Christmas in Sri Lanka

Christmas in Sri Lanka

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17 Days From

$5081

Christmas in Sri Lanka

17 Days Starting and ending in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Visiting: Colombo, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe, Yala National Park, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Kosgoda

Tour operator:

Wendy Wu

Tour code:

2307

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

12 - 28

Physical rating:

Level2

Age range:

12-99

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Safari Tours

From: $5081

NB: Prices correct on 23-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

Experience the magic of Christmas in Sri Lanka with a captivating cultural tour that takes you through the island's rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Begin your journey in Colombo, where you can unwind and explore at your leisure. Discover the awe-inspiring Sigiriya rock fortress, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, and the sacred sites of Anuradhapura. Immerse yourself in local culture with a village experience in Hiriwaduna and a visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple. Enjoy a scenic train ride to Nuwara Eliya, where Christmas festivities await, including a visit to a tea plantation and a traditional Christmas lunch. Embark on a thrilling safari in Yala National Park, relax on the beaches of Hikkaduwa, and explore the historic Galle Fort. Conclude your adventure with a visit to the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery and a New Year's celebration in Colombo. This unforgettable journey promises a festive season filled with wonder and discovery.

Highlights

  • Arrive in Colombo and enjoy the vibrant city.

  • Visit the Sigiriya rock fortress, considered the eighth wonder of the world.

  • Experience a local village in Hiriwaduna with a catamaran ride and tuk tuk trip.

  • Explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura with its massive Buddhist shrines.

  • Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple and the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy.

  • Take a scenic train journey to Nuwara Eliya through tea plantations and lush forests.

  • Embark on a jeep safari adventure in Yala National Park.

  • Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery and witness turtles being returned to the sea.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Arrive Colombo

Location: Colombo

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where you have the day at leisure to settle-in, relax and enjoy your surroundings.

Day 3: Sigiriya

Location: Sigiriya

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast you will travel to Dambulla, visiting Sigiriya rock fortress late this afternoon. This impressive rock, the landmark of Sri Lanka, is thought of as the eighth wonder of the world, amongst the locals. Enjoy magnificent views, rock decorated in colourful frescos and beautiful gardens when you summit.

Day 4: Polonnaruwa

Location: Polonnaruwa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you visit Hiriwaduna for a local village experience, from a catamaran ride on the lake, a tuk tuk trip to a local home, learning to prepare an authentic dish. Next is Polonnaruwa an ancient city, where the impressive stone culture recalls an inspired past.

Day 5: Anuradhapura

Location: Anuradhapura

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Set off for Anuradhapura, exploring this magnificent ancient city on foot. Visit the massive Buddhist shrines, splendid palaces, parks and pavilions of this sacred city, dating back to the 5th century BC.

Day 6: Dambulla

Location: Dambulla

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning you will be taken to visit the most popular religious cultural site, Dambulla Cave Temple. En-route to Kandy stop at the spice garden in Matale, boasting incredible views of the Aluvihare Mountains. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic followed by an amazing cultural dance show in the evening.

Day 7: Kandy

Location: Kandy

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast take a boat ride on Kandy Lake, giving you breathtaking views of the picturesque city, and from where you can observe a variety of bird species such as the Indian cormorants, wood storks and pelicans. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your hotel before heading out this evening for a walk in Udawattekele rainforest.

Day 8: Christmas Eve - Nuwara Eliya

Location: Nuwara Eliya

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today after breakfast you will be taken to Nuwara Eliya by train, travelling along what is known as one of the most picturesque journeys in the world. Travel through tea plantations, lush forests as you ascend into the mist of the hillside. Relax in the afternoon before the Christmas Eve festivities begin.

Day 9: Christmas Day - Nuwara Eliya

Location: Nuwara Eliya

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Merry Christmas! Start the day with a visit to a tea plantation dressed in handmade, traditional silk sarees amongst the locals. Return to the hotel for the Christmas celebrations with a scrumptious Christmas lunch and lots of celebrations, followed later with High Tea in the beautiful gardens of the Grand Hotel, the perfect way to end off this magical Christmas Day.

Day 10: Udawalawe

Location: Udawalawe

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast proceed to Yala, with a stop at Udawalawe Elephant Sanctuary before participate in the process of curd making. Though buffalo curd is a quintessential favourite in the Sri Lankan pantry, its arduous journey, from teat to table, is often unheeded. Enjoy a fresh sip of milk after trying your hand milking a buffalo and end this experience by relishing a fresh pot of curd sweetened with treacle.

Day 11: Yala National Park

Location: Yala National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early morning, and later this afternoon, you will be taken for a jeep safari at Yala National park, where you will embark on an adventure safari through the park.

Day 12: Hikkaduwa

Location: Hikkaduwa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Head towards Hikkaduwa, where you will enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 13: Galle Fort

Location: Galle

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast you will be visiting Galle Fort, set on the peninsula within the walled remains of a fortress. Walk to the lighthouse on its perimeter and visit the Old Dutch Church with its tombstone covered floor before a stroll along the Rampart.

Day 14: Kosgoda Turtle Sanctuary

Location: Kosgoda

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A visit to the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery is a must. Travel to the Hatchery, visiting a cinnamon plantation on the way, Learn all there is to know about the uses and benefits of cinnamon and try your hand with the tools of the trade in an Ambalama. Go on to witness the exceptional sight at the Turtle Hatchery and see the eggs hatching or the turtles being returned to the sea, moving towards the water as they flap their tiny flippers.

Day 15: Travel To Colombo

Location: Colombo

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast return to Colombo for a tour around this amazing city. Enjoy the celebrations of New Year's Eve with a dinner at the hotel.

Day 16: Colombo At Leisure

Location: Colombo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Spend New Year's Day at leisure, discovering the many gems of Colombo.

Day 17: Depart Colombo

Location: Colombo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Any time before your flight is free to further explore the vibrant city of Colombo independently. Later, transfer to the airport to board your onward flight home.

What's Included

  • Airport Transfer

    On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

  • Meals

    Meals are provided as part of the tour, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner on various days.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided tours are included for various attractions such as Sigiriya rock fortress, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Dambulla Cave Temple, and more.

  • Cultural Experiences

    Experience local culture with activities such as a catamaran ride, tuk tuk trip, and learning to prepare an authentic dish.

  • Jeep Safari

    A jeep safari at Yala National Park is included.

  • Train Journey

    A train journey to Nuwara Eliya, known as one of the most picturesque journeys in the world, is included.

  • Christmas Celebrations

    Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations, including a scrumptious Christmas lunch and High Tea, are included.

  • New Year's Eve Dinner

    A New Year's Eve dinner at the hotel is included.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from Sri Lanka are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Any optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees for entry into Sri Lanka are not included.

Mode of Transport

Transportation details are not provided in the tour description.

Accommodation

Accommodation details are not provided in the tour description.

Experiences

Kosgada Turtle Hatchery

Tour the wonderful conservation project at Kosgada, where a specialist turtle hatchery works tirelessly to protect Sri Lanka's native sea turtle species, and meet its residents.


Yala National Park

Enjoy two opportunities to spot wildlife with a morning and afternoon safari in Yala National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for sloth bear, hyena and the elusive leopard!


Unforgettable train journey

A journey to remember as you travel through misty pine forests and lush tea plantations, over the nine arch bridge on one of the world's most scenic train routes.


Check out our Q&As

  • What can I expect on the first day of the tour?

    On the first day, you will arrive in Colombo where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. You will have the day at leisure to settle in, relax, and enjoy your surroundings.

  • What activities are planned for Day 3 in Sigiriya?

    On Day 3, after breakfast, you will travel to Dambulla and visit the Sigiriya rock fortress in the afternoon. You can enjoy magnificent views, colorful frescos, and beautiful gardens when you reach the summit.

  • What unique experiences are included in the visit to Polonnaruwa?

    During the visit to Polonnaruwa, you will have a local village experience in Hiriwaduna, which includes a catamaran ride on the lake, a tuk-tuk trip to a local home, and learning to prepare an authentic dish. You will also explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, known for its impressive stone culture.

  • What will I see in Anuradhapura?

    In Anuradhapura, you will explore the ancient city on foot, visiting massive Buddhist shrines, splendid palaces, parks, and pavilions. This sacred city dates back to the 5th century BC.

  • What is special about the train journey to Nuwara Eliya?

    The train journey to Nuwara Eliya is known as one of the most picturesque journeys in the world. You will travel through tea plantations and lush forests as you ascend into the mist of the hillside.

  • How is Christmas Day celebrated on this tour?

    On Christmas Day, you will visit a tea plantation dressed in handmade, traditional silk sarees. The day includes a scrumptious Christmas lunch and celebrations, followed by High Tea in the beautiful gardens of the Grand Hotel.

  • What can I expect during the visit to the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery?

    At the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, you will learn about the uses and benefits of cinnamon at a plantation and witness the exceptional sight of turtle eggs hatching or turtles being returned to the sea.

  • What activities are planned for New Year's Eve in Colombo?

    On New Year's Eve, you will return to Colombo for a tour around the city and enjoy the celebrations with a dinner at the hotel.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.

  • Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?

    Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.

  • What is 'Happy to Share'?

    Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.

  • Do you allow children on your tours?

    We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.

Reviews of this operator

Feefo Rated Customer  

Colours of Costa Rica

26-Mar-2020

This was our first tour with you and from start to finish we were guided by Isaac who made sure everything went smoothly. He was laid back - but on the ball - always available and very informative.

Excellent
Feefo Rated Customer  

Ultimate South America

21-Mar-2020

We were hoping this tour would be the holiday of a lifetime and it certainly was. Our guide, Corina, was fantastic and evry country we visited had something special. FANTASTIC

Excellent
William  

Japan Uncovered

12-Nov-2022

A superb trip which ticked all our boxes and covered all the main experiences you would wish for on a trip to Japan! We were looked after by excellent local guides. All of our accommodation was very good. With all meals included we got the chance to experience the local cuisine

Alastair  

Christmas in Vietnam

06-Jan-2023

Vietnam at Christmas, Excellent Experience From start to finish Vietnam at Christmas was amazing, The tour group, Local Guide Loc, we must have been blessed as the weather was excellent only one day of rain. Tour Group 11/10 Guide 11/10 Hotels 8/10 Food 8/10 Itineary10/10 Faboulous experience on Christmas in Vietnam

Feefo Rated Customer  

Highlights of Sri Lanka

24-Mar-2020

Great Country. Good range of different things to do and places to see - temples to beaches to wildlife. Hotels ranged from adequate to excellent. Food quality and variety was better than we expected A really good tour guide and our fellow travellers were excellent company. Would recommend despite the impact of Corona Virus cutting out a few later trips but that was beyond anyone's ability to control..

Excellent

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Wednesday - Friday

Dec 17, 2025 - Jan 02, 2026
$5081

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Operator discount: -$314

Including UK Flights

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Operator discount: -$314

Including UK Flights

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$6904 $6590

Operator discount: -$314

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Saturday

Dec 17, 2026 - Jan 02, 2027
$6954

Thursday - Saturday

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$8526 $8212

Operator discount: -$314

Including UK Flights

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Wendy Wu requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wendy wu charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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