MIXED · PREMIUM
Sri Lanka — The Essential Ceylon Journey
12 days / 11 nights
.
1. Colombo2. Habarana3. Kandy4. Nuwara Eliya5. Yala6. Beruwela
.
Private journey
USD
MAD
from
2800 $
per person · privately tailored
MIXED · PREMIUM
Sri Lanka — The Essential Ceylon Journey
12 days / 11 nights
.
1. Colombo2. Habarana3. Kandy4. Nuwara Eliya5. Yala6. Beruwela
.
Private journey
USD
MAD
from
2800 $
per person · privately tailored
Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Route
1. Colombo2. Habarana3. Kandy4. Nuwara Eliya5. Yala6. Beruwela
Best season
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December to March for the south coast, west coast and central highlands, while the east coast is best from May to September.
Best season
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December to March for the south coast, west coast and central highlands, while the east coast is best from May to September.
Pace
Balanced and adaptable rhythm
Pace
Balanced and adaptable rhythm
Group
Private trip — just your group
Group
Private trip — just your group
2800 $
from
/ per person
Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Route
1. Colombo2. Habarana3. Kandy4. Nuwara Eliya5. Yala6. Beruwela
Route
1. Colombo2. Habarana3. Kandy4. Nuwara Eliya5. Yala6. Beruwela
Best season
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December to March for the south coast, west coast and central highlands, while the east coast is best from May to September.
Best season
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December to March for the south coast, west coast and central highlands, while the east coast is best from May to September.
Pace
Balanced and adaptable rhythm
Pace
Balanced and adaptable rhythm
GROUP
Private trip — just your group
GROUP
Private trip — just your group
Every Jorio journey is private and reshaped around you. The price above is a starting point, not a fixed package.
The Journey
Sri Lanka — The Essential Ceylon Journey
A complete journey between ancient cities, tea mountains, safari and beaches
Discover Sri Lanka, an island of a thousand facets where each step is a promise of wonder. From the excitement of Colombo to ancestral UNESCO World Heritage sites, misty mountains covered in tea plantations and wild safaris in national parks, this 12-day journey transports you through time and nature. Designed to combine deep cultural discoveries and absolute relaxation on the tropical beaches of Beruwela, this itinerary invites you to a total immersion in the magic of Ceylon, a land of legends and breathtaking landscapes.
What stays with you
01
Dynamic capital: Guided discovery of Colombo between colonial heritage and urban modernity.
02
Rock art in Dambulla: Immersion in the troglodyte monastery and its thousand-year-old Buddhist frescoes.
03
Royal city of Polonnaruwa: Exploration of the ruined palaces and stone Buddhas of the Gal Viharaya.
04
Ascent of Sigiriya: Conquest of the 5th century citadel and its 360-degree panoramic view.
Day by day
1. Colombo2. Habarana3. Kandy4. Nuwara Eliya5. Yala6. Beruwela
Your journey, day by day
01
Day 01
Day 1 — Airport | Colombo
On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be greeted by our airport representative and your designated driver-guide or tour manager who will escort you throughout your stay with us. Then, transfer to Colombo and check-in at your hotel after 2:00 p.m. (approximate duration: 45 minutes). Night at the hotel. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
01
Day 01
Day 1 — Airport | Colombo
On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be greeted by our airport representative and your designated driver-guide or tour manager who will escort you throughout your stay with us. Then, transfer to Colombo and check-in at your hotel after 2:00 p.m. (approximate duration: 45 minutes). Night at the hotel. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
02
Day 02
Day 2 — Colombo | Dambulla | Habarana
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Make your departure and explore the capital, Colombo. Panoramic city tour of Colombo. The city of Colombo, the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka, is a blend of historical value and modern ambience. Dating back over 600 years, Colombo was a trading hub for maritime merchants and colonial rulers, and one of the first things you'll notice during your visit is the city's diversity. The wide range of Buddhist and Hindu temples, mosques and churches reflect the diverse beliefs practiced throughout the island, and the magnificent facades of old colonial buildings contrast with modern commercial arcades. Your insightful tour takes you past the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, Pettah Bazaar area, Wolfendhal Dutch Church, Old Parliament Complex, Bandaranaike International Memorial Hall, Nelum Pokuna Theatre, Viharamahadevi Park and Independence Square. Then continue your journey to Dambulla (approximately 4 hours drive). On arrival, visit the Dambulla cave temple. Dating back to the first century BC, Dambulla is a vast cave complex, converted into a cave temple, still considered one of the most important Buddhist monasteries today.
02
Day 02
Day 2 — Colombo | Dambulla | Habarana
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Make your departure and explore the capital, Colombo. Panoramic city tour of Colombo. The city of Colombo, the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka, is a blend of historical value and modern ambience. Dating back over 600 years, Colombo was a trading hub for maritime merchants and colonial rulers, and one of the first things you'll notice during your visit is the city's diversity. The wide range of Buddhist and Hindu temples, mosques and churches reflect the diverse beliefs practiced throughout the island, and the magnificent facades of old colonial buildings contrast with modern commercial arcades. Your insightful tour takes you past the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, Pettah Bazaar area, Wolfendhal Dutch Church, Old Parliament Complex, Bandaranaike International Memorial Hall, Nelum Pokuna Theatre, Viharamahadevi Park and Independence Square. Then continue your journey to Dambulla (approximately 4 hours drive). On arrival, visit the Dambulla cave temple. Dating back to the first century BC, Dambulla is a vast cave complex, converted into a cave temple, still considered one of the most important Buddhist monasteries today.
03
Day 03
Day 3 — Habarana | Polonnaruwa | Sigiriya | Habarana
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and continue your journey to visit the ancient sites of Polonnaruwa (approximate driving time 1.5 hours). An interesting mix of archaeological monuments, Polonnaruwa was the second kingdom of Sri Lanka and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The iconic man-made reservoir has been aptly named "Parakrama Samudra", or "the sea of Parakrama", due to its enormous size. Look for the famous Gal Viharaya or “Rock Temple” where you will see four colossal Buddha statues carved from stone, reflecting peace, serenity and strength. Polonnaruwa also has ruins of ancient palaces, intricately carved moonstones and royal baths. If you're feeling a little more energetic, this whole site can also be explored by bike and your guide will be more than happy to organize this for you for a fee. Before returning to your hotel, continue to Sigiriya - optional visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress (approximate driving time 1 hour). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya is an enormous rock rising 200 meters above the surrounding jungle. Incredibly, the rock fortress was built by King Kassyapa I in the 5th century and served as a royal citadel for over 18 years, which seems more astonishing with every step you climb.
03
Day 03
Day 3 — Habarana | Polonnaruwa | Sigiriya | Habarana
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and continue your journey to visit the ancient sites of Polonnaruwa (approximate driving time 1.5 hours). An interesting mix of archaeological monuments, Polonnaruwa was the second kingdom of Sri Lanka and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The iconic man-made reservoir has been aptly named "Parakrama Samudra", or "the sea of Parakrama", due to its enormous size. Look for the famous Gal Viharaya or “Rock Temple” where you will see four colossal Buddha statues carved from stone, reflecting peace, serenity and strength. Polonnaruwa also has ruins of ancient palaces, intricately carved moonstones and royal baths. If you're feeling a little more energetic, this whole site can also be explored by bike and your guide will be more than happy to organize this for you for a fee. Before returning to your hotel, continue to Sigiriya - optional visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress (approximate driving time 1 hour). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya is an enormous rock rising 200 meters above the surrounding jungle. Incredibly, the rock fortress was built by King Kassyapa I in the 5th century and served as a royal citadel for over 18 years, which seems more astonishing with every step you climb.
04
Day 04
Day 4 — Habarana | Matale | Kandy
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, check out and continue your journey to Matale to visit a spice garden including a cooking demonstration (approximate driving time 1.5 hours). Continue your journey to Kandy (approximately 1 hour drive) and visit the Buddha Tooth Temple in Kandy. Built in the 16th century, the Temple of the Tooth is one of the most important temples for Buddhists as it houses the sacred tooth relic of Buddha. The tooth relic is kept in a two-story inner sanctum. The “Thevava” or auspicious offering to the sacred tooth relic takes place three times a day at predefined times and a visit at this time is quite an experience. Resident monks demonstrate this centuries-old tradition as you are surrounded by the sound of drums and the smells of lotus and jasmine flowers, as well as incense. In July/August (this may vary), the whole city comes alive as the Kandy Esala Perehara procession takes place in honor of the Relic. Optional: Kandian dance show. Before returning to your hotel, enjoy a Tuk Tuk ride in Kandy city. Check in to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure
04
Day 04
Day 4 — Habarana | Matale | Kandy
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, check out and continue your journey to Matale to visit a spice garden including a cooking demonstration (approximate driving time 1.5 hours). Continue your journey to Kandy (approximately 1 hour drive) and visit the Buddha Tooth Temple in Kandy. Built in the 16th century, the Temple of the Tooth is one of the most important temples for Buddhists as it houses the sacred tooth relic of Buddha. The tooth relic is kept in a two-story inner sanctum. The “Thevava” or auspicious offering to the sacred tooth relic takes place three times a day at predefined times and a visit at this time is quite an experience. Resident monks demonstrate this centuries-old tradition as you are surrounded by the sound of drums and the smells of lotus and jasmine flowers, as well as incense. In July/August (this may vary), the whole city comes alive as the Kandy Esala Perehara procession takes place in honor of the Relic. Optional: Kandian dance show. Before returning to your hotel, enjoy a Tuk Tuk ride in Kandy city. Check in to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure
05
Day 05
Day 5 — Kandy | Peradeniya | Kandy
After breakfast, in the morning, a walk in the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya. (Optionally done by cart) (Approximate duration of the excursion: 2 hours). Bandara Palipana, an experienced botanist, on a fascinating walk through the picturesque Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, located in the hill capital of Kandy. Palipana has worked in the gardens, which are home to more than 4,000 species of plants and trees, for well over 30 years. Listen as he shares stories about the history of the garden and the valuable living collections collected over centuries past. He explains how this former royal pleasure garden was transformed into a botanical garden in 1821 and also about the "Grand Circle" where world leaders have donated and planted trees since 1875. As you walk under the canopy of trees, he points out features such as the bamboo collection, the avenue of palms and the medicinal plants, which are actually his favorites. Without a doubt, the most colorful collection is that of orchids, where a priceless collection of over 300 varieties blooms in all its glory. Explore the gem lapidary of Sri Lanka and the city of Kandy.
05
Day 05
Day 5 — Kandy | Peradeniya | Kandy
After breakfast, in the morning, a walk in the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya. (Optionally done by cart) (Approximate duration of the excursion: 2 hours). Bandara Palipana, an experienced botanist, on a fascinating walk through the picturesque Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, located in the hill capital of Kandy. Palipana has worked in the gardens, which are home to more than 4,000 species of plants and trees, for well over 30 years. Listen as he shares stories about the history of the garden and the valuable living collections collected over centuries past. He explains how this former royal pleasure garden was transformed into a botanical garden in 1821 and also about the "Grand Circle" where world leaders have donated and planted trees since 1875. As you walk under the canopy of trees, he points out features such as the bamboo collection, the avenue of palms and the medicinal plants, which are actually his favorites. Without a doubt, the most colorful collection is that of orchids, where a priceless collection of over 300 varieties blooms in all its glory. Explore the gem lapidary of Sri Lanka and the city of Kandy.
06
Day 06
Day 6 — Kandy | Nuwara Eliya
Signature
After breakfast, check-in and continue your scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya. (Approximate duration: 3 hours). Along the way, enjoy a visit to a tea factory and learn the process of making Ceylon tea. The stunning drive to Nuwara Eliya is a photographer’s paradise. Pause every now and then to admire the gushing waterfalls, vast tea terraces, old tea factories and vast vegetable fields along the way. Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, you will notice the sudden drop in temperature. With log fires and blankets in the Victorian-style bungalows and beautifully manicured lawns and flower gardens, it's no wonder this part of the world has become known as "Little England." Visit the Haggala Botanical Gardens, Lake Gregory or the Seetha Amman Hindu Temple. Stroll through the fruit and vegetable markets and haggle at the “bale” market. Split the day with freshly brewed Ceylon tea and homemade strawberry jam on toast, or for those who love golf, play at Nuwara Elya Golf Club (payable locally). Check into your hotel for the night and spend the evening at leisure.
06
Day 06
Day 6 — Kandy | Nuwara Eliya
Signature
After breakfast, check-in and continue your scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya. (Approximate duration: 3 hours). Along the way, enjoy a visit to a tea factory and learn the process of making Ceylon tea. The stunning drive to Nuwara Eliya is a photographer’s paradise. Pause every now and then to admire the gushing waterfalls, vast tea terraces, old tea factories and vast vegetable fields along the way. Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, you will notice the sudden drop in temperature. With log fires and blankets in the Victorian-style bungalows and beautifully manicured lawns and flower gardens, it's no wonder this part of the world has become known as "Little England." Visit the Haggala Botanical Gardens, Lake Gregory or the Seetha Amman Hindu Temple. Stroll through the fruit and vegetable markets and haggle at the “bale” market. Split the day with freshly brewed Ceylon tea and homemade strawberry jam on toast, or for those who love golf, play at Nuwara Elya Golf Club (payable locally). Check into your hotel for the night and spend the evening at leisure.
07
Day 07
Day 7 — Nuwara Eliya | Ella | Yala
Signature
This morning, board the train from Nanuoya Railway Station in Nuwara Eliya to Ella Hill Station. This journey is considered one of the most scenic rail journeys through the highlands of Sri Lanka. As you pass the emerald tea estates that cover the mountains, you can't help but indulge in the unmistakable aroma of pure Ceylon tea. This hill country train ride typically takes about three and a half hours, depending on local rail regulations. Departure: Nanuoya: 9:00 a.m. / 12:00 p.m. Arrival: Ella: 12:30 p.m. / 1:30 p.m. Note: As scenic train journeys are meant to offer a truly local experience, you'll likely share the compartment with locals and tourists. Train seats are subject to availability and tickets can only be obtained near the date of travel in first, second, third or observation class compartments in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Railway Department. The first class compartment is air-conditioned while the non-air-conditioned compartments allow customers to experience the cool weather of the hill country. Also enjoy excellent photo opportunities. While every effort is made to ensure that our customers receive top priority with a bucket class, there are no guarantees. (Train times and train tickets are strictly subject to availability / normal compartment without air conditioning).
07
Day 07
Day 7 — Nuwara Eliya | Ella | Yala
Signature
This morning, board the train from Nanuoya Railway Station in Nuwara Eliya to Ella Hill Station. This journey is considered one of the most scenic rail journeys through the highlands of Sri Lanka. As you pass the emerald tea estates that cover the mountains, you can't help but indulge in the unmistakable aroma of pure Ceylon tea. This hill country train ride typically takes about three and a half hours, depending on local rail regulations. Departure: Nanuoya: 9:00 a.m. / 12:00 p.m. Arrival: Ella: 12:30 p.m. / 1:30 p.m. Note: As scenic train journeys are meant to offer a truly local experience, you'll likely share the compartment with locals and tourists. Train seats are subject to availability and tickets can only be obtained near the date of travel in first, second, third or observation class compartments in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Railway Department. The first class compartment is air-conditioned while the non-air-conditioned compartments allow customers to experience the cool weather of the hill country. Also enjoy excellent photo opportunities. While every effort is made to ensure that our customers receive top priority with a bucket class, there are no guarantees. (Train times and train tickets are strictly subject to availability / normal compartment without air conditioning).
08
Day 08
Day 8 — Early morning enjoy a safari at Yala National Park with your local ranger.
Continue to the deep south of the island and venture on a safari in search of native wildlife through Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka's oldest and largest national parks. The park covers an area of 151,778 hectares comprising five blocks, one of which contains a strict nature reserve. Currently, only Block 1, covering 14,100 hectares, is open to the public. If you're lucky, you may be able to spot three of Sri Lanka's "Big Five" endangered animals on a single safari, as the Sri Lankan leopard, sloth bear and elephant can all be found here. In fact, the park is known for having one of the highest densities of leopards in a concentrated area. We recommend an early morning or late afternoon safari to increase your chances of spotting the greatest number of animals, although mini night safaris on the outskirts – which use infrared night vision lights – are also huge fun. While searching for the elusive leopard, herds of spotted deer, Mugger crocodiles, wild boars, wild buffalo, langurs and peacocks also provide brilliant photo opportunities. Bird lovers will particularly enjoy the display of over 200 different species, including large flocks of migratory birds. Return to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
08
Day 08
Day 8 — Early morning enjoy a safari at Yala National Park with your local ranger.
Continue to the deep south of the island and venture on a safari in search of native wildlife through Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka's oldest and largest national parks. The park covers an area of 151,778 hectares comprising five blocks, one of which contains a strict nature reserve. Currently, only Block 1, covering 14,100 hectares, is open to the public. If you're lucky, you may be able to spot three of Sri Lanka's "Big Five" endangered animals on a single safari, as the Sri Lankan leopard, sloth bear and elephant can all be found here. In fact, the park is known for having one of the highest densities of leopards in a concentrated area. We recommend an early morning or late afternoon safari to increase your chances of spotting the greatest number of animals, although mini night safaris on the outskirts – which use infrared night vision lights – are also huge fun. While searching for the elusive leopard, herds of spotted deer, Mugger crocodiles, wild boars, wild buffalo, langurs and peacocks also provide brilliant photo opportunities. Bird lovers will particularly enjoy the display of over 200 different species, including large flocks of migratory birds. Return to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
09
Day 09
Day 9 — Yala | Udawalawe | Galle | Beruwela
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, check out and continue your journey to Udawalawe and visit the elephant transit home for the morning feeding session (approximate duration: 1.5 hours). Located in Udawalawe, close to the famous Udawalawe National Park, the Elephant Transit Home was established in 1995 to care for orphaned elephants. These abandoned baby elephants are fed and rehabilitated with the ultimate hope of reintroducing them into the wild, as soon as they are fit enough to fend for themselves. The baby elephants are fed a nutrient-rich milk formula daily, making feeding time one of the best times of day to visit. The baby elephants are allowed to graze freely during daylight hours and are constantly under the supervision of a team of well-trained veterinarians. Continue your journey to Galle (approximate duration: 2.5 hours) and explore the Fort by Tuk Tuks. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town of Galle mixes the exotic with the colonial. The impressive fortress, originally built by the Portuguese and reinforced by the Dutch, remains standing today with only a few changes and is a living example of the interaction between European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
09
Day 09
Day 9 — Yala | Udawalawe | Galle | Beruwela
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, check out and continue your journey to Udawalawe and visit the elephant transit home for the morning feeding session (approximate duration: 1.5 hours). Located in Udawalawe, close to the famous Udawalawe National Park, the Elephant Transit Home was established in 1995 to care for orphaned elephants. These abandoned baby elephants are fed and rehabilitated with the ultimate hope of reintroducing them into the wild, as soon as they are fit enough to fend for themselves. The baby elephants are fed a nutrient-rich milk formula daily, making feeding time one of the best times of day to visit. The baby elephants are allowed to graze freely during daylight hours and are constantly under the supervision of a team of well-trained veterinarians. Continue your journey to Galle (approximate duration: 2.5 hours) and explore the Fort by Tuk Tuks. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town of Galle mixes the exotic with the colonial. The impressive fortress, originally built by the Portuguese and reinforced by the Dutch, remains standing today with only a few changes and is a living example of the interaction between European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
10
Day 10
Days 10 & 11 — Beruwala
Enjoy a full day at leisure to enjoy the beach and hotel amenities. DAY 12 — BERUWELA | AIRPORT Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. You will be transferred to the airport in time to connect with the departing international flight. (Approximate driving time of 2 hours).
10
Day 10
Days 10 & 11 — Beruwala
Enjoy a full day at leisure to enjoy the beach and hotel amenities. DAY 12 — BERUWELA | AIRPORT Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. You will be transferred to the airport in time to connect with the departing international flight. (Approximate driving time of 2 hours).
reb
What’s included
Accommodation according to the itinerary. Specific hotels: to be confirmed.
Accommodation according to the itinerary. Specific hotels: to be confirmed.
Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle (luxury) with English-speaking driver-guide.
Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle (luxury) with English-speaking driver-guide.
Services of a local English-speaking tour manager.
Services of a local English-speaking tour manager.
Entrances: Dambulla Temple, Polonnaruwa, Temple of the Tooth, Peradeniya Garden, Train (Nanu Oya-Ella), Tea Factory, Yala Safari (private), Udawalawe, Tuk-tuk to Galle, Galle Museum.
Entrances: Dambulla Temple, Polonnaruwa, Temple of the Tooth, Peradeniya Garden, Train (Nanu Oya-Ella), Tea Factory, Yala Safari (private), Udawalawe, Tuk-tuk to Galle, Galle Museum.
Government taxes and luggage storage services.
Government taxes and luggage storage services.
Not included
International flights, visa fees.
International flights, visa fees.
Travel insurance (highly recommended).
Travel insurance (highly recommended).
Lunches and dinners (except lunch at Hiriwadunna).
Lunches and dinners (except lunch at Hiriwadunna).
Early check-in or late check-out.
Early check-in or late check-out.
SELECTED HOTELS
Places chosen for their sense of place.
Each stay is selected for its character, comfort and genuine connection to the destination.
Each stay is selected for its character, comfort and genuine connection to the destination.
Subject to availability, an equivalent hotel of the same category and quality may be proposed.
Subject to availability, an equivalent hotel of the same category and quality may be proposed.
GALlery
Discover Sri Lanka
A complete journey between ancient cities, tea mountains, safari and beaches
Every journey is private
Every journey is private
A starting point, never a package
Each Jorio trip is tailor-made around you — your dates, your pace, the accommodations and experiences that suit you.
Jorio Travel
Bespoke journeys shaped with
elegance, care, and a true sense of
place.
Jorio Travel
Bespoke journeys shaped with
elegance, care, and a true sense of
place.
Jorio Travel
Bespoke journeys shaped with elegance, care, and a true sense of
place.
