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Marvel at magnificent temples, see the World Heritage Rock Fortress at Sigiriya, search for elephants and other wild animals at Yala National Park, discover the fascinating caves at Dambulla and explore the ruined cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.
Start your Christmas celebrations with a High Tea in a beautiful gardens of The Grand Hotel. Spend Christmas Day in Sri Lanka's gorgeous tea country, Nuwara Eliya, where you'll take part in an exclusive tea plantation experience wearing a traditional, handmade silk saree dress which you'll get to take home as a memento. After the experience enjoy a scrumptious Christmas Day lunch.
Departures & Pricing
- 18 Dec 2027 - 02 Jan 2028
Land only: from $7,090 pp twin share / $10,190 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $8,890 pp twin share / $11,990 pp sole use * - 18 Dec 2028 - 02 Jan 2029
Land only: from $8,190 pp twin share / $11,490 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,990 pp twin share / $13,290 pp sole use *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice. Land only prices exclude international flights.
Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
Itinerary
- 1
Arrive Colombo
On arrival to Colombo airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel, where you have the rest of the day at leisure to settle in, relax and enjoy your surroundings.
- 2
Travel to Dambulla
After breakfast you will travel to Dambulla, visiting Sigiriya rock fortress late this afternoon. This impressive landmark is regarded as the world's eighth wonder amongst the locals. Enjoy magnificent views, colourful frescos and beautiful gardens when you reach the top.
- 3
Polonnaruwa
Today you visit Hiriwaduna for a local village experience, enjoying a boat trip on the lake, a tuk-tuk trip to a local home and learning to prepare an authentic dish. Next is Polonnaruwa, an ancient capital and UNESCO World Heritage site, full of well-preserved stupas, statues and frescoes.
- 4
Anuradhapura
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.
- 5
Dambulla
This morning after breakfast you will be taken to visit 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.
- 6
Kandy
After breakfast take a boat ride on Kandy Lake, giving you breathtaking views of the picturesque city. Later, trek through a long-protected tract of rainforest teeming with a variety of species, including beautiful birds like Layard's parakeet and the oriental dwarf kingfisher.
- 7
Christmas Eve - Nuwara Eliya
Travel through Sri Lanka's scenic hill country to Nuwara Eliya. En route, visit a working tea plantation where, dressed in a traditional sari, you'll join local tea pluckers to learn the art of hand-picking tea leaves. On arrival in Nuwara Eliya, indulge in an elegant afternoon high tea before celebrating Christmas Eve with a festive dinner.
- 8
Christmas Day - Nuwara Eliya
Merry Christmas! This morning, board one of Sri Lanka's most scenic rail journeys, travelling from Nanu Oya to Ella through misty mountains, emerald tea plantations and cascading waterfalls. On arrival, take a tuk tuk to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, a striking colonial-era viaduct set amidst the lush hill country. Admire this remarkable feat of engineering before enjoying a festive Christmas lunch, then return to Nuwara Eliya by road.
- 9
Udawalawe
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.
- 10
Yala National Park
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.
- 11
Hikkaduwa
Today you will travel the 3 hours to Hikkaduwa with the rest of your day free to go explore your surroundings.
- 12
Galle Fort
After breakfast you will be visiting Galle Fort, and the journey will take about 1 hour. During the tour of Galle, you will have the opportunity to visit Galle Fort, Old Dutch Church and walk along the Rampart.
- 13
Kosgoda Turtle Sanctuary
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.
- 14
Travel to Colombo
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.
- 15
Colombo at Leisure
Spend New Year's Day at leisure, discovering the many gems of Colombo.
- 16
Depart Colombo
Fly back to Australia, arriving the same day.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected).
- Domestic transportation.
- Touring with guides and entrance fees.
- 3 – 4 star accommodation.
- Visa processing for Australian passport holders.
Accommodation
- Cinnamon Lakeside
- Jetwing Lakeside
- Cinnamon Citadel
- Jetwing St Andrew's
- Cinnamon Wild
- Hikka Tranz
Common questions about this voyage
How long is this journey?
When can I travel?
Are there different departure options?
Can I travel solo?
Are discounts available?
Book this stay
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
Terms & conditions
Read the operator’s full booking conditions
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2026. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately US$150pp (AU$230pp) is paid locally in Sri Lanka.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
- Price subject to change.
You might also like
Splendours of Sri Lanka
- Explore ancient temples and World Heritage sites
- Experience the beauty of Sri Lanka's highlands by rail
- Observe elephants at a wildlife rehabilitation centre
Discover the Beauty of Sri Lanka
- Guided tour of the Royal Botanical Gardens with a knowledgeable botanist storyteller
- Immersive cooking demonstration to learn traditional Sri Lankan cuisine
- Thrilling tuk-tuk journey through the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura
Wonders of Sri Lanka
- Enjoy a menu crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients
- Take a guided walk through the farmlands of Hiriwadunna
- Indulge in a traditional Sri Lankan barbecue with fragrant spices