INCLUSIONS

Our small group Sri Lanka tour is capped at a maximum of 10 people for a sustainable, intimate touring experience. It includes 8 nights of accommodation with daily breakfast and 6 dinners. Sightseeing includes an Elephant Jeep Safari and a train journey. Please contact us for more information or see tabs below for a full list of inclusions. Secure your spot with just a *25% DEPOSIT (terms and conditions apply). Book online or Call us to learn more.  ADD FLIGHTS FOR $500 FROM SYDNEY OR MELBOURNE ~ SALE ENDS 15 DECEMBER. 

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Colombo ~ Negombo

Upon arrival to the wonderful island of Sri Lanka, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Negombo, approximately a 30 minute drive from the airport. Most airlines arrive around 10pm so it will likely be a late arrival.

MEALS: None

OVERNIGHT (3 Star): Morven or Jetwing Sea Hotel (Standard Room)

OVERNIGHT (4 Star): Pledge Scape (Standard Room)

Day 2: Negombo Free Day

Spend your day today at leisure in Negombo, a charming coastal town in Sri Lanka that offers a delightful mix of relaxation and adventure.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT (3 Star): Morven Hotel or Jetwing Sea Hotel (Standard Room)

OVERNIGHT (4 Star): Pledge Scape (Standard Room)

Day 3: Negombo ~ Sigiriya ~ Dambulla

Rise early this morning for a visit to the Negombo fish market. Morning is the best time to visit the market – your leader will help you navigate the organised frenzy of vendors displaying delicacies like crab, lobsters, and squid.

Say goodbye to Negombo and make the drive to Dambulla, where you’ll spend the next two nights. Settle into your hotel then in the late afternoon, head out for one of the highlights of any visit to Sri Lanka, a visit to the magnificent palace of Sigiriya (Lion Rock). This dramatic rocky outcrop, rising from the surrounding plains is topped by a ruined palace. It’s a good workout to get to the top – your leader will share stories of the ancient civilization who once lived atop the rock as you climb, and the sight at the top makes it well worth it. In the evening, return to Dambulla.

Special Information:

Today’s total driving time is approximately 5 hours.

The visit to Lion Rock takes around 3.5 hours in total. From the Lion’s Paw there is a steep, 30-minute climb over often narrow walkways and steps to reach all the points of interest at the site. Those who do not want to climb can wait at the Lion’s Paw until the rest of the group return. You must climb to access sites like the water garden, boulder garden, frescoes, and the mirror wall.

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 Star): Lario Resort (Standard Room)

OVERNIGHT (4 Star): Fresco Water Villa (Deluxe Room)

OPTIONAL TOURS: Sigiriya Lions Rock $70 pp

Day 4: Polonnaruwa ~ Minneriya Elephant Safari

Morning optional activity to Polonnaruwa ($110AUD per person includes entrance fee and extra transfer cost – approximately 1.5 hours), the capital of the Indian Chola Dynasty after Anuradhapura was conquered in the late 10th century. These ruins are close together and generally in much better repair than those you have just seen. Cycling amid the remains of 1000-year-old Polonnaruwa is once again the best way to get around. Once the heat of the day has eased, you’ll visit more palaces, temples, and stupas. A likely highlight will be the massive stone Buddhas: 14-metre-high granite carvings of the iconic reclining Buddha which represent the zenith of Sinhalese rock carving. You’ll also visit the well laid-out museum, which has scale models of many of the buildings to show how they would have existed in their time.

In the evening enjoy a game drive in the Minneriya National Park (Approximate 40 Mins) Minneriya National Park is a haven for flora and fauna. Being part of the elephant corridor, which joins up with Kaudulla National Park and Wasgomuwa National Park, you have guaranteed sightings of elephants throughout the year. Every year during August to October, one of the most awesome wildlife spectacles “The Gathering” takes place. Over 300 elephants are seen making their way to Minneriya tank as the ancient tank slowly dries up giving way to fresh grass and shoots which is a feast in abundance. Apart from elephants, there is a huge species of birds, mammals, reptiles, fishes, butterflies, etc. The highlight of the park is the Minneriya reservoir with its historical importance, built in 3rd century AD by the famous monarch King Mahasen. It covers an area of 4,670 acres. Return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Special Information:

Depending on the period of the year / weather we will provide the safari at different national parks with prior notice, Kaudulla National Park or Eco Park which are located within the same region.

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 Star): Lario Resort (Standard Room)

OVERNIGHT (4 Star): Fresco Water Villa (Deluxe Room)

OPTIONAL TOURS: Polonnaruwa AUD$125 pp | Cycle Hire $12 pp | Picnic Lunch $17 pp

Day 5: Dambulla Cave Temple ~ Kandy

This morning you will take a short drive to the incredible Dambulla Cave Temple. Here you’ll discover five caves filled with around 150 beautiful statues and paintings of Buddha – some as many as 2000 years old. Explore the magical cave complex as your leader explains why this World Heritage-listed site has been a place of worship for thousands of years. In the afternoon, start your journey to Kandy. Along the way, stop off in the city of Matale where you will visit a local spice garden and learn about the spices that have played such an important role in Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. Continue to Kandy where you’ll have a free evening to explore. Though it’s the second-largest city in the country, Kandy maintains a laidback atmosphere. Perhaps take a peaceful stroll around the city’s centre piece lake.

Special Information:

Today’s total driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Please note that there are many steps to the caves and a dress code which requires you to remove your shoes and cover up your shoulders and legs.

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 Star): Suisse Hotel (Standard Room)

OVERNIGHT (4 Star): Royal Kandyan (Deluxe Room)

Day 6: Kandy ~ Cultural Show

Encircled by verdant hill country and home to a picturesque lake, bustling market, old shops and some great restaurants, Kandy is one of Sri Lanka’s most pleasant cities. It was at one time also home to Sri Lanka’s last king, who managing to resist European control long after the coastal areas had surrendered. This morning optional activity – you’ll can visit Dalada Maligawa (the Temple of the Tooth), which houses the country’s most sacred relic: a tooth said to be the Buddha’s. Pilgrims have been coming to pay homage at this site since the 16th century.

Visit the magnificent Peradeniya Botanical Gardens with its immense fig tree and impressive orchid collection. Considered among the finest botanical gardens in all of Asia, this is a great spot for the kids to run around in. Next up, witness the cultural show. In the early evening, join a Local family to spoil your sweet tooth with a Kandyan sweet-filled Sri Lankan dinner and cooking class.

Special Information:

When visiting the Temples, you must take your hats and shoes off, do not leave your shoes at the side of the road or the monkeys will run off with them. Store them with the ‘shoe keepers’ for a small charge or put them in your rucksack.

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 Star): Suisse Hotel (Standard Room)

OVERNIGHT (4 Star): Royal Kandyan (Deluxe Room)

OPTIONAL TOURS: Temple of The Tooth AUD$14 pp

Day 7: Scenic Train from Kandy to Nanu Oya ~ Nuwara Eliya

Depart Kandy and board a morning train bound for Nuwara Eliya. Nestled even deeper into tea plantation country, Nuwara Eliya sits at an elevation of 1800 metres, making it one of the coolest regions in Sri Lanka. Favoured by the Scots and English during the colonial-era, remnants of the past can be seen in sculpted gardens and manor homes decorating the city today. In the evening head to the sky-scraping Single Tree temple and embark on a short 40- minute hike, taking in spectacular views of the surrounding hills and tea fields.

Special Information:

Today’s train journey is approximately 3.5 hours.

Train tickets from Kandy to Nanu Oya are in very high demand, especially over high season (December – April, and August). While we always try our best to secure tickets, on the rare occasion that we cannot you will be provided with a private vehicle.

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 Star): Oak-Ray Summer Hill Breeze (Deluxe Room)

OVERNIGHT (4 Star): Mirage Kings Cottage (Superior Room)

Day 8: Tea Factory Tour ~ Colombo

Make a morning visit to the Pedro Tea Estate. Built in 1885, this fascinating factory still features some original pieces of machinery. You’ll have a new appreciation for your humble morning brew after learning about the production process and discovering how the finest tea leaves are transformed into Ceylon black tea. If touring the factory inspires a thirst, you’ll have the chance to sample some of the final product yourself. Thereafter, make your way to the Colombo.

As the capital city of Sri Lanka, Colombo holds the lifeblood of our island amidst a bustling array of cultural, shopping, and dining experiences. At the heart of the city is the picturesque Beira Lake, which hosts the Seema Malaka and adjacent Gangaramaya Temples against the backdrop of Colombo’s rising futuristic skyline. A step back in time, however, is best taken at the National Museum – a refurbished mansion of a colonial governor, which sits close to the lush Viharamahadevi Park as well as the historic Independence Square.

Special Information:

Today’s total driving time is approximately 5.30 hours.

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 Star): The Ocean Colombo (Superior Room)

OVERNIGHT (4 Star): Morven Hotel Colombo (Deluxe Room)

Day 9: End of Tour ~ Departure

Following breakfast, you’ll be taken to the airport for your return flight home. Alternatively, if you wish, you can choose to extend your stay in Sri Lanka by adding on an optional extension to the picturesque beachside town of Hikkaduwa. Contact us to discuss your options.

MEALS: Breakfast

Description

BLACK FRIDAY TRAVEL DEAL ~ ADD RETURN INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS FOR $500!

Take advantage of our incredible small group Sri Lanka tour and uncover the wonders of this breathtaking island. Your journey begins in Negombo, a charming town just an hour from the capital, Colombo, where you’ll have free time to explore the local sights. Next, venture inland to the cultural heart of Sri Lanka and visit the awe-inspiring Sigiriya [Lion’s Rock], where you can challenge yourself to climb the 1,200 steps to the summit. The challenge is worth the 360 degree views and exploring the ancient fortress on top.

Delve into the incredible Dambulla Cave Temple, where you will discover five caves filled with around 150 beautiful statues and paintings of Buddha, some as many as 2000 years old. Spending a couple of nights in the ‘Cultural Area’, you will also experience the thrill of an included Jeep Safari in Minneriya National Park, renowned for hosting the world’s largest gathering of elephants. Then, traverse the picturesque tea plantations on one of the world’s most scenic railways, traveling from Kandy to Nanu Oya. Cameras must be at the ready for this Instagram-worthy train journey.

INCLUSIONS

Our small group Sri Lanka tour is capped at a maximum of 10 people for a sustainable, intimate touring experience. It includes 8 nights of accommodation with daily breakfast and 6 dinners. Sightseeing includes an Elephant Jeep Safari and a train journey. Please contact us for more information or see tabs below for a full list of inclusions. Secure your spot with just a *25% DEPOSIT (terms and conditions apply). Book online or Call us to learn more.  ADD FLIGHTS FOR $500 FROM SYDNEY OR MELBOURNE ~ SALE ENDS 15 DECEMBER. 

INCLUSIONS

 

8 Nights hotel accommodation

8x Breakfasts, 6x Dinners

Arrival and departure airport transfers

Jeep Safari in Minneriya National Park

Scenic Train Ride to Nanu Oya

Entrance to Dambulla Cave Temple

Cultural Show in Kandy

Tea Factory tour

500ml Mineral water daily

Transport in by A/C Vehicle

English speaking chauffeur driver

 

EXCLUSIONS

 

International Flights ~ Add for $500. See ‘BLACK FRIDAY FLIGHTS’ tab for Details

Sri Lanka entry visa fee

Travel Insurance

Optional Tours & Upgrades

Meals not mentioned in itinerary

Excursions not in inclusion list

Personal Expenses

Tipping for guides/drivers [recommended $10 per person per day]

Video/camera permits

Any other expenses which are not mentioned in inclusions.

DEPARTURE DATES

 

DEPARTURE DATES 2025:

May: 5, 12, 18, 26

June: 2, 9, 16

July: *21, *28

August: *11, *18, *25

September: ^1, 8, *22

October: 6, 20

 

Dates marked with * or ^ incur the following surcharges:

^$100 per person

*$200 per person

HOTELS

 

3 STAR HOTELS:

Negombo: Morven or Jetwing Sea Hotel (Standard Room)

Dambulla: Lario Resort (Standard Room)

Kandy: Suisse Hotel (Standard Room)

Nuwara Eliya: Oak-Ray Summer Hill Breeze (Deluxe Room)

Colombo: The Ocean Colombo (Superior Room)

 

4 STAR HOTELS:

Negombo: Pledge Scape (Deluxe Room)

Dambulla: Fresco Water Villa (Deluxe Room)

Kandy: Royal Kandyan (Deluxe Room)

Nuwara Eliya: Mirage Kings Cottage (Deluxe Room)

Colombo: Morven Hotel (Deluxe Room)

 

In the unlikely event that the listed hotels are fully booked, alternative hotels of the same standard will be used.

UPGRADES & OPTIONS

 

**BLACK FRIDAY FLIGHTS**

Add flights for just $500 per person from Sydney or Melbourne

Contact MyHoliday2 for a quote from other departure cities

See “BLACK FRIDAY TERMS” for details

Add to cart at checkout

 

HOTEL UPGRADES:

Upgrade to 4 star hotels for $300 per person

 

OPTIONAL TOURS:

DAY 3: Sigiriya Lions Rock Climb $70 per person

DAY 4: Polonnaruwa Ancient Site $125 per person

DAY 4: Cycle Hire at Polonnaruwa $12 per person

DAY 4: Picnic Lunch at Polonnaruwa $17 per person

DAY 6: Temple of the Tooth Entrance $14 per person

 

Optional tours are booked and paid for on arrival.

Prices listed are in AUD and may fluctuate with currency conversion

 

EXTRA NIGHTS:

Extend your time overseas with pre or post tour accommodation

PRE TOUR:

3 Star Hotel, Negombo: $140

4 Star Hotel, Negombo: $250

POST TOUR:

3 Star Hotel, Colombo: $160

4 Star Hotel, Colombo:$200

Priced per room per night including breakfast. Airport transfers are not included

 

 

 

 

BLACK FRIDAY FLIGHTS

 

**BLACK FRIDAY FLIGHTS**

Add flights for $500 per person from Sydney or Melbourne

BLACK FRIDAY FLIGHTS must be added at the time of booking

Add BLACK FRIDAY FLIGHTS flights to your cart at checkout

Any modifications on arrival / departure city and / or travel dates will incur surcharges

Flights from other Australian cities will be quoted on a normal basis

Customers do not have a choice of airline

Airline used are at the discretion of our flights team and will be the best available for the departure date

If a specific airline is required, contact MyHoliday2. Surcharges will apply

This offer will is due to end on 2nd December but may be withdrawn at any time

MyHoliday2 reserve the right to withdraw the offer at any time prior to flight ticketing

The flight portion of the package is non-refundable. The 7 Day Money Back Guarantee does NOT apply

MyHoliday2 is not notified of any flight schedule changes. Any changes will be directly communicated to the passenger by the airline

MyHoliday2 recommends reconfirming flight schedules 24 hours prior to departure directly with the airline. MyHoliday2 is not responsible for missed flights

Name changes are not permitted. All flight tickets are subject to the airline’s terms and conditions

Flight extensions must be arranged prior to ticketing. Refer to Options and Upgrades for more information

Flight upgrades can be requested once airline schedules are released. Fare differences will be invoiced to the customer prior to ticketing

Layover times are subject to airline schedules and may exceed 7 hours

E-tickets will be uploaded to online accounts, and notification will be sent via email

Seat selection, Frequent Flyer, and meal requests can be made directly by the passenger on the airline’s website. Fees may apply

Refer to E-tickets for baggage allowances. Note that if the tour includes internal flights, allowances may differ

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

 

OFFER:

By purchasing this package, you agree to MyHoliday2’s Terms and Conditions and the specific terms detailed in each information tab of the package.

The package is valid for one person based on twin share.

Bookings are subject to availability.

 

GROUP SIZE:

Minimum 3

Maximum 10

If minimum numbers are not met, you will be requested to change to a different date.

Some tours can be guaranteed with fewer participants; however, surcharges will apply.

If you are unable to change dates, a credit or refund will be offered in accordance with MyHoliday2’s refund policy.

 

SINGLE TRAVELLERS:

For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement applies.

3 Star Hotels – $500 per person

4 Star Hotels – $650 per person

Accommodation for single customers on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, subject to availability.

 

CHILDREN POLICY:

Children aged 0-3: No charge if using exisiting bedding [airfares additional]

Children aged 4-11: 50% of adult rate with extra bed [airfares additional]

Children aged 12+: adult rate

Child discounts are only applicable if travelling with two full paying adults

Maximum room capacity is 2 adults and 1 child

International airfares will be quoted separately and will be in addition to the above

Contact MyHoliday2 to purchase

 

AMENDMENTS:

Any amendments are subject to the supplier’s terms and conditions.

Any changes will incur a $100 per person amendment fee PLUS any additional fees applied by the supplier.

All changes must be requested in writing.

No changes can be made within 90 days of departure. The standard cancellation policy will apply.

If unable to select new dates, a credit valid for 12 months may be offered.

 

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Cancellations are subject to MyHoliday2’s Terms and Conditions.

Refunds and credits will be offered in accordance with MyHoliday2’s Refund Policy.

 

PAYMENT PLANS:

MyHoliday2 offers a variety of payment plans based on your tour departure date. Refer to Terms and Conditions for details.

All payment plans incur a 2% surcharge, paid with the deposit.

If the wrong plan is selected, a $25 fee will be charged to manually amend all invoices.

 

TOURS, DRIVERS & GUIDES:

Day tours included may involve joining larger groups.

Drivers do not provide information on tours.

Drivers may assist in organising expert guides at certain locations.

Refer to INCLUSIONS for the type of guides included in this package.

For more information on guides, refer to the Terms and Conditions.

 

TRANSFERS:

Refer to INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS to determine if a transfer is applicable and the type of transfer included.

If you have booked your own flights, send flight details to booking@myholiday2.com.au to confirm transfers.

Contact details for our local tour operator can be found on your voucher in your online account.

 

GROUP TRANSFERS:

The timing of group transfers will be set to accommodate the majority of arrival and departure flights.

If you arrive early or depart late, you may need to wait or make your own way to the hotel or airport at your own expense.

As you clear immigration, look for a MyHoliday2 sign with your name.

 

PRIVATE TRANSFERS:

As you clear immigration, look for a MyHoliday2 sign with your name.

 

OTHER INFORMATION:

A 25% deposit is non-refundable.

Prices are in AUD$.

Travel insurance is highly recommended; MyHoliday2 takes no responsibility for any travel issues that may arise.

MyHoliday2 pricing reflects current market rates which may fluctuate from day to day.

MyHoliday2 is not obliged to refund or match any subsequent price reductions after purchase.

Customers must obtain the correct visa for their destination and cover associated fees. Please check visa and travel requirements via the Smartraveller website.

For any medical-related information, refer to Smartraveller or contact a travel medical specialist.

Customers must ensure their passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.

MyHoliday2 pricing reflects market rates, so package prices may fluctuate, and refunds to match subsequent price reductions are not guaranteed.

Departures are not guaranteed until confirmation.

If advertised availability is not present post-purchase, another date selection is necessary.

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