Colombo, Caves & Kandy - 8 days

Colombo, Caves & Kandy - 8 days

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8 Days From

$1515

$1061

Colombo, Caves & Kandy - 8 days

8 Days Starting and ending in Colombo

Visiting: Colombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe National Park

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

1059/CCK

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 24

Age range:

over 16 if accompanied by an adult

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Interests:

Cultural

From: $1515 $1061 Operator discount: -$455 -30%

NB: Prices correct on 02-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Discover Sri Lanka's famous cultural triangle and visit the rock fortress of Sigiriya, the exquisite Dambulla cave temple and the historic Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Add a scenic train journey through the verdant tea plantations and go in search of Sri Lanka’s abundant wildlife at Udawalawe National Park, all this and more in an exciting one week holiday.

Highlights

  • Colombo – Enjoy a guided tour of the city including the Old Fort area and impressive Gangaramaya Temple

  • Polonnaruwa - Explore the remarkable ruins of the ancient capital city of Ceylon

  • Sigiriya - Climb to the top of the iconic 5th century Lion Rock fortress and see the Heavenly Maidens

  • Dambulla - Discover over 150 images of Buddha in the incredible complex of caves at Dambulla Rock Temple

  • Kayanwala Village - Canoe to the village and help cook a delicious traditional lunch with a Sri Lankan family

  • Matale - Learn all about Sri Lanka's herbs and spices at the spice gardens in Matale

  • Kandy - Take in the highlights of Kandy including the famous Temple of the Tooth, enjoy a tuk tuk ride and watch a cultural performance

  • Giragama Tea Factory - Take a tour of a working tea factory with a long history

  • Take a scenic train ride passing waterfalls and tea plantations en route from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and drive though Nuwara Eliya's 'Little England'

  • Udawalawe National Park - Go in search of wildlife on a game drive in Udawalawe, home to the nation's largest herd of Asian Elephants

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Colombo

Location: Colombo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: OZO Colombo

Saturday. Welcome to Sri Lanka! Airport arrival transfer and remainder of the day at leisure. Our start hotel located on the seafront is a short walk from Galle Road and many of the city highlights. Choose to head out and explore, take a dip in the pool or enjoy a cocktail whilst you watch the perfect sunset over the Laccodive Sea.

Day 2: Dambulla

Location: Dambulla

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Jetwing Lake

Meals Included: Breakfast

Colombo - Dambulla - Polonnaruwa - Dambulla. Bidding farewell to Colombo this morning we drive inland to Dambulla, stopping en route at a fruit and vegetable market in Naramwela Town. Dambulla Rock Temple is an incredible ancient complex of caves which date back to the 1st Century BC. The five caves contain over 150 images of Buddha including an impressive 14 metre carved statue.





After exploring this ancient site, we continue to Polonnaruwa. This fascinating 11th century city is home to many interesting ruins and famous monuments including the Royal Palace and the Gal Vihara. Polonnaruwa was once the capital and is also the second most ancient city in Sri Lanka. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This evening we return to Dambulla for an evening at leisure.



Day 3: Sigiriya

Location: Sigiriya

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: OZO Kandy Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Dambulla - Sigiriya - Kandy. This morning we explore Sigiriya and the famous ‘Lion Rock’ fortress. Built over 1500 years ago, this beautiful citadel stands 200 meters high in the middle of verdant jungle and was an important stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. It can be viewed from miles around and is definitely one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic and famous sites. You’ll be able to view the world famous paintings of the Heavenly Maidens which stand in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway.





From Sigiriya we take a local hand tractor ride and short canoe trip to the village of Kayanwala. Here, at Kayanwala Village we take part in a cookery demonstration in a mud brick home of a local woman and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch of curry, dahl, spiced rice, pickle and more. En route to Kandy we stop off a spice garden in Matale, to see the different herbs and spices, which Sri Lanka is famous for. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed.

Day 4: Kandy

Location: Kandy

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: OZO Kandy Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we take a sightseeing tour of Kandy - the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings. Our first stop will be the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Legend has it that one of Buddha's teeth was taken from him as he lay on his funeral pyre. It was then smuggled into Sri Lanka in 313AD. It now attracts daily pilgrims who come bearing lotus flowers and frangipani. After driving around Kandy Lake - built by the last Sinhala king, we visit the local bazaar and a gem museum, we then enjoy a Tuk Tuk ride up into the surrounding hills.




This afternoon, we stop at a working tea factory at Geragama. Geragama Tea Factory is located in close proximity to the city of Kandy and was established in the year 1903, manufacturing 'Low Grown' and 'Long Leaf' tea. This evening, we watch a cultural performance of traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.

Day 5: Nuwara Eliya

Location: Nuwara Eliya

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Jetwing St Andrew's

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kandy - Nuwara Eliya. This morning offers free time before transferring to the railway station for our scenic train trip. Passing kilometre upon kilometre of verdant tea plantations that hug the winding mountain passes, we'll see waterfalls, suspension bridges and tea pickers on our journey up to Nuwara Eliya - Sri Lanka’s most popular hill resort. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country producing a significant share of the world’s best tea.



This afternoon we take a beautiful drive through Nuwara Eliya - an area known locally as 'Little England'.

Day 6: Udawalawe National Park

Location: Udawalawe National Park

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Udawalawe National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast

Nuwara Eliya - Udawalawe National Park. Today we head south to Embilipitiya, our base for exploring Udawalawe National Park. This national park is probably one of the best places to spot the famous Sri Lankan Elephant, the biggest of all the Asian Elephants. It is thought that there are around 400 elephants here. The park is also home to the elusive leopard, the Sri Lankan sloth bear and varies types of deer. We take an afternoon game drive here before returning to our hotel for the night.

Day 7: Colombo

Location: Colombo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: OZO Colombo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Udawalawe National Park - Colombo. This morning we visit the Gem Mine and Museum at Ratnapura. Sri Lanka is famous for its gem industry and is home to 40 out of the 85 types of gems in the world.





Arrival Colombo and commence a city tour, seeing the Fort area in the north of the city famous for its government buildings and interesting shops. We'll see the stunning Gangarama Temple and take a stroll along Galle Face Green, a popular spot for kite flying and games of cricket.

Day 8: Colombo

Location: Colombo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Saturday. Today offers free time for you to independently explore the city, before your included departure transfer to the airport.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    4-5 star & heritage hotels

  • Breakfast daily and 1 lunch

  • 7 nights 4-5 star hotels and heritage properties

  • Guided sightseeing - Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe and Colombo

  • Scenic train trip from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, canoe ride and tuk tuk trips

  • Jeep safari/game drive in Udawalawe National Park

  • Escorted by an English-speaking national guide for groups of 6 or more (professional chauffeur guide for groups of 5 or fewer)

  • Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 8

  • All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visa

  • Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$3-7 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture

  • Entrance Fees: USD$150-$170pp, paid in USD

Age Policy

Over 15 if accompanied by an adult

Accommodation

Radisson Hotel Colombo



The Radisson Hotel Colombo (formerly OZO Colombo) is a modern and stylish hotel, with sweeping Indian Ocean views from its rooftop infinity pool and many of its rooms. There's free WIFI access throughout the hotel and the guestrooms are bright and airy with all modern amenities. To top it off, there's also a fantastic fitness centre and a restaurant serving delicious, authentic Sri Lankan cusine. The hotel is centrally located on Marine Drive, near Galle Road and just a 10 minute drive from the city centre.





Cinnamon Lakeside



Voted one of the best 5 star hotels in Colombo, the Cinnamon Lakeside is the perfect urban getawary with elegant and spacious rooms and excellent facilities. All guestrooms have a spectacular view of either the city's skyline or the tranquil waters of the Beira Lake and feature a pillow menu for the ultimate night's sleep and WiFi. The Azmaara Spa offers a tantalizing range of treatments administered by Balinese therapists. The resort also houses ten different restaurants, considered the best in Colombo, including the specialty lounge bar, 7 Degrees North.





Jetwing Lake



The Jetwing Lake hotel is a brand new property with spacious and comfortable rooms that enjoy a contemporary design blended with splashes of Eastern influenced decor. The ensuite facilities are magnificent and in keeping with the luxurious feel of the property as a whole. Each room also comes with a balcony, from which guests can get some fresh air and enjoy the spectacular views. Within the complex there is a pool, spa and fitness centre, where guests can while away their free time. There is also a restaurant, which serves sumptuous meals.





Radisson Hotel Kandy



The stylish Radisson Hotel Kandy (formerly OZO Kandy), prides itself on its smart facilities and stunning mountain surrounds. Its highlight being the rooftop pool where you can soak up panoramic views over Kandy whilst enjoying a cocktail or two. The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant serves a tasty array of Asian and international cuisine using only fresh and handpicked produce. Other amenities include a fitness centre and complimentary WiFi, with guestrooms boasting signature soft beds and rain showers.





Jetwing St Andrew's



Jetwing St. Andrew's is a unique colonial retreat set in a former country house and surrounded by landscaped gardens. All the spacious rooms are classically furnished with elegant wood and offer free WiFi and flat-screen TVs. The grounds of the hotel give a great feel of colonial splendour and guests can wake up to a typical English breakfast and enjoy a stiff brandy at the bar later in the day. Fine dining is offered at the Old Course Restaurant and the hotel also boasts an antique snooker table, which is the oldest in Sri Lanka.





Araliya Green Hills



Recently opened, the Araliya Green Hills is a modern property with beautiful mountain views. Rooms are spacious and well appointed with slightly garish carpets. Sumptuous buffets are served in the restaurant - look out for the hoppers - perfect to have your eggs in! Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and there is even a pool table for you to challenge your friends on.



Perfectly located close to the centre of Nuwara Eliyah.





Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort



Situated on 7 acres of land, the Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort is the only hotel of its class in the area. Rooms are spacious with beautiful hard wood flooring and artwork depicting the wildlife of Udawalawe. Food here is delicious and plentiful with an extensive breakfast menu. The outdoor pool is a great place to relax by and enjoy a refreshing splash in after a good day on safari.



Well located just a few minutes drive from Udawalawe National Park.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 8

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    4-5 star & heritage hotels

  • What is the maximum group size?

    24

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Mark Kelleher  

Colombo, Caves & Kandy - 8 days

09-Aug-2024

The tour was well organised and the accommodation was of a high standard. The guide and driver did a good job.

Peter Knapton  

Colombo, Caves & Kandy - 8 days

26-May-2024

Thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Our guide, Thalal, made it a great experience. His knowledge, humour and flexiibility made us feel special and more like friends than just clients.

Recep Aydin  

Colombo, Caves & Kandy - 8 days

01-Feb-2020

Has been absolutely an amazing trip. Everything has been superb from day one till last day ,selections of the hotel tour itinerary and comfortable AC bus was amazing

Andrew Mansfield  

Colombo, Caves & Kandy - 8 days

04-Nov-2019

The tour guide was great and there was a good balance of sightseeing and downtime.

Bheratkumar Bhagoobhai  

Colombo, Caves & Kandy - 8 days

09-May-2024

The Sri Lanka tour was amazing. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. We really enjoyed the train journey, including the beautiful views. Our tour guide Akhtar is a gem of a person. He took care of all our needs and ensured that everyone in our group was comfortable. His vast knowledge of the country made it absolutely interesting for the entire group. A real magical tour. Thank you.

Mark Kelleher  

Colombo, Caves & Kandy - 8 days

09-Aug-2024

The tour was well organised and the accommodation was of a high standard. The guide and driver did a good job.

CHERYL GWILLIAM  

Colombo, Caves & Kandy - 8 days

10-May-2024

Absolutely stunning tour - highly recommended. The only negative was the bullock cart ride to the canoe ride to the cookery demo - a lot of us felt that it was a little harsh on the animals. The accommodation was way above our expectations and the entire tour was amazing - I would happily do this tour again. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and very pleasant, but we were very taken aback when he gave us a tongue lashing in front of guests at our evening meal at the game reserve, which was totally unprofessional and uncalled for. Just the best time was had by all! Thank you, On the Go!!!

Sam Andrews  

Colombo, Caves & Kandy - 8 days

17-May-2024

I found that the tour had a good variation of sites and experiences. I was happy that the group was not too large and had people from different countries. Akthar was a fantastic tour guide with a huge amount of knowledge and has a talent of knowing what people need. On the Go Tours also organised some private tours for us which was very helpful and Clem was also very good tour guide and knowledgeable.

Tanja Cupido  

Colombo, Caves & Kandy - 8 days

10-Sep-2024

The tour was wonderful. The sights were great. The tour guide was good but could have been better. He could have used the traveling time to explain the areas we were passing. He should also have explained each day the itinerary. He should have allocated time for each activity so that people did not have to wait around for fellow travelers to get done. Money was given for tips but as far as I know only 2 people were given tips from yhe kitty

Sonya & Matt Haynes  

Colombo, Caves & Kandy - 8 days

27-Sep-2019

Thanks for a fantastic trip. We were very lucky to have meet a great group of people and all got along so well. Lots of laughs along the way. Our guide Manoj & bus drivers were excellent & always so happy, helpful and polite. I would recommend that a 2 night stay at Jetwing Lake would of been nice as such a beautiful place. All the hotels were great along the way. Our highlights were Caves Dambulla, climbing Sigiriya, train ride to Nuwara Eliya and safari through Udawalawe National Park. 2 nights per place would of been better so not as rushed & more time to relax. I would recommend On the Go Tours to my family and friends.

Read all 20 reviews

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Operator discount: -$230

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Operator discount: -$271

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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