8 Nights 9 Days Tour

Day 01

Colombo City Tour

Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, and in your Sri Lanka itinerary, this is the best place to end your Sri Lanka tour. The beautiful museum-like Independence Square, , the gigantic Red Mosque (Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque), Town Tall Building and the Old Parliament Building altogether portray the diverse cultures in the country. The city is full of energy and has the best restaurants and shopping complexes in your Sri Lanka itinerary. It is the last travel day of your Sri Lanka tour, and you spend a wonderful time with the locals in their social hubs like Independence Square, the Arcade, the Viharamahadevi Park, and the Galle Face Beach. As you watch the heart-warming sunset, the Colombo nightlife is calling you for an insane party night!

Colombo Highlights

Day 02

Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park, located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, is a stunning natural reserve that epitomizes the country’s rich ecological heritage. Spanning approximately 88.9 square kilometers, the park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1938 and later elevated to national park status in 1997. The park’s centerpiece is the ancient Minneriya Tank, a reservoir constructed by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD, which plays a crucial role in sustaining the park’s diverse ecosystems.

One of Minneriya’s most famous attractions is “The Gathering,” an annual event recognized as one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world. During the dry season, from July to September, hundreds of Asian elephants migrate to the park, drawn by the receding waters of the Minneriya Tank, which expose fresh grasslands. This gathering of elephants, sometimes numbering over 300, is one of the largest in Asia and offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The sight of so many elephants, including playful calves, against the backdrop of the ancient tank, is truly mesmerizing.

Beyond elephants, Minneriya National Park is a haven for a wide variety of wildlife. The park is home to sambar deer, leopards, sloth bears, and a rich diversity of bird species, including endemics like the Sri Lanka grey hornbill. The park’s diverse habitats, ranging from dry tropical forests and grasslands to wetlands, support this incredible range of fauna. The flora of the park is equally diverse, with evergreen shrubs and ancient trees dotting the landscape.

Minneriya National Park - Highlights

Day 03

Sunrise at Sigiriya Rock

An essential destination of every Sri Lanka trips, the amazing ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya might strike one as a peculiar sight. Its round structure and its intricate ancient urban landscape surely astound the best of us! Declared as a world heritage by UNESCO, this massive column of rock once used to be the capital of an ancient Sri Lankan kingdom. As you step into Sigiriya rock, you are bound to be amazed by the infamous Sigiriya frescoes depicting the beautiful Lankan women of the fifth century. The Mirror Wall, providing an outlook of ancient poetry, gives you a glimpse into the lives of early visitors of the site. Moreover, you will be overwhelmed by the beauty of the Gardens of Sigiriya as you wonder about the intellect and ingenuity of the ancient minds at work. Topping the list of tourist destinations in our Sri Lanka tour packages, Sigiriya fortress is a captivating masterpiece of ancient urban landscape and architecture.

Sigiriya Highlights

Sigiriya - Village Tour

A village tour in Sri Lanka offers an immersive experience that showcases the country’s rich culture, natural beauty, and rural lifestyle. These tours take you beyond the typical tourist spots, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of villagers who live in harmony with nature. As you explore, you’ll encounter lush paddy fields, serene lakes, and vibrant wildlife.

One of the highlights of a village tour is the chance to interact with the local community. You can participate in traditional activities such as pottery making, cooking, or farming, learning skills passed down through generations. The villagers are warm and welcoming, eager to share their customs, stories, and way of life.

Often, these tours include a scenic ride in a bullock cart or a boat trip on a tranquil river, offering peaceful moments to soak in the surroundings. You might also enjoy a traditional meal prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, giving you a true taste of Sri Lankan cuisine.

A village tour in Sri Lanka is more than just a journey through picturesque landscapes; it’s a cultural exchange that deepens your understanding of the island’s heritage and traditions, leaving you with unforgettable memories.

Village Tour Highlights

Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour

Polonnaruwa, located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that serves as a testament to the island’s rich history and cultural heritage. Once the thriving capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom from the 11th to 13th centuries, Polonnaruwa is renowned for its well-preserved ancient ruins, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the past.

The city is home to remarkable archaeological sites, including the Royal Palace, the Audience Hall, and the Quadrangle, a sacred area featuring the Vatadage, a circular relic house. Polonnaruwa is also famous for the Gal Vihara, a rock temple complex with four magnificent Buddha statues carved into a single granite slab, showcasing the artistic excellence of ancient Sri Lankan sculptors.

The city’s layout reflects sophisticated urban planning, with intricate irrigation systems like the Parakrama Samudra, a vast artificial reservoir, highlighting the advanced engineering skills of the time. Visitors to Polonnaruwa can explore these historical treasures, which are spread across a sprawling archaeological park, offering an immersive experience into Sri Lanka’s medieval history and its enduring legacy. Polonnaruwa stands as a symbol of the island’s golden age and remains a key destination for cultural and historical tourism in Sri Lanka.

Polonnaruwa Highlights

Day 04

Kandy Temple of the Tooth

The Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is one of Sri Lanka’s most treasured historical and religious sites. Situated in the central Matale District, this UNESCO World Heritage site dates back over 2,000 years and is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The temple is perched atop a 160-meter high rock, offering stunning views of the surrounding plains.

The complex consists of five main caves, each adorned with intricate murals and over 150 statues. The statues predominantly depict the Buddha in various poses, along with images of gods, goddesses, and historical figures, including Sri Lankan kings. The murals, which cover an area of about 2,100 square meters, vividly narrate the life of the Buddha and important events in the history of Buddhism.

The most significant of the caves is the Maharaja Viharaya, which houses a 14-meter-long reclining Buddha statue. The temple’s interior is a masterpiece of religious art, with every surface covered in vibrant, centuries-old paintings that have been remarkably well preserved.

The Dambulla Cave Temple remains an active place of worship and pilgrimage, attracting both devotees and tourists alike, making it a symbol of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and religious heritage.

Dambulla Highlights

Dambulla Cave Temple

Kandy, a city nestled in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, is renowned for its cultural, historical, and natural significance. As the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka, Kandy holds a special place in the country’s heritage. The city is most famous for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), which houses a tooth relic of the Buddha, making it one of the most sacred sites in the Buddhist world. Each year, the Esala Perahera, a grand procession, is held in honor of the relic, attracting thousands of pilgrims and tourists.

Surrounded by lush mountains and tea plantations, Kandy offers breathtaking scenery. The city is centered around the tranquil Kandy Lake, a man-made lake that adds to its charm. The Royal Botanical Gardens in nearby Peradeniya are another highlight, showcasing a vast array of flora.

Kandy’s cultural richness is also reflected in its traditional music, dance, and crafts. The city’s vibrant markets and streets are alive with activity, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of its residents. Despite modernization, Kandy retains its old-world charm, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Sri Lanka.

Kandy Highlights

Day 05

Nuwara Eliya City Tour & Tea Factory

Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as “Little England,” is a picturesque town nestled in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Renowned for its cool climate, lush greenery, and colonial-era architecture, it offers a variety of attractions for tourists.

The Horton Plains National Park is a must-visit, offering stunning landscapes and the famous World’s End cliff, where the land drops dramatically, providing breathtaking views. Victoria Park, located in the heart of the town, is perfect for a leisurely stroll among beautifully manicured gardens and exotic plants.

Tea lovers should not miss visiting a tea plantation, such as the Pedro Tea Estate, where they can learn about the tea-making process and enjoy fresh Ceylon tea. The iconic Gregory Lake is ideal for boating, picnicking, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding mountains.

For a cultural experience, visit the Seetha Amman Temple, linked to the Ramayana epic. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, one of the oldest in Asia, offering a challenging course amid stunning scenery.

Nuwara Eliya’s charming blend of natural beauty, adventure, and colonial charm makes it a unique and captivating destination for all kinds of travelers.

Nuwara Eliya Highlights

Day 06

Yala- Afternoon Safari

Yala National Park, located in the southeastern region of Sri Lanka, is the country’s most famous wildlife sanctuary and a top destination for nature enthusiasts. Spanning over 979 square kilometers, Yala is renowned for its rich biodiversity, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife.

The park is especially famous for its high density of leopards, making it one of the best places in the world to spot these elusive big cats. Visitors can also encounter a variety of other animals, including elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and a wide range of bird species. The park’s wetlands, grasslands, and forests provide a thriving habitat for both resident and migratory birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Yala is divided into five blocks, with Block 1 being the most visited due to its high wildlife sightings. The park’s rugged terrain, featuring rocky outcrops, freshwater lagoons, and pristine beaches, adds to its allure. The coastline, with its untouched beauty, is a nesting site for sea turtles.

A safari through Yala offers an unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to witness wildlife in its natural habitat. The park’s breathtaking landscapes, combined with the thrill of spotting rare animals, make it a must-visit destination for any traveler to Sri Lanka.

Yala National Park Highlights

Day 07

Galle- Turtle Hatchery

The Galle Turtle Hatchery, located near Galle, Sri Lanka, is dedicated to the conservation and protection of sea turtles. Established to rescue turtle eggs from poachers, the hatchery provides a safe environment for eggs to incubate and hatch. Visitors can learn about the life cycle of turtles, see newly hatched turtles, and sometimes participate in releasing them into the ocean. The hatchery plays a crucial role in safeguarding endangered species like the Green Turtle and Olive Ridley. It also raises awareness about marine conservation, emphasizing the importance of preserving these ancient creatures and their habitats.

Turtle Hatchery Highlights

Day 08

Galle City Tour -Dutch Fort

Galle, a coastal city in southwestern Sri Lanka, is a captivating blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. The city’s most iconic landmark is the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, originally built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later fortified by the Dutch. This well-preserved fort is a living museum, with narrow cobblestone streets, colonial-era buildings, and vibrant cafes, boutiques, and art galleries that reflect the city’s rich multicultural heritage.

Wandering through the fort, visitors can explore historical sites like the Dutch Reformed Church, the Old Dutch Hospital, and the Galle Lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The fort’s ramparts are perfect for a leisurely walk, especially at sunset, providing stunning views of the ocean and the town.

Galle’s beautiful beaches, such as Unawatuna and Jungle Beach, are just a short drive from the fort, offering soft golden sands and clear waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The city is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous festivals, exhibitions, and performances throughout the year.

Galle’s unique blend of colonial history, natural beauty, and cultural vibrancy makes it one of Sri Lanka’s most enchanting destinations.

Galle Highlights

End - Airport

Client Reviews

David S

Excellent, our dream tour comes true

We had a choice of tour companies, but we settled on Cealan Tours and we never regretted it. Our tour consultant was patient and understanding in the planning phase, helping us and guiding us in planning our tour, advising and accommodating all our wishes to the minute detail. Our guide and driver then made sure that all our plans worked like clockwork, and made our stay in Sri Lanka one of the best holidays we have ever had, and we have been to many places. He is an expert driver and guide, and is very knowledgeable and trustworthy. We had cultural activities, safaris, relaxing time at the hotels/ beaches/ pools, good food, great accommodation. If going to Sri Lanka contact Cealan Tours.

Daniel

Excellent travel agent

Cealan Tours prepared a custom made tour that was excellent. They took all our input and also recommended places and activities that we wouldn’t have thought of otherwise. Even the smallest inconveniences were resolved satisfactorily and made even better. Our guide and driver that took us to discover his country with a great smile and all his knowledge. Also he would stop at any moment for yet another picture, or to explain us about a new wild animal and bird that was in our way. If you are coming to Sri Lanka please do not doubt to book through Cealan Tours and you will have a guaranteed great experience.

Christian S

An excellent experience!

I booked a weeklong tour for myself and 4 friends through Cealan Tours. We had some trouble narrowing down the number of people for our trip but the representative from Cealan Tours was incredibly patient and helped support us throughout. We made several changes to our itinerary to fit what we wanted. When arriving in Sri Lanka we were met by our tour guide in summary he was brilliant. He immediately helped us change currency at the best rate and acquire a SIM card before leaving the airport. Throughout the tour he was excellent providing us with information at each attraction and providing us with help for things we did outside of the Itinerary. Overall our experience was excellent and I would absolutely recommend!

Laurita

Awesome trip with Cealan Tours

We had being doing a 10 day trip in Sri Lanka with Cealan Tours and the experience has been extremely good. All the staff of Cealan Tours has been really efficient and nice from the beginning, they have being very flexible organizing exactly the trip that we wanted to do and giving us really good suggestions and our driver, couldn’t have been better, always smiling and helping us and being very flexible to be sure that we were happy at every moment of our trip. I have to mention also that he is a very good and experienced driver. I highly recommend Cealan Tours, do not hesitate to contact them to have your perfect vacation in Sri Lanka. Thank you for everything.

Anna M

Great first trip to Sri Lanka

Cealan Tours was my preferred choice as they were responsive and attentive to our needs from the itinerary planning stage. Our guide also extended his warm and gentle hospitality to us throughout the trip.

We covered good ground in a week via Dambulla, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Yala,Galle…

Definitely recommend anyone considering a reliable agent/guide for traveling to Sri Lanka!

Rendy W

Perfect guided tour through Sri-Lanka

CealanTours made our trip to Sri-Lanka to an unforgettable adventure. They created a varied tour through this so beautiful country, including all our whishes. We didn‘t need to care about anything and could just enjoy our holiday.

Our guide/driver (and now good friend) showed us beautiful places, told us everything about the country and culture, we wanted to know, and also introduced us in Sri-Lanka food. The driver was a very secure driver. We can highly recommend.

Jonathan S

Super professionel private family tour

Super professional tour filled with fantastic experiences. We travelled with family and friends for 2 weeks in Sri Lanka. The trip was tailor made for our group by Cealan Tours and it was a great success from the beginning to the end. A special thanks to our amazing guide and his team (driver and assistant). They made our tour unforgettable through exceptional care and attention to our needs. It was enough to mention that we want to see, do or buy something and it was immediately included into our agenda. They helped us to learn a lot about Sri Lanka, its people, culture and history though his deep knowledge of the matter. I can recommend Cealan Tours without any doubt. Big thanks once again!!

Alisha B

Exceptional Service

Cealan tours provided exceptional service during our recent trip to Sri Lanka. From the moment we began our journey, it was clear that we were in the hands of professionals who genuinely care about their clients. Every detail of our itinerary was thoughtfully planned by the very knowledgeable and most amazing and the passion and knowledge of our guides and our driver. They brought each destination to life in a way we could never have imagined. The team’s dedication and personal touches made our trip not just a vacation, but an unforgettable adventure filled with cherished memories. We will forever treasure the moments we shared and look forward to embarking on another adventure with you in the future.