This jam packed itinerary really does combine everything that Sri Lanka has to offer. Explore Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, visit Ella and the nearby tea plantations, spend time in Yala and Udawalawe where you can see the best of Sri Lanka’s wildlife, before finishing your adventure relaxing on the island’s golden beaches.
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Description
1 night – Colombo
2 nights – Anuradhapura
3 nights – Dambulla / Sigiriya (inc Polonnaruwa)
2 nights – Kandy
1 night – Ella
1 night – Yala
1 night – Udawalawe
3 nights – Mirissa
✈️ UK to Colombo (1 night): Upon arrival in Colombo, your adventure begins with a warm welcome from your personal chauffeur who will be ready to take you to your hotel and through every step of your Sri Lankan journey. Beyond simply transporting you between each hotel, your dedicated driver offers you the flexibility to visit any sightseeing attraction you desire both en route and also at each stop in your itinerary. In Colombo, wander through the colourful Pettah market, explore colonial relics including the Old Parliament Building and the Galle Face Green promenade, and indulge in the wonderful Sri Lankan cuisine.
🚗 Colombo to Anuradhapura (2 nights): After a hearty breakfast, your driver will be ready to whisk you out of the city and into the heart of the country’s cultural triangle to the city of Anuradhapura. One of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, it is home to ancient ruins, monasteries, palaces, and three huge dome-shaped stupas: Mirisavatiya, Ruvanweliya and Jetavanaya. One of the oldest living trees in the world can also be found here, the Sri Maha Bodhi, which is a sacred fig tree.
🚗 Anuradhapura to Dambulla / Sigiriya (inc Polonnaruwa) (3 nights): Delving deeper into the cultural triangle, your next stop is Dambulla / Sigiriya, home to some incredible ancient cities and truly fascinating structures. Dambulla is home to the Dambulla Cave Temple complex that features five caves with stunning murals and over 150 carved Buddha statues that have been painstakingly carved directly into the natural rock formations. Just a short drive away is the spellbinding Sigiriya Rock Fortress, also known as Lion Rock, with its incredible ‘rock-cut’ architecture and landscaped gardens built on top of a huge granite rock outcrop. The nearby ancient city of Polonnaruwa is also a must-visit within the area, and its ruins include royal palaces, temples, statues, and stupas, including the Gal Vihara, a rock temple with four huge Buddha statues carved into the granite.
🚗 Dambulla / Sigiriya to Kandy (2 nights): To complete your full exploration of the Cultural Triangle, you’ll head to Kandy, home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic. This Buddhist temple is widely believed to house a revered tooth that belonged to Lord Buddha himself – and therefore holds huge significance in the Buddhist religion. A short walk from the temple complex is the pretty Kandy Lake, surrounded by lush greenery, offering a peaceful retreat in the busy city.
🚗 / 🚂 Kandy to Ella (1 night): Your next destination is the picturesque small town of Ella in the central highlands, and you have the option for your driver to transport you door-to-door, alternatively, you could choose to take a scenic train journey from Kandy to Ella. This captivating train journey takes you through lush tea plantations, mist-covered mountains, and cascading waterfalls, offering an unforgettable experience. Despite its small size, Ella has become a popular tourist destination due to its scenic beauty, offering a range of highlights including Ella Rock with its fabulous panoramic views, the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, and the delicious local cuisine.
🚗 Ella to Yala (1 night): Yala, situated in the south-eastern region of Sri Lanka, is home to Yala National Park, the country’s most visited and second-largest national park. It boasts a wide range of ecosystems, from dense forests to expansive grasslands and coastal lagoons. Within the National Park, you can take a jeep safari to encounter a wide range of wildlife, including the iconic Sri Lankan leopard, elephants, sloth bears, and various bird species.
🚗 Yala to Udawalawe (1 night): Continuing the wildlife theme, you’ll head to Udawalawe, which is a smaller park, and ideal for a more intimate safari experience. Udawalawe National Park is renowned for its large herds of Asian elephants, which can often be seen roaming the grasslands and congregating around the park’s water sources. You can also spot water buffalos, sambar deer, spotted deer, wild boar, mongoose and around 200 species of birds.
🚗 Udawalawe to Mirissa (3 nights): You’ll conclude your Sri Lankan adventure with an escape along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, in the picturesque coastal town of Mirissa where you can soak up the sun for the final few days of your holiday. Mirissa is one of the most popular beach resorts in Sri Lanka, where you’ll find pristine beaches, a lively yet laid-back beachfront, and ample opportunities for whale watching, surfing, and snorkelling.
✈️ Mirissa to UK: You will be collected from your hotel and driven to the airport, ready for your return flight home to the UK.
Why choose eShores?
One to One Service
Our experienced personal travel consultants will ensure you find the most suitable holiday, whilst taking care of every last detail. Everything from start to finish will be effortless.
100% Tailor Made
We can use any hotel, in any destination, so we will craft an itinerary to suit your exact needs. Also, as we can provide any itinerary, the only holiday we'll offer, is the one that's right for you.
Fully Protected
Our ATOL bonding provides you with the financial protection you need and as a member of the Travel Trust Association, you'll have 100% financial protection. Covering you for any eventuality.
Competitive Pricing
As a tour operator & travel agent, we'll search the market to ensure that we find you the best price. Also as an online business, we can ensure our prices are as competitive as possible.
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NatalieAnne
I have booked 3 big holidays with eShores and always been looked after very well. Great company who care about their customers. Particular shout out to Emma McDonough and Dave Felton
Posted 20 hours ago -
Michael
Laura has proved efficient, helpful and patient at the research/booking stage of our holiday.
Posted 1 day ago -
DavidPaul
eShores managed our holiday to Skopelos and Skiathos in June 2024. The arrangements went to plan with clear communications from the eShores team. When my wife injured her knee whilst we were on holiday, and we needed to change the return transfer arrangements it was easy to contact eShores, and they made the necessary changes. We have just booked a similar holiday in 2025 with eShores.
Posted 1 day ago -
RobertEdward
Dave Felton smashed it again. I've booked previously with Dave and can't see past him. His customer service and knowledge of the world is mighty impressive. I've passed his name on to others who have booked with him who also sing his praises. I've booked my holiday for 2025 and will continue to use Dave with confidence going forward.
Posted 5 days ago -
Laurence
Emma has done great work again organising Dubai, Phuket and Bangkok for the New Year. Organised excactly what we were looking also taking into account value. Thank you Laurence
Posted 6 days ago -
Anonymous
Thank you Emily, for all your help in planning a special holiday. Your help and advice was greatly appreciated
Posted 1 week ago -
Helen
Excellent customer service from Hannah, recent holiday to Andalucia was excellent, any queries questions dealt with quickly and efficiently. Just booked another holiday to Cairo again Hannah has tailored the holiday exactly 👍
Posted 1 week ago -
Christine
Excellent service. Very professional and patient. Easy to contact and prompt answers to any questions we had. Definitely recommend.
Posted 1 week ago -
Anonymous
No flexibility in what customer is looking for and will not price match with what is on offer. Limited service and need to be fair in choices
Posted 1 week ago -
Anonymous
Michelle was knowledgeable and insightful about my needs as a solo traveller in Australia. She sorted options quickly, consulted and then held prices whilst I conferred with my family over there.
Posted 1 week ago
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